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The Impact Of Mindfulness Based Interventions On The Psychological Capital Of Leaders, Marci B. Rinkoff
The Impact Of Mindfulness Based Interventions On The Psychological Capital Of Leaders, Marci B. Rinkoff
Theses and Dissertations
This mixed method study examined the relative impact of virtual and classroom-based mindfulness training on the psychological capital (PsyCap) of leaders. The control group (n = 9) and the experimental group (n = 15) participated in an 8-week program and completed pre and post-assessments PsyCap levels. A virtual program was delivered to the control group. A classroom based program was delivered to the experimental group. The experimental group exhibited significant improvement in all four psychological traits which make up the PsyCap construct: efficacy, hope, resilience and optimism. The control group exhibited significant improvement only in self-reported hope scores. The qualitative …
How Do Highly Engaged Employees And Managers Find Meaning In Their Work?, Bruce Barkis
How Do Highly Engaged Employees And Managers Find Meaning In Their Work?, Bruce Barkis
Theses and Dissertations
Multiple studies have shown meaning as a driver of employee engagement. The literature indicates that the primary focus of employee engagement research has been on engagement’s performance outcomes rather than on the conditions such as meaning that influence that performance. Along with contributing to the body of engagement research, this study will benefit employees’ and managers’ work experience. The purpose of this study is to understand how highly engaged managers and employees discover meaning in their work. The phenomenological qualitative research method was chosen to explore and describe the individual managers’ and employees’ lived experiences of finding meaning in work. …
Understanding Employment To Entrepreneurship Transitions Among Women Working In The Tech Industry, Elizabeth A. Xiao
Understanding Employment To Entrepreneurship Transitions Among Women Working In The Tech Industry, Elizabeth A. Xiao
Theses and Dissertations
This study explored experiences of women who left tech companies and started their own businesses or became self-employed. The study identified trends in their experiences working for tech companies, factors influencing the decision to leave, and factors influencing the decision to pursue entrepreneurship or self-employment. Fifteen women were interviewed. Working for tech companies, women enjoyed opportunities to advance but experienced limitations to that advancement. They liked their co-workers and felt proud of the work being done, but were impacted by poor leadership, being one of few women, and not having potential recognized. Women quit for primarily individual reasons. Organization dysfunction, …
Key Talent Differentiation Without Utilization Of Performance Ratings At Noble Energy, Catherine K. Molitoriss
Key Talent Differentiation Without Utilization Of Performance Ratings At Noble Energy, Catherine K. Molitoriss
Theses and Dissertations
The main purpose of this study was to determine an innovative approach for identification of key employees at Noble Energy without imposing company-wide performance ratings. The study was designed to answer the following questions: What criteria do Noble Energy leaders use to determine select talent for consideration in talent reviews and succession planning? Is Noble Energy identifying select talent through their new talent review process successfully without the use of performance ratings? This research study was conducted using a qualitative method involving a survey and interviews, designed to draw on specific events surrounding the initial Spring talent review at Noble …
Performance Appraisal In A Family Business, Linda Ly
Performance Appraisal In A Family Business, Linda Ly
Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative study explored the perceptions of effectiveness of a performance review process at one family business. Ten employees across the firm were interviewed in order to describe the process, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and offer suggestions for improvement. Findings suggest that participants understood the process steps and timing, but had less accurate understanding of the process outcomes. Participants generally perceived the process as fair, helpful, and valuable to their development. Noted strengths included the process design and support from direct managers, executive leaders, and the organization. Weaknesses included the lack of structure, poor consistency in ratings, timing issues, …
Tradition And Progress: California Fire Technology Directors Beliefs And Values, Rodney A. Slaughter
Tradition And Progress: California Fire Technology Directors Beliefs And Values, Rodney A. Slaughter
Theses and Dissertations
This study explores the basic assumptions, beliefs, and occupational values of California Fire Technology Directors as they influence and socialize the next generation of firefighters entering the fire service. Definitions of industry culture, occupational culture, and organizational culture were applied to the fire service as well as the influence that heritage, traditions, values, meaning, and context play in the socialization process. Research methodology included emic and etic data collection techniques that documented the opinions and observations of the study group. Data from the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) along with descriptive data collected during an ethnographic interview provides a window …
