If possible, I'm looking for this information in the context of K-12 public education, but any public sector information regarding this subject would be a helpful starting point. I have had a very difficult time finding any research that has surveyed or discussed how ancillary services such as maintenance, finance or procurement perceive their role as comprising a meaningful part of the whole organization, and that they have a part to play in the delivery of its mission.
Thanks kindly for your help.
Not sure if you are already familiar with OCB literature. There is a lot out there. The following article is a relatively recent one but fairly well cited:
DiPaola, M., & Tschannen-Moran, M. (2014). Organizational citizenship behavior in schools and its relationship to school climate. Journal of School Leadership, 11(5), 424-447.
Best wishes.
What you have, is a symptom of a larger problem that may extend to the entire organization. It is usually a consequence of the lack of an effective strategic planning process that engages the people and gives them a sense of purpose. This kind of process, if done well, produces a powerful strategic plan and, at the same, time unifies the people, clarifies their roles and interdependencies, energizes them and gives them a sense of confidence and enthusiasm to take on the future.
Thank you, Kaleel. The article you have recommended with its focus on OCB provides me with an excelling starting point for my research project.
And thank you for your comment, Luis. You have identified a factor central to my hypothesis, that a lack of engaged, unified and effective strategic planning will have a detrimental effect on the sense of belonging for service departments.
Wendy - great question..... My research has revolved around integration of services in Corporate America... so not a direct link... but I think the principles are similar.... it is making sure that everyone has a seat at the table..... This is our last leg of our integration research... which offers themes which might be helpful for you folks to apply to the academic arena..... Great project... would love to hear more... Good Luck!
Hello Patricia!
My goodness, I was elated to read your reply! I am certain there are similarities to Corporate America, because a sense of integration and belongingness defines feelings of being part of the whole, and furthering the mission, whether the milieu be a public or private entity. And this research also does look at whether service departments have a seat at the the table, and also investigates the possibility that some seats may in fact be "worth" more than others.
I would love to stay in touch, because I am very sure that the integration piece of your research would provide excellent background material when it comes to defining the term, and hypothesizing the effects of feeling "apart from" rather than "a part of" an organization.
Hi Wendy, Yes, would love to stay in touch.... my website: www.rockymountainresearch.us will help you see my work in this area for the last 25 years... and feel free to email me with quesitons: [email protected] as we have applied some of these same methods in all sorts of setting.... Look forward to hearing from you....
Thank you so much, Patricia. I paid a visit to your website...What a wealth of information you have published over the years: the philosophy you articulated there resonated with me deeply.
I am currently working on framing research questions, but at the heart of it all is that in these departments are people who have described feeling orphaned, forgotten, and that their work drifts from day to day in a miasma of meaninglessness.
I am very grateful for this opportunity to have connected with you, and appreciate also being able to email you with questions as I proceed with this research.
:-)
Thank you SO much for your comprehensive and thoughtful reply. I am now looking at the resources you have provided, and between what you have written, and these works, I am finding a wealth of information to frame the starting point for my research. :)
I have another question if I could impose once more upon you. When you work with leaders, what approaches do you suggest if they do not see the value of what you are proposing? In truth, leaders initiate a culture and environment conducive to belongingness, through action: eg. shared decision-making, encouraging critical upward feedback. But they can also propagate one that is toxic, resulting in widespread organizational silence in rank and file workers.
Many thanks again, for your time, and the information you have provided. :)
Hi Again, Actually when I work with Leaders, Managers etc.... I play dumb.... and get them to counsel me on how things should be done and empower them to come up with their own solutions which are frequently better than mine because the live in the culture... I know sounds a bit counter- intuitive..... but folks love to be "listened" to.... and once heard, they engage... and you are off to the racetracks rather than stuffing some model down their throat that they will naturally resist even if excellent - but that may just be my style - Good Lulck!
This is good advice on two accounts: people do enjoy being "listened to" as you've noted, and I can see from your method you are gently guiding them toward their own solutions.
Many thanks, again. :)
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Dear,
Thank you for your encouraging thoughts.
Successful work and wish all the best.
Bojan
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