Faculty Home » Faculty » Arts & Sciences » Division of Education and Leadership » Jorge Gutierrez

Jorge Gutierrez

Adjunct Associate Professor

Educational History

Ph.D. Fielding Graduate University, MSM, Thomas Edison University, MA, Fielding Graduate University

Professional Highlights

As an adjunct associate professor at Shenandoah University, I teach PhD students research design. A leadership and scholar-practitioner experienced in organizational change and leadership development, using a systems approach to enhance relationships and optimize organizations. Works consistently with small businesses, including family-owned enterprises with diverse interests, applying evidence-based techniques to diagnose issues, implement interventions, manage change, and resolve leadership conflicts. Focused on integrating servant and adaptive leadership theories to improve competencies and performance at all organizational levels using a mixed methodology of inquiry. Contributor and author of The Change 7: Insights into Self-Empowerment. Serves diverse clients across the United States, applying leadership theories and practices in consultancy. Developed and tested an organizational conceptual framework system modeled for use in organizations. Honorable service in the Armed Forces, and graduated from the US Army Engineer School and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA).

Research

Dissertation: The Role of Adaptive Leadership in a Family-Owned Small Business: An Action Research Case Study
Combining servant and adaptive leadership frameworks creates a literature fusion between both theories. This convergence challenges traditional notions of the singular authority of the top leader and calls for a more inclusive, participatory form of leadership. Leaders are encouraged to adapt their strategies based on the needs of their teams and the specific context in which they operate.
The research argues for the importance of the theoretical convergence of leadership theories, articulating that the convergence assists in addressing multifaceted issues, mainly by having a coordinated response to daily challenges, particularly regarding topics such as religion, race, identity, and politics—all of which may require a unified response.
Expanded the conversation in leadership studies by offering a dynamic approach to leadership practice, articulating the need to envision leadership as a system within a system.
Added to the existing body of knowledge within the theoretical frameworks of the family-owned small business, servant, and adaptive leadership theories.
Developed and tested a conceptual framework for an overarching system of family-owned small business organizations.
Convergence also supports long-term change and promotes sustainable impact by balancing adaptive strategies with the right approach to empathic behaviors.

Personal Highlights

Military Leadership Education
A distinguished graduate of the US Army Sergeants Major Academy,
Top 20% of the Class of 550 and a member of the academic leadership team

Military Awards

Combat Operations
Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award)
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for War Time Service
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2nd Award)
Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
NATO Medal
Meritorious Service
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award)
Silver and Bronze de Fleury Medals
Certificate of Honor Service Issued and signed by the President of the United States
Individual Service
Army Commendation Medal (4th Award)
Army Achievement Medal (4th Award)
Army Good Conduct Medal (8th Award)
Defense Service Medal (3d Award)
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Overseas Service Bars (4th Award)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korea Defense Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Award)

Fields of Expertise

Organization Development and Change:
Led a wholesale transformation of several organizations, converting functional areas into Business Service Centers (BSC).
Developed strategic plans and implemented as part of planned interventions
Implemented Critical Success Factors (CSF) linked to performance to measure Goals Key Results (GKR)
Organized organizations with full functional departments for utilization
Designed training and evaluation outlines to provide technical solutions
Engaged in teaching adaptive leadership strategies to help organizations with their change processes
Implemented systems and processes that included Enterprise Resource Planning to reduce waste and increase productivity
Developed and implemented leadership development programs across diverse organizations
Managed learning opportunities to help junior, mid, and senior-level leaders improve professionally through reading programs, small group learning, lectures, performance-oriented training, and individualized sessions.
Developed a new business model to support classified government programs, leading scientists, engineers, physicists, and operational technical staff in a technology division.