Carol G. Laberge completes dissertation in the School of Human and Organizational Development

The Lived Experience of a Heart Attack: Individual Accounts of Primary Coronary Intervention Survivors -- Carol G. Laberge

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to understand what sense or meaning people make of their experience of heart attack treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention at an urban hospital. The research focused on people living in rural areas, defined as communities of more than 10,000 people, and at least one hour commute by automobile to the urban center.
A blended hermeneutic-phenomenological and narrative inquiry methodology was utilized to explore the subjective embodied experience of 10 individuals. The participants were between 30-70 years old, and they all resided in rural communities in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. Three females and 7 males were interviewed, and everyone had to have been home from hospital for at least 3 months, but not more than 18.

A qualitative, interpretive analysis revealed 9 meaning structures that characterize a participant’s journey from the onset of heart attack, through the coronary medical intervention, and subsequent follow-up in their home rural communities. The 9 meaning structures include: operating in a fog, disbelief and trust, impact on health restoration, knowing versus not knowing, taking stock and realization, advocating follow-up care, transforming lifestyle patterns, appreciating luck, and living with cardiac disease in rural areas. In turn, the 9 structures were organized into 3 overarching thematic patterns: cardiac disease and rural living, the impact of lifestyle pattern change, and meaning through emotional expression. Through original poetic compositions, I sought to capture and share the emotional, expressive meaning of each study participant.

The study offers an understanding about the meaning people make of an acute illness experience, and that emotional expression plays a central part. It is noteworthy that rural-based people become very resourceful, given the lack of institutional supports in their regions. Overall, the insights and findings call for new, expanded, and fresh ways to deliver information and provide resources to support post-heart attack patients living in rural areas.

Key Words: heart attack; primary percutaneous coronary intervention; lived experience; meaning-making; poetic composition; rural community.

Clifford Guin Hurst completes dissertation in the School of Human and Organizational Development

Discerning Entrepreneurial Judgment as Reflected in Entrepreneurs’ Responses to Feedback -- Clifford Guin Hurst

Clifford is currently an Organizational Development consultant at Career Impact, www.careerimpact.net.  He recently created a new personal/professional website to reflect the research he did for his dissertation: www.cliffordhurst.com.  He has accepted a position, to begin in August, as Assistant Professor at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. He will be teaching management and entrepreneurship at the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business at Westminster.

Abstract:
An entrepreneur’s judgment is perhaps the most important asset that a start-up company has. It is scrutinized by investors; it is relied upon by team members; it is tested in the marketplace by early customers. As important as entrepreneurial judgment is, it is a difficult characteristic for others to discern and to evaluate. The purpose of this research project is to bring greater insight and clarity to the process of evaluating the judgment capacities of entrepreneurs during this critical stage of the founding of their companies. This project applies the theory of formal axiology as a lens for studying entrepreneurial judgment and decision-making by analyzing how entrepreneurs receive and respond to feedback.

Judgment is more than a purely rational process. It involves metacognition, or what Schön (1983/1991, 1987) called reflection-in-action. Rather than treating the emotional and heuristic components of decision-making as deficient variations of rationality, the concepts of metacognition, reflection-in-action, and formal axiology posit that judgment is a higher-order task than is purely rational thinking. An assessment tool known as the Hartman Value Profile (HVP) provides a way to measure the multi-faceted nature of judgment axiologically.

The current project makes use of the HVP in conjunction with qualitative interviews though a method known as axiological hermeneutics to shed new light on contemporary research into entrepreneurial cognition, with special focus on discerning the value structures that entrepreneurs must possess in order to receive and respond effectively to feedback in ambiguous situations.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, cognition, metacognitive strategies, formal axiology, judgment and decision-making, feedback, Hartman Value Profile.

