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Full-Text Articles in Business

Optimism At Work: Developing And Validating Scales To Measure Workplace Optimism, Sara Frost Jan 2021

Optimism At Work: Developing And Validating Scales To Measure Workplace Optimism, Sara Frost

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

A growing body of research has shown the benefits of optimism on health, socioeconomic status, and at work. This two-phase mixed-method study revised and validated an instrument to measure an employee’s personal experience with optimism in their workplace. This study also developed two additional scales to measure the degree to which individuals engage in optimistic leadership skills, and an organization’s readiness to cultivate optimism. In Phase 1, 697 responses from an online survey were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Regression analysis indicated that an employee’s personal experience of factors associated with optimism at work influenced their perception of …


Experiencing Race In The Workplace: Understanding How African American Male Leaders Make Sense Of Their Race At Work, Stefanie L. Watson Jan 2021

Experiencing Race In The Workplace: Understanding How African American Male Leaders Make Sense Of Their Race At Work, Stefanie L. Watson

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Weber (2001) defines race as “the grouping of people with certain ancestry and biological traits into categories for differential treatment” (p. 74). Yet, according to the American Anthropological Association (1998) and countless doctors, scientists, geneticists, and scholars, in theory, the term “race” does not scientifically correspond to biological and physiological distinctions and has no empirical basis. Despite the lack of biological basis, racial categories are powerful frameworks for defining self-concepts and structuring opportunities within American society. Within the framework of a racially stratified, White dominated society, individuals who self-identify as White (or are perceived by Whites to be White) receive …


Influencing Capitalist Attitudes To Drive More Capital Towards Social Good, Leah Michelle Burton Jan 2021

Influencing Capitalist Attitudes To Drive More Capital Towards Social Good, Leah Michelle Burton

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study is to better understand how to influence capitalist attitudes and drive more capital towards social good. This is why we must explore the prospect of emancipating the capitalists from capitalism. This study identifies capitalism as a form of oppression that is contributing to a newly developed ethics of capital, a term introduced in this study. Emancipatory action research and general systems theory were employed as the primary approaches to engaging a group of venture capitalists and finance professionals in activities and dialogues. Value2 is the theory of action I use to influence the attitudes of …


Strengthening Organizational Performance Through Integration Of Systems Leadership, Participatory Communication, And Dynamic Capabilities, Esther Ewurafuah Sackey Jan 2021

Strengthening Organizational Performance Through Integration Of Systems Leadership, Participatory Communication, And Dynamic Capabilities, Esther Ewurafuah Sackey

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation seeks to include systems leadership and participatory communication as facilitators of the elements that enhance dynamic organizational capabilities to improve performance. The study employs the normative theory-building process to show how systems leadership and participatory communication can facilitate and enhance dynamic capabilities. Specifically, this dissertation offers an integrative model that combines systems leadership, participatory communication, and dynamic capabilities. The proposed integrative model is accompanied by a series of propositions that extend the dynamic capabilities theory through the integration of systems leadership and participatory communication. The potential relevance and application of the proposed model are demonstrated through multiple case …


How Male Technology Leaders Navigate Inclusion And Diversity Expectations Using A Paradoxical Leadership Framework, Lori Ann Hofmann Jan 2021

How Male Technology Leaders Navigate Inclusion And Diversity Expectations Using A Paradoxical Leadership Framework, Lori Ann Hofmann

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Male technology leaders have faced mounting expectations regarding topics related to inclusion, diversity, and equity (IDE). The impact of COVID-19, events exposing racial injustice, as well as political discord in the US have increased sensitivities to when and how leaders should respond to this highly charged arena. This study seeks to understand more about male leaders’ experiences of navigating the tensions and expectations that often accompany enacting IDE practices. Leaders that have experience in leading technology organizations as well as a background in technology or product development participated in interviews exploring various aspects of their experience with IDE topics. The …