Training and Development Commons^™

Exploring The Transformative Effects Of Executive Coaching On Leaders: A Qualitative Study, Dwayne Norman

Theses & Dissertations

This qualitative dissertation examines the transformative effects of executive coaching on leaders’ development, personal growth, decision-making, and overall effectiveness across varied organizational contexts. Grounded in authentic leadership theory and employing a generic qualitative inquiry design, the study investigated how leaders who completed executive coaching describe changes in their behavior and mindset. Eleven experienced leaders participated in semi-structured interviews selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis, guided by the cyclical and inductive coding methods of Saldana (2021), generated 187 initial codes, which were distilled into 72 final codes. These final codes were then further refined into twelve categories and four overarching themes: …

Workload As A Tipping Point: A Serial Mediation Model Examining The Roles Of Job Crafting And Workload On Work Engagement, Affective Commitment, And Turnover Intentions, Jessica E. Langston

Dissertations

Job crafting is one way in which employees can boost their performance and satisfaction, and organizations can reap the benefits of high performance. Job crafting refers to an employee’s ability to proactively redesign a job to foster their satisfaction, engagement, and resilience toward work (Wrzesniewski & Dutton, 2001). After twenty-five years of study, the positive impacts of job crafting are well-established (Bhagat & Arora, 2021; Bruning & Campion, 2018; Wong et al., 2017; Wrzesniewski & Dutton, 2001). Recently scholars have noted the potential downsides and have called for more research into the nuances of job crafting when explored through the …

Generations At Work: Examining Differences In The Nonprofit Sector, Cory J. Bergeron

Dissertations

This non-experimental quantitative dissertation examined generational differences among non-management employees in the United States nonprofit sector, where multiple generational cohorts work side by side. The problem addressed is that nonprofit leaders’ limited understanding of how distinct generational experiences shape employees’ work-related attitudes and preferences can contribute to conflict, reduced engagement, and costly turnover in already resource-constrained organizations. Grounded in Mannheim’s generational theory and Becker’s human capital theory, the study conceptualized generational cohorts as groups whose shared formative experiences influence what they value in their work context and how those values translate into human capital that affects organizational outcomes.

Using a …

Does Pay Really Matter? How Financial Compensation Affects Turnover Intention Through Supervisor Support, Career Adaptability, And Flexible Work Policies (A Case Study Of Greater Jakarta-Indonesia’S Food & Beverage Industry), Sudarmono Sudarmono, Margono Setiawan, Dodi Wirawan Irawanto, Ainur Rofiq

International Conference on Business and Management Research (ICBMR)

This study investigates the mechanism through which financial compensation influences turnover intention within Indonesia's Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, with a specific focus on the potential mediating roles of supervisor support, career adaptability, and flexible work arrangements. A quantitative methodology was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a random sample of 271 staff-level employees from FMCG companies operating in the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) region. The collected data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS) to test the proposed hypotheses. The results demonstrate that financial compensation exerts a significant negative effect on turnover intention. Furthermore, …

Gender Dynamics In Upward Influence: Career Outcomes And Organizational Implications, Carrie Berg Ed.D.

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

This study explores gender-based differences in the perceptions and outcomes of upward influence strategies within nonprofit organizations. Using qualitative thematic analysis grounded in Social Role Theory and Impression Management Theory, this research draws from structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with 37 professionals across diverse nonprofit sectors. Findings reveal that men’s influence efforts are more frequently perceived as credible and authoritative, while similar strategies used by women are often subjected to increased scrutiny and bias. Key themes include gendered influence styles, differential recognition and credibility, mental and emotional labor, organizational gatekeeping, leadership receptivity, and informal networks. The study contributes to understanding …

The Age Of Hr Delivering Stakeholder Value Through Strategic Organizational Capability: Talent, Leadership, And Culture, Anthony Nyberg, Rebecca R. Kehoe, Dave Ulrich, Patrick M. Wright

Research Briefs

A landmark collection of 62 chapters from the world’s foremost thinkers in HR strategy, talent management, and organizational leadership—written at the inflection point where AI, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving stakeholder expectations are reshaping the future of work and the humans at its center.

