Tyler Guy Olson, in fulfilling the requirements of the PhD program in the Graduate School of Leadership and Change at Antioch University, has written and published a dissertation titled Navigating Conflict During Periods of Change in Higher Education: Deconstructing Academic Leaders’ Construction of Meaning.
Navigating departmental and organizational conflict is an essential function and responsibility of an academic leader in higher education institutions (HEIs). This research examines academic leaders’ constructive-developmental mindsets (i.e., meaning-making structures) when experiencing and navigating conflict within their division (or institution). The study employed a multimethod approach, incorporating multiple case studies and a modified critical incident technique. Data were collected through the Subject-Object Interview, a modified critical incident interview, and a loosely structured closing interview. This exploratory study contributes to the continued scholarly discussion on leaders navigating conflict and change.
Read Olson’s dissertation, Navigating Conflict During Periods of Change in Higher Education: Deconstructing Academic Leaders’ Construction of Meaning, here.
