Strengthening Systemic Change Initiatives through Scaffolding Processes: Insights for Change Leadership Teams

Experience and research have shown that systemic organizational change is challenging to implement and sustain. In addition to the specific interventions and strategies used to advance organizational change goals, various processes take place behind the scenes. These processes pertain more to how systemic change occurs, rather than what strategies to use. They function to connect and strengthen strategies and interventions across multi-level change initiatives, build links among stakeholders and allies, and institutionalize change goals. Recognizing that they are the mesh that holds together and reinforces the strength of change interventions, we call them "scaffolding processes."

This talk addresses several questions: What are key scaffolding processes important in complex organizational change projects in higher education? Such projects may include efforts to foster more effective teaching and learning, create learning environments that more fully support the success of all students, or prepare learners more effectively for meaningful lives and purposeful employment. How do these scaffolding processes aid the change process? How can leaders use these scaffolding processes to connect individual interventions and amplify the coherence and impact of systemic change initiatives? We explain the importance of a set of scaffolding processes related to identifying and collaborating with allies, using data effectively, and communicating with varied stakeholders, highlighting these scaffolding processes as powerful tools for change leaders.

The talk builds on theory and research on systemic organizational change. It is informed by a multi-year study, funded by the National Science Foundation, that has gathered data about institutional change initiatives from more than 120 individuals representing some 60 institutions, through interviews, focus groups with change leaders, and institutional documents, and has used qualitative data analysis. This research-based talk highlights new insights about advancing systemic institutional change and the ways in which change leaders can use scaffolding processes alongside their explicit strategies and interventions.