ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the conceptual framework behind the group PED—the cornerstone of the theory of change, model, and two primary interventions—Dialogues™ facilitated work sessions and the Change Agent Course. Based on Bandura's social cognitive theory, the constructs of dependence, interdependence, conflict, and collective efficacy define the PED. Dependence measures the level of “dependency” on the leader or a few core faculty members. Interdependence is the degree to which members of a department engage in cooperative activities and rely on each other to accomplish the goals of their unit. Conflict is the degree to which group members address divergence of goals, issues, or norms. Collective efficacy is defined as “a group's shared belief in their conjoint capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to produce the levels of attainments.” The primary intervention of our NSF ADVANCE IT award was the Dialogues™ process—a facilitated work session for strategic planning which aimed to lessen dependence and frustration, support productive conflict resolution, and increase the group's awareness of their interdependence in order to build collective efficacy toward achieving gender equity. The chapter adds detail about the integration of intersectionality within the overall approach and positions it within other research on group dynamics.
