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A naturalistic study on the processes and effects of an organization development activity in selected schools
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of an organizational development intervention on organizational variables as well as the process of effecting a change in four selected schools. The method of investigation employed the naturalistic paradigm using the methods of observation, interview, questionnaire, and documentary analysis. Four schools were observed over a period of four months as they dealt with the intervention. Data were subjected to the grounded theory approach; notes were coded; themes arose; and propositions were developed and integrated into one theory. Findings. (1) The Spectrum is a powerful tool for providing feedback to schools. (2) The intervention outcomes supported the Porras and Berg Taxonomy. (3) The naturalistic approach provided insight into the change process that other methods would not allow. (4) A Theory of Education Contracts arose from the data of the four schools. Recommendations. (1) Further application of the Spectrum Instrument in education is warranted. (2) A follow-up study would be desirable in the four case study schools. (3) Further analysis of qualitative studies in schools should be encouraged. (4) New case studies in education should be developed to provide a stronger education data base. (5) The theory of Education Contracts should be subjected to further investigation, and new studies should be undertaken to examine its applicability in predicting the outcomes of OD interventions.
Subject Area
School administration
Recommended Citation
Stonehouse, Noel Lee, "A naturalistic study on the processes and effects of an organization development activity in selected schools" (1988). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8818661.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8818661