Culture and Change Management in Schools: The UAE National Wellbeing Strategy 2031
At ADSM, collaboration is central to our principles of excellence. This spirit of partnership extends not only among faculty but also between faculty and students. We are proud to announce a recent publication by Dr. Divya Upadhyay, Assistant Professor of Management, and her student, Maryam Ibrahim Alhameli, an alumnus of the LOD Masters Program. Together, they published a research article titled, “Culture and Change Management in Schools: The UAE National Wellbeing Strategy 2031.”
The project originated from Dr. Divya’s class on Change Management, where Maryam gained insights into the theoretical foundations underlying organizational change processes. According to Maryam, “With my background in psychology, I was particularly interested in the role of psychological safety and wellbeing in facilitating successful transitions. This focus helped me appreciate how vital it is to create an environment where employees feel secure and supported during organizational change.”
Maryam’s experience inspired her to explore the culture of the educational sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to investigate change management strategies within schools. Her article utilized John Kotter’s 8-step change model to address the unique challenges and manage resistance during transitions. It also discusses the practical strategies for navigating organizational change, achieving transformational goals, and underscores the importance of psychological safety and employee wellbeing. Additionally, the article offers insights for policymakers on implementing the UAE National Wellbeing Strategy 2031 in educational settings. This government initiative, recently adopted, reflects the country’s commitment to a high quality of life. Dr. Divya and Maryam’s publication aligns with the evolving standards of living in the UAE.
Maryam’s curiosity and eagerness led her to seek Dr. Divya’s expertise, turning a class assignment into a valuable research collaboration. Maryam described the collaboration as an inspiring and rewarding journey. Dr. Divya generously extended her expertise and guidance from the initial phases of research to publication.
“Her [Dr. Divya’s] mentorship motivated me every step of the way, turning my ideas into impactful contributions to the field and making the dream of becoming a published author a reality.”
— Maryam Ibrahim Alhameli
Dr. Divya’s enthusiasm for fostering research collaborations reflects her professionalism and dedication. She views encouraging student publications as a rewarding experience both professionally and personally. In an interview about her collaboration experience, Dr. Divya said, “Beyond professional gains, I felt a significant personal fulfillment in witnessing the intellectual and personal growth of my student. This collaborative publishing journey was marked by moments of discovery, creativity, and shared joy, which helped us strengthen our bond.”
Collaborations like these bridge classroom learning with professional scientific endeavors. This partnership provided Maryam with a stronger research foundation, deepened her understanding of organizational change, and enhanced her critical thinking, data analysis, and academic publishing skills. Dr. Divya also gained new insights into teaching strategies. She noted, “After this paper was published, other students observed how their peers grew and succeeded through publishing. This served as a powerful motivator, as they saw the potential for personal and academic growth, inspiring them to engage more deeply in their educational journeys.”
While authorship is a commendable achievement, this publication also represents a significant contribution to both scientific and governing communities. It is one of many collaborations that ADSM faculty continue to encourage. ADSM proudly showcases its excellence, with a team of faculty who are exemplary and leading industry experts, making an impact to every student’s journey.
Link to the article: https://www.logos-verlag.de/cgi-bin/engpapermid?doi=10.30819/cmse.7-2.03&lng=deu&id=
