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A grid and group description of higher education faculty preferences toward instructional technology use
DISSERTATION

, Oklahoma State University, United States

Doctor of Education, Oklahoma State University . Awarded

Abstract

Scope and method of study. Using the lens of Mary Douglas' (1982) Grid and Group Typology, the purpose of this case study was: (1) to describe the organizational context of two specific colleges within a large, 4-year, research institution in which IT use by faculty members is evident; (2) to study what and who influences individual faculty members' preferences toward IT use; and (3) to describe the relationship of grid and group in the decision process to implement IT use in curricula. The participants in this descriptive case study included higher education faculty members within the College of Veterinary Studies (CVS) and the College of Human Ecology (CHE) at a four-year, land grant research institution in the mid-west, referred to in the study as Midwestern University. The two colleges were selected for a wide range in disciplines and for a variety of organizational context. Each had a diverse spread of IT use throughout their individual programs. Multiple methods, including interviews, observations, document analysis, and a questionnaire, were used for data collection.

Findings and conclusions. Through this study, the College of Human Ecology was best described as a Corporate (high grid/high group) culture, while the College of Veterinary Studies best fit in the Collectivist (low grid/high group) category. The findings also suggested patterns of barriers and incentives related to IT use in each college, reinforcing the reviewed literature. Also indicated was that the cultural bias of many of the faculty members in CHE is individualistic in perceptions of incentives to use IT. This individualistic cultural bias is juxtaposed against the overall cultural identity, which is Corporate, or Hierarchical. This can be one explanation for apparent discrepancies, conflict, and dissatisfaction among the cultural members of the college. In contrast, the cultural bias of the faculty and the cultural identity of the college in CVS are more in harmony. For example, incentives are also intrinsic and self-defined, but this low-grid characteristic is in sync with the Collective environment of the college. Because of this alignment, there are less discrepancies, conflict, and dissatisfaction in relation to IT use.

Citation

Stansberry, S.L.J. A grid and group description of higher education faculty preferences toward instructional technology use. Doctor of Education thesis, Oklahoma State University. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from .

This record was imported from ProQuest on October 22, 2013. [Original Record]

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