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Megan Bolton, Ph.D. is a 2024 graduate of the PHD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

Megan Bolton at her Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. Michael Valentine, Committee Member, Dr. Aqeel Tirmizi, Committee Chair, Dr. Amy Lesen, Committee Member

Dissertation Committee

  • S. Aqeel Tirmizi, PhD, Committee Chair
  • Amy E. Lesen, PhD, Committee Member
  • Michael Valentine, JD, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

leadership, action research, theory of change, reentry, returning citizens, social enterprise

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

This research aimed to study what occurs when a theory of change (ToC) is co-created in a social enterprise serving individuals facing barriers to employment. The study included the following three objectives: identifying the barriers and facilitators experienced by those implementing the ToC, gathering the perspectives of program end users on the ToC, and exploring how the ToC would facilitate impact measurement. A central feature of this AR study was the engagement of returning citizens in the discussion and development of the ToC, which added to the process and outcomes of this research in important ways. The lived experience of the participants was vitally important to the generation of knowledge and the validity of that knowledge during this AR-anchored ToC development process. The main findings of this research demonstrate the value of providing opportunities for returning citizens to have a safe and welcoming environment for re-entry. They also emphasize the opportunity for returning citizens to be involved in the ToC development alongside staff. The value of being able to reflect together and hear each other’s perspectives added greatly to the conversation and generation of knowledge for both groups involved as participants. Finally, the findings suggest that the inclusion of key constituents in the ToC development process improves its quality, relevance, and role. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu/) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Megan Bolton

ORCID: #0009-0006-4530-6259

Megan Bolton, Ph.D., is a passionate nonprofit leader, driving positive change for empowerment and social impact. Throughout her career, she has served in program and operations management in nonprofits and city government. Dr. Bolton holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology of Communications from Spring Arbor University, a master's degree in Theological Studies from Anderson University, and a master's degree in Public Affairs focused on Nonprofit Management from Indiana University, Indianapolis. She is a member of the Action Research Network of the Americas. Her research interests include organizational change through community engagement, action research, social enterprise, third spaces, and Theory of Change frameworks.

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