Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: In this paper I set out to complicate the notion of success. In order to do so, I draw from the data collected during a yearlong ethnographic study of the KIPP Academy (Knowledge is Power Program: KIPP) in Houston, TX. I argue that success is not simply a static entity that schools and students do or do not have, but rather, a dynamic social construct that becomes visible in different social locations. Through my research I have located to categories of success. One category consists of definitions of success that are external to the school (i.e., held by agencies external to the school such as the state government) that I term, "frontstage success." The second consists of definitions that are internal to the school that I term "backstage success." Whereas frontstage definitions of success are indicated through "objective" measures such as testing that hold schools accountable to the public, backstage definitions are represented by situated, local understandings used by students (and their teachers) to render conduct accountable, achieve a sense of agency, and create a culture of success. In the past, analytic priority has been given to frontstage definitions of success, while backstage definitions have been overlooked. However, I demonstrate in this paper that it is crucial to understand backstage definitions of success to help students become active participants in their education.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: This study aims to contribute to the growing body of quantitative evaluative evidence of learning communities. To assess the impact of learning communities in an introductory Political Science course, I utilize data derived from an eight-year longitudinal analysis (1996-2003) of San Diego State University’s Thomas B. Day Freshman Success Programs. Student achievement is measured using midterms, finals and course grades. Results show significant differences between those students involved in the Thomas B. Day Freshman Success Programs and the control group, suggesting that the members of the learning community benefit academically from the format and connectedness of the program.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: We hypothesize that party leaders reward loyal party members with greater legislative success. Using data from eight Congresses, we examine loyalty as demonstrated through floor voting and financial contributions to the party's reelection efforts.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Ever since Weber's discussion of charismatic authority, scholars have recognized the difficulty organisations face when they seek to routinize their founders' charisma. Accordingly, scholars have long sought to understand how founders shape their ventures and how their departure affects organisations' fates. Previous research on managerial succession in general and founder succession in particular is inconclusive about whether succession harms or helps organisations. In light of the conflicting findings of previous studies, we adopt a contingent approach to this issue. We focus on three factors -- the ideological zeal of an organisation?s founder, the managerial roles played by founders, and organisational affiliations -- that we expect to moderate the relationship between founder succession and organisational performance. Using data from 81 secondary and several primary sources, we analyze failure rates of magazines founded in America from the industry?s inception in 1741 to its maturity at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. Our analysis shows that founders' ideological zeal affects not only the initial stages of organisational life, but also subsequent organisational behaviour and performance. Additionally, the impact of founders' personal orientations on subsequent organisational performance are intertwined with, rather than independent of, managerial role structures and organisational resources (i.e., affiliations with other, supporting, organizations).

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Interviews were conducted with 97 high-level PR executives to assess factors relating to professional success and leadership. Results suggest that the definitions of professional success, the metrics for gauging success, and the factors contributing to success are diverse and multidimensional.
Qualitative analysis of the interviews suggested 10 themes or patterns in success, including the power of performance, diversity of experiences, networks of relationships, complex communication skill sets, and passion and a proactive nature in work. Some modest gender differences also were noted.
The study contributes to our understanding of success factors in the field and captures perceptions about success among top public relations leaders, a group little represented in the literature on this topic.