Caro, Denis H. J.2016-04-052016-04-052016-04-05http://hdl.handle.net/10393/34457http://dx.doi.org/10.20381/ruor-870This qualitative research study explores the leadership challenges in emergency management systems in Canada. Complex adaptive systems theory forms the theoretical paradigmatic perspective of emergency events, such as mass emergencies, disasters and catastrophes. Thematic analysis of a key informant study of emergency leaders identified twelve key leadership capabilities. From the grounded theory methodological approach, a theory of transformational emergency systems leadership emerged and is posited. The findings and implications are discussed in light of theoretical implications for humanistic and technologically driven leadership; inter-sectorial collaborative networks; adaptive learning and training of future emergency leaders; and future international emergency management research.enWorking Paper