Holistic Healing From the Top Down: Theorizing Organizational Micro-Processes of Care

• In Event: From State Agencies to Middle Managers: Theorizing Organizational Processes

Abstract

Stress, anxiety, and apathy are plaguing K-12 schools. Repair is needed. There is a call for remedy from the effects of historic racism and frightening anti-queer attacks, as well. As large and complex organizations, school districts have the power and potential to promote sustainable healing from the top via social-emotional well-being supports and caring leadership practices. Rather than viewing the school district as an organizational form that is entrenched in stagnancy, this paper takes up the idea that districts are positive forces in the ongoing effort towards healing and repair in K-12 schools. This paper uses a conceptual lens from new institutional theory—micro-processes—to examine the everyday small building blocks that contribute to institutionalization.

Authors

• Kate Kennedy, University of Cincinnati

• Jeff Walls, University of Iowa