Empirical Research
Authentic Dialogue in Organizations a Dangerous Idea: Viewing the Art of Authentic Dialogue through the Science of Evolutionary Psychology
Volume 5 Issue 1 - Feb 14, 2007 - 3:41:45 PM
By Melinda Spohn, PhD, LMHC

Dialogue is defined as a conversation between two or more persons with differing views; the primary purpose of which is for each participant to learn from the other so that she or he can change and grow (Swidler, 1998, p. 2). For true dialogue to occur it needs to take place within a safe environment of mutually accepted rights and responsibilities, and rooted in two fundamental values: respect for the human person and trust in the process of dialogue (The Art of Dialogue, ¶ 2). Uniting the art of authentic dialogue with the science of evolutionary psychology, which describes the origins of human behavior and cognition in terms of Darwinian biological and adaptive principles, considers whether true dialogue can safely occur in the presence of innate human behaviors such as: gossip, envy, and status seeking behavior.

Empirical Research
Organizational Leadership: Classic Works and Contemporary Perspectives
Volume 5 Issue 1 - Feb 14, 2007 - 3:38:00 PM
By Mark J. Safferstone, Ph.D.
Organizations—those ubiquitous entities that provide an array of products and services in response to consumer wants and needs—are faced with significant and expanding challenges and opportunities in the twenty-first century. Given the ongoing emphasis on organizational governance and accountability, the competitive nature of the global economy, the pervasive impact of technology, the transition to knowledge-based organizations, and the needs of a dynamic workforce, observers may posit that this time in our history calls for an increased emphasis on organizational leadership.

Empirical Research
Women University Presidents: Career Paths and Educational Backgrounds
Volume 5 Issue 1 - Feb 14, 2007 - 3:33:15 PM
By Susan R. Madsen
The purpose of this research project was to explore the lived experiences of women university presidents in developing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required for successful leadership in higher education. This specific report focuses on the educational backgrounds and career paths of these women. Ten women university presidents were interviewed for two to three hours each using the phenomenological research approach. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and theme generation techniques used. Although there were some similarities among the women in terms of educational backgrounds and employment positions, the data show that presidents can emerge from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Specific job titles are not as important as opportunities to learn and develop through a wide variety of positions, responsibilities, and experiences. It was discovered that no president followed a formal career path. This paper offers important implications. Understanding the experiences and perceptions of these women provides insight into the types of activities, influences, and experiences that are beneficial for women to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for effective leadership.

Empirical Research
Alumni Assessment: Providing Insight to University Leadership
Volume 5 Issue 1 - Feb 14, 2007 - 3:22:15 PM
By Janine M. Kraus, Ph.D.

Alumni assessment is a tool that should be used when evaluating academic programs. Alumni can share insight with university leadership that current students may not be able to provide. They can provide valuable information on areas such as academic courses, faculty instruction, and professional status of alumni. This study explored a doctoral program that was eliminated without an alumni assessment. The findings concluded the doctoral program had a positive effect on its alumni.

Empirical Research
Motivation of Asian Americans to Study Medicine: A Pilot Study
Volume 5 Issue 1 - Feb 14, 2007 - 2:45:23 PM
By Ralitsa B. Akins, M.D., Ph.D.
This preliminary study lays the ground work in defining the possible motivational factors for Asian Americans to study medicine in the United States. The percentage of Asian American students in U.S. medical schools has been consistently higher than the percentage of Asian Americans in the U.S. general population and in undergraduate school programs. Extensive literature review revealed that this phenomenon has not been given the attention it deserves. Through semi-structured interviews, qualitative data were obtained from 10 medical students in a medical school in Texas to guide defining the dimensions of the issue and future research. The results of this pilot study indicated that major motivating factors for Asian Americans to study medicine include family and cultural emphasis on academic success, perception of obligation to respond to family needs and expectations, and desire to establish credentials in the host society via socially respected professional careers. The approach of servant leadership was introduced partially in response to the findings of the pilot study to promote professional values and leadership skills and counterbalance the motivation for money and prestige among medical students. The study findings are important in defining future research, healthcare policy and administrative decision-making in medical schools and healthcare organizations, especially in regard to service to the community.