Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics Theses
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Publication Rare – Research, Advocacy, Resilience & Empathy Unlocking Strength and Capacity in the Rare Disease Community(2017-04-10) Friedman, BruceNonprofit organizations vary in size and capacity. They often start with a small group of passionate people brought together with a common focus. Often their mission has a direct impact on the individual member or their communities and loved ones. Today there are over 7,000 identified rare diseases and rare disease advocacy organizations representing patients and families that singularly are small in numbers. In the aggregate, however they represent one-in-ten individuals worldwide. This paper presents a case study of one rare disease advocacy organization from the perspective of an organizational consultant who is also a parent and advocate in the rare disease community. Building upon the case study, the paper includes a review of existing research and literature and interviews with other leaders in the nonprofit and rare disease advocacy community. The capstone examines leadership and other components of nonprofit organizations, including the role of the consultant, that help bring about transformative change and innovation within this sector.Publication Presencing As A Transformative Strategy For Changing Army Culture(2012-11-12) Hostrander, HowardIn order for leaders to be the most effective it is beneficial that they be self-aware. Part of being self-aware is to understand how our own bias plays a part in how we frame, view or project information received or transmitted to others. To enable participants of the Organization Dynamics program to become more self-aware, for example, there are several different classes on leadership that use methods like the Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument or the Enneagram. These techniques not only identify traits about ourselves to us, they open the pathway to expanded thought and shift the view of our surroundings. I have used these techniques, as well as my personal experience with mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress to examine organizational change within the United States Army in an attempt to demonstrate that the Army’s premier program to help Soldiers deal with the stressors of multiple deployments to theaters of war is in jeopardy. It is in jeopardy, I believe, due to the leaders’ lack of self-awareness and conscious understanding of the context needed to support such significant shifts in organizational and individual mindsets and behavior. As an analogous example of a major change process, in 2000, the Army embarked on a journey to transform and chose as a symbol the wear of a black beret. In the course of a decade, the Army changed but did not transform and in 2011 discarded that symbol of transformation. The failed attempt to transform is the result of not changing the culture or the belief patterns that produce it and which it in turn cultivates. Soldiers and leaders of today use the same thought processes as those of our predecessors, trapping us, and the organization, in the past. To break this cycle I examine the theory of presencing as a way to break free from processes of the past. Presencing allows leaders to use their self-awareness and trust of their inner feelings in order to develop plans and policies for the future as it is emerging.Publication Coaching Applications for Academic Advisors in Higher Education(2016-01-13) Kelly, Jaime RThe field of higher education academic advising is expanding and the needs of students are ever-growing. Many academic advisors lack the training and tools they need to meet their students’ constantly evolving needs. This paper is designed to illustrate the benefit of incorporating coaching techniques into academic advising sessions. The field of coaching can help improve the advisor / advisee relationship enabling a collaboration that is both successful and rewarding. Through research in coaching and academic advising as well as interviews with higher education academic advisors across the United States, this study demonstrates a simple to use model advisors can use to enhance their interactions with advisees.Publication Embracing The Path: A Story Of Leadership, Transformation, And Adventure(2020-05-01) Davis, Zachary S.This capstone retells a journey of transformation through self-realization and personal development, made possible through the collective learning experiences and inspirations provided during my course of study in the Organizational Dynamics program at the University of Pennsylvania. The concepts are purposefully woven together in a story format to reinforce the importance of balance across multiple versions of self, highlighting personal development experiences, adventures, and the resultant growth as a person and leader. The paper focuses on topics of work-life balance and self-awareness in exploration of their usefulness in leader development, orchestrating change management initiatives, and improving overall effectiveness in organizations. This paper intentionally unfolds as an introspective narrative sharing reflections and applications of leadership techniques as a tool to foster a deeper connection between organizations and the people that thrive within them. This paper also seeks to serve as inspiration for others contemplating a journey of personal transformation.Publication Applications of Interactive Planning Methodology(2007-04-03) Lumbo, Donna AuraThis thesis examines the evolution, rationale and application of the Interactive Planning Methodology described by Russell Ackoff (1981). It focuses on the facilitator, particularly on the competencies required, for one to successfully facilitate the methodology. Data were gathered from direct observation of an interactive planning exercise at GlaxoSmithKline in