Digital Commons Network^™

The Effectiveness Of Social Media In Advancing Transformational Change, Kenneth Wesley Dey

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The goal of this study is to determine the effectiveness of social media in advancing transformational change. Successfully implementing transformational change in an organization is heavily dependent on the support of key stakeholders. But engaging those stakeholders requires effective communication. Transformational efforts often fail because of the lack of credible communication or a failure to define a vision that can be easily communicated (Kotter, 2007). Researchers say that the key to successful transformational change is embracing a communication based in the realm of conversation where there is genuine two-way dialogue that is focused on listening and probing for more information …

Technological Change Within Union Environments: An Examination Of Existing Change Management Literature, Union Culture, And Critical Factors For Implementation Success, Bryan Altknecht

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

In today’s business climate, organizational change is a perpetual challenge for those in leadership positions. Despite the substantial academic conversation surrounding successful management of change, one aspect which has received little research is technological change within the context of union populations. This project utilizes multiple theoretical frameworks to present critical components for success including; understanding reluctance toward change, the role of leaders, managing technology change, and specific implementation considerations for union populations. It then synthesizes those components into a formal training course designed to teach organizational leaders the skills necessary to overcome the challenges of implementing technology changes within union …

Cultural Performance And Organizational Transformation: A Case Study Of The Utah State University Football Program, Marques Chavez

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Methods of communication are often a significant reason for achieving organizational transformation. The primary aim of this study is to explain a case of organizational transformation by examining the cultural performances of organizational members—particularly the performance of ritual. The Utah State University football program served as the case study while qualitative interviews and narrative research provided the methodology for gathering and analyzing data. Communication expressed in the performance of ritual significantly contributed to fostering an environment of unity and trust within the organization which, in turn, spurred transformation. While rituals were key to fostering this environment, true sincerity from leadership …

The Intrapersonal Phenomenon: The Interactional Effects Of Intrapersonal Adjustments In The Organizational Change Of A Small Business, Jennifer Wilkes

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

It is inevitable that change involves varying levels of communication. A relationship may consist of an individual's communication with one's self or with one or more persons. The functionality of a relationship depends on the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the communication of those individuals involved. When change is necessary in any form of organization, the level of communication for each member plays a vital role, especially in a small company. Based on literature and theory, intrapersonal development and influence relies on the structure of one's cultural language. Language structure shapes one's inner speech and self-talk through processes of internalization. The …

Getting Thrown Under The Bus: The Impact Of Destructive Narcissistic Management On Group Sensemaking, Russell Allen Royston

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Despite the vast research and scholarship on leaders with narcissistic traits and tendencies, little research has focused on the impact these leaders have on group communication. This thesis uses an ethnographic research methodology to explore a group under destructive narcissistic management. Karl Weick’s (1995) theory of organizational sensemaking is used to examine the affected group’s communication. The study was conducted from a phenomenological perspective of the group’s lived experience. Kierkegaard’s theory of communication is also applied to learn how the group made sense of was happening to them during a period of substantial change (Anderson, 1963). The results show that …

An Evaluation Of Performance As It Relates To The Adventist Community Services Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program In The United States, Sung Kun Kwon

Dissertations

Problem

The purpose of this study was to understand the effectiveness of the Nonprofit Leadership Certification Program (NLCP) by examining the relationship between an individual’s completion of the program and their individual performance growth in attitude, knowledge, and skills. Since the program represents a major financial investment on the part of the Adventist Community Services (ACS) organization, ACS leaders need to know if the time, resources, and effort that have been poured into this leadership program are actually improving the participants’ performance in skills and knowledge, and if they have effectively contributed to changes in leadership attitude.

Method

This study …

The Role Of Agency In Community Health Outcomes: Local Health Departments And Childhood Immunization Coverage Rates, James Anthony Ransom

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Organizational culture is defined as a system of shared meaning held by members of an organization that distinguishes it from other organizations. How organizational culture is experienced in the public sector, particularly local health departments (LHDs), is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine whether LHD organizational culture impacts childhood immunization coverage rates. I used a modified organizational culture survey tool, the Organizational Management Survey, to quantify organizational culture and determine whether an LHD's organizational culture helps explain variations in childhood immunization coverage rates. In addition, qualitative data from an earlier study of LHD immunization staff …

Measuring Normlessness In The Workplace: A Study Of Organizational Anomie In The Academic Setting, Tayo Glenn Switzer

