Developing theory in organisational research and practice in educational settings

A Research Seminar at the University of Bath

Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th June 2007

The aim of the seminar is to analyse theoretical problematics in organisational research and practice in educational settings with a view to developing new insights.

The focus of the seminar will be problematic issues in the theorising of organisational practice in educational settings. The seminar will not address policy matters directly or consider the outcomes of empirical studies unless the exploration of such issues highlights important theoretical matters for researching into educational organisations. So, for example, topics which might feature are:

1. The development of an affective paradigm for educational leadership and management practice and research which accepts as axiomatic that the experience of feelings and practice are deeply and inextricably inter-connected
2. The implications of a process ontology for organisational research and practice in educational settings
3. The inseparability of the actor from the context and the justification of ‘the leader and context’ as an appropriate unit of analysis
4. The difference and interconnection between theories for educational organising and theories of educational organising
5. Organisational culture in educational settings.

I know that colleagues with an interest in the theme of the seminar will be concerned with similar problematics and other ‘wicked issues’. I hope that they will be able to attend the seminar and present those metters for discussion.

The seminar process will be highly participatory and interactive. Ideally, there will be between 12 and 15 participants, each of whom will present a paper which raises matters for discussion and development. Papers will be circulated beforehand.

The outcomes will be an enhanced understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of organisational research and practice in educational settings and the discussion papers will be further developed and be published individually or in a special edition of a journal and/or an edited book. The seminar could be the basis on which to apply for ESRC funding for a seminar series, or the group could decide to continue to meet to discuss particular topics.

The arrangements. The seminar would start before lunch on the 13th June and end after lunch on the 14th June. It would be held in the Department of Education at the University of Bath. Overnight en-suite accommodation would be available at Polden Court on the University Campus which participants would pay for (£44.65). Breakfast is available on campus and participants would be required to pay their own travel expenses. Dinner on the evening of the 13th and lunches, tea and coffee will be provided. Additional funding to support participants’ travel and accommodation costs is being sought.

The timescale for preparation for the seminar is as follows:

Indication of interest in participating 2nd February 2007
Submission of abstract/paper outline 28th February 2007
Confirmation of invitation to attend 19th March 2007
Submission of discussion papers 12th May 2007

If you are interested in taking part, please email me on C.James@bath.ac.uk by 2nd February 2007..

Chris James
Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership and Management
Department of Education
University of Bath
Claverton Down
Bath
BA2 7AY

C.James@bath.ac.uk
012 2538 3280

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