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Argabright Dissertation_04_19_2018.pdf (6.52 MB)

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Social Support in Ohio State University Extension: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Examining Central Actor Characteristics and Influence in a Distributed Educational Outreach Organization

Argabright, Karen Jane
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1524130604744304

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Agricultural and Extension Education.
The purpose of this study was to explore the informal network of social support within the Ohio State University Extension system, specifically exploring the perceived behaviors, characteristics, and influence of central actors as sources of social support. A mixed-methods approach was employed in two phases: (1) using network analysis to identify the central actors from a census of OSU Extension personnel; and (2) a follow-up survey of identified central actors and their specific relational ties. Findings from this study showed a sparse network with informal social support actor-tie connections generally existing in close physical proximity supporting the preference of in-person interactions. Central actors were described as being older, more experienced, and possessing attributes and characteristics of: accessibility, positivity, listening, open-mindedness, encouragement and coaching, being a role model, an altruistic service orientation, building relationships, being a connector, relevant experience and knowledge, and inclined to provide instrumental assistance. An interesting finding included an element of motivation among central actors reflecting that of self-actualization and spirituality. Central actors were perceived to hold influence on behaviors of ties. Actions reported as contributing to the central actors’ influence included: providing aid to navigate organizational practices, empowerment through positivity, encouraging a work-life balance, and enhancing competencies of ties. Interestingly, central actors are passive leaders, as they saw evidence of changes in tie behaviors yet did not perceive themselves as influential. Implications of this study are to encourage others to think about organizational change differently and be encouraged to engage in social support behaviors, and for leaders to create an environment where supportive behaviors are encouraged, developed, and rewarded for the sake of building capacity for change.
Graham Cochran (Advisor)
Jeff King (Advisor)
Mary Rodriguez (Committee Member)
270 p.
Educational Leadership; Organizational Behavior
organizational change; social support; change management; social network analysis; mixed-methods; opinion leaders; central actors; Ohio State Extension

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Argabright, K. J. (2018). Social Support in Ohio State University Extension: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Examining Central Actor Characteristics and Influence in a Distributed Educational Outreach Organization [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1524130604744304

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Argabright, Karen. Social Support in Ohio State University Extension: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Examining Central Actor Characteristics and Influence in a Distributed Educational Outreach Organization. 2018. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1524130604744304.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Argabright, Karen. "Social Support in Ohio State University Extension: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Examining Central Actor Characteristics and Influence in a Distributed Educational Outreach Organization." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1524130604744304

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1524130604744304
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.