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The dissertation explores leadership and change by examining normlessness in the workplace through a multi-layered study of anomie theory, anomie research in the workplace, and organizational and business management theory. The research validates a quantitative survey designed to measure the level of normlessness experienced by workgroups within an organizational context. The survey reflects a set of six normative aspects that when disrupted produce organizational anomie—a state of normlessness that leads to an increase in worker resistance and a reduction in worker consent. The audience studied in this dissertation is associate professors at a large Midwestern research university. Data were gathered …

Put Me In Coach, I’M Ready To Serve: The Servant-Leader As High School Coach, Brian L. Davenport

International Journal of Servant-Leadership

The term servant-leadership was first coined in the seventies by Robert Greenleaf (Spears 2004) to describe a leadership theory that placed the emphasis on the led. Since that time it has slowly gained traction (ibid.). However, it is clear that, as a leadership theory, servant-leadership is not yet mainstream in thought and practice. Western (2008) described servant-leadership as an emerging leadership theory, nearly thirty years after it was introduced by Greenleaf. The idea received only passing reference in other overviews of various leadership theories (Jackson and Parry 2008; Northouse 2007; Rost 1991), until Northouse's (2013) sixth edition of Leadership Theory …

Organizational Dissent And Servant-Leadership, Robert F. Sprague

International Journal of Servant-Leadership

Dissent is the choice to disagree and challenge the majority view of those holding positional power (Gordon 2008, 20; Martin 2008, 22). In some organizations, dissenting banter may be part of the process of healthy decision making and innovation. Dissenting conversations may initiate perturbations through the complex interactions of organizational life. With these unexpected interactions, the potential exists for discovering innovative notions that may benefit the organization (Heifetz, Grashow, and Linsky 2009, 145). Within other organizations, dissenting conversation may expose individual organizational members to the risk of being labeled as "out of step," "not a team player," or, worse, "a …

Belonging, Believing, Being: A Journey Toward Social Justice, Stacey Lynn Williams

School of Leadership and Education Sciences Dissertations

Using Participatory Action Research, this study examined the student and staff’s experience of exploring social justice at the University of San Diego’s Women’s Center. Looking specifically at how the Center shaped the way that we understand and take up social justice, the inquiry examines our understanding and approach to our learning. Through artistic expression and dialogue, the research utilized a participatory approach that offers learning for both those interested justice and those committed to collaborative research models. I offer reflections about my own practice as an educator while sharing insights from participants in terms of the work of pursuing a …

Belonging, Believing, Being: A Journey Toward Social Justice, Stacey Lynn Williams

Theses

Using Participatory Action Research, this study examined the student and staff’s experience of exploring social justice at the University of San Diego’s Women’s Center. Looking specifically at how the Center shaped the way that we understand and take up social justice, the inquiry examines our understanding and approach to our learning. Through artistic expression and dialogue, the research utilized a participatory approach that offers learning for both those interested justice and those committed to collaborative research models. I offer reflections about my own practice as an educator while sharing insights from participants in terms of the work of pursuing a …

Listening To Organizational Change: Exploring Dialogue During Sensemaking, Dianna L. Stratton

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This qualitative study explored the role of dialogue during sensemaking and how that affects receptivity to organizational change. The philosophical framework for this study comes from Buber’s (1958) I and Thou dialogue theories concerning the value of existential acknowledgement. Both communication and organizational study theories grounded this research. Bohm (1996) and Isaacs’ (1999) dialogue theories converge with Weick’s (1995) sensemaking theories as a means to explore the role of listening during organizational change. Data was obtained through ethnographic observation and interview. A cultural research framework provided the means to explore the relationships between dialogue, sensemaking and organizational change. The results …

The Impact Of Mergers On Those Left Behind - Maintaining Employee Engagement After Merger-Based Restructuring In A Financial Services Firm, Victoria L. Basinger

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study explored the impact of organizational restructuring on associate engagement in a financial services firm due to a merger. It determined how much weight interpersonal relationships carry on associate opinions of the new organization, and what the new organization can do to reduce uncertainty and re-engage their newly acquired associates. The literature review looked at Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Belongingness and principles from Social Information Processing Theory to identify solutions for a decrease in engagement. A survey distributed to all associates at a financial services firm that recently underwent a merger yielded data for this study, as did five individual …

The Dual Basis For Subordinate's Perception Of Change, Anthony Senger

Professional Projects

Psychological research has shown that perception often works in a dual-basis in which a person examines a subject and weighs the subject against an ideal and non-ideal scale, independently. There have been few studies though, that have tried to apply this mechanism as a component of the dynamics involved in Leadership Studies, Organizational Behavior, or Change Management. If the mechanism is active in subordinates, then leaders can make better-informed decisions regarding their organizations, based on an understanding that reaction to both their actions and to changes that they enact are based not only on perceived ideal characteristics, but also non-ideal …

Staff Retention In Small Non-Profit Organizations, Michelle A. Redding

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study is an exploratory analysis of employee perceptions affecting staff recruitment, staff retention and job satisfaction in the small, human service non-profit organization. The study uses a human resource framework to address staff retention and provides conceptual guidance for advancing understanding about staff retention in the non-profit human services sector. The statistical findings are, however, inconclusive without further rigorous examination. A three category typology based on job recruitment factors, job retention factors, and job satisfaction is initially presented to define the strategies. Select dimensions of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are explored in the recruitment stage of employee decision-making …

Study Of Leadership Characteristics During Transformational Change In Health Care Organizations, Susan Long

Theses and Graduate Projects

This qualitative research study explores the behavior of leaders during transformational change in health care organizations. For this study, health care workers, who had experienced transformational change within their organization in the previous three years, were interviewed about the behaviors of their leader. Findings of this study suggest leaders who regularly communication and support of team members; build organizational culture that supports collaboration and team work; and effectively plan for change initiatives, including providing adequate resources for the change, have more positive change initiatives than leaders who not demonstrate these behaviors

Understanding The Role Of The Veteran Employee: How Organizational Communication May Bridge Gaps Between New And Veteran Employees, Jacqui L. Barker

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Framed through evaluation of the Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT), Constructive-Development Theory (CDT), and the Rational-World Paradigm philosophy, this research focused on existing, or veteran, anxieties when a new employee joins an organization‟s group or team. This research surveyed United States Navy federal civil servants employed at two, geographically dispersed, Navy science and technology laboratories and discovered these employees do in fact experience anxieties, and seek various means to manage or reduce the emotion associated with a newly-hired employee by either avoiding, talking about, observing the new person, working with the person or taking a blended approach and incorporating one or …

Beyond Leadership, Kees Rietsema, Daryl Watkins

Publications

Organizational leadership must evolve beyond a focus on those occupying the positions of organizational leadership. Complex systems provide the opportunity to rethink the leadership function in terms which are holistic and comprehensive. Applying the principles of complexity may provide the basis for a more collaborative, distributed and productive “way of being” for today’s organizations.

Empowering Advisors To Facilitate Change, Melissa R. Shehane, Michael Baumhardt, Michael E. Shehane, Sherry L. Early Phd

Leadership Studies Faculty Research

Advancing group dynamics is difficult. In order for students to learn, develop, and grow within an organization, they need to be empowered by their advisor to feel that their ideas and contributions are both important and valuable. This concept of empowerment means providing freedom for people to do successfully what they want to do, rather than getting them to do what you want them to do (Whetten & Cameron, 2011). As an advisor to a student-led organization, it is important to empower students to identify specific actions and strategies that facilitate change and achieve the outcomes of the organization.

Leadership And The Use Of Power: Shaping An Ethical Climate, Donna M. Randall

Journal of Applied Christian Leadership

No abstract provided.

Driving Employee Engagement: Contemporary Trends In Engagement, Sarah A. Nelson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Employee engagement is an important concept in today's workforce. Engaged employees work harder and more efficiently, while disengaged workers may in fact work against the company's mission. Employee engagement can be increased with a number of different interventions and initiatives. Internal social media platforms promote communication and collaboration among employees. Employees who have had additional training and development are more engaged, as well as employees who receive feedback from managers. Promoting a balance between work and life also leads to more engaged employees, as well as recognizing employees for the work they do. Managers can also learn ways to increase …

The Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act And Medicaid Expansion: Leadership Strategies For Effective Change Management In Managed Care Organizations, Emily Aurand

Theses and Graduate Projects

As a result of tlie 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), eligibility requirements for the Medicaid program were revised resulting in a greater number of people eligible to enroll in tlie government healthcare program. These circumstances require numerous organizational changes for Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) that administer the Medicaid program in order to accommodate the healthcare needs of the growing Medicaid population and comply with applicable regulatory requirements. This case study sought to identify effective leadership strategies employed by Minnesota Medicaid MCO change leaders guiding organizational change processes and seeking quality change outcomes, resulting from the externally …