Fielding faculty member Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts completes manuscript for sequel to "The Biblical World"

Fielding Graduate University’s Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts has completed the manuscript for the upcoming National Geographic publication In the Footsteps of Jesus. This 368-page hardcover book, richly illustrated with location photography, archaeological objects, art and maps, aims to reconstruct the historical, social and cultural environment in which the life of Jesus and the rise of early Christianity took place. The book is divided into three main segments:

• Part 1 offers an overview of the Roman Empire before the birth of Jesus and the socio-economic changes wrought by Herod the Great in Palestine, followed by an intimate recreation of everyday life in a small Galilean village such as Nazareth.

• Part 2 follows closely in Jesus’ footsteps by recreating the journeys of his ministry, beginning within the immediate vicinity of Capernaum, followed by travels throughout Galilee, and culminating in the journeys to Tyre, Sidon and the Decapolis before the fateful journey to Jerusalem. Here, the narrative offers a detailed, hour-by-hour reconstruction of the Passion events, based on the latest scholarly and archaeological findings.

• Part 3 traces the gradual emergence of Christian communities in the decades after the Easter events, not only among the core of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem and Judea, but also among Jewish and Gentile communities in Syria, Asia Minor and Greece, in addition to many other Christian communities seeded by the rapidly modernizing land and sea routes in the Early Roman Empire.

• Lastly, the book traces the growing popularity of pilgrimage routes to the Holy Land, which enabled thousands of pilgrims from the 4th century onwards to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
In the Footsteps of Jesus is deeply respectful of Christian traditions of all denominations, but does not hesitate to tackle some of the urgent questions raised by modern biblical scholarship and archaeological discovery. Among others, the book examines the insights offered by recent excavations at Sepphoris and Jerusalem, which shed new light on Jesus’ adolescence and the Passion. It also offers a fresh interpretation of Jesus’ Kingdom of God philosophy, while vividly illustrating the social and economic impact of Herod’s rapacious tax regimes as very few books have done before. Lastly, the book proposes a comprehensive chronological timeline of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and beyond, based on the sometimes conflicting details reported in the Gospels.
The manuscript has been reviewed by a panel of distinguished scholars, including Craig Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia; Donald Senior, C.P., a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission and General Editor of The Catholic Study Bible; Shaye J. D. Cohen, Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University; and Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School.

The book will also include a number of photographs shot by Dr. Isbouts in Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey.

In the Footsteps of Jesus is scheduled for release in November of 2012 as part of a nationwide promotional campaign. For more information, please contact Lisa Thomas at lithomas@ngs.org.

Alyson Mischel Ein completes dissertation in the School of Psychology

The Impact of Socio-economic Status on Men’s Attitudes about Psychological Self-help Literature -- Alyson Mischel Ein

Alyson combines her education and clinical training with her own experiences, and has developed a common sense approach for addressing life's challenges. Alyson is an adjunct professor at the USC School of Social Work and was formerly a clinical supervisor for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She has counseled hundreds of people in the areas of career, relationships, health, and finances. A graduate of Stanford University, the University of Southern California, and a licensed clinical social worker, Alyson has been studying and practicing since 1998. You can learn more about Alyson’s practice at www.alysonmischel.com.

Abstract:
Previous research has identified psychological self-help publications as potential tools to promote positive psychological change in readers generally, and in male readers specifically. However, socioeconomic status (SES) may be a barrier to some men’s willingness or ability to take advantage of these resources. The study’s central research question – Does SES add to the prediction of attitudes toward self-help books once demographic variables have been considered? – was addressed by analyzing quantitative, cross-sectional survey data gathered from over 300 adult male respondents using an online questionnaire. Statistical analyses indicated no statistically significant relationship between SES and self-help attitudes. A man’s subjective social status does not impact his attitude toward reading self-help books. However, self-help attitudes were found to be more positive among men who had helpful previous mental health treatment and among older men.

Key Words: men, self-help, SES

Fielding student Jan Shubert publishes two articles in the United States Army Medical Department Journal

Abridged versions of two papers written in 2011 for HOD 704: The Human-Animal Bond were published in the April-June issue of The United States Army Medical Department Journal (AMEDD). This was a special issue dedicated to "Canine Assisted Therapy in Military Medicine."

Shubert, J. (2012). Dogs and human health/mental health: From the pleasure of their company to the benefits of their assistance. The United States Army Medical Department Journal, April-June, 21-29.

Shubert, J. (2012). Therapy dogs and stress management assistance during disasters. The United States Army Medical Department Journal, April-June, 74-78.

http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/FileDownloadpublic.aspx?docid=73e8d2aa-1a2a-467d-b6e3-e73652da8622

Deborah Kennedy completes dissertation in the School of Human and Organizational Development

The Impact of Development on Coaches’ Use of Self as Instrument -- Deborah Kennedy

Deborah Kennedy spent over 15 years as an award-winning, high-impact senior leader in the high tech industry with a particular aptitude for business strategy, nourishing collaborative work environments, and delivering bottom-line business results. Deborah left her career in high tech and became a coach and facilitator of women’s leadership development. She earned a M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science from the Leadership Institute of Seattle and a PhD in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University. Her scholarly work has been paralleled by ongoing professional development in the field of coaching, where she has completed over 400 hours of coaching education. She is a member of the International Coach Federation and holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential. She is also a partner in Kore Evolution, a social enterprise committed to the awakening, development, and support of conscious women leaders.

Abstract:
The purpose of this exploratory research study was to investigate the ways in which development impacted coaches’ use of self as instrument. Fifteen graduates of Integral Coaching Canada’s Integral Coaching® Certification Program were interviewed to investigate (a) what they had become aware of about their way of being and the ways in which it manifested in their coaching, (b) what aspects of their unique developmental profile developed over the course of the training and certification program, and (c) how that development impacted their use of self as instrument in their work with clients during and after the program. The data were collected and analyzed using McCracken’s (1988) Long Interview. Findings suggest that graduates of the program experienced development and perceived an impact to their use of self as instrument. This impact is represented by four key themes: (a) Empowered Experience, participants experienced an expanded sense of consciousness, capacity, connection, and contribution; (b) Embodied Presence, participants conveyed a grounded and authentic presence; (c) Empathic Connection, participants shared a resonant connection at the gross (physical), subtle (energetic), and causal (spiritual) levels of consciousness with their clients; and (d) Employed Instrument, participants actively engaged their use of self to respond, adapt, and cocreate with clients.

Fielding graduate Linda Klonsky will hold a Professional Development Workshop at the Academy of Management, Aug 2012

The Epistemology of Practice: A Practice Session -- Linda Klonsky

The complexity of organizational life in the 21st century requires innovative management education incorporating pedagogy to broaden and integrate students' self-knowledge, reflection-in-action, and knowledge-of-other. Whether working in the formal or informal global economy, managers and leaders not only need to recognize the cultural diversity embedded in these systems, but deeply understand that people bring their diverse ways of knowing into daily practice. This emergent challenge calls for overturning traditional definitions of what counts as knowledge and requires teaching ideas and practices that help students explore new epistemological perspectives. Experiential learning that explores the epistemology of practice advances a “critical consciousness... through shared experience, dialogue, [and] feedback (Heron & Reason, 1997), while focusing on tacit knowledge, critical reflection, and mastery (Raelin 2007). This PDW should be of interest to management educators, leadership practitioners, and researchers intrigued with post-modern epistemological thinking. Epistemology, the study of knowledge, has traditionally been regarded as an intellectual endeavor in text-based curricula of the philosophy of research. Within the last decade, Dirkx (2008), Johnson & Duberly (2000), Raelin (2007, 2009), Yorks (2005) and others have advocated for an epistemology of practice, the study and acquisition of knowledge arising from reflection and action. This PDW demonstrates the use of an experiential learning methodology for the teaching of epistemology of practice. The aim of this educational experience in management education is to imprint the importance of 1) self-reflection on assumptions and actions, 2) co-inquiry, and 3) recognition of self/others as knowers. Moving the study of epistemology into the realm of live action enhances the practice of future managers and leaders as they engage with organizations in the informal and formal global economy.

Objectives
This PDW is designed to engage participants in a highly interactive process utilizing an experiential activity, entitled "Going to a Meeting." During the two hour session, self-selected volunteers and observers participate in and debrief the exercise, connect the activity to the epistemology of practice as well as discuss implications in the workplace. Discussion will also include curricular follow-up to this activity. Key points of the conversation will focus on inquiry into the various forms of knowing that emerge from action/practice and these epistemological impacts on the global formal and informal economy.

Betsy Piatt completes dissertation in the School of Educational Leadership and Change

An Action Oriented Research Study: Evaluating an Ergonomics Training Program -- Betsy Piatt

Betsy is a Technical Training Engineer at the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturing facility in Arizona, Intel Corp. The focus of her work is Instructional Systems Design where she is responsible for providing technical capability solutions to the Manufacturing and Engineering employees.

Abstract:
The focus of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ergonomics Training Program and to seek ways to improve the program so that office workers at the High-Tech Manufacturing Company (HTMC), a pseudonym, were and will be able to perform their jobs safely. The amount of office-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) injuries doubled from 2007 to 2009, raising concerns about the safety of employees, which prompted this action-oriented study of the Ergonomics Training Program at HTMC. Hence, the goal of the dissertation was to determine the strengths and challenges of the program and develop strategies to improve it. The Ergonomics Training Program included three features: (a) Office Safety and Ergonomics; (b) Office Assessor Training; and (c) Manager Safety Forums. Over the last few years, two components were added: (a) a mandatory Ergonomics Training Class for all HTMC employees and (b) the Keyboard and Mouse Usage Software (KMS), a pseudonym. It was assumed that these elements would influence employee behaviors resulting in a reduction of injuries. Data were collected from questionnaires with 820 training session participants and interviews with nine Safety Leadership Committee members. The quantitative injury data from 2007 through 2009 were compared against the frequency of injuries from 2010 and 2011. The conclusions of the study indicate that the office-related MSD injury trend decreased and that the components of the Ergonomics Training Program at HTMC successfully influenced positive safety behavior changes. Recommendations made by the participants will be implemented, adding to the ongoing action oriented approach to the program.

Key Words: ergonomics, training program, evaluation, semiconductor manufacturing

Fielding graduate Ellen Derwin publishes article in The Journal of Continuing Higher Education

Transitioning an Adult-Serving University to a Blended Learning Model -- Jeremy Korr, Ellen Baker Derwin, Kimberly Greene and William Sokoloff

Abstract:
While many institutions deliver some classes in blended format, Brandman University transitioned all of its face-to-face classes to blended delivery, using a model tailored to the needs of adult learners. This article provides research supporting the ways that blended learning principles align with key principles of andragogy. The article provides insight into Brandman's implementation of blended learning across the institution to enhance effective learning on an accelerated schedule, apply sound assessment in a distributed system, and successfully integrate online tools into classes for adult learners. In addition, the article describes the university's planning, training, and implementation processes for transitioning to blended format. Finally, it identifies successes, challenges, and recommendations for others interested in adoption of blended delivery for adult learners.

Korr, J., Derwin, E.B., Greene, K., Sokoloff, W. (2012). Transitioning an Adult-Serving University to a Blended Learning Model. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education, 60 (1), 2-11.

