| Community colleges have experienced increased growth and a call for improved responsiveness to student and employee needs. This study determined the effects staff development programs had on a multi-site community college during the period 1990-2006, where growth increased exponentially. The research centered on Total Quality Management, which was utilized to support the college culture, strategic initiatives, and growth and performance of the institution. Senge's learning organization model framed this qualitative historical methods study. The data selection incorporated employee interviews, a focus group discussion, and the examination of historical documents using an inductive process. The analytical process encompassed coding interview data, examining focus group discussion transcripts, and reviewing presidential speeches to identify repeated themes. During the analysis, a line-by-line investigation was conducted, data were color coded and organized in a matrix. A deductive process of examining the patterns in the matrix disclosed themes which pointed to a series of constructive effects of staff development programs on employee experiences over time that contributed to community college purposes and performance. The data also point to the efficacy of utilizing business model concepts to support community college initiatives. The findings may interest college administrators concerned with obtaining means to create a positive college culture and increase enrollments by utilizing business-sector staff development approaches to advance strategic initiatives. This study contributes to positive social change by sharing one community college's history with others who may learn about their own institution's growth and performance through the lens of employee involvement in staff development programs. |
