Preliminary Investigation of Think Tank Groups to Improve University Department Work Culture

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Title: Preliminary Investigation of Think Tank Groups to Improve University Department Work Culture
Language: English
Authors: Behrens, Timothy K., Holeva-Eklund, Whitney M., Clifford, Dawn, Henderson, Robert, Colleary, Caitlin
Source: Journal of Health Education Teaching. 2021 12(1):15-27.
Availability: Journal of Health Education Teaching. 9563 Wedge Way, Delmar, MD 21875. Tel: 443-880-0394; e-mail: JofHET@yahoo.com; Web site: http://jhetonline.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2021
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Departments, Universities, Organizational Culture, Work Environment, Faculty Development, College Faculty, Health Sciences, Teacher Collaboration, Discussion Groups, Brainstorming, Collegiality, Interdisciplinary Approach, Peer Relationship
ISSN: 2333-4851
Abstract: Purpose: Little is known about the use of think tanks in higher education to support faculty growth and organizational culture. The purpose of this study is to explore potential benefits of think tanks within a health sciences department at a large regional university. Methods: Seven qualitative interviews of faculty that participated in at least one think tank session during the preceding year were conducted by a trained researcher. Interview questions were designed to be succinct, conversational, and open-ended. Audio recordings of interviews were transcribed, then two researchers coded responses according to recurring themes; a third researcher resolved discrepancies. Results: Central themes to emerge from the interviews include benefits for relationships, personal/professional development, and the generation of research ideas. Participants also shared barriers to attending think tanks, such as scheduling. Conclusions: Overall, think tank sessions provide a flexible environment that can encourage collaboration, promote discussion, and encourage the advancement of teaching practices and research projects. Recommendations: Universities should consider offering think tank sessions to faculty in order to forge relationships and promote collaborative work, especially within multidisciplinary departments where faculty tend to isolate into their respective disciplines.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1322465
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Preliminary Investigation of Think Tank Groups to Improve University Department Work Culture
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Health+Education+Teaching%22"><i>Journal of Health Education Teaching</i></searchLink>. 2021 12(1):15-27.
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  Data: Journal of Health Education Teaching. 9563 Wedge Way, Delmar, MD 21875. Tel: 443-880-0394; e-mail: JofHET@yahoo.com; Web site: http://jhetonline.com
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Departments%22">Departments</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Universities%22">Universities</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Organizational+Culture%22">Organizational Culture</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Work+Environment%22">Work Environment</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Faculty+Development%22">Faculty Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Faculty%22">College Faculty</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Health+Sciences%22">Health Sciences</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Teacher+Collaboration%22">Teacher Collaboration</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Discussion+Groups%22">Discussion Groups</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Brainstorming%22">Brainstorming</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Collegiality%22">Collegiality</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Interdisciplinary+Approach%22">Interdisciplinary Approach</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Peer+Relationship%22">Peer Relationship</searchLink>
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– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Purpose: Little is known about the use of think tanks in higher education to support faculty growth and organizational culture. The purpose of this study is to explore potential benefits of think tanks within a health sciences department at a large regional university. Methods: Seven qualitative interviews of faculty that participated in at least one think tank session during the preceding year were conducted by a trained researcher. Interview questions were designed to be succinct, conversational, and open-ended. Audio recordings of interviews were transcribed, then two researchers coded responses according to recurring themes; a third researcher resolved discrepancies. Results: Central themes to emerge from the interviews include benefits for relationships, personal/professional development, and the generation of research ideas. Participants also shared barriers to attending think tanks, such as scheduling. Conclusions: Overall, think tank sessions provide a flexible environment that can encourage collaboration, promote discussion, and encourage the advancement of teaching practices and research projects. Recommendations: Universities should consider offering think tank sessions to faculty in order to forge relationships and promote collaborative work, especially within multidisciplinary departments where faculty tend to isolate into their respective disciplines.
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  Data: EJ1322465
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      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 13
        StartPage: 15
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Departments
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Universities
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Organizational Culture
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Work Environment
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Faculty Development
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      – SubjectFull: College Faculty
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      – SubjectFull: Health Sciences
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      – SubjectFull: Teacher Collaboration
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      – SubjectFull: Discussion Groups
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      – SubjectFull: Brainstorming
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      – SubjectFull: Collegiality
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      – SubjectFull: Interdisciplinary Approach
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      – SubjectFull: Peer Relationship
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      – TitleFull: Preliminary Investigation of Think Tank Groups to Improve University Department Work Culture
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