Fielding faculty member David Peterzell will present research at the Vision Sciences Society 12th Annual Meeting

Beyond Ramachandran's mirror: A simple video-based intervention for phantom limb pain in unilateral and bilateral amputees -- David Peterzell, School of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University

Abstract:
Ramachandran and others have shown, in well-known studies, that viewing a mirror reflection of one's moving intact limb reduces phantom limb pain in some single-limb amputees. Also, mirror interventions may enhance recovery from unilateral hemiparesis following stroke and other conditions. However, mirror therapy is ineffective for some single-limb amputees, and cannot treat bilateral amputations or paralysis. Additionally, many single-limb amputees with weak or damaged remaining limbs become fatigued by moving limbs during treatment. I find that a simple video may achieve effects similar to the mirror without causing fatigue, and can extend to bilaterals. First, a video was created of an intact individual's legs and feet, with the individual flexing his ankles, feet, and toes up and down. This flexing was periodic with each cycle occurring every 2 seconds. The flexing was filmed from a subjective point of view, looking down from eye level upon the legs and feet. Patients observed the repeating video loop on a 13-inch laptop computer for ten minutes. Each observer placed the computer on his or her lap and imagined that the flexing limbs were his or her own, and that he or she was causing the flexing. When individuals experienced the illusion of internal (egocentric) locus of control, they experienced strong phantom sensations (paresthesias) and a sense of movement in the missing or paralyzed legs. The intervention led to significant measurable, apparently permanent pain reduction in two bilateral amputees, and two unilateral amputees who had not benefitted from using the simple mirror. A stroke patient reported sensing movement in his paralyzed legs. Some non-amputee normals experience some of the following in their legs while observing the video: tingling, numbness, tickling, pressure, heat, cold, or involuntary movement. It seems likely that video clips mimic the effects of Ramachandran's mirror therapy, and work for the same reasons. Preliminary results, however, suggest that this video technique may extend mirror-like treatment to individuals who cannot benefit from the simple mirror.

Peterzell, D.H. (2012) Beyond Ramachandran's mirror: A simple video-based intervention for phantom limb pain in unilateral and bilateral amputees. Vision Sciences Society 12th Annual Meeting, Naples FL, May 16, 2011.

Jeff Bryson completes dissertation in the School of Psychology

Toward a Synergistic Cognitive-Behavioral Model for Concomitant Insomnia and Pain -- Jeff Bryson

Abstract:
Cognitive-behavioral models and interventions exist for insomnia and pain independently. A large number of individuals exhibit concomitant pain and insomnia and a synergistic model for understanding these conditions among those experiencing both conditions is needed. This study examined cognitive-behavioral aspects of pain and insomnia among those with concomitant insomnia and chronic pain. One-hundred eleven individuals between the ages of 21 and 65 meeting the general criteria for chronic pain and insomnia were included in this study. Participants completed a demographics form and a packet including the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep – 16-item version, Insomnia Severity Index, Sleep Hygiene Index, Sleep Associated Monitoring Index, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pain Disability Questionnaire, Modified Somatic Perceptions Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Pain catastrophizing (PC) and dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep (DBAS), as well as somatic awareness and sleep-associated monitoring were significantly correlated. Two backward stepwise regression models were utilized to determine a model for predicting insomnia severity and pain disability respectively using a combination of sleep and pain-associated measures. Both insomnia severity and pain disability were predicted by PC and DBAS. Insomnia severity was also predicted by somatic awareness and pain disability by depression and social support. A third backward stepwise regression was used to examine sleep hygiene variables that predicted insomnia severity. Napping, exercise near bedtime, engaging in cognitively arousing activities near bedtime, general stimulus control, as well as stress, emotionality, worry, thinking, and planning at bedtime were the best predictors. Maladaptive thought patterns related to pain and insomnia and associated features appear to have a synergistic effect on both insomnia and pain disability and support a combined cognitive-behavioral model.

Fielding graduate Michelle Still Mehta presents research poster at Fielding's Winter Session 2012

Work, Self, and Military Life: The Experiences of U.S. Air Force Wives -- Michelle Still Mehta, Student, School of Human & Organizational Development

This study explores the experiences of U.S. Air Force wives who wish to pursue their own employment while frequently relocating with their military husbands. Previous research has shown that military wives face significant employment obstacles, evidenced by lower earnings, and higher rates of unemployment and underemployment compared to the general U.S. female population. While other studies have documented these employment challenges, few researchers have examined the personal experiences of the women who live with them. Through the use of 21 narrative interviews, this research focuses on military wives’ thoughts and feelings about their work-related desires, and the impact this has on their sense of self.

