Negotiating Cultural Boundaries: How Individuals Traverse the Fragmented Terrain of Higher Education
| dc.contributor.advisor | Lester, Jaime R. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Klein, Carrie | |
| dc.creator | Klein, Carrie | |
| dc.date | 2013-07-23 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2013-09-12T14:44:32Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2013-09-12T14:44:32Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2013-09-12 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This thesis describes the ways in which organizational culture and sub-cultures inform how individuals work across the fragmented terrain of higher education. Through a qualitative case study at George Mason University eighteen individuals were interviewed to explore the role of organizational culture and sub-cultures in their collaborative interactions. Among the results are that the motivations, awareness and strategies of individuals are informed by both the overarching organizational culture and sub-cultural differences. Each of these aspects of individuals reifies another. Organizational culture in the form of shared mission and goals motivates individuals to collaborate beyond subcultures. This motivation requires a deep awareness of others in the organization. By broadening their knowledge base, individuals are better able to construct strategies for successful collaboration. When successful, these strategies – relationship and network building, tailored communication, active listening, advocacy and adaptable approach – in turn, provide new motivation and greater awareness. These findings are useful in that they provide insight into collaborative effectiveness that internal boundary spanners can use to bridge the loosely-coupled components of their institutions for greater organizational success. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1920/8468 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.subject | Organizational theory | |
| dc.subject | Higher education | |
| dc.subject | Organizational culture | |
| dc.subject | Boundary spanning | |
| dc.subject | Collaboration | |
| dc.title | Negotiating Cultural Boundaries: How Individuals Traverse the Fragmented Terrain of Higher Education | |
| dc.type | Thesis | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Interdisciplinary Studies | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | George Mason University | |
| thesis.degree.level | Master's | |
| thesis.degree.name | Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies |