Leaders as Linchpins for Framing Meaning Pamela L. EddyCollege of William and MaryAERA

Role of Communication Leaders frame change on campus Interpretations of communication Community Colleges

How do leaders frame meaning on their campuses to make sense of ongoing change?

Background Sensemaking (Weick, 1995) Institutional Saga (Clark, 1972) Communication Networks (Lunenburg & Ornstein, 2007)

Methods Hermeneutic Phenomenology (Van Manen, 1990) 9 case sites/75 interviews – 2 Northeast – 1 West – 1 Southwest – 5 part of district system

Findings Role of the messenger Getting the message out – Walking the Frame – Talking the Frame – Writing the Frame – Symbolizing the Frame

Role of the Messenger Messengers to support the saga – Chains – Y-networks – Circles – Wheels – Stars

Talking the Frame Formal versus informal – Style – Context Repetition aided by messengers

Walking the Frame Leading by example Personal conversations Sense of availability

Writing the Frame Formal – Policies – Reports – Strategic plans Informal – Individual notes –

Symbolizing the Frame Logos Stories Buildings

Influence Framing affects campus response Fit of framing to leadership Clarity and shared meaning

Forms of Framing Visionary Framing Step-by-step Framing Connective Framing

Conclusion Essential role of framing Visionary=possibilities Step-by-step=creating pathway Connective=building together

Implications Leaders need to know themselves Hiring boards consider institutional saga and leader/communication fit Leadership development

Thank you