Date of Award
Spring 3-25-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Organizational Leadership
First Advisor
Cindy Petersen
Second Advisor
Robin Pierson
Third Advisor
Michael Goold
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe the strategies used by Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program managers to build an adaptive capacity based on the five key characteristics of adaptive leadership identified by Heifetz et al. (2009).
Methodology: This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 1` to build an adaptive capacity. The purposeful, convenience sampling frame was used to identify 10 participants who met the study’s criteria. The semistructured, open-ended interview protocol was developed by a thematic research team of nine peers and three faculty advisors. The data collected from interviews and artifacts were evaluated to capture themes related to the study’s research questions.
Findings: The analysis of data collected from interviews and artifacts resulted in 955 frequencies across 25 major themes. Five major findings emerged from these themes and key findings.
Conclusions: Four conclusions were obtained based on the study's major findings and literature. CERT program managers build adaptive capacity by (a) aligning organizational processes to policies, (b) providing access to professional training and development, (c) reflecting on meeting and training practices as a leader, and (d) embracing failure as a learning opportunity.
Recommendations: Further research is recommended to develop a course curriculum that incorporates leadership strategies that align with Heifetz et al.’s (2009) five characteristics of adaptive leadership within the Federal Emergency Management Agency CERT programs and Washington State Leadership Summit. The course provides strategies for CERT program managers at the federal, state, and local municipals with practical principles for building adaptive capacity within their organizations. The interactive training focuses on enhancing leadership skills and building relationships among CERT program stakeholders across Washington state municipals.
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Recommended Citation
Gresham, Ramona, "Adaptive Leadership During Times of Great Change and Opportunity: Building Adaptive Capacity as Perceived by Community Emergency Response Team Program Managers" (2024). Dissertations. 559.
https://digitalcommons.umassglobal.edu/edd_dissertations/559