The findings from this study are grouped into three domains: (1) thoughts and feelings about working; (2) thoughts and feelings about not working; (3) thoughts and feelings about being a military spouse. Participants were unanimous in associating positive thoughts and feelings with working and negative thoughts and feelings with not working. Furthermore, participants expressed a great deal of ambivalence about their military lifestyle of frequent relocation, and identified both positive and negative aspects of this reality.

As a result of the data produced in this study, a model of fit is proposed with respect to work, self, and military life. The examples shared by the study participants show that military wives repeatedly assess the fit between their work-related desires and their military life with each relocation or major life event. A high degree of fit facilitates a military wife’s ability to preserve her whole self, while lack of fit will result in the need to change one’s work or self to adapt, and in some cases result in feelings of despair, depression, and loss of self. At the same, time, this process of assessment and adaptation is influenced by multi-layered gendered roles inherent in marriage, motherhood, and the military.

Fielding student Casey Dawson presents research at the 2012 American Psychology-Law Society Annual Convention

Gender Differences in Sexual Aggression Perpetration and Victimization in Young Adults -- Casey Dawson, Fielding Graduate University; Lisa Beck, University of Alabama; Kristine Marie Jacquin, Fielding Graduate University

Abstract:
Gender differences were examined in young adults who reported being victims and/or perpetrators of sexual aggression. University students (N = 791) completed an anonymous online survey of their experiences as victims and/or as perpetrators of sexually aggressive behaviors ranging from unwanted sexual contact to rape. Females were significantly more likely to report being a victim of all types of sexual aggression. However, although males were significantly more likely to report perpetrating sexual aggression by coercion, there were no gender differences in reported perpetration through attempted coercion, attempted rape, and rape.

Dawson, C.J., Beck, L., Jacquin, K (2012). Gender Differences in Sexual Aggression Perpetration and Victimization in Young Adults. Presented at American Psychology-Law Society Conference 2012


Parent Behaviors and Exposure to Violence as Predictors of Sexual Aggression Perpetration in Young Adults -- Casey Dawson, Fielding Graduate University; Lisa Beck, University of Alabama; Kristine Marie Jacquin, Fielding Graduate University

Abstract:
We examined the potential mediating and moderating effects of parenting factors (attachment, bonding, authority, and conflict tactics) on the relationship between childhood exposure to violence and sexual aggression perpetration in young adults. Participants (N = 787) were college students who completed an anonymous online survey about parenting factors, childhood exposure to violence, and sexually aggressive behaviors. The results suggest that if a girl is exposed to violence during childhood and also experiences physical assaults from her mother, authoritarian parenting style, or sexual aggression victimization during adolescence, she is at significantly greater risk of becoming a perpetrator of sexual aggression

Dawson, C.J., Beck, L., Jacquin, K (2012). Parent Behaviors and Exposure to Violence as Predictors of Sexual Aggression Perpetration in Young Adults. Presented at American Psychology-Law Society Conference 2012

Barrett Chapman Brown completes dissertation in the School of Human & Organizational Development

Conscious Leadership for Sustainability: How Leaders with a Late-stage Action Logic Design and Engage in Sustainability Initiatives -- Barrett Chapman Brown

Barrett specializes in leader development and organizational transformation. For 20 years he has supported individuals and organizations to navigate complex challenges and unlock deep capacities. Barrett is often asked to speak, and has presented widely, including to CEOs and government ministers. He brings a unique multi-sectoral and international perspective. He has been on the leadership team or advisory board of a dozen companies, NGOs, and foundations. In these roles, he has worked with a variety of sectors, including international trade and development, consumer goods, renewable energy, government, manufacturing, banking, internet media, and humanitarian aid. He has lived in the USA, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Ecuador, worked in 12 countries, and traveled in over 30.

