Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

5-2025

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Ed. D.

Department

Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development

Degree Program

Educational Leadership and Organizational Development, EDD

Committee Chair

Umpstead Pratel, Regina

Committee Member

Ammerman, Kara

Committee Member

Stenton, Shawna

Committee Member

Stephens, Adam

Committee Member

Stark, Geneva

Author's Keywords

Decision-making; consensus; sense of belonging; individualism; collectivism; school leadership

Abstract

This study reflects an examination of the forces and factors that impact effective decision-making on a Site-Based Decision Making council (SBDM) in Kentucky. It explores the relationship between consensus decision-making, the leader of a school, and the stakeholders who sit on an SBDM council as it relates to members’ feelings of inclusion, value, and belonging. A qualitative case study was designed to capture observational data gathered during SBDM meetings, as well as data gathered during member interviews. This data was analyzed through a relativist theoretical lens, which revealed that when open, trusting relationships are established among council members, decision-making flourishes. The findings and conclusions of this research have the potential to impact future SBDM councils in the future as they seek to embed inclusive decision-making practices that acknowledge cultural dynamics and cognitive inputs in a multicultural society.

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