Change readiness: realities and perceptions of vice presidents for student affairs at small, private liberal arts colleges
Date
2016
Authors
Kenny, Kathryn E. McCaffrey, author
Kuk, Linda, advisor
Strathe, Marlene, committee member
Shillington, Audrey, committee member
Ellis, Michael, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
This phenomenological study explored the experiences of vice presidents for student affairs at small liberal arts colleges with readiness for change within their organizations. The lived experiences of the participants were explored using the following research questions: (1) How do vice presidents for student affairs at small, private liberal arts colleges define what "readiness for change" means to them? (2) How do vice presidents for student affairs describe their readiness for leading change? (3) What skills and traits do vice presidents for student affairs identify as being important to their readiness to lead change within their organization? (4) How would vice presidents for student affairs describe their own personal development of the skills and traits needed to lead change? How did they develop these skills and traits? (5) How would vice presidents for student affairs apply their own readiness for change to their strategy for readying their organization for change? The researcher conducted semi structured interviews with twelve vice presidents for student affairs at small, private, liberal arts colleges in the United States. Using the interpretative phenomenological approach, five themes emerged during the analysis of the data. The lived-experience of the participants were represented by: (1) readiness for change; (2) communication; (3) value of relationships; (4) knowledge development; (5) change leadership. The data suggested that the essence of the lived experience of the participants was that they shared the desire to improve their organizations, develop their staff to be strong leaders on their campuses, and to create a high quality experience for their students.