Leveraging Cross-Functional Professional Development Opportunities for Higher Education Organizational Change: Knowledge Transfer Through Actor-Networks

• In Event: Professional Development in Higher Education Administration and Leadership

Abstract

This multiple case study explores how professional learning communities (PLCs) leveraged their networks to develop cross-functional professional learning opportunities aimed at improving campus cultures to support the success of historically and currently marginalized students attending their institutions. Guided by actor-network theory, diversity of ties, and knowledge transfer, we analyzed the process of how the educators within the PLC were able to get a large cross-campus group of faculty, staff and administrative leadership to participate in activities designed to create knowledge transfer related to shifting policies, practices and structures that support at-promise students. Understanding the process of knowledge transfer across the siloed units, departments and programs within an institution has implications for actualizing the potential of organizational change in postsecondary contexts.

Authors

• Mariama Nagbe, University of Southern California

• Zoë Corwin, University of Southern California

• Ronald Hallett, University of Southern California

• Adrianna Kezar, University of Southern California

• Liane I. Hypolite, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona