Files
Abstract
The purpose of this action research study was to create an intentional community of practice to explore ways to improve cross-unit collaboration for staff in a full-time MBA program. Over the course of two years, two action research teams comprised mostly of staff, and including students and faculty explored their ideas and expertise related to program quality and the how staff collaborated across their respective units. Also during these two years, the researcher used a process of first-person action inquiry to gain a better understanding of her own personal leadership development. These research questions guided the study:1. How can an action research approach support the creation of an intentional community of practice and contribute to improved cross-unit collaboration?2. How can using first-person action inquiry guide leadership growth?The conclusions point to the importance of viewing quality as a process rather than a product. Communities of practice within performance-focused organizations need to balance their internal processes of learning and reflection with their external focus on outcomes in order to develop staff leadership capacity and develop sustainable methods of collaboration. For individuals, the results imply that a first-person action inquiry approach develops reflective practice and greater awareness for improved collaborative practice. The study points to the significance of viewing quality as an influenceable process and the importance of using a systems approach to leadership development for individuals and groups.