A traditional protestant church experiencing substantial membership decline: an organizational strength analysis and observations to attend or leave the institution

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-223
Author(s):  
David Fowler ◽  
Jon Musgrave ◽  
Jill Musgrave
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Climate ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
Strength Analysis ◽  
Senior Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Protestant Church ◽  
Membership Decline ◽  
Substantial Decline

PurposeThis organizational climate empirical case study involves a religious organization in the United States of America, which has experienced a substantial decline in membership and weekly service participation numbers over the previous five years. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to reveal motivating factors that drive parishioners to leave or stay within a traditional protestant congregation and to uncover the strengths and weaknesses within the organization.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology behind the study considers personal observation by the author and engages current and former members of the organization as well as front-line employees and senior leadership. Qualitative essays were completed through Qualtrics by participants and analyzed with the use of MAXQDA software for thematic frequency and organization.FindingsDuring analysis, correlations were found to exist between the church's membership decline and ineffectiveness of senior leadership. Also, it is quite evident that the church's strengths were found in the quality of its members and the relationships they developed. This was found to be a significant motivation to stay within the organization.Originality/valueThe study provides value to practitioners within organizational development fields. Usage of this knowledge could assist in providing insights into possible reasons why religious organizations falter under ineffective leadership, which in turn could provide opportunities to implement improvements based on discoveries.

A descriptive case study of effective decision-making of a local government organization in the United States of America

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-297
Author(s):  
Jennifer Capler
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Local Government ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
The United States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Effective Decision ◽  
Effective Decision Making

PurposeThis article details a qualitative descriptive case study of affective factors of effective decision-making of one local government organization in the United States of America. The specific problem was that many elected American local government representatives lack effective decision-making strategies. This research focus indicated a lack of qualitative research on the real-world experience of factors that were taken into consideration during decision-making within American local government organizations.Design/methodology/approachUsing a local government organization in southwest Illinois, elected representatives were interviewed and observed. The interviews and observations surfaced how the representatives made decisions. Data were analyzed using manual coding and theming to determine themes and patterns.FindingsThe results produced six themes about factors, including emotional intelligence, which impacted decision-making. They are: (1) remembering the past, (2) communication and respect, (3) spurring economic growth and development, (4) fairness, (5) recognizing and removing emotions and bias and (6) accountability.Research limitations/implicationsBeing a single case study, this research is limited in generalization. The research was limited to the identification of current, real-world experience of elected local government representatives.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research can be used to create more effective decision-making practices for local government organizations of similar size.Originality/valueThis is the first study to review, in-depth, the decision-making and emotional intelligence factors of local government organizations in the United States of America. The conceptual background, discussion, implications to local government organizations, limitations and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Coaching and mentoring in higher education institutions: a case study in Oman

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-322
Author(s):  
Ahmed Nawaz Hakro ◽  
Priya Mathew
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Thick Description ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach

PurposeUniversities and higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly recognizing the value of coaching for professional and organizational development. This study is designed to investigate whether Cognitive Coaching, implemented as a programme in an HEI in Oman, made any difference to the behaviour and attitudes of employees holding leadership positions in academic, administrative and professional services departments. It also explored the factors that hindered or supported the coaching programme and offers recommendations to strengthen coaching initiatives in similar contexts.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect feedback from the 15 participants of the programme. A case study approach was adopted in this study for an in-depth examination of the effectiveness of coaching interventions.FindingsThe findings suggest that coaching can be an effective approach, facilitating personal and professional development and also contributing to the achievement of organizational goals.Research limitations/implicationsAs a case study of a coaching programme in a single institution, the findings of the study are not generalizable to other contexts, though a “thick description” of the context in which the study took place will enable institutions in similar contexts to draw lessons from the experience.Practical implicationsThis study discusses the benefits of a coaching programme for an HEI in the Middle East. Suggestions to strengthen coaching include board level endorsement and sensitivity to cultural nuances in coaching relationships.Social implicationsOne of the effects of a coaching programme is the collegial atmosphere that it can foster. This can have wider impacts on the community as there is more open communication and trust engendered amongst employers and employees belonging to different cultural backgrounds.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to report the findings of a systematically organized coaching programme in an HEI in the Middle East.

Franchise model schools: rethinking educational practices and structures

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-44
Author(s):  
Miguel Gonzales ◽  
Maria Roberts
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Assistant Principals ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Student Assessment ◽  
The United States ◽  
First Year ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Model Schools

Purpose How will schools reinvent themselves to respond to the technological and economic demands of the mid-21st century? In response to the demands, a school district in the western region of the United States implemented a model patterned after the franchise business model. Two effective principals were tasked to simultaneously lead multiple high-risk elementary schools and to replicate the success they achieved from their flagship school. This paper aims to introduce the concept of franchise model schools. It also examines the innovative impact of the model as it relates to student achievement and leadership development. Design/methodology/approach The methodology for this research was a case study approach. This case study sought to examine teacher and school leaders' perceptions of the implementation of the franchise model school framework. The setting of this case study was five franchise model elementary schools in the western region of the United States. Participants of this study included 37 grade-level teacher leaders and 133 teacher respondents to an online questionnaire. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with grade-level teacher leaders at each participating school. State and site-based academic assessments were also collected and analyzed. Findings Due to the novelty of the franchise model schools, the long-term effects on student outcomes are not yet discernable. Interviews with the teachers and school leaders revealed that staff morale was low after the initial implementation of the model and student assessment scores also decreased after the first year of implementation. The current pattern of student assessment revealed a decrease after the first year of implementation and a small increase after the second year. Findings revealed assistant principals within the model increased their leadership capacity and efficacy. Assistant principals felt confident in their ability to lead a school as principals. Originality/value The implementation of franchise model schools is unique to the United States education system. Minimal research exists which examines the novelty and impact of franchise model schools. This case study has the potential to inform school systems, policy-makers and educator preparation programs of new practices and innovative structures that can help meet the demands of obtaining a mid-21st-century education. For educational leadership preparation programs, the use of this model provides new practicum and internship opportunities for aspiring school administrators.

A Discussion on the Differences between Arch Dam Design Standards of the United States, China and Vietnam

2012 ◽  
Vol 212-213 ◽  
pp. 841-845
Author(s):  
Hoang Hung Vu ◽  
Tong Chun Li ◽  
Quang Hung Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Arch Dam ◽  
Strength Analysis ◽  
Research Focus ◽  
Design Standards ◽  
Technical Design ◽  
Design Standard ◽  
Technical Specifications

In arch dam design, every country has it own technical design standard. In Vietnam, the standard is far lessconprehensive compared with those of the United States and China. This research focus on analysis of the differences between three above standard systems, in order to give some suggestions to improve the Vietnamese standard for arch dam. Differnces in stability and strength analysis under static and seismic conditions is discussed in depth. A case study of Namchien arch dam in Vietnam, which has being constructed in Vietnam, is presented. The results show that if arch dam design based on the Vietnamese standard, stability and strength analysis should be paid more attention on the discussed differences. The research aims atcontributing constructive suggestions concerning to existing Vietnamese standard and providing some technical specifications for designer in arch dam design.

Gaps and progress in our knowledge of learning organizations

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 444-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis D. Tuggle
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Development ◽  
Learning Organization ◽  
Learning Organizations ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Significant Shift ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Themes ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Conceptual Study

Purpose This study aims to review previously published issues of The Learning Organization (TLO) to assess what progress has been made since the journal started in terms of what is known about learning organizations. The author also aims to identify important gaps in what is still to be discovered about organizations that learn, partly to single out promising areas to be investigated. Design/methodology/approach The author reviews all the previously published articles in the first 20 volumes printed and reviews each issue in each volume. The author classifies the methodology undertaken by each published article as being one of the following: a conceptual study, a case study or the analysis of other data. Keywords are assessed to get insights into the shifts in research themes pursued over the years. Findings There has been a substantial increase in the number of published papers over time. The number and percentage of articles that are conceptual in nature has declined somewhat over the years. The number and percentage of articles that involve case studies has increased over the years. The number and percentage of articles that involve analyzing data has increased significantly over the years. There has been a significant shift in research focus away from topics such as management and organizational development to topics such as knowledge management and social networks. Three major areas of gaps in our knowledge of learning organizations are identified: what it means to be a learning organization, how effective are learning organizations and what contextual factors influence learning organizations. Research limitations/implications Although other journals occasionally publish research on learning organizations, attention in this paper is solely focused upon TLO. Practical implications Addressing some of the research questions identified should provide insights that will assist practicing managers. Originality/value Although not a meta analysis of this journal’s research, the author presents a “thematic analysis” of research published in this journal, and the results and insights should prove interesting and useful to scholars in the field seeking rich areas to study.

The Purdue University Research Repository

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carly C. Dearborn ◽  
Amy J. Barton ◽  
Neal A. Harmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Digital Preservation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Project Team ◽  
University Research ◽  
Digital Repository ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Purdue University

Purpose – The purpose of this case study is to discuss the creation of robust preservation functionality within PURR. The study seeks to discuss the customization of the HUBzero platform, composition of digital preservation policies, and the creation of a novel, machine-actionable metadata model for PURR's unique digital content. Additionally, the study will trace the implementation of the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) model and track PURR's progress towards Trustworthy Digital Repository certification. Design/methodology/approach – This case study discusses the use of the Center for Research Libraries Trusted Repository Audit Checklist (TRAC) certification process and ISO 16363 as a rubric to build an OAIS institutional repository for the publication, preservation, and description of unique datasets. Findings – ISO 16363 continues to serve as a rubric, barometer and set of goals for PURR as development continues. To become a trustworthy repository, the PURR project team has consistently worked to build a robust, secure, and long-term home for collaborative research. In order to fulfill its mandate, the project team constructed policies, strategies, and activities designed to guide a systematic digital preservation environment. PURR expects to undertake the full ISO 16363 audit process at a future date in expectation of being certified as a Trustworthy Digital Repository. Through its efforts in digital preservation, the Purdue University Research Repository expects to better serve Purdue researchers, their collaborators, and move scholarly research efforts forward world-wide. Originality/value – PURR is a customized instance of HUBzero®, an open source software platform that supports scientific discovery, learning, and collaboration. HUBzero was a research project funded by the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) and is a product of the Network for Computation Nanotechnology (NCN), a multi-university initiative of eight member institutions. PURR is only one instance of a HUBzero's customization; versions have been implemented in many disciplines nation-wide. PURR maintains the core functionality of HUBzero, but has been modified to publish datasets and to support their preservation. Long-term access to published data are an essential component of PURR services and Purdue University Libraries' mission. Preservation in PURR is not only vital to the Purdue University research community, but to the larger digital preservation issues surrounding dynamic datasets and their long-term usability.

Do organizational subcultures matter? A case study of logistics and supply chain management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Mello ◽  
Hilary Schloemer
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Organizational Climate ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Employee Perceptions ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
The Way

PurposeThis interdisciplinary investigation examines the topics of organizational climate and subcultures, which have received scant attention in the supply chain literature, highlighting the potential importance of these social dynamics to supply chain management phenomena.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a single-organization revelatory case study design, qualitatively analyzing coded interviews and observations of participants.FindingsThe authors’ findings indicate that a firm's organizational climate can contribute to the formation and strengthening of a subculture and that the subculture may desire to insert their own values and norms concerning supply chain management which could run counter to those of the overall company.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors theorize about the conditions under which strong subcultures emerge and that they may exert outsized influence on the way a company approaches supply chain management activities. Accounting for such influence may unearth important social dynamics occurring within supply chain phenomena that will better help researchers understand behavior and outcomes within that phenomenon.Practical implicationsManagers should be aware of the potential for subgroups to form strong subcultures and that subcultures may influence the way supply chain activities are performed. Climate dynamics can also affect employee perceptions and behaviors, and managers should monitor these dynamics and adapt their policies and messaging accordingly.Originality/valueThis study examines a phenomenon that has previously been underexamined in the supply chain management literature–the influence of culture and climate on subcultures and their subcultures' subsequent impact on how companies perform supply chain management activities.

The impacts of CEO leadership behaviors on employees' affective commitment and scouting behavior: the mediating role of symmetrical internal communication

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeunjae Lee ◽  
Jarim Kim
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Senior Leadership ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Symmetrical Communication

PurposeThis study aimed to examine how senior leadership influences corporate communication and employees' attitudinal and behavioral outcomes. Using two-way symmetrical communication model in public relations and leadership theory, it investigated the effects of CEOs' task- and relationship-oriented leadership on symmetrical internal communication, employees' organizational commitment and communicative behaviors.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted with 417 full-time employees working in various industries in the United States.FindingsThe results showed that CEOs' relationship-oriented leadership significantly influenced symmetrical internal communication, which, in turn, increased affective commitment and employees' scouting behavior. CEOs' task-oriented communication had no significant effect on symmetrical communication.Originality/valueThis study advances theoretical understanding of two-way symmetrical communication in relation to senior leadership and provides practical insights for corporate leaders and public relations practitioners regarding how to improve employee outcomes through CEOs' strategic leadership and internal communication practices.

Trade regimes as a tool for cyber policy

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-31
Author(s):  
Karl Grindal
Keyword(s):  
International Trade ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The United States ◽  
Trade Restrictions ◽  
Export Controls ◽  
Dead Weight ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sufficient Cause ◽  
Trade Regimes

PurposeThis research develops a framework for assessing international trade regimes which could be used to address global cybersecurity challenges based on the corresponding costs of implementation and their distribution. Trade regimes, such as export controls, tariffs, investment restrictions and localization requirements, have disparate effects on foreign and domestic producers and consumers.Design/methodology/approachThese trade regimes and their effects are explored through a literature review and conceptual framework. A case study then assesses trends in the use of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).FindingsCFIUS investment restrictions have justified blocking specific Chinese acquisitions of American companies, at least partially, on cybersecurity grounds using a targeted and evidence-based approach. Because of its targeted effect, CFIUS is the least likely of these trade regimes to block legitimate international trade. Restrictions on international trade, without sufficient cause, produce dead weight loss under the theory of comparative advantage.Originality/valueThese costs should be accounted for in any policy-based decision, particularly as policy entrepreneurs increasingly push for embedding cybersecurity reforms into these trade regimes. While the literature on trade regimes and cybersecurity is growing, this paper advances this research with its comparative framework.

The work of early childhood coaches in one US state

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-152
Author(s):  
Amy Hnasko
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
The United States ◽  
The State ◽  
Master Teachers ◽  
Early Childhood Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Instructional Coaches

PurposeThis paper discusses the findings of a mixed-methods study of early childhood instructional coaches employed in state-funded preschool (aged three and four years) programs in the state of New Jersey (NJ) in the United States (US), highlighting a case study of one coach that provides an example of individual and organizational factors influencing the work.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was distributed to all coaches (master teachers) in 35 districts' early childhood programs. Two master teachers were then studied for a period of five months. During that time, three structured interviews were conducted, focused observations occurred each month, and coach logs were collected.FindingsThe findings of the data analyses illuminated both individual (i.e., a coach's own professional development) and organizational (i.e., varying interpretations of role) factors that influenced the work of the early childhood coaches.Research limitations/implicationsThe data in this paper is limited to one US state's approach to early childhood coaching. The case study data examined is limited to the contexts of the specific participating districts and master teachers involved. It is suggested that future research be conducted on a nationwide pool of instructional coaches.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study highlight the role of the state in providing more guidance surrounding the primary responsibilities of the master teacher. It is suggested that further attention be placed on creating and sustaining a professional development network for the master teachers serving NJ's early childhood programs.Originality/valueAs one of the few statewide studies of instructional coaching in early childhood, this study provides insights into how policy is translated into practice.

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