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OCL Student Dissertations

Exploring New Frontiers in Organizational Change Leadership

Graduation

Student dissertations in the Ph.D. in Organizational Change Leadership program at Western Michigan University exemplify the program’s commitment to advancing knowledge and improving organizations and society. Each dissertation reflects the unique perspectives, rigorous research, and innovative thinking of our scholar-practitioners, addressing critical topics that shape the future of leadership, organizational transformation, and societal impact.

From uncovering the dynamics of discretionary effort to exploring the intersection of AI and workplace well-being, these dissertations demonstrate the power of original research to inform practice and drive meaningful change. Here are some examples of the groundbreaking work conducted by our students:

  • Building a Theory of Discretionary Effort: A Grounded Theory Study by Shawn Andrews
  • From Pages to Pixels: Library Workers’ Perceptions of Power in the Digital Era by Sean F. Gaffney
  • Investigating the Impacts of AI Integration on Workplace Well-being: An Exploratory Case Study by Anezka Viskova-Robertson
  • The Unconscious at Work: A Psychosocial Study of Leaders’ Unconscious Processes Impacting Participatory Change Leadership by Vanessa Hills
  • Mothering, Career & Leadership: A Narrative Analysis by Joanne S. Roehm
  • Leadership Ways of the Three Fires Anishinaabek by Grace Mae Boda

These dissertations not only contribute to academic discourse but also provide actionable insights for leaders, practitioners, and organizations navigating today’s complex and evolving landscapes.