A CASE STUDY
OF AN EDUCATIONAL CHANGE EFFORT
AT A MULTI MEDIA COMPANY
A dissertation submitted by
Edwin J. Hughes
Submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree
of Doctor of Education at Dowling College, School of Education,
Department of Educational Administration, Leadership, and Technology
Dowling College
Oakdale, New York
2002
ABSTRACT
This action research case study investigated how the managerial work force
experienced an educational effort to promote transformational change at Multi-Media
Properties (MMP), a family owned, multi-media company. The application of two
change methodologies was examined: Kotter’s (1996) Eight-Step Process of Creating
Major Change and Blanchard’s (1998) The Gung Ho Plan.
Conclusions and recommendations were based on historical perspective and
responses of managers to a qualitative survey. The effort produced several significant
results. Responses indicated differences in attitudes between respondents who attended a
management retreat and those who did not attend the retreat. These differences led to
recommendations for improvements in the change process. Since the study covered only
two years, additional research should be conducted over time.