The role of sociocultural and socioeconomic factors in faculty integration and membership negotiation at the Acacia Waldorf School

Date of Publication

3-24-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Organizational Communication

Subject Categories

Organizational Communication

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Communication

Thesis Advisor

Ruepert Jiel D. Cao

Defense Panel Chair

Jan Michael Alexandre C. Bernadas

Defense Panel Member

Jan Michael Alexandre C. Bernadas
Katrina Paola B. Alvarez
Jeremy Tan Tintiangko

Abstract (English)

This study explores the role of sociocultural and socioeconomic factors in the Membership Negotiation process among faculty members at the Acacia Waldorf School, a non-traditional educational institution. Guided by the Communication Constitutes Organization theory, specifically McPhee and Zaug’s Four Flows Model (2000), the research addresses two research questions: (RQ1) Why (or why not) do faculty members of AWS think that socioeconomic and sociocultural backgrounds matter in relation to the Membership Negotiation process? (RQ2) How do faculty members of AWS negotiate their membership with respect to their socioeconomic and sociocultural backgrounds? Using a qualitative approach, this study draws on insights gained from semi-structured interviews with faculty members from AWS to identify key issues and possible strategies used in socialization, integration, and retention. Findings suggest that language barriers, cultural expectations, and economic backgrounds significantly shape how faculty members navigate their roles and relationships within the school. Additionally, the research highlights that Membership Negotiation is a continuous, adaptive process rather than a one-time event experienced at the beginning of a teacher’s tenure with AWS. By extending the Membership Negotiation portion of the four flows model to include the influence of socioeconomic and sociocultural factors, this study offers insights into fostering inclusive faculty experiences in non-traditional educational settings. Through this, conceptual contributions are made by expanding the Four Flows Model to acknowledge how external societal influences permeate organizational life. Membership Negotiation is reframed as a dynamic process shaped not only by internal interactions but also by the broader social and economic context in which faculty members operate.

Keywords: membership negotiation, four flows of organizational communication, integration, educational organizations, sociocultural and socioeconomic factors

Abstract Format

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Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Faculty integration--Philippines; Communication in organizations; Acacia Waldorf School

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Embargo Period

4-15-2025

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