Robert Alan Young, EdD, GRCP, GRCA | Trevecca Nazarene University (original) (raw)

Papers by Robert Alan Young, EdD, GRCP, GRCA

International Journal of Management and Applied Research, 2024

This study aimed to understand the value perceived by the student-practitioner of the Organizatio... more This study aimed to understand the value perceived by the student-practitioner of the Organizational Intelligence (OQ) Model as an interdisciplinary, pedagogical approach to improving evidence-based management (EBMgt) practices in today's organizations. The most prevalent example of organizational hubris is the assumption that the firm knows "enough" about its stakeholders, competitors, market, and, most significantly, itself. Such a deficiency in organizational knowledge management-intentional or not-can quickly become the underlying cause of organizational failures if new learning is not leveraged into performance improvement. This narrative inquiry took the analytical form of a narrative mode of analysis, conjoining narrative thinking with contextual storytelling from the perspective of individual participants (Kim, 2016; Polkinghorne, 2010). In this case, the interpretation of participant perspectives is examined while assessing how evidence-based practices influence organizational ignorance, learning, and systematic decision-making levels. Findings from this study showed that participants (as leaders in their fields) experienced the benefit of learning to see multiple interpretations of reality and forming interdisciplinary praxis between ignorance, learning, and evidence-informed decisions that enhance organizational outcomes positively. Furthermore, benefits to collateral disciplines include implementation science and interventional research to inform and influence organizational change, policy-making, and other positive outcomes. The OQ pedagogy model advances instructional activities into learned-centered activities, placing the student-practitioner back into the reality of their workplace. It enables the active processing and application of new knowledge to support more effective, applied learning that benefits the student-practitioner and their organization. Findings advocate avoiding 'textbook syndrome' to help the student-practitioner make realistic sense of their situations inside organizations.

Studies on organizational management identified four knowledge-processing problems: equivocality,... more Studies on organizational management identified four knowledge-processing problems: equivocality, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Adding stakeholder interests to the churn often results in a decision-making dynamic that is highly contextualized with the organization-specific structure and cultural characteristics, tethering between helping and hindering the situation. Overcoming organizational ignorance through active learning and leveraging the new knowledge throughout the organizations' systems can capture and sustain a high-performing Organizational Intelligence (OQ) level - a daunting but achievable mission.

Before someone’s behavior changes, their mindset must be open to accepting new information that j... more Before someone’s behavior changes, their mindset must be open to accepting new information that justifies behaving differently. The same principle applies to organizational change. Research highlights that the most constructive conversations incorporate questions that lead to deeper understanding, with divergent thinking and broader perspectives only surfacing when skillful discussions occur. Humans have developed into communicating efficiently, but not so effectively. Effective communication requires concentrated effort. Assertive to some degree.

Our design-based case study explored the engagement between federal public sector leaders while i... more Our design-based case study explored the engagement between federal public sector leaders while implementing an evidence-based management framework to inform strategic decision-making and improve organizational outcomes. The study findings promote the notion of action researchers engaging in some degree of risk-taking with less emphasis on convenient research and more time on research that matters to managers and their practice. As a result, this study offers a practical approach to change that generates the most informed decisions when supported by the best evidence. Such a reflective experiential learning lens proved beneficial, partially filling a pronounced void in the academic-practice (A-P) research with a model approach for the dedicated public sector practitioner pursuing data-informed, evidence-based outcomes in service to the interests of the public.

American Society for Public Administration, PA Times, 2022

Examining a topic using various disciplinary lenses can promote engagement and help develop knowl... more Examining a topic using various disciplinary lenses can promote engagement and help develop knowledge, insights, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence toward efficacy while generating an overall appreciation for learning. We also know interdisciplinary-orientated instruction advances cognitive abilities with many benefits from multidisciplinary understanding, for example: recognizing and mitigating bias, applying critical thinking, developing a tolerance for ambiguity,

Journal of Applied Leadership & Management , 2023

Research questions: (1) How could strategic decision-makers in the public sector determine whethe... more Research questions: (1) How could strategic decision-makers in the public sector determine whether System 1 or System 2 thinking would be most effective? (2) How could a leader's readiness to adopt evidencebased management be assessed? (3) What organizational intervention could a public sector organization apply to integrate evidence-based management to strengthen strategic decisionmaking?

Conference Presentations by Robert Alan Young, EdD, GRCP, GRCA

Data Foundation 2022 Conference

This design-based intervention study leveraged nexus analysis and interdiscursivity, introducing ... more This design-based intervention study leveraged nexus analysis and interdiscursivity, introducing evidence-based practices while composing a three-year organizational strategy.

Association of Federal Enterprise Risk Management, 2022

Presentation Slidedeck from the Association of Federal Enterprise Risk Management 2022 Summit - A... more Presentation Slidedeck from the Association of Federal Enterprise Risk Management 2022 Summit - A change framework to transition from intuition to seeking rational evidence that promotes better risk management

Teaching Documents by Robert Alan Young, EdD, GRCP, GRCA

A logic model is a framework used for evaluation and decision-making depicting the logical connec... more A logic model is a framework used for evaluation and decision-making depicting the logical connections between resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes, allowing assumptions (think biases and inferences) to surface to assess the actual impacts on the organization's outcomes. A logic model can be designed as a workflow for conducting an inquiry into organizational change efforts, measuring the effectiveness of team interactions, or an enterprise learning activity, for example. Organizational interventions to effect change are messy and disconcerting, yet success can be achieved when orchestrated with clear objectives, boundaries, and systematically applied processes to include logic models.

A sample presentation of visualizing operational data. This is a sample derivative from an actual... more A sample presentation of visualizing operational data. This is a sample derivative from an actual work product.

Research suggests engagement and productivity can be affected by the social cohesion of the team,... more Research suggests engagement and productivity can be affected by the social cohesion of the team, feeling supported by the supervisor, information sharing, communication, and trust. In the end, employees want to feel valued and respected, knowing their ideas are being heard and that their work is meaningful. These activities can close gaps.

American Society for Public Administration, 2023

The evidence justifies focusing as much on the decision process as on the outcome. As Kahneman su... more The evidence justifies focusing as much on the decision process as on the outcome. As Kahneman suggests, one of the tasks of System 2 is to overcome the impulses of System 1 and use deliberation instead of intuition when a scenario calls for more informed decision-making. When you use evidence cultivated from a decision audit to improve the process, the decision-making is better, and there is an improvement in the quality of the services we deliver to the American public.

Talks by Robert Alan Young, EdD, GRCP, GRCA