Transforming Christian Schools Using Sustainable Model of Organizational Change and ...

240 Pages·2016·3.35 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2016
Transforming Christian Schools Using Sustainable
Model of Organizational Change and Performance
Improvement
Abraham Adhanom
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Management and Technology

This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by

Abraham Adhanom

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Lilburn Hoehn, Committee Chairperson, Management Faculty
Dr. Joseph Barbeau, Committee Member, Management Faculty
Dr. Salvatore Sinatra, University Reviewer, Management Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2016
Abstract
Transforming Christian Schools
Using Sustainable Model of Organizational Change and Performance Improvement
by
Abraham K. Adhanom

MA, Biola University, 2001
BS, Biola University, 1998

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Management

Walden University
August 2016
Abstract
Organizational failure in Christian schools is a common phenomenon affecting millions of
families in the United States. In the past 2 decades alone, more than 200 Christian schools closed
each year; and many continued to struggle for survival. This trend presented significant
challenge for the sustainability of faith-based schools that serve over 10% of grade-level students
in the country. The purpose of this study was to examine internal and external factors impacting
the performance of Christian schools and analyze existing theories of institutional effectiveness
leading to the development of a sustainable framework. The research question addressed what
type of organizational change and performance improvement model is suitable for Christian
schools. A total of 32 participants from 5 schools with roles varying from students, alumni,
parents, teachers, administrators, board members, and industry experts were interviewed using
purposeful sampling method based on their demonstrated leadership capacities. Grounded theory
was used for data analysis in categorizing responses using keywords, and synthesizing functional
themes that lead to generate the theoretical framework. The result of the study was manifested as
The CONCORD Model, featuring an integration of the core attributes of efficacy including
academic excellence, visionary leadership, streamlined business processes, socio-cultural
diversity, dynamic resource development, and community outreach and networking initiatives.
The outcome of the study fills a void in existing literature by presenting a sustainable model for
organizational leadership, strategic management, and efficient operations for Christian schools.
The model can also be extended to serve transformational initiatives in related nonprofit
institutions to impart positive social change and a brighter future for communities that value
faith-based education and service for the common good.
Transforming Christian Schools
Using Sustainable Model of Organizational Change and Performance Improvement
by
Abraham K. Adhanom

MA, Biola University, 2001
BS, Biola University, 1998

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Management

Walden University
August 2016
Dedication
To my wife Yalem, for unending patience and support;
To my children Selam, Miriam and Manna for their love and perseverance;
To my mom, Letebrahan, a woman of prayer and the greatest mother of all,
To my late father Rev. Kidane Adhanom the greatest Theologian, Historian, Genealogist,
Linguist; and true man of God who wished to see this prior to his departure to heaven with a
Blessed Assurance!
Acknowledgments
I am so grateful to my mentor and dissertation committee chair Dr. Lilburn Hoehn for the
guidance and support to reach this milestone. Sincere appreciation also goes to my committee
member Dr. Joseph Barbeau, and my URR Dr. Salvatore Sinatra. My mom’s endless prayers, my
family’s unwavering support, and the love and encouragement of my friends, relatives,
colleagues and church members has been the greatest blessing to me in accomplishing this
journey.
Table of Contents
List of Tables …………………………………………………………………………….v
List of Figures …………………………………………………………………..………ix
Chapter 1: Introduction
Introduction to the Study ................................................................................................1
Statement of the Problem ..............................................................................................3
Background of the Problem ..........................................................................................4
Purpose of the Study ...................................................................................................10
Theoretical Support for the Study ..............................................................................11
Assumptions ................................................................................................................13
Scope and Delimitations .............................................................................................15
Limitations ..................................................................................................................16
Nature of the Study .....................................................................................................18
Definition of Terms .....................................................................................................18
Research Question ......................................................................................................20
Significance of the Study ............................................................................................21
Summary and Overview .............................................................................................23
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Introduction ................................................................................................................25
Conceptual Framework of the Study ……………………..………………………… 26
Analysis of the Models of Conceptual Framework …………………………………..27
STAR Model ...............................................................................................................27
Kotter's 8-Step Model .................................................................................................31
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The ADKAR Model ...................................................................................................36
Analysis and Comparison of the Three Models ..........................................................41
Critical Issues and Factors Impacting Christian schools …………………………… 42
Critical Issues Facing Christian Schools ……………………………..………….… 43
Understanding Organizational Failure .......................................................................55
Overview of Organiztional Change and Performance Transformation .....................56
Organizational Effectiveness .....................................................................................62
The Systems Thinking Approach of Organizational Change ......................................64
The Case for Developing New Organizational Change Model ..................................66
Summary ...................................................................................................................69
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Introduction ................................................................................................................70
Research Design .........................................................................................................70
Methodology ……………………………………………………….……………….74
Population ................................................................................................................78
Sampling Method ........................................................................................................78
Participant Selection Criteria .....................................................................................82
Sample Size ................................................................................................................83
Instrumentation ..........................................................................................................84
Data Collection ...........................................................................................................86
Data Analysis Plan .......................................................................................................90
The Role of the Researcher and Protection of Participants …………………………92
Issues of Trustworthiness ...........................................................................................94
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Summary ....................................................................................................................99
Chapter 4: Research Results
Introduction ..............................................................................................................101
Research Setting .......................................................................................................102
Demographics …………………………………………………….…………..… 103
Data Analysis .........................................................................................................106
Data Presentation ......................................................................................................140
Evidence of Trustworthiness .....................................................................................151
Summary ..................................................................................................................152
Chapter 5: Research Methodology
Introduction ..............................................................................................................155
Interpretation of Findings ........................................................................................156
The CONCORD Model ………………………………………….…………….….169
Limitations of the Study .........................................................................................179
Recommendations .....................................................................................................180
Implications of the Study .........................................................................................183
Conclusion ...............................................................................................................184
Researcher’s Reflections and Closing Statement .....................................................185
References .......................................................................................................................186
Appendix A: Interview Outline ……………………………………………………......205
Appendix B: Student Interview Questions Form ……………………………………...208
Appendix C: Alumni Interview Questions Form ……………………………………...209
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