Stakeholder expectations: A mixed methods study of services provided by SHARE, a faith-based international organization
by Shipman, Melissa Louise, Ed.D., UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, 2009, 177 pages; 3358646

Abstract:

This study investigates the extent to which the expectations of stakeholders are met by an international, faith-based nonprofit organization. The organization selected for this mixed methods case study is SHARE Education Services, which is registered as a nonprofit organization in the United States and is headquartered in Budapest, Hungary.

Expectations for and satisfaction with the parent education, assessment, and consulting services of SHARE are examined in this study. The 162 survey participants, 12 focus group participants, and seven interview participants are all clients of SHARE and are residing in Europe or Central Asia with their families. Quantitative data were collected through a survey which addressed the participant's expectations for the services of SHARE, as well as the extent to which those expectations are satisfied by the organization. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and interviews, as well as open-ended survey questions. Background data were also collected to determine if responses varied according to gender, number of years lived overseas, proximity to SHARE's offices in Budapest or Prague, or geographic region.

The study results indicate that the clients of SHARE are satisfied with its parent education, assessment, and consulting services. Additionally, an analysis of the data yields several conclusions. First, services needed by client families vary by the length of time they have lived overseas. Results suggest that parent education is needed more by families new to living overseas, while assessment and consulting services are needed more by experienced families. Second, participants indicated that they want more applicable workshops at SHARE's conferences led by individuals with some understanding of cross-cultural living. Third, the qualitative data in particular highlighted a desire by client families to be connected with one another at SHARE events or via the internet. Finally, the current assessment practices of SHARE are in contrast with current best practice in the field, and suggestions for more alignment between the two are presented.

 
AdvisersGerald W. Fry; Deanne L. Magnusson
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
SourceDAI/A 70-06, p. , Jul 2009
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsEducational administration
Publication Number3358646
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