Jenny Baechler

Education

• BSc (Dalhousie)
• MA (European University Centre for Peace Studies)
• PhD (Dalhousie)

Research Interests

Jenny’s research relates to the theory and practice of cross-boundary collaboration – how individuals and organizations overcome barriers that limit their capacity for productive collaboration. Her work bridges the fields of public administration, political science and international development studies to better understand cross-boundary collaboration in the context of actors navigating the complex realms of global conflict and instability. Jenny’s PhD dissertation examined the various organizational and human factors that advance and limit the operationalization of ‘whole-of-government’ (WoG), with a specific focus on the Canadian and UK governments’ efforts to enhance their capacity to undertake international stabilization activities between 2002-2012. 

Her current research interests look to better understand how we might recognize and reward organizational and individual capacity for innovative practices such as ‘whole-of-government’.  In this vein, much of Jenny’s teaching and facilitation work focuses on innovation within the public sector and its important role in tackling complex social problems. As an instructor within the Faculty of Management, she has been responsible for developing and delivering professional development programs for both MPA and MBA students. She has a keen interest in experiential learning and how it can be mobilized to provide undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to apply their skills and expertise in professional settings.

Selected Awards and Honours

• 2018  Pierre De Celles Excellence in Teaching Public Administration (Institute for Public Administration)
• 2015  Educational Leadership Award for Collaborative Teaching Award (Centre for Learning and Teaching, Dalhousie University
• 2012  Exceptional Service to the Faculty of Management (Dean’s award, Faculty of Management)
• 2011  Outstanding Graduate Advisor (Dalhousie University)
• 2008  School Directors’ Award for Interdisciplinary Administrator of the Year (Faculty of Management)

Current Teaching

• MGMT 5000 - Management Without Borders (Course Coordinator)
• MGMT 2902 – Innovation: An Introduction to Design Thinking
• PUAD 6561 / POLI 5561 / POLI 4561 – Security-Development Nexus: Theory, Policy and Complex Operations
• PUAD 5200 - Professional Development
• PUAD 6200 - Professional Development