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Dr. Gail Cheney is a 2014 graduate of the PhD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.
This dissertation is accompanied by a MP4 video file, Leaving Values Outside [streaming in box above and available for download below]. The video outlines motivation for author’s selection of the topic
Keywords
Ethnographic Futures; Research Methods; Alaska Native Corporation; Native Values; Native Americans; Tlingit; Haida; Integration of values; ANCSA; Organizational Psychology; Indigenous Values; Corporate Values; Corporations; leadership
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2014
Abstract
This dissertation frames the first step on a journey toward understanding the current and future place that Native values have in an Alaska Native Corporation, a context of value conflict, resolution, adaptation, and change.My dissertation strives to answer the question, "What is the future of Native Values at Sealaska?" To carry out this study, I utilized the Ethnographic Futures Research Method (EFR) developed by Dr. Robert Textor.EFR, as a method, asks individuals to envision a pessimistic, optimistic, and probable future along with strategies to move the probable future more toward the optimistic vision.EFR is an innovative and unique way to study Native values at a corporate organizational level.I expected the process to result in a collective vision of what Sealaska could be like in 15 years if Native values are integrated as envisioned based on individual interviews and collective discussion of aggregated interview scenario compilation.However, instead it provides the foundation of that strategic foundation for the future of Sealaska.This research revealed a set of tangible, culturally relevant options that can now be discussed and developed into a focus for the future of Sealaska as well as a proposed process to reach that agreement.The dissertation strives to provide meaningful long-range strategic objectives to weave into the evolutionary strategic plan.This dissertation is accompanied by a MP4 video file that is referred to within the text.The video outlines motivation for author’s selection of the topic.The electronic version of this dissertation is at Ohiolink ETD Center, http://www.ohiolink.edu/etd
Recommended Citation
Cheney, G. (2014). Understanding the Future of Native Values at an Alaska Native Corporation. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/81
Leaving Values Outside Video
Included in
Indigenous Studies Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons
Comments
Gail Cheney, Ph.D.
Dr. Gail Cheney is a member of both the Tlingit and the Haida Nations.Her Tlingit name is Aan Shaa Wat Gee, she is Raven, Kaach.adi, her crest is the Fresh Water Marked Sockeye.Gail’s Haida name is Yahl kii wahl daang and is Eagle, Tiits Gitee Nei, and the Hummingbird is her crest.She was born and raised in Kake, Alaska.
She holds a PhD in Leadership and Change and a Master of Arts in Business Management from Antioch University.Gail received her Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies and Planning/Environmental Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1994.She was the first Tlingit Woman to graduate from MIT.
Dr. Cheney has 18 years of progressive professional experience ranging in multiple industries including academia, non-profit, environmental, Alaska Native for-profit regional, village, subsidiary businesses, and social enterprise corporations, along with other consulting experience.Currently, Dr. Cheney is the Director of Human Resources and a member of the Executive Team at Sealaska Corporation and has held this position since 2010.
She is the author of the chapter, "Translanting and living Native values in current business, global, and business contexts" [Chapter 10] in Living Indigenous Leadership: Native Narratives on Building Strong Communities
Kenny, C., & Fraser, T. N. (2012).Living indigenous leadership: Native narratives on building strong communities. Vancouver: UBC Press.