Insights from Leadership Interviews on Motivation & Behavior

Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall

Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall Introduction This paper presents an insightful analysis of interviews conducted as part of a project focusing on organizational behavior, focusing on the perspectives and experiences of Onjila Odeneal and Lisa Thomas, both leaders in their respective fields. To begin, Shane McClellan, serving as the interviewer, facilitates a deep exploration into Odeneal's views on leadership, motivation, and workplace dynamics. This analysis aims to connect Thomas’ and Odeneal's practical experiences and views with theoretical concepts in organizational behavior, offering a nuanced understanding of these critical aspects within the modern workplace. Table of Contents Motivational Assumptions & Practices of Lisa Thomas & Onjila Odeneal: Analyze Thomas’ & Odeneal’s beliefs and strategies regarding employee motivation. Examine how these beliefs influence her management style and workplace interactions. Alignment to Motivational Theories & Best Practices: Identify which motivational theories align with respective leadership practices. Critically assess the application and effectiveness of these theories in their approach. Leadership Perspectives of Lisa Thomas & Onjila Odeneal: Categorize leadership style using organizational behavior frameworks. Discuss her sources of power and influence tactics within her organizational context. Individual Difference Considerations: Explore how individual attributes (e.g., personality, background) shape approaches to leadership and motivation.

Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall Analyze the implications of these individual differences for her management style. Reflection & Lessons Learned. Reflect on the broader lessons that can be gleaned from Odeneal’s experiences for aspiring leaders and managers. Conclusion Summarize the key insights and their relevance to organizational behavior. Appendices : Interview recording and transcripts (full available at request). Background Information Onjila Odeneal is a professional whose background encompasses diverse experiences and roles within her organization. Currently, she serves as Michigan’s Director for TICAS, or The Institute for College Access and Success, a nationwide non-profit lobby firm pushing for as the name implies, access and success in the collegiate sphere. Her tenure, position, and the number of people she oversees provide a rich context for understanding her approach to leadership and motivation. Shane McClellan, in his role as the interviewer, guides the conversation to uncover deep insights into Odeneal's professional philosophy and practices. Lisa Thomas has served as the Dean of Students at Northwestern Michigan College for over a decade. Her role encompasses a wide range of student-focused services including Student Life, Residence Life, Health Services, and Student Success programs like advising, tutoring, and coaching. Thomas’s journey in higher education leadership was preceded by a significant tenure in the field of social work, notably in child welfare, where she developed strong managerial and interpersonal skills.

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Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall The interview methodology was thoughtfully designed to align with key organizational behavior themes. Questions were developed to probe into areas such as motivational strategies, leadership styles, and the impact of these on workplace culture and dynamics. Conducted in an environment conducive to open dialogue, the interview offered a comprehensive view of both Thomas’ & Odeneal's professional ethos and approach. Motivational Assumptions & Practices of Lisa Thomas & Onjila Odeneal Odeneal's approach to employee motivation is a pivotal aspect of her leadership style. Understanding her assumptions about what drives people in a professional setting is essential to appreciate how she shapes the work environment and culture. From the interview, it appears that Odeneal values intrinsic motivation, emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment and the alignment of individual and organizational goals. This intrinsic focus suggests a nuanced understanding of motivational dynamics, where Odeneal likely subscribes to the belief that employees who find personal meaning in their work are more engaged and productive. This perspective aligns closely with self-determination theory, which posits that fulfilling innate psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) enhances motivation and well-being. Management Style Influenced by Motivational Beliefs: Odeneal's management style, as inferred from the interview, seems to prioritize creating an environment where employees feel empowered and valued. This approach is indicative of a transformational leadership style, where the leader works to motivate employees by aligning their individual interests with the

Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall organization's goals. Such a style is known for fostering higher levels of employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance. Odeneal’s approach to motivation also appears to be adaptive, recognizing the diversity in employee needs and motivations. This adaptability is crucial in contemporary organizational settings, where workforce diversity necessitates a more personalized approach to motivation and leadership. Lisa Thomas’s motivational approach is heavily influenced by her background in social work. She emphasizes empathy, understanding, and the need to listen before reacting. Her leadership in student services revolves around being adaptable and flexible, recognizing the individual needs and challenges faced by students. Thomas believes in the importance of building strong relationships with students and staff, prioritizing mental health, and creating an environment where each individual feels heard and supported. Alignment to Motivational Theories & Best Practices The motivational theories that align with Thomas's approach include the Humanistic Theory, emphasizing individual potential and the importance of psychological health, and the Transformational Leadership Theory, which involves inspiring and motivating employees to exceed their own perceived capabilities. Her approach aligns well with evidence-based management, focusing on empathy, adaptability, and continuous learning. Onjila Odeneal's motivational practices can be examined through the lens of various motivational theories prevalent in organizational behavior studies. Her emphasis on intrinsic motivation and the alignment of personal and organizational goals suggests a strong correlation with Self- Determination Theory (SDT). SDT emphasizes that the fulfillment of basic psychological needs

Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall for autonomy, competence, and relatedness is key to intrinsic motivation. Odeneal’s approach, as inferred from the interview, likely involves creating conditions that support these needs, thereby fostering a more intrinsically motivated workforce. Additionally, Lisa Thomas’ leadership style appears to resonate with aspects of Goal-Setting Theory. This theory posits that specific, challenging goals, along with appropriate feedback, enhance motivation and performance. Thomas’ strategy of aligning individual goals with organizational objectives might be an application of this principle, setting clear expectations while allowing for personal growth and achievement. Best Practices and Effectiveness The application of these motivational theories in practice is not just a theoretical exercise but a strategic approach to enhancing organizational effectiveness. Odeneal’s apparent focus on intrinsic motivation is supported by research indicating that intrinsically motivated employees are more engaged, show greater job satisfaction, and are less likely to leave the organization. This approach is particularly effective in settings that require creativity and innovation. However, the effectiveness of these strategies can be contingent upon various factors, including organizational culture, the nature of the work, and the individual differences among employees. It is essential for leaders like Odeneal to continuously assess and adapt their motivational strategies to the evolving needs of their teams and the organization.

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Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall Reflections and Lessons Learned This analysis highlights the importance of empathy, adaptability, and a strong sense of community in leadership. Strikingly, both Odeneal’s & Thomas's approach demonstrates that effective leadership in education requires a balance between administrative duties and a deep understanding of student needs. Future leaders in similar roles can learn from shared agreement that an emphasis on individualized attention and the importance of mental health in the academic environment. Conclusion The in-depth analysis of both interviews provides rich insights into the complex interplay of leadership, motivation, and individual differences in an organizational setting. Odeneal, an African American leader with roots in inner-city Detroit, brings a unique perspective shaped by her heritage and experiences. Lisa Thomas’s leadership style and motivational practices offer valuable insights into effective management in the field of higher education. Her ability to blend empathy with administrative acumen serves as a model for current and future leaders in similar roles. This variance in backgrounds not only enriches both leadership approaches but also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusivity in organizational behavior. Her alignment with transformational leadership and intrinsic motivational strategies demonstrates the effectiveness of these approaches in contemporary organizational settings.

Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall Appendices : Appendices Transcript – Onjila Odeneal (Conducted via virtual teleconference) Transcript – Lisa Thomas (Conducted in person Multi page .docx transcript/.mp3 interview audio for both are available.

Living Case Analysis Shane McClellan MBA630 Dr. Alix MacDougall Sources: McClellan, S., & Odeneal, O. (2023, November 21). Onjila Odeneal - TICAS. personal. McClellan, S., & Thomas, L. (2023, November 13). Lisa Thomas - NMC. personal Neck, C. P., Houghton, J. D., Murray, E. L. (2019). Organizational Behavior Interactive Edition, 2nd Edition.

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