Efficacy Of Collaborative Consulting Training Module, Brenda Stone
Efficacy Of Collaborative Consulting Training Module, Brenda Stone
Theses and Dissertations
Code for America Fellowships pair technologists with local city governments to develop digital tools that support how governments provide service to their communities. The lack of project sustainability following these Fellowships has been a source of dissatisfaction for both Fellows and clients. Code for America supports each Fellow with technical training, but provides no training on consulting techniques that help clients sustain the changes or new technology being introduced. The purpose of this action research study was to determine the efficacy of a collaborative consultation module for the Fellows at Code for America. To gather data, surveys, interviews and analysis …
Developing A Racial Equity Stance: Moving Philanthropy Beyond Diversity Statements, Maegan Scott
Developing A Racial Equity Stance: Moving Philanthropy Beyond Diversity Statements, Maegan Scott
Theses and Dissertations
Over the past several years the national conversation about race, inequality, and power in the United States has grown in both urgency and intensity. In parallel to these social trends, more businesses, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropies are becoming better informed about the role of race and ethnicity in social and economic and disparities. The purpose of this study was to conduct action research to develop a racial equity stance at the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation in Washington, DC. This study also examined the role of cultural competence in supporting the development of a racial equity stance. The impetus …
Safety Mindfulness: The Incorporation Of Low-Dose Mindfulness As A Leading Edge Safety Intervention, Connell Nolan
Safety Mindfulness: The Incorporation Of Low-Dose Mindfulness As A Leading Edge Safety Intervention, Connell Nolan
Theses and Dissertations
With nearly 2.9 million work related injuries in the United States each year and nearly 5,000 work related deaths, opportunities exist to build on existing safety management interventions to improve workplace safety. In addition to the impact on worker’s lives related to workplace safety accidents, workplace related injuries and deaths account for nearly $200 billion in direct costs to U.S. organizations. Current research in the application of workplace mindfulness offers the potential for a leading edge intervention that can lead to increased attention and situational awareness, which could greatly enhance workplace safety. The current study explored the relationship that low-dose …
Engagement And Temporary Teams: Considerations For Value Engineering Study Teams And Facilitators, Allegra Keith
Engagement And Temporary Teams: Considerations For Value Engineering Study Teams And Facilitators, Allegra Keith
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of the current research is to contribute to the VE community’s understanding of how the dynamics of temporary teams may influence participant engagement, by answering the question, “what factors impact individual team member engagement on a VE study team?” In today’s business environment, the traditional permanent work team is no longer a reality for many employees (Jacobssen & Hallgren, 2016). Even those who do maintain membership in a permanent team are often tasked with serving on additional committees, task forces and decision-making teams to aid their organization in developing new products or navigating change. Value Engineering (VE) study …
Appreciative Inquiry As A Resource For Positive Change In A Church Ministry, David Blenko
Appreciative Inquiry As A Resource For Positive Change In A Church Ministry, David Blenko
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this action research study was to understand the contribution of an appreciative inquiry (AI) intervention to a church ministry. Twenty-three ministry stakeholders participated in a 9-hour, 2-day AI process. Immediate post-event survey results indicated participant agreement that the AI intervention created a shared vision for the ministry. Survey data were analyzed using content analysis to identify four areas of opportunity for ministry growth and development. All participants reported interest in supporting these opportunities in the ensuring 3 months. Participants rated seven potential factors to support the implementation of opportunities. Recommendations are offered for the study organization and …
Impact Of Supervisor Support On Employee Job Satisfaction Among Fundraising Staff Within Higher Education, Giuseppe Nespoli
Impact Of Supervisor Support On Employee Job Satisfaction Among Fundraising Staff Within Higher Education, Giuseppe Nespoli
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the nature and impact of supervisor support on employee job satisfaction among fundraising staff within higher education. Sixteen fundraisers working in higher education institutions were interviewed about supervisor support for fundraiser task needs and personal needs, participant job satisfaction and supervisor impact on it, and participant intention to stay in their jobs and the field. Participants reported satisfaction with their supervisors’ task-related and personal support, high job satisfaction, and strong intentions to stay in their jobs and the field. Key mechanisms of supervisor support included aiding employee growth and development; accelerating and facilitating task completion; being caring, …
Understanding The Relationship Between Compassion And Employee Engagement, Dana Shapiro Lenz
Understanding The Relationship Between Compassion And Employee Engagement, Dana Shapiro Lenz
Theses and Dissertations
Both compassion and employee engagement are determined to have positive impacts in a healthcare setting. Previous research indicates that patients who receive compassionate care from healthcare providers may recover more quickly from illnesses and better manage long-term health issues. Additionally, high employee engagement has been shown to have a positive relationship with quality of patient care, patient safety, and patient-centered care. Due to the far-reaching impact of both variables, an association between compassion and employee engagement would enable healthcare providers to leverage the relationship for improved patient outcomes. This study explored the relationship between compassion and employee engagement. Qualitative data …
Using Leader-Relational Theory To Understand Follower-Perceived Leader Mindfulness And Its Impact On Follower Engagement, Raina Nech
Theses and Dissertations
This mixed-methods study examined the connection between follower-perceived leader mindfulness and follower engagement levels through the relationship between leaders and their followers (or direct reports). 61 followers (or direct reports) self-assessed their engagement levels and their perception of their leader’s mindfulness. After the primary analysis, 8 followers were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Quantitative findings indicated a significant yet moderate correlation between follower-perceived leader mindfulness and follower engagement levels. In the qualitative findings, followers reported characteristics of their leader, related to mindfulness, that helped them stay engaged. The current study demonstrates that mindfulness contributes to leaders’ abilities to interact with …
Emotional Intelligence And Teacher Leaders, Emily Isensee
Emotional Intelligence And Teacher Leaders, Emily Isensee
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to understand principals’ perceptions and perceived attributes of strong teacher leaders, determine how these attributes link to emotional intelligence and learn how these attributes are developed. In this study, emotional intelligence will be defined as “the abilities to recognize and regulate emotions in ourselves and in others” (Goleman, 2001, p.14). This study summarizes data collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 school principals and assistant principals from a variety of schools, school districts and across multiple states. Overall, this study lead to three main discoveries: 1) top perceived attributes of teacher leaders are closely connected …
Importance Of Effective Leadership For The Success Of Mergers And Acquisitions, Ken Berkow
Importance Of Effective Leadership For The Success Of Mergers And Acquisitions, Ken Berkow
Theses and Dissertations
This study explores the importance of effective leadership on the success of mergers and acquisitions for the organization and employees of merged companies. More precisely, this study addresses how the nature and influence of leadership and leadership styles impact the integration of merging companies and their employees during the post-merger integration process. Qualitative data from 10 interviews was used to provide a deeper examination of the study participants about their beliefs, responses, opinions, and points of view. This study supports much of the current research in that leadership style does have an effect on both merger and employee satisfaction. This …
A Measure Of Attributes And Benefits Of The Co-Leadership Model: Is Co-Leadership The Right Fit For A Complex World?, Daryl K. Yankee
A Measure Of Attributes And Benefits Of The Co-Leadership Model: Is Co-Leadership The Right Fit For A Complex World?, Daryl K. Yankee
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research is to verify key attributes, benefits, and deficiencies of the co-leadership model. Does co-leadership encourage more thoughtful decisions, provide checks and balances, and better support in a complex environment? Explanatory sequential mixed method research was employed to determine qualitative and quantitative measurable impacts. A sample group of 14 co-leaders, formally and informally paired, from the profit and not-for-profit sector were surveyed. The survey consisted primarily of Likert-type Scale queries to test assumed attributes and benefits and open-ended questions used to identify unanticipated attributes, benefits, and deficiencies. In depth interviews were conducted with three individuals who …
The Impact Of Strategic Planning Involvement On Employee Engagement In A Federal Public Health Agency, Robert T. Ziegler
The Impact Of Strategic Planning Involvement On Employee Engagement In A Federal Public Health Agency, Robert T. Ziegler
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the impact of involvement in strategic planning initiatives on employee perceptions, change behaviors, and engagement within one federal public health agency. Forty-six staff completed a survey and 12 completed an interview. Both strategy participants and non-participants reported neutral to positive scores for perceived value and benefits of the strategic initiatives, discretionary change behaviors, and engagement factors, with few significant differences. All participants reported strong levels of engagement and that strategy participation would or did increase their levels of engagement. Public agencies should carefully consider when, how, and where to deploy employee-led strategy teams. Specifically, this research indicates …
Exploration Of The Relationship Between Implicit Theory Of Intelligence And Employability, Alissa Tuschall
Exploration Of The Relationship Between Implicit Theory Of Intelligence And Employability, Alissa Tuschall
Theses and Dissertations
The world of work today calls for individuals to be active participants in designing their careers. This study focuses on the relationship between one’s beliefs (mindset) about intelligence and employability. Quantitative data were collected using the implicit theory of intelligence (self-theory scale) from 75 participants of a high-technology company in San Jose, California. Participants were divided into two groups of mindsets, growth and fixed. Twenty participants were randomly selected for a semi-structured interview where qualitative data were gathered and analyzed. The study found that individuals with a growth mindset emphasize newness as a variable in their career decisions, look at …
Millennials And Meaningfulness At Work, Daena Lee
Millennials And Meaningfulness At Work, Daena Lee
Theses and Dissertations
Meaningfulness at work has been shown to be a positive contributor to employee engagement, performance, commitment and an extensive list of other desirable factors. The Millennial generation appears to be the largest and fastest growing generation since the Baby Boomers. Some managers have said some Millennials seem difficult to manage because their expectations of work upon entering the workforce seem so much higher than previous generations. This qualitative research project explored how Millennials at a small business find meaningfulness at work and to what extent their leaders create an environment of meaningfulness. Millennials at a small business were interviewed to …
The Influence Of Leadership Emotional Intelligence On Employee Engagement, Kimberly D. Waldron
The Influence Of Leadership Emotional Intelligence On Employee Engagement, Kimberly D. Waldron
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the possible relationship between leader emotional intelligence (EI) and employee engagement within a small digital media company. The study identified the level of employee engagement within the organization and the level of emotional intelligence of its leaders using Q12 engagement and Schutte self-report emotional intelligence (SSEIT) surveys respectively. These two constructs were then related to each other using the survey data as well as a focus group of company employees. The findings revealed that while there is no direct correlation within the data obtained form the surveys, employees do understand the effect of leader emotional intelligence in …
Factors That Lead To Retention Of Acquired Engineers At Microsoft In Silicon Valley, Omar Morales
Factors That Lead To Retention Of Acquired Engineers At Microsoft In Silicon Valley, Omar Morales
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined factors that lead to retention of engineers who joined Microsoft in Silicon Valley as part of an acquisition. The study findings surfaced two set of factors that are important in retaining acquired engineers. The factors are broken up by pre- and post-acquisition. Recommendations of this study include the importance of comprehensive communication plans, community and belonging, and personal and professional growth in retaining acquired engineers. Recommendations for further research include expanding the study beyond Microsoft Silicon Valley, and mapping to motivational theories. This study concludes that organizational development practitioners should understand the strategic intention of an acquisition …
Employee Satisfaction Factors In Administrative And Executive Assistants In The United States, Kathleen Olen
Employee Satisfaction Factors In Administrative And Executive Assistants In The United States, Kathleen Olen
Theses and Dissertations
This mixed methods research was designed to explore the factors that most impact the job satisfaction of contemporary Administrative and Executive Assistants in the United States. As part of a convergent parallel analysis, quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews were collected to correlate cognitive and affective results for an in-depth analysis. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) was used to examine 20 different factors of job satisfaction. Three sets of data were collected: current levels of job satisfaction for each factor, self-ranked lists of the factors indicating which factors are most-to-least important to respondents, and frequency with which factors were discussed …
Drivers Of Engagement For Volunteers In A Nonprofit, Katherine Bates
Drivers Of Engagement For Volunteers In A Nonprofit, Katherine Bates
Theses and Dissertations
Volunteers represent an important resource to many nonprofit organizations. Keeping volunteers committed and engaged is as significant a goal to nonprofits as keeping paid employees committed and engaged is to for-profit companies. This study identified the factors that affect engagement for two volunteer leadership councils at one nonprofit organization. Engagement levels for 19 volunteers were assessed using a validated survey and 5 participants from each council were then selected for follow-up interviews about factors that affect their engagement. Findings indicated that both councils were similarly engaged in their work at the nonprofit. Meaningful work, intrinsic rewards, desire to make a …