A Case Study Involving External Stakeholder Perceptions of Factors Related to Effective Community College Civic Engagement

The purpose of this case study was to understand external stakeholder perceptions regarding factors related to effective community college civic engagement. The theory guiding this study was empowerment theory, as it allowed for exploring community-academic partnerships through a lens focused on community psychology, linking individual well-being with the larger social and political environment. Purposeful and convenience sampling were used to identify and select 18 highly qualified members of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce. Data collection and analysis were ongoing, emergent, and interrelated processes. Sources of data included individual document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Data analysis involved examining, tabulating, testing, and recombining evidence to produce empirically based findings until theme saturation occurred. The findings of this study were organized into three themes, including community needs, resources, and relationships. The researcher allowed for data triangulation, seeking to understand complex social phenomena while retaining a holistic and real-world perspective.