SEAHO Report - Fall 2021 - 10

FEATURE ARTICLES
Framing Committees Part II
Dr. Cathy " Coop " Roberts-Cooper, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Katie M. Lewis, University of North Florida
Welcome back for part two of our article on navigating committees - a common part of most housing
professionals' experiences, but a topic that is rarely discussed from the perspective of how to be a successful
member or chair. You are far enough into the fall semester that the committees you serve on are meeting
regularly and working toward the accomplishment of goals. We hope that our previous overview of the Four
Frames Model by Bolman and Deal, and specifically the Structural and Human Resources frames, have guided
your understanding of how committees can be successfully formed and resourced. It is time for us to explore the
remaining two frames of Bolman and Deal's model before we offer suggestions of what you can do next.
The Political Frame considers in what ways individuals and groups come together and negotiate around differing
interests to determine how scarce or limited resources are allocated. Resources can be money, supplies, time,
physical space, staff, decision making power, etc. A key aspect of the Political Frame is that, " ...goals are not set
by edict at the top but evolve through an ongoing process of negotiation " (Bolman & Deal, 2008, p. 197). The
eventual creation of goals and other arrangements center on the conflict that is at the heart of the differences
that brought the group together. Another part of this frame is that political interests (values, beliefs, and
perceptions of reality) become more prevalent during demanding and uncertain times. Our current pandemic
highlights the issues that arise from applying the lens of the Political frame to conflict happening around us.
Consider the following questions to help look at committees using a political lens:
1. Who are the stakeholders within and outside of the committee?
2. What is on the line for these stakeholders based on the work of the committee?
3. How is power to make and carry out decisions distributed (within the committee and between
stakeholders outside of the committee)?
4. In what ways will conflict be managed within the committee that balances problem-solving and
respectful interactions?
The Political Frame can be applied to committee work by chairs and committee members alike, especially as
it pertains to what Bolman and Deal call " sources of power " (2008, p.203). These sources include, but are
not limited to positional power, control of rewards, how information is shared, the reputation of individuals
or groups within the committee, alliances and networks, and control of agendas. Engaging in political
considerations in your committee depends on " mapping the political terrain " (p.216) by examining how
information is informally communicated, identifying the main influencers of the issue, considering how to
mobilize stakeholders, and by trying to anticipate sources of resistance to collaboration. When it comes to
the start of the committee, the chair plays a key role in setting the agenda that articulates the interests of
stakeholders, known options for success, and time to explore interests and resources that may not yet be
known. A vision for change that is part of the charge for the committee can balance long-term interests while
acknowledging competing commitments. Solutions will not be immediate, but an intentionally set agenda can
keep stakeholders invested long enough for meaningful change to be implemented. As a committee member, you
can still influence the agenda by asking questions about which competing interests are being acknowledged and
considered.
The Symbolic Frame can help you see the nebulous culture of beliefs and philosophies that are present in the
environment of your institution, including committee work. Symbols are a natural design in group settings,
which means they are not all intentionally created. Whether organic or synthesized, symbols can boost morale
and understanding as easily as they can impair or damage the functioning of individuals, groups, or entire
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SEAHO Report - Fall 2021

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