The Roles Of Flourishing And Spirituality In Millenials’ Leadership Development Activity, Allison L. O'Malley, Denise E, Williams

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

Confronted by today’s epidemic of corporate meltdowns, broken institutional paradigms, unethical decision-making, and demand for innovative competencies in order to remain competitive, educators and researchers are challenged to examine how today’s future leaders develop the skill and will to be effective. Whether labeled GenY, Generation Next, Generation Tech or Millennials (i.e. individuals born between 1982 and 2003), this group of change agents differs in attitudes, behaviors, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations from older generations (e.g. Taylor & Keeter, 2010; Twenge, Campbell & Freeman, 2012). The scholarly debate on the role of meaning making (Park, 2005) describes the Millennial on a …

Transformational Leadership And Job Satisfaction Of Retired Army Noncommissioned Officers In South Korea, Terra Williams

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Organizations, including the military and their managers, have used transformational leadership for over 30 years to increase job satisfaction. The purpose of this correlation research study was to determine whether a relationship existed between transformational leadership and job satisfaction among retired Army noncommissioned officers who had rejoined the military workforce in South Korea. The research question was grounded in a synthesis of theories concerning transformational leadership and job satisfaction. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ5X), the Job Descriptive Index (JDI), and Job in General (JIG) scales were used to gather data from 141 participants. Univariate analyses were used to document that …

Expectancy Violations: Their Impact On Organizational Change Messages, Kristie Ward

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study looks at expectancy violation theory (Burgoon, 1978), the application of the theory in organizations, and foundational pieces of organizational communication to address how violations impact the reception of change messages among non-managers. Organizations grow and downsize for various reasons, including business performance and economic climate. Regardless of the reasons, downsizing is a hard message to deliver. It can matter little if it is to the employees who will be leaving the organization or to the „survivors‟ left behind. How the messages are delivered and understood are important for the organization to move their employees through change and move …

The Role Of Communication In Sustainable Development, Tracy Ging

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

As population growth accelerates, there are new strains on agricultural production and a growing consideration for sustainable development. Within the field of sustainable development, collective action models or collaborative processes have been favored as a way to engage multiple stakeholders and address complex issues. Collective and collaborative action studies have emphasized communication, but little specifics have been offered about the role of communication. Using a qualitative interview process and ethnographic analysis, this case study explores the role of communication in collaboration. In addition to developing insights into specific communication practices, the research reveals a significant emphasis on mutually supportive relationships …

Incorporating Aspects Of The 'Emotional Intelligence' Theory To Tactical Fundraising Strategies For Non-Profit Organizations (Npo's) In Recessive Economic Times "Vision Of Hope: Fundraising In Recessive Economic Times", Marc Knutson

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The global economic picture over the past decade has created tough financial times for nations, individuals, and industry in general. With respect to organizations, there is no one single area more affected by devastating economic stress than non-profits. In economically prosperous times, philanthropists and other donors to non-profit organizations are open to, and regularly schedule, donations. However, as financial situations require belt-tightening and acute frugality, donations to non-profits are reconsidered. In light of the slumping economic times, I suggest that non-profit organizations, specifically those supporting laboratory research of debilitating diseases, review their fundraising strategies defining a differentiation strategy that sets …

Intercultural Virtual Communications: A New Course Proposal, Haléakala

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Technological advancements have introduced computer mediated communication (CMC) which has come to permeate our lives from the way we work, to the way we learn, to the way we teach. Current studies of CMC tend to ignore the importance of the intercultural factors that affect it. Additionally, CMC studies focus on the technology aspects of communication instead of focusing on the human aspect of CMC. This project puts together CMC research, community need, and business acumen, relates it to human theories of communication, and creates a usable course for teaching intercultural virtual communications in the undergraduate classroom. The findings from …

Facilitating Emergence: Complex, Adaptive Systems Theory And The Shape Of Change, Peter Martin Dickens

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study used Principal Component Analysis to examine factors that facilitate emergent change in an organization. As organizational life becomes more complex, today’s dominant management paradigms no longer suffice. This is particularly true in a health care setting where multiple sources of disease interacting with each other meet with often-competing organizational priorities and accountabilities in a highly complex world. This study identifies new ways of approaching complexity by embracing the capacity of complex systems to find their own form of order and coherence. Based on a review of the literature, interviews with hospital CEOs, and my organization development practice experience …