A reflective journey with a college leader managing change in her own organization by employing an action research approach

Warnett, Esther (2012). A reflective journey with a college leader managing change in her own organization by employing an action research approach. EdD thesis The Open University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.0000bfd8

Abstract

This study investigates emergent problems by taking on the double role of being a leader and change agent in my own organization. An action research methodology was employed to deal with role conflicts and dynamic change processes. The findings were gained over a period of three years, working through four action research cycles. They provide, on the one hand, insights into how I solved arising conflicts concerning the double role, and, on the other hand, how frame-breaking change was managed by applying an action research stance.

For the former, I entered a personal reflection discourse for analysing emerging data generated from managing new realities and changing relationships with my co-researchers. This meant that my literature review focused on change and diagnostic instruments of change, as well as on leadership models and leadership styles. The advantage was that I had to study the relevant theories in real time and could apply them directly. Simultaneously, however, I also had to reflect emerging problems by employing these theories in my leadership and research practice. For this continuous and two-way reflection process I utilized a personal diary. Using an action research approach proved to be time- and labour-intensive, as well as an emotionally demanding process. However, it allowed me to steer and lead through change and empower my co-researchers to discover positive solutions to cope with frame-breaking transformation. The methodology of action research supported a systematic approach to transformation in order to realize the necessary adaptations.

Viewing alternatives

Look up in Google Scholar

Download history

Metrics

Public Attention

Altmetrics from Altmetric

Number of Citations

Citations from Dimensions

Item Actions

Export

About

CORE (COnnecting REpositories)

Recommendations