Running head: ANALYTICAL INQUIRY REFLECTION SHEET 1

Analytical Inquiry Reflection Sheet

Laura Reiter

Loyola University Chicago

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Org & Gov. Artifact: Analytical Inquiry Competence

Org & Gov. Reflection Sheet

After interviewing Karen Coleman, a higher education professional, I was able to create a

case study about a housing debacle at the University of Chicago and analyze how decisions were

made before, during, and after the incident using the theories and concepts I learned in

Organization and Government. For example, the concept of mimetic forces is an important one

that impacts almost every university. Universities seek to be part of a peer group, which

involves peer pressure to conform to some of the precedents set by other universities. This

concept can explain why there were major changes made to the housing structure at the

University of Chicago. They wanted to house more students on campus, similar to their peers at

Harvard and Yale.

The disaster at Peirce Tower, which involved exploding toilets, was highly embarrassing

to the university. In analyzing this disaster I made a logical case for how I would have acted had

I been in Karens shoes. The available literature shed some light on why there was so much

resistance from students to changing the dormitory structure, even when the changes were

necessary and important for safety. Fortunately the literature also provides suggestions for

overcoming change resistance.

When I am in the middle of a challenging situation my first instinct is to try and find a

quick solution that seems to make sense. However, in the spirit of analytical inquiry, it is

important to remember to go beyond the instinct of the present moment. It is unlikely that any

problem I face as a higher education professional will have no precedent. Therefore I need to

remember to move beyond my own conclusions and consult the literature along with other

professionals to see what has been done before. Preparing for every eventuality is impossible,
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but it is possible to have logical and well thought out contingency plans based on empirical

research in case of a disaster.