HBCUs : the blueprint for success in higher education : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Communication at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

There has been an increase over the years in turnover when it comes to Presidents and Chancellors at Universities in the United States. HBCUs in the U.S. are experiencing many issues dealing with state mandates, unfair and declining funding from both the state and federal level, shifts in pedagogical environment, increased accountability and assessment measures, small endowment support, and increased competition (Duderstadt & Womack, 2003; Gasman, 2013; Hirsch & Weber, 2002; Keller, 1983). To remain operational, a focus on effective leadership needs to happen, specifically in the way these leaders communicate across different organizational structures. This thesis used a quantitative approach to understand how the historic missions, structure, and leadership proficiencies of HBCUs shaped member engagement and communication within the institution. This research examined the effects structurational divergence, immediate behaviors, and organizational identity have on the overall organizational culture and perceived immediacy with supervisors (executive leadership) at HBCUs.