Appreciative Inquiry on Leadership Commitment of Deans in a State College Towards Attainment of TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Advocacy

Abstract

This study explores the leadership commitment of Deans in advancing the TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) advocacy initiated by the new administration of a state college in Mandaon, Masbate, Philippines. Specifically, it aims to: (1) examine the Deans’ understanding of the advocacy; (2) identify best practices in the areas of administration, human resource relations, academics, and financial resource management; (3) articulate the Deans’ vision for their academic units and the state college in alignment with the advocacy; and (4) document concrete plans and steps taken to support its realization. The research adopts an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) approach, focusing on the four core phases: definition, discovery, dream, and design. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with three Deans. Findings reveal that: (1) the Deans generally perceive the advocacy as emphasizing stronger organizational collaboration and development through collective effort; (2) their best practices include: (a) Administration: clear communication, shared accomplishments, and collaborative leadership; (b) Human Resource Relations: inclusive decision-making and viewing conflict resolution as a professional growth opportunity; (c) Academics: active engagement in accreditation, curriculum evaluation, and inter-departmental collaboration; and (d) Financial Resource Management: promoting fairness and transparent fiscal delegation; (3) their shared vision involves strengthened research and extension services, and increased employability of professional alumni; and (4) their provocative propositions to embody the advocacy include: (a) “Championing Achievement and Support,” (b) “Timely Input for a Solid Output,” and (c) “Start as Humble, Finish as Proud.” These insights underscore the importance of aligning leadership practices with broader educational goals and reflect the concept of co-agency, where both learners and leaders are empowered, engaged, and interconnected.