Philadelphia, PA, and interviews conducted on select practitioners and clients of the methodology. Results indicated that an effective facilitator must possess excellent communication skills, a high degree of analytical skills, and considerable people skills. In addition, one must be able to: (1) understand group dynamics and the differences in personalities of individuals, and must know how to use this knowledge to guide the group in a productive way; (2) establish an atmosphere in which the participants are willing to share their ideas and build on others' ideas; (3) maintain the energy level of the participants and enable them to stay focused on the task; and (4) connect their previous knowledge and experience to the current situation. Lastly, a facilitator of the Interactive Planning Methodology must be creative. Creativity is manifested by expressing unusual thoughts and being interesting and stimulating.Publication The Impact Of Social Media On Cohort Perceptions In The Workplace(2021-11-16) Noga, John CThe purpose of this capstone is to ask and explore if and how generational cohorts’ perceptions of each other are influenced by social media and how such interactions in the workplace are affected. By reviewing and synthesizing the current literature on the topic and surveying individuals from my organization who fall into several generational labels I hope to understand how these perceptions are evidenced and articulated. I want to measure what the cohorts think of each other, where they believe these biases originate concluding with possible suggestions on effectively breaking down generational bias barriers. A survey consisting of 15 questions in total with 7 short answer questions and 8 multiple choice was distributed. Short answer questions were designed to yield a simple yes/no response by asking “do you feel?” with a request to elaborate on the given response with no character limit imposed. Survey results revealed a clear link was between social media and intergenerational biases. Additionally, the data indicates that many respondents are aware of this link, feel it can affect their perceptions, and can possibly influence how they work together.Publication Leveling The Playing Field: Learning From Women Leaders In Professional Sports(2020-12-01) Malseed, Julia AThis capstone serves as a look into the world of professional sports from the perspective of its female front office employees. For decades, historical stereotypes and societal norms have influenced the way sports are viewed, resulting in a continued male-dominated atmosphere. Women have slowly been able to enter this field but are still not fully accepted or equally represented. Through interviews with 10 women from the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLS, WNBA and MLB, I sought to understand why this gender imbalance may exist, learn the experiences of women currently working in professional sports and most importantly generate suggestions for solutions to close this disparity. This capstone is a sound exploration into this topic and provides a wealth of resources for any organization seeking to gain more gender equality in their workplace.Publication An Exploration of the Existential Orientation to Coaching(2008-03-20) DeLuca, LindaThe purpose of this thesis is to explore the basic concepts of existentialism and from this identify activities applicable to the coaching engagement. Basic concepts of existentialism including: isolation; freedom of choice; meaninglessness; and death are examined. These concepts are revisited in the interpretation of existential psychology as presented in Logotherapy and Humanistic Psychology. Finally, recommendations are presented for the coach with an existential orientation.Publication Proposal for a Penn Bookstore Internship Program in Events and Marketing(2009-05-03) Levitt, Risa JThe purpose of this thesis is to propose the creation of an events/marketing internship program at the Penn Bookstore. I begin with a review of common terms and definitions used to describe student-learning experiences. Penn has multiple resources available to undergraduate students looking for an internship. Based on a review of internship programs offered through Penn and at a variety of local organizations, I identify and describe common and unique program categories. In addition, I examine three internship program models from the perspective of academic, non-profit and corporate/for-profit organizational settings. Based on this review, I propose my vision for an internship program model for the Penn Bookstore. I conclude by relating the benefits of the proposed internship program to the Bookstore, the undergraduate student community at Penn, and the University.Publication Achieving The Dream Through A Screen: Exploring Employee Engagement And Commitment In Virtual Environments(2020-07-30) Benjamin, LacindaThe aim of this capstone is to explore factors that heighten the level of engagement and commitment of individuals who work virtually, or away from their organization's central office, at least four days a week. Drawing on a survey of 120 participants who work virtually in various industries, this project analyzes what factors can heighten or diminishes levels of engagement and organizational commitment in virtual workers. The survey uses factors that have been shown to enhance employee engagement and commitment in traditional work environments, such as clear communication and interpersonal relationships, to indicate how important these factors are for participants who work virtually. The survey data revealed that interpersonal relationships with coworkers, clearly stated team goals, and autonomy are three factors that increase employee engagement and commitment in virtual environments. Study findings suggest that effective management strategies can be implemented into organizations to reduce attrition rates and retain passionate employees.