Reference no: EM133642273
Homework: The Interview
Purpose of the Homework:
The purpose of this homework is to discover what a Leader of Change experiences and perceives during an actual change initiative that he/she has lead in an educational institution. Through conversation with a change leader, you will identify the key elements required of change and the experiences and perceptions of the success of such an initiative in order for you to apply your learning about change management and what is required to be successful.
Directions:
I. Identify an exemplary change agent working in education that you know or know of by reputation.
1. This person can be a current employee/employer
2. Former employee/employer
3. Current/former colleague
II. Schedule an interview with this person.
1. Be respectful of busy schedules.
2. Explain that this homework requires that the interview itself should last no less than 45 and no more than 60 minutes.
3. Schedule via video conferencing or phone but the interview must be live, not via email.
III. Create no less than 10 and no more than15 original questions to ask this interviewee regarding their direct experience and perceptions of change management in a particular situation.
1. Design your questions to identify key elements of change leadership and to elicit in-depth information based on your readings to date.
2. It is important to plan your questions in advance, however, you may wish to revise the order, or some of the questions during the actual interview based on the dialog that ensures. Offer to send the questions to the interviewee in advance so they can prepare their answers thoughtfully.
3. If the interviewee gives permission, it is useful to record the interview.
4. Keep copies of all electronic communication to submit with your final product.
IV. Conduct the Interview in a timely and professional manner
V. Reflect on both the interview experience and the information you received in order to respond thoughtfully to the guiding questions
VI. Write and Submit a synopsis of the interview including the subsections below and responding thoughtfully and with citations from your text and other readings to the guiding questions:
A. Introduction:
1. Who did you interview (use only titles with no identifying information)
2. Why did you select this interviewee? (credentials, accomplishments, reputation)
3. Describe the location and circumstances of the interview
4. How did you feel about this interview?
B. Summary:
1. What did you learn?
2. Include key quotes from the interviewee
3. Were the responses congruent with what you anticipated?
4. How did this interview influence your perceptions of change leadership?
5. Based on the interviewee's responses, what is this individual's philosophy of change management, with reference to the essential topics that serve as weekly topics for our course.
6. What did you discover that surprised you?
7. What did you discover that confirmed your understanding of change management?
8. What did you discover that changed/impacted your viewpoint of leadership during times of change?
9. Was there anything the interviewee said that concerned you? If so, please describe.
C. Comparative Analysis:
1. How did the interviewee's beliefs and comments confirm/align with materials presented in course readings?
a. Be specific and cite the comparison with information in your text or supplemental material
2. How did the interviewee's beliefs/comments differ with the materials presented in the course readings?
a. Be specific and clear with citations.
D. Conclusion:
1. Summarize what you learned from the interview
2. Summarize what you learned from the interview process.
3. Conclude your overall perception of Change Management and Leadership
E. Reference Page
F. Appendix:
1. Include the List of questions used
2. Include any correspondence between you and the Interviewee.