Date of Submission

8-20-2019

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree

Doctor of Education

Department

Education

Keywords

adaptation, distributed leadership, faculty and staff development, intercultural competence, organizational culture

Abstract

This organizational improvement plan concerns a mid-sized Canadian community college and explores the relationship between rapid internationalization and related faculty and staff adaptation challenges. It conceptualizes a targeted learning and development strategy to build intercultural competence and adaptation strategies. The theoretical framework underpinning this approach is drawn from the field of intercultural communications and is based on communication theory and constructive perception. Looking at the culture and structure of the organization, the plan also incorporates relevant leadership theory and a change path model that situates reform at the macro organizational level. A distributed leadership approach is suggested, which builds leadership capacity while it seeks to execute the organizational transformation. The leadership structure is developed in a manner that includes collaboration across all levels of the organization and harnesses the knowledge of front-line faculty and staff. Egalitarian principles of caring, empowerment, and inclusion are woven into this overall approach with a view toward team engagement. Drawing on the literature for complex change in educational environments, the plan incorporates tools such as communities of practice, network improvement communities, and service learning to empower the organization to change and build long-term capacity. The leadership vision for change sees reform to the existing approach to faculty and staff learning and development. This vision provides for increased faculty and staff support, connections, and empowerment, while at the same time continuing to address key institutional obligations and requirements.

Available for download on Friday, October 24, 2025

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