Leadership Studies Commons^™

Leadership Development Of Women In Panhellenic Organizations, Kristen Reynolds

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

This study seeks to understand how women of Panhellenic sororities at the University of San Diego (USD) define and perform their meaning of leadership to create positive change in their organizations. My overarching research question was: How can I assist the members of Panhellenic sororities at USD to take up their authority as leaders to influence positive change in their chapter? This research reflects my experiences with Panhellenic sorority women at USD and intentional stakeholders throughout the 2019-2020 academic year. This study was influenced by Ira Chaleff's work on courageous followership, Baxter Magolda’s theory of self-authorship, and David Cooperrider, Diana …

Caring For The Whole Self: Analyzing The Relationship Between Graduate Students’ Involvement On Campus And The Onset Of Imposter Syndrome, Christian Perez

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to enhance the current understanding of Imposter Syndrome in the context of student involvement on campus, specifically the University of San Diego’s (USD) graduate student population in an effort to better understand how higher education institutions can support students’ growing mental health concerns and take action to add or adjust current resources to benefit those who may need it. The research question that guided this inquiry was if a graduate student’s level of involvement on campus affects one's mental health, specifically, the onset and prevalence of Imposter Syndrome? My findings suggest that there is …

First Generation College Students’ Connection To Campus Involvement At The University Of San Diego, Ashley Ortega

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore undergraduate first-generation college students (FGCS) and their campus connections. The overarching research question guiding my study was: How can I, as a FGCS, graduate student and future higher education educator create more accessible on-campus resources for undergraduate FGCS at USD? A secondary question was: In partnering with the first-generation stakeholders how can we better adapt our services to meet the needs of FGCS during their time at USD? Using Coghlan and Brannick’s Cycles of Action Research as a guiding framework, I conducted one pre-cycle, a needs assessment, and three cycles of data …

Connecting The International Experience, Michelle Wong

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore how relationships between international students and study abroad returnees can further global education throughout the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) community. My overarching question was: how can I, as an advisor at the International Students and Programs Office (ISPO), create a program that fosters cross-cultural interaction between international students and study abroad returnees? A secondary question was: how can these interactions help cultivate the intercultural competencies of both parties? Using O’Leary’s Cycles of Action Research as a guiding framework, I conducted one pre-cycle, a needs assessment, and three cycles of data …

Achieving Student Learning Outcomes Through Intentional Orientation Leader Training Curriculum At Uc San Diego, Kelley Kozlowski

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Student leadership positions such as Orientation Leaders are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the incoming diverse population of students attending an institution each year, making it essential for professionals within higher education institution to adapt their leadership development curriculum to the students they serve. Leadership development curriculum often neglects the development of group dynamics as an essential part of the learning process, an issue that has been observed in my experience. The purpose of my action research project was to explore my work as the Orientation Graduate Assistant as I assist in creating and facilitating the leadership training …

Evaluating First-Generation Students’ Career Readiness, Mariana N. Robledo De La Torre

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Research shows that first-generation students have historically had less guidance and resources to support their educational attainment and career development (Tate et al., 2015). This has resulted in considerable growth in the amount of support systems, programs, and services implemented by educational institutions across the United States to help first-generation college students thrive in higher education and their future careers. This study sought to improve my understanding of the career readiness of first-generation students at USD. By engaging with and gathering data from first-generation students, I have greater insight about ways of supporting first-generation students’ career readiness and vocational confidence …

Cultivating Creativity: Leadership, Organizational Culture, And Organizational Support For Design Teams, Nick Porter

M.A. in Leadership Studies: Capstone Project Papers

To assure that graphic designers are successful in their transitions from designers to design leaders, they must understand that, while the skills they obtained during their time as graphic designers are critical to design leadership, these skills are just a foundation upon which they must continue to build. There are many other supporting skills they must also acquire and hone in order to truly be successful in their new role as design leaders. Successful design leadership requires new design leaders to trade in their technical skills for organizational skills—to shift from “having” creativity, to “cultivating” creativity. This research reveals the …

The Replication Of The Globe Study In Turkey: Understanding The Effects Of Social, Economical, And Political Changes On Cultural Dimensions And Leadership Ideals: A Mixed Methods Study, Zeki Pagda

Dissertations

Starting in 1995, the GLOBE (Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness) project has conducted a comprehensive study of cultural values and leadership ideals of 62 countries. GLOBE has identified nine cultural and six leadership dimensions, examined the relationship between cultural values and leadership ideals, grouped countries into clusters, and presented culturally derived leadership ideals. According to the 1995 GLOBE findings, Turkey fits in the Middle Eastern cluster with its corresponding expectations regarding leadership ideals. However, in the past thirty years, Turkey has undergone dramatic social, economic and political changes that may have affected ideals of leadership. The goal of this …

Group Development For Transformational Change: Co-Creating And Co-Developing An Efficient Peer Advisor Team At San Diego State University Using The Group Analysis System Bart And Feminist Leadership, Delia Contreras

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Current leadership development programs often neglect the development of group leadership, especially when working with a culturally diverse group. The purpose of this study was to enhance my ability to lead a group of student advisors currently enrolled in the Counseling and Social Change Program at San Diego State University. The data gathering process included surveys, a review of documents, a formal peer advisor training, and a reflective focus group. Through this process and grounded in feminist and group relations theory I worked both with the student advisors and the director of the program to develop a successful team dynamic. …

Financial Matters And Student Success Rates: Undergraduate Transfer Students At The University Of San Diego, Timothy Duran

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this action research was to examine my ability to address the challenges transfer students at the University of San Diego face in navigating the financial aid (FA) process. The participants and I shared first-person narratives about the challenges in student success across a 3-cycle action research project. This research contributes to comprehending the impacts FA have on the transfer student population and how I, along with my colleagues, may better retain students through FA negotiations and processes. Findings from this research include varied responses on how transfer students felt supported during the matriculation process as well as …

2019 Improving The Lives Of San Diego County Seniors Through Stable Housing: An Evaluation Of Elderhelp's Homeshare Program, Tessa Tinkler, Lisa Walker, Mary Jo Schumann

Seniors

This report, prepared by the Nonprofit Institute's Caster Center, documents the findings from a program evaluation of ElderHelp's HomeShare program, which is designed to connect individuals who want to share their homes with others looking for alternative housing options.

Fostering Healthy Masculinity At The University Of San Diego, James Beh

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my study was to enhance supportive relationships for male undergraduates at the University of San Diego (USD) who may struggle with their masculinity, sense of belonging, and gender identity. My research question is how I can collaborate with others to create a culture that supports male undergraduates with their identity development and fosters positive connections for these men in the campus community? My findings indicate that while there are successful group spaces on campus that support USDs male students, there is a clear need to reframe and improve the approach of doing this work.

The Development Of Local Government Leaders: The Use Of Competencies And Methods In A City Context, Dominika Bukalova

Dissertations

How do local government leaders perceive the development of their leadership competencies and the methods they have used to acquire competencies to meet on-the-job challenges in a city context? There have been few attempts to document leaders’ perceptions of the competencies they need or how they get developed; however, the critical and ubiquitous role of city government demands that we increase understanding of these crucial issues. Not only does a majority of the world’s population already live in urban areas (i.e., areas in which competent local governmental activity is required), but this percentage is forecasted to increase from 55% to …

Making The Invisible Visible: Capturing The Multidimensional Value Of Volunteerism To Nonprofit Organizations, Sue Carter Kahl

Dissertations

Volunteers represent an important part of the nonprofit labor pool, and their contributions are diverse and significant. Yet, the assessment of the value that they bring to nonprofit organizations often is reduced to a few numbers and understood to be an economic decision based on their absence of wages. This value is traditionally reported as volunteer numbers, hours, and an hourly financial value assigned to volunteer time. These data are important tools for articulating volunteer contributions. However, the emphasis on numbers and economic value sometimes obscures important dimensions of service. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to reveal more …

Discursive Leadership: Exploring The "Black Box" Challenge In Transcultural Leadership Studies, Christopher Patrick Brown

Dissertations

The increasingly globalized U.S. workforce includes significant numbers of adult immigrants integrating into the North American professional sphere. As such, it is important to have concrete ways to study and interpret different cultures’ thinking about teamwork, and their models of enacting shared leadership and communication in a multicultural context. Since 2006, hundreds of millions in federal grant funding has been invested in university-based language and culture programs focused on training government personnel and heritage populations in the languages and cultures of the Middle East and Central and Southeast Asia. Little is known about the performative strengths and challenges of the …

A Tale Of Two Influences: An Exploration Of Downward Accountability In World Vision International, Elena Mccollim

Dissertations

International nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) face increasing accountability challenges stemming from past scandals and their claims to advance the public good. Since the 1990s, INGOs have responded with numerous reforms. The creation of the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership in 2003 and the INGO Accountability Charter in 2009 reflect sector-wide efforts to enhance accountability to mission, intended beneficiaries, and peer organizations.

Many INGOs have adopted a broad range of accountability reforms. This dissertation focuses on how World Vision, the world’s largest INGO, has done so. Downward accountability remains elusive due to such factors as INGOs’ lack of transparency toward beneficiaries; the power imbalance …

Social Innovators And Developmental Stages, Juan Carlos Rivas Espinosa

Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The past two decades have seen increased interest in social innovation as a leading source of change. While social innovation literature experienced vast growth, particularly in the Western world, there is limited research on the individuals engaged in it, especially concerning their leadership practice. The extant research focuses mostly on identifying traits and competencies exhibited by social innovators. These individuals are often thought of as exceptional people able to think systemically to identify and solve problems in novel ways. The field runs the risk of perpetuating the idea that to be a social innovator one must possess a specific …

How Navy And Marine Corps Veterans Make Meaning Of The College Choice Process In The Post-9/11 Gi Bill Era, Derek Abbey

Dissertations

The Post-9/11 GI Bill was implemented in 2009. Since then more than 1,900,000 people have used the benefit and more than $90 billion have been paid to institutions of higher learning and to Post-9/11 GI Bill users. During this period there has been a shift in the types of college and universities veterans attend, as well as the educational models they select. These shifts are different than the general population of students. This period also included a spike in questionable recruiting practices by some colleges. In response to many institutions taking advantage of veterans, the President of the United States …

Step Into Success: An Exploration Of The Impact And Potential Of The Second Year Torero Experiential Program, Carlos E. Cortes

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my study was to gather qualitative data with students and professional staff associated with the Second Year Torero Experiential Program at the University of San Diego. I wanted to identify best practices regarding supporting and developing second years and gain an understanding of the potential and impact of the program on the student experience. Recognizing a need for more intentional engagement with second-years, I conducted one on one interviews using appreciative inquiry. My findings indicated a lack of awareness around STEP, the resources available through the program, and a desire to engage with a program that connects …

Improving The Practice Of Advocacy Among Student Leaders At The University Of San Diego, Martel Serwenda

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of the study was to improve how student affairs professionals can assist student leaders involved in the United Front Multicultural Commons (UFMC) to become better advocates for their needs at the University of San Diego. Utilizing O'Leary's cycle of action research, data was gathered in four cycles that included activities that focus on student engagement. Students kept a journal detailing some of their experiences and went through interviews and a focus group. Participants were from across the entire campus, but many were involved in student organizations and the UFMC. The findings indicate that students are aware of advocacy …

Coming Together: Graduate Students And Community Engagement, Irma Gonzalez

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my research was to explore how graduate students regard and participate in community engagement opportunities at the University of San Diego (USD), specifically within the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES). Thus, my research question was: How can I explore and facilitate community engagement among SOLES graduate students? Through my work, I found that community engagement efforts are of interest to the USD graduate student population while greater efforts for access and involvement would be appreciated. By focusing on the current role of this topic among the graduate population and fostering greater awareness, I was able …

Analyzing The Impact Of Student Involvement And Leadership Development On Academic Achievement, Kalie Sabajo

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

This study examined my effectiveness in supporting students’ use of the CSUSM Co-Curricular Model to deepen their understanding of and ability to articulate transferable skills between academics, employment, and extracurriculars, motivated by the following research question: (a) How can I, as a professional staff in student activities, support the students I serve to connect academic achievement and engagement in leadership development and student involvement? Data was collected through student self-evaluations, weekly one-on-one meetings, and larger group surveys with seven undergraduate students and three faculty members. My findings informed further implementation of the Co-Curricular Model in campus-wide programs and student evaluations.

Empower To Strengthen Culturally Based Fraternal Organizations, Koua Thao

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Membership in fraternities and sororities has served college students to have a sense of belonging at colleges and universities. However, students who are affiliated with culturally based fraternal organizations (CBFO) do not have a sense of belonging in the larger fraternity and sorority life community at the University of San Diego (USD). The purpose of this action research was to use my role as an advisor to guide the three CBFO to develop a Multicultural Greek Council to enhance CBFO member’s experience and to have a sense of belonging in the larger fraternity and sorority life community at USD. Participants …

Empowering Filipino American Young Adults Through Culturally Relevant Leadership Experiences, Donnaly Y. Atajar

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the leadership development of Filipino American young adults. As an advisor for Lakas Mentorship Program in the Inland Empire, I explored the following question among program staff and mentors: How could I use culturally relevant curriculum to foster personal and professional development for young Filipino American leaders? I evaluated the impact of four cycles centered on leadership training and improving program practices to understand how to deepen engagement and facilitate positive transformation. I found that the following contributed to meaningful engagement: intentional leadership opportunities, institutionalized program structure, and peer mentorship and community …

Full Of Pride: Improving Latino Engagement And Retention In Usd's Lgbt+ Community, Miguel Rios

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of my study was to examine and implement strategies that would get gay Latino students at USD to engage more with the LGBT+ community on campus. Using McNiff’s action research method, I researched how I can work effectively with USD’s LGBT+ community to create a more diverse community that enhances the involvement of Latino students. My findings indicate that Latino students choose to explore their LGBT+ identity through other identity-based organizations and that a stronger need for community building is critical to enhance the involvement of Latino students within the LGBT+ community.

Enhancing Racial Allyship At A Predominately White Institution, Breana Z. Clark

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

This action research explores how undergraduate students involved in multicultural clubs and organizations at the University of San Diego, define and engage in racial allyship. The purpose of the study was to understand how these students identify allies of color or other racially minoritized groups; as a means to work in collaboration for resource acquisition, persistence, and to magnify student voice. This is important to the research as current social and racial justice rhetoric primarily focuses on white people as allies to communities of color. Thus, my research question was: how can I help students of color enhance their capacity …

Peer-To-Peer Interactions Between First-Generation Students At The University Of San Diego, Christopher Kitchings

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the interactions between peers who identify as first-generation college students at the University of San Diego. Thus far, research regarding first-generation college students has shown that those students who have increased interactions with other first-generation students experience increased success during their time in college. This study sought to examine which specific characteristics of these interactions facilitated or enhanced the success of those students. This study also sought to examine how higher education professionals can better serve first-generation college students through the programs and services which they provide. The results of this study …

Changemakers Bend The Beam Inward: Contemplative Practices In Social Innovation Education, Catherine Northcutt

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

Why, as a global community, are we collectively creating results that nobody wants such as poverty, hunger, and inequality? Learning about the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the leadership learning and change theory known as Theory U by Otto Scharmer (2009), led to a profound shift in my awareness of the global challenges we face as a species and a strong desire to study Theory U. This action research report includes an explanatory account of my collaboration with the University of San Diego Global Social Innovation Community to cultivate vertical literacy (capacity for awareness of self and …

Soaring Through Leadership Development, Marisela Cornejo

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

With an increase in the enrollment of students of color at the University of San Diego, it is important to assess their sense of belonging and leadership engagement. This study evaluates the leadership development plan established for students of color in the Student Outreach and Recruitment (SOAR) Ambassador Club. As the advisor of the SOAR Ambassador Club, I had the opportunity to conduct three Action Research cycles including a survey of the organizational climate, one-on-one interviews with current and previous advisors, and one focus group with the executive board members of the organization. The findings of this research address how …

A Student’S Journey To Career Readiness: Maximizing On-Campus Employment, Daniela Saldana Gurgol

M.A. in Higher Education Leadership: Action Research Projects

The purpose of this research was to improve my capacity as a supervisor in building career readiness. I used a total of three action research cycles utilizing qualitative methods only. The research participants included professional staff, graduate assistants and part-time student employees within the University of San Diego. The findings of this research provide insights into the lived experiences of student employees, the tactics used by supervisors to develop career readiness and the institutional initiatives to maximize student employment. The primary research question guiding this report is: How can I as a supervisor develop career readiness for undergraduate student employees …