Digital Commons Network^™

Navigating Perspectives: A Phenomenological Inquiry Into Communication Experiences Between North American–Trained International School Leaders And Expatriate Staff, Maggie Marie Cashdollar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive phenomenological study explored the communication approaches and experiences between leaders and expatriate staff in English-medium international schools. The researcher aimed to understand how leadership communication, feedback, and cultural awareness impact professional relationships and organizational effectiveness in diverse educational settings. Semistructured online interviews were conducted with seven current or former international school leaders and teachers to capture their lived experiences. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes: (a) communication approaches, (b) the role of feedback in the workplace, and (c) cultural awareness in communication. Five subthemes emerged: (a) expectations, (b) inclusion, (c) being present, (d) growth mindset, and (e) positivity. …

An Exploration Of The Influence Of Occupational Mentorship On The Success Of Black Female Executive Leaders In Educational Sales, Bashelia H. Ward

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The dearth of Black women in executive-level leadership roles within U.S. business organizations persists due to numerous barriers such as tokenism; racial fatigue; stereotypes; a lack of identity; and the intersection of race, gender, and social injustices impeding their upward mobility in the educational sales industry. Despite recognizing the potential for change through tools and programs, the absence of robust occupational mentorship emerges as a pivotal barrier hindering the transformation of Black women’s roles in these educational sales environments. The sample size for this hermeneutical qualitative study was seven Black women in the K–12 educational sales industry. Data collection methods …

Challenges The Sporting Industry Faced During Covid-19 On Fan Attendance: The Case Of The National Basketball Association, Marlon Long

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This culminating experience project investigates the challenges the sporting industry faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focused look at the National Basketball Association. The research questions are: (Q1) How did the NBA arena shutdowns impact fan attendance for each team during the COVID-19 pandemic? (Q2) What factors influenced NBA arena attendance before the COVID-19 shutdowns? (Q3) What factors influenced NBA arena attendance after the COVID-19 shutdown? The data collected includes all 30 NBA teams from 2019 through the 2024 seasons. The research questions were analyzed using multilinear regression analysis and comparison of attendance data over 6 seasons including the …

Formation And Impact Of Informal Interest Groups: The Role Of Clan Culture, Bin Wang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This study explores the role of clan culture in the formation and dynamics of informal interest groups, particularly focusing on how multiple identities, such as clan identity, educational identity, and professional identity, interact to influence the intention to join the informal interest group, and subsequently influence individual outcomes along with group support. Through in-depth interviews with 21 members of the “Clan X Alumni Group”, an informal group with a same surname, this study investigates how clan culture fosters a strong sense of group identity and belonging, enhancing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and psychological well-being among members. It also extends social identity …

Surveying The Effects Of In-Person And Word Of Mouth Appeals To Gen-Z On Fundraising Outcomes, Stephanie Huynh

Honors Theses

Fluctuations in consumer behavior and perceived disposable income are a concern for nonprofit budgeting. Even with recurring donor subscriptions, donations can be an unreliable source of income. As Gen Zers become more prevalent in the workforce, it is a matter of time until they form the majority of the donor pool. This study explored the efficacy of repetition as a fundraising tool in appealing to Gen Zers. The sample was Gen Z students at the University of South Alabama, and a voluntary exploratory quantitative survey was administered. 113 responses were gathered. Through analysis with Spearman’s correlations and descriptive statistics, it …

Leveraging Data Analytics For Enchanced Economics Prediction: A Study Of Predictive Models And Economics Indicators, Janelle Rueda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is intended to investigate the lack of use of data analytics in predicting and managing the impacts of economic crises. This project investigates what economic key factors can be used to create a framework model and evaluate the effectiveness of the key economic indicator being tested as early warning signs. The project uses programs such as Excel, RStudio, and Tableau for the collection of historical data, and regression analysis to determine if certain economic indicators have a statistically significant correlation with GDP, that may help enforce systems in place to help us mitigate economic crises …

The Backdrop Of Leadership: How Environmental Awe Influences Charisma Attributions, Jack Mcguire, Nicolas Bastardoz, Leonie J. Hentrup, David De Cremer, Jochen I. Menges

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Charisma is often attributed to leaders based on how they look, talk, and behave. Yet very little is known about the role of the physical environment in influencing attributions of leader charisma. The role of the physical environment is crucial because leaders inevitably occupy physical spaces that vary across contexts. In this research, we find that the grandeur of the physical environment, specifically in its ability to induce awe, enhances attributions of charisma for leaders who are not already known to be charismatic. First, in a field experiment, we show that a real business leader is attributed with more charisma …

Determinants And Consequences Of Consumer Satisfaction Toward Hypermarkets In Thailand: Stimulus-Organism-Response Model, Kittichai Watchravesringkan, Chompunuch Punyapiroje

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

In the early 2000s, Thailand's hypermarket sector experienced rapid growth, drawing significant foreign direct investment. However, increasing competition from local retailers, the rise of convenience stores and community malls, and evolving consumer shopping habits have contributed to a post-pandemic slowdown in sales growth. Understanding how consumers evaluate hypermarkets' marketing practices is crucial for both academics and managers, as their strategies may depend on the strength of consumer attitudes toward these practices. Guided by the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) paradigm, this study investigates how consumers’ attitudes toward marketing practices, including business provision, deceptive advertising, fair price, and retail services—affect consumer satisfaction, which, in …

Brand Media And Health Perceptions: A Thematic Analysis Of Generational Differences, Julie Irene Diaz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the influence of brand identity and media on shaping evolving perceptions of health across generations. The three generations considered are Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. The initial hypothesis predicted the popular media and brands that each generation interacts with are most likely to influence their perception. Additionally, the health brands most popular with each generation would influence their overall health perception, based on the identity and values of the brand. A qualitative study was conducted using focus groups to gather data about health perceptions, brand identity, media influence, and holistic health. The findings suggest that individuals …

Reframing Rudeness: Exploring Positive Reappraisal As A Pathway From Customer Incivility To Self-Efficacy, Justin S. Boyd

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Customer incivility is a persistent challenge for front-line employees (FLEs), often leading to adverse workplace outcomes. This research examined whether positive reappraisal can transform incivility into a source of growth. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, the research explored how positive reappraisal mediates the relationship between customer incivility and two key forms of self-efficacy—regulatory emotional and workplace social—ultimately influencing job satisfaction. The moderating roles of perceived organizational support and trait mindfulness were also investigated.

A cross-sectional survey of 296 FLEs was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). More specifically, the results confirmed customer incivility positively predicts positive reappraisal. …

Role Of Retro Branding On A Consumer's Attitude Toward Products And Purchase Intentions, Cortnee Y. Bunch

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

This paper proposes retro branding as a marketing strategy that can impact consumers’ attitudes towards retro-branded products and, ultimately, their purchase intentions. Evoked nostalgia, through retro branding, for hedonic and utilitarian products is explored to investigate the impact on attitudes towards the products for both product types and purchase intentions. Nostalgia proneness is examined as a moderator amongst the relationