Anchoring Change in Higher Education

201 Pages·2016·0.67 MB·English

by  Cheryl H. Kisunzu

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Dissertations Graduate Research
2011
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Cheryl H. Kisunzu
Andrews University
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Kisunzu, Cheryl H., "Anchoring Change in Higher Education : Narratives from Senior Executives at Malcolm
Baldrige Award-Winning Institutions" (2011). Dissertations. 494.
https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/494
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ABSTRACT
ANCHORING CHANGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION:
NARRATIVESFROM SENIOR EXECUTIVES AT
MALCOLM BALDRIGE AWARD-WINNING
INSTITUTIONS
by
Cheryl H. Kisunzu
Chair: LorettaB. Johns
ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH
Dissertation
Andrews University
School of Education
Title: ANCHORING CHANGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: NARRATIVES
FROM SENIOR EXECUTIVES AT MALCOLM BALDRIGE AWARD-
WINNING INSTITUTIONS
Name of researcher: Cheryl H. Kisunzu
Name and degree of faculty chair:Loretta B.Johns, Ph.D.
Date completed: April2011
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore Kotter’s (1996) eighth stage for leading
change. Specifically,it is to identify strategies for anchoring planned change in
institutions of higher education.
Design
This is a qualitative multiple case study. Each of the participating organizations is
an institution of higher education uniquely distinguished as a recipient of the United
State’s highest recognition for progressive excellence—the Malcolm Baldrige Award. A
narrative design is used to conduct in-depth exploration of leading plannedchange,
specifically anchoring this planned change into the culture of academic institutions of
higher learning. Purposeful sampling was used to identify a homogenous group of 6
participants.These individuals were senior leaders with rankings equivalent to deanor
higher.Each of the participants was an active leaderin their organization’s planned
change to implement theMalcolm Baldrigecriteria. They eachplayed an active role in
seeking to secure recognition for performance excellence as defined through sustained
implementation of this change. In addition, they each served as senior leaders at the
respectiveorganizations when this award for excellence was granted to these distinctive
institutions. Cross-case analysis was used to identifystrategies for anchoring planned
change in academic organizations.
Results
A trilogy of shared strategies from all three institutions emergedthat answers the
research question, “What strategies do senior executivesuse to anchor planned change in
Malcolm Baldrige award-winning academic institutions of higher education?” They are
as follows:
1. Utilize sustained leadership to ensure that change aligns withthe organization’s
mission, vision, and values and is integrated into the strategic planning process through
assessment ofprogressive performance excellence.
2. Incorporate performance expectations of excellence into new employee and
new student orientations.
3. Implement communication systems which are open, authentic,and
responsive—especially with faculty.
Conclusion
I recommend that greater consideration be given to the length of contractsfor
presidents and senior leaders (e.g., 5 years); that intentionality be given to attaching the
planned change tostrategic planning; that research specific to the role that orientation
plays in sustaining change be conducted; and that multifaceted communication systems
which create organizational trust between leadership and faculty,such that a culture of
abundance isimplemented.
Andrews University
School of Education
ANCHORING CHANGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION:
NARRATIVES FROM SENIOR EXECUTIVES AT
MALCOLM BALDRIGE AWARD-WINNING
INSTITUTIONS
A Dissertation
Presented in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
by
Cheryl H. Kisunzu
April2011
© Copyright by Cheryl H. Kisunzu 2011
All Rights Reserved
ANCHORING CHANGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION:
NARRATIVES FROMSENIOR EXECUTIVES AT
MALCOLM BALDRIGE AWARD-WINNING
INSTITUTIONS
A dissertation
presented in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree
Doctor of Philosophy
by
Cheryl H. Kisunzu
APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE:
________________________________ _____________________________
Chair: Loretta B. Johns Dean, School of Education
James R. Jeffrey
________________________________
Member:Shirley A. Freed
________________________________
Member:Sylvia Gonzalez
________________________________ _____________________________
External: Date approved
To my parents, John Rufus Harris and Herdisene Theresa Robinson Harris.
I fully recognize that if my leadership is but a glimmer of theirs,God
will be glorified and lives will be enriched. This is my prayer.
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