A Therapy Dog Intervention For Elementary School Teachers' Well-Being: Using Action Research To Bridge The Research-Practice Gap In Hrd, Kelly F. Moore

Human Resource Development Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research (AR) study was to explore how AR can serve as a participatory research design for bridging the research–practice gap in Human Resource Development (HRD) by collaboratively designing, implementing, and evaluating a therapy dog intervention to enhance teacher well-being. One primary research question guided this study: How can action research serve as a participatory research design for bridging the research–practice gap in HRD through the collaborative design and implementation of a therapy dog intervention for elementary school teachers? I conducted a two-phase AR study consisting of a pilot study followed by a full-scale intervention. Data …

Exploring The U.S. Public Service Employees’ Experiences With Gamified Cybersecurity Awareness Training, Bisola Adepoju

Human Resource Development Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the U.S. public service employees' experiences with gamified cybersecurity awareness training. The primary research question guiding this inquiry was: How do U.S. public service employees make sense of their lived experiences with gamified cybersecurity awareness training? Two secondary questions examined what aspects of the training employees perceive as meaningful or disengaging, and how they interpret their motivation, engagement, and cybersecurity awareness during training. I chose an interpretive qualitative research design grounded in a constructivist paradigm and purposefully selected 11 U.S. public service employees who had participated in gamified cybersecurity awareness training. …

The Constant Outsider: Black Women At The Intersection Of Bias And Brilliance, Michelle Hector

Organization, Leadership, and Communication

The complexity of Black women in the workplace includes racism, sexism, and countless barriers that challenge their success. Nevertheless, there are unique experiences of many women that climb their industries’ ladders and overcome adversity. This qualitative study included 28 Black executive women, mostly from Oakland who shared their strategies for success. Many of their journeys included adversity, however, they persevered. The data from this study was collected through a town hall meeting of 22 Black participants who shared their career pathways toward success. There were also focus groups that further explored how the constant outsiders sustained their positions. The results …

Phishing Susceptibility Among Healthcare Workers: A Multiyear Study, Darin Challacombe, Elizabeth Mcelhiney

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Understanding and improving phishing awareness is an important aspect of ensuring patient health information (PHI) is protected. Many health organizations require associates to complete annual training and supplement that training with simulated phishing email campaigns.

This poster will provide the results of a multiyear group of four studies in which health information (HI) professionals were provided various types of training and then tested on their susceptibility to simulated phishing emails. This will supplement the research on the viability of this method. And, this will present the findings by using real HI professionals (vs. college students).

We will provide a summary …

The Future Of Human Resources: Opportunities And Challenges Of Ai Integration, Julianna Cutcher

The Downtown Review: An Interdisciplinary Journal Written and Peer-Reviewed by Mandel Honors College Students at Cleveland State University

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved, revolutionizing technological operations and reshaping business processes for greater speed and efficiency. In human resources (HR), AI offers transformative potential across key functions such as recruitment, compensation, employee management, and decision-making. It can enhance employee experience, engagement, and satisfaction while improving accuracy, saving time, and reducing costs. Despite these benefits, integrating AI into HR presents challenges, including privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, ethical dilemmas, limited technical capabilities, and resistance to change. Addressing these barriers requires a human-centric approach that thoughtfully incorporates AI into HR practices, ensuring ethical use and fostering trust among stakeholders.

Workplace Diversity In A Diverse World: Why Inclusion And Ethics Matter, Julianna Cutcher

The Downtown Review: An Interdisciplinary Journal Written and Peer-Reviewed by Mandel Honors College Students at Cleveland State University

As global populations grow and evolve, diversity becomes an increasingly prominent and complex characteristic of society and the workplace. Diversity encompasses the vast array of individual differences and similarities among people, affecting how organizations operate and interact. In the United States, the diversity index rose to 61.1% in 2020, reflecting a significant demographic shift. However, promoting diversity alone is insufficient; effective management also requires attention to equity and inclusion. Organizations must foster ethical workplace cultures that support diverse perspectives through comprehensive training, employee development, and inclusive policies. By embracing a holistic approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), businesses can …

Managing Capacity Development For Administrative Staff In Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study Of The American University In Cairo, Amal Gamal Kaldas

Theses and Dissertations

Capacity development (CD) is a fundamental factor in the success of an organization, particularly in the initiation of higher education (HEIs) where administrative staff have a significant role in operational functions. This thesis presents several aspects that shape the capacity development for administrative staff in higher education institutions and the foundation of theories that relate to CD. Focusing on The American University in Cairo (AUC) as a case study to explore the current CD programs, how the administrative staff perceive the CD programs, and the challenges that hinder AUC in implementing these programs, and how AUC manages these programs. A …

The Influence Of Continuous Improvement Initiatives On Employee Performance: The Mediating Role Of Organizational Culture. An Applied Study On Sharjah Police Science Academy, Fakhri Abdul Kareem Bani Doumii

Journal of Police and Legal Sciences

This research aims to investigate the effects of the Continuous Improvement (CI) Initiatives on the employees’ performance within the framework of Police Higher Education institution with special reference to the Sharjah Police Science Academy. It examines organizational culture as a mediating variable, through which the connection between CI Initiatives and improved performance results is explained. This research assesses the impact of each dimension of CI initiatives which includes employee involvement, process management, customer focus, leadership commitment, and training on employee performance indices which includes task performance, contextual performance, adaptive performance and counterproductive work behaviour. Using the PLS-SEM analysis, the study …

Advancing Screening For Intimate Partner Violence In Pregnant Individuals Throughout The Perinatal Period To Prevent Adverse Pregnancy And Maternal Outcomes, Emilia R. Valdez

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background: Intimate Partner Violence experienced by pregnant individuals contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. A mother’s exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) can affect their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term (38 – 40 weeks gestational age) and places them at risk for comorbidities including; Preterm birth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, Low Birth Weight/ Small for Gestational Age, Premature Rupture of Membranes and Miscarriage. The incidence of IPV screening is not accessible to all pregnant individuals due to healthcare providers lack of education, time constraints in the workplace, bias and discomfort towards IPV. The implementation of IPV …

The Global Onboard Training Programme (Gobt) : A Comprehensive Review, World Maritime University

Reports

A stable supply of qualified seafarers is a critical component of the global maritime logistics industry, which relies heavily on maritime transportation. According to the 2021 BIMCO Manpower Report, an additional 89,510 officers will be needed by 2026. In 2021 alone, there was already a deficit of 26,240 STCW-certified officers, clearly indicating that demand continues to outpace supply. The report also noted a 45.8% increase in the number of female seafarers since 2015, although they still represent only a small share of the overall workforce. Maritime Education and Training (MET) institutions around the world continue to provide training to develop …

Evaluating The Impact Of Learning And Development On Staff Motivation In International Non-Governmental And International Non-Profit Organisations, Munira Amidkhonova, Michelle Gander

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The main objective of this study was to understand the impact of learning and development (L&D) on staff motivation in international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and international non-profit organisations (INPOs), focusing on those organisations operating in the Global South, also known as developing countries. Using a mixed-methods approach, 46 participants with decision-making authority from several INPOs and INGOs completed an online survey to investigate the impact of L&D and organisational factors on staff motivation and how well a model of L&D evaluation was undertaken. Follow-up semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 of these participants. It was found that organisations were generally …

The Justice–Empowerment Nexus: Pathways To Inclusive And Sustainable Tourism Development, Raymond Rastegar, Siamak Seyfi, Mostafa Rassolimanesh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

As the pursuit of sustainability increasingly calls for social inclusion and equity, this study examines how social justice shapes community empowerment in tourism destinations. Although justice is central to sustainable development discourse, limited empirical understanding exists of how its dimensions collectively influence empowerment. Focusing on the tourism across three major tourism destinations, Australia, the UK, and the USA, the research examines the relationships between recognition, procedural, and distributive justice and different dimensions of community empowerment including psychological, social, economic and political empowerment. Utilizing a quantitative approach and guided by equity and social justice theories, the study employs partial least squares …

Human Resource Development Practices And Employee-Focused Voice: A Conceptual Model And Research Agenda, Hossein Ali Abadi, Andreas Wallo, Daniel Lundqvist, Alan Coetzer, Janice Redmond

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Critical theorists contend HRD has prioritized managerial interests over employee well-being. Some have advocated an ethics of care approach, emphasizing employee needs and well-being. However, there are few models to guide research on integrating care-oriented practices. We adopt a mutual gains perspective, proposing that HRD practices can enhance performance and employee well-being through employee-focused voice. HRD has overlooked voice, which is well-theorized in HRM. To address this gap, we conceptualize how key practices can foster employee-focused voice. We adapt and extend Nishii and Wright’s (2008) HR process model, integrate leadership styles, and develop propositions to guide studies on facilitating voice.

Fostering Relational Leadership Skills In Mining: The Signal Online Program, Arian Kunzelmann, Armaghan Shafaei, Esme Franken, Kate Blackwood, Tim Bentley, R. Xia, L. Deacon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Summary: Leaders play a critical role in shaping workplace well-being, respect, and mental health in mining. This study examined the relational leadership capabilities underpinning the SIGNal program and explored the contextual factors that influence leadership development and the application of learning in mining workplaces. The quantitative findings showed that supportive, inclusive, growth-oriented, and adaptive leadership behaviours tend to co-exist and are strongly associated with positive worker outcomes. Workers who perceived their leaders as highly relational reported substantially higher levels of job satisfaction, work engagement, well-being, and respect at work. The findings also highlighted the importance of organisational factors, with psychosocial …