Transforming a University Departmental Culture from Toxicity to Health: A Collaborative Autoethnographic Study
Saved in:
| Title: | Transforming a University Departmental Culture from Toxicity to Health: A Collaborative Autoethnographic Study |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Albert M. Jimenez, Chinasa Elue, Keneisha L. Harrington, Jennifer B. Wells, Tamela Thomas, Sheryl Croft, Binbin Jiang, Nicholas Clegorne, Miyoshi Juergensen, Cathey Goodgame |
| Source: | Educational Planning. 2023 30(4):31-47. |
| Availability: | International Society for Educational Planning. 2903 Ashlawn Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060. Tel: 770-833-1948; Web site: http://isep.info/educational-planning-journal |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 17 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | School Culture, College Faculty, Values, Teacher Attitudes, Work Environment, Change, Interpersonal Relationship, Teacher Role, Antisocial Behavior, Cooperation, Trust (Psychology), Diversity, Power Structure |
| ISSN: | 1537-873X |
| Abstract: | The value and practice of cultivating a departmental culture that supports student and faculty success is critical to its effectiveness and sustainability in institutions of higher education. In this qualitative study, we apply a pedagogy of intentionality as our theoretical lens. Methodologically, we utilized a collaborative autoethnographic approach to explore experiences of departmental culture among educational leadership faculty at a public university in the southeastern United States. We were particularly interested in gathering qualitative data to increase our understanding regarding how a shift in departmental values and priorities impacted how faculty felt and assessed their individual experiences during their time within the department. Overall findings reveal the transformational process of a purposeful departmental culture shift from toxic to healthy. Evidence demonstrates (a) faculty's initial toxic culture experience characterized by a hostile, inequitable, and hierarchical working environment; (b) ways key faculty members utilized the opportunity of departmental personnel change to intentionally envision and effect a cultural transformational shift characterized by community and collegial interdependence and relationships; and (c) evidence of faculty's current experiences within a healthy culture, whose core features are professional, familial, diverse, and authentic. Faculty as guardians of culture was an associated finding. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1416364 |
| Database: | ERIC |
Be the first to leave a comment!
