Date

8-2026

ESRP 9000 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

A Strategic Plan for Addressing Accountability Gaps Through High-Involvement Work Systems and Organizational Readiness Assessment. Lakesha Jackson-Reynolds, 2026: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: charter schools, high-involvement work systems, high-performance work systems, organizational accountability, organizational readiness to change assessment, SWOT analysis

This strategic research project is a mixed methods study that utilized quantitative tools such as internal and external factor evaluation and the quantitative strategic planning matrix to quantify data that supported subjective decision-making which was also supported by literature evidence. This project was designed to examine organizational accountability gaps at the target school and develop an evidence-based solution to improve organizational effectiveness through strategic leadership and organizational change. A strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis revealed several organizational strengths and opportunities, while also identifying weaknesses and threats affecting organizational performance, with the absence of structured and consistently implemented accountability systems emerging as the highest-impacting issue. The analysis indicated that inconsistent accountability practices contributed to misalignment between strategic goals and daily operations, resulting in variable implementation, reduced employee engagement, leadership fatigue, and inconsistent organizational performance. Through an extensive review of the literature, the project examined evidence-based leadership practices and organizational strategies capable of strengthening accountability while promoting sustainable organizational improvement.

A quantitative strategic plan matrix revealed the best possible solution to address the identified gap was High-Involvement/High-Performance Work Systems. The best strategy to execute the solution was an Organizational Readiness to Change Assessment, which provides leadership with the opportunity to assess organizational capacity, identify implementation barriers, and develop targeted supports before implementation begins. The resulting strategic action plan emphasizes assessing organizational readiness, identifying barriers, establishing a shared vision, building staff capacity, and evaluating implementation progress to foster a culture of shared accountability and continuous improvement.

To sustain long-term success, this project recommends implementing an ongoing evaluation process that monitors employee engagement, accountability practices, organizational culture, and implementation fidelity while continuing to invest in leadership development. Collectively, these recommendations provide the school with a practical, evidence-based framework for strengthening accountability systems, increasing employee involvement, and promoting sustainable organizational performance through collaborative leadership and continuous improvement.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and the School of Criminal Justice

Concentration

Organizational Leadership

Language

English

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