Establishing a New Culture Amid Post Spin-Off Loss: Prioritizing Employee Well-Being at Resolve Through Sharing

Abstract

Resolve Through Sharing (RTS), a bereavement education program located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, spun off from its parent company to become an independent nonprofit on January 1, 2026. This project uses strategic solutions to address internal issues RTS has been facing following the transition. In-depth interviews with four individuals, including the organization’s leader and 75% of its employees, were conducted 1 month after the spin-off. Findings indicated struggles with workloads, schedules, communication, and connection. Secondary research on post-spin-off culture building, organizational change, and employee engagement was also conducted. This project is the first to capture insights and provide analysis to help RTS address this critical problem. The dual process HeuristicSystematic Model was used to inform solutions. With the big idea “Growth begins beneath the surface,” the project goal is for RTS to address internal issues and establish a culture that prioritizes its employees in their current circumstances. Proposed strategies and tactics aim to increase team communication, employee appreciation, and internal resources. The plan addresses implementation of the solutions and evaluation of the objectives. If RTS does not confront its internal issues, employees will struggle with decreased productivity and burnout, which could ultimately lead to the program’s failure as an independent nonprofit. RTS should follow the project plan because it uses a strategic communication method of problem solving and proposes ideas that will support and celebrate its employees, helping to ensure organizational success in this new chapter. This is an abstract only entry. Full text is not available.

Date of Award

5-3-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

Department

Mass Communication

First Advisor

Stacey Kanihan

Location

Winona, Minnesota; United States

Rights

All rights reserved by the author.

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