Negotiating Hierarchies: A Narrative Self-Study Within an International, Service-Learning Context

• In Event: 28.083 - The Practices, Problems, Perspectives, and Potential of Service-Learning Partnerships

Abstract

We present a narrative self-study of the experiences of leadership team members involved in an international service-learning project and identify three themes of negotiation and conflicts with authority. In this paper, we discuss one theme, that of interactional frustrations that serve as catalysts for addressing hierarchical tensions. These frustrations created cognitive dissonance and resulted in the explicit interrogation of implicit beliefs and concepts of authority, thereby allowing for personal growth and reciprocal learning. Thus, these stories become opportunities of coming to be. This study reemphasizes the need for transparency about authority, expectations, and needs, even when conflict and discomfort arise. Further, it affirms the value of international partnerships and self-study investigations.

Authors

• Julianna E. Lopez Kershen, Independent Scholar

• Kate Meredith Raymond, University of Oklahoma

• Sara A. Beach, University of Oklahoma