Barrett works on two interlinked fronts: leader development and complex change. His innovative leadership research has been widely acclaimed. It offers deep insights into the future of leadership, demonstrating how leaders with highly complex worldviews engage in sophisticated change initiatives. Barrett has designed and facilitated dozens of leader development programs for executives and managers from multinationals, high-growth companies, and international institutions. These range from master classes and innovation labs to corporate universities and multi-year executive education programs. Barrett has trained 500+ leaders from over 30 countries and has logged over 1400 hours mentoring leaders into higher performance. Executives from Nike, Unilever, Nestlé, Mars, Cargill, ADM, Banco Itaú, Natura, and Sara Lee, as well as leaders from government and civil society organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank, Dutch Government, US EPA, World Wildlife Fund, Oxfam, and the Asian Social Institute have gone through his programs. He co-designed an executive education program at Nyenrode Business Universiteit in The Netherlands, and has served as adjunct faculty or lecturer at seven other universities in the USA and Europe.
Barrett also works on complex change issues related to organizational and systems transformation. He has co-architected and co-led visioning, strategic alignment, and change processes for mid-market companies in the US and large-scale public-private partnerships in Europe. He co-led development and implementation of the learning strategy for a €30M investment in eight global agro-commodity supply chains. He also co-designed a €14M cocoa sector development program that is rolling out in five countries in West Africa and Asia. In the intergovernmental arena, Barrett holds UN consultancy status, representing Kosmos Journal. He has also delivered leadership briefings at UNDP headquarters, the US Department of State, and the Inter-American Development Bank.

As a researcher and writer, Barrett has authored or edited 40+ articles, case studies, book chapters, and videos on leadership, sustainability, organizational development, and market transformation. Some of his writings are used in universities in North America and Europe as well as in the United Nations system, and have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Farsi. Barrett speaks and lectures on leadership and sustainability issues in both Spanish and Portuguese. His undergraduate studies are in Mechanical Engineering and English Literature through the University of California at Santa Cruz. His Ph.D. and Master’s degrees are in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University.
Barrett lives in the San Francisco area with his wife and young daughter. He is an avid hiker, plays the Native American flute, and enjoys quiet time in Nature. Originally from the green mountains of Vermont, he holds a deep commitment to helping organizations and communities respond to complex social and environmental challenges and leave the world a better place.


Abstract:
This is an empirical study of rare leaders from business, government, and civil society with a developmentally mature meaning-making system, or late-stage action logic (Cook-Greuter, 1999; Loevinger, 1966, 1976; Torbert, 1987). It explores how they design and engage in complex change initiatives related to social and/or environmental sustainability. Participants were assessed for their action logic using a variation of the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (Loevinger & Wessler, 1970). This study has significant implications for the fields of leadership, sustainability leadership, and constructive-developmentalism. The sample has more leaders with documented, advanced meaning-making capacity than any other leadership study (6 Strategists, 5 Alchemists, and 2 Ironists). The results provide the most granular view to date of how such individuals may think and behave with respect to complex organizational and system change. The leaders in this study appear to: (a) design from a deep inner foundation, including grounding their work in transpersonal meaning; (b) access non-rational ways of knowing and use systems, complexity, and integral theories; and (c) adaptively manage through “dialogue” with the system, 3 distinct roles, and developmental practices. Additional results include 15 leadership competencies; developmental stage distinctions for 6 dimensions of leadership reflection and action; and 12 practices that differentiate leaders with a unitive perspective (Alchemists, Ironists) from those with a general systems perspective (Strategists). A constructive-developmental lens is shown to provide important insight for sustainability leadership theory. It is recommended that all leadership programs work to develop the meaning-making capacity of leaders because of the enhanced abilities that emerge with each new stage of development.

Key Words: leader, change agent, sustainability, sustainable development, constructive-developmental theory, action logic, adult development, leader development, conscious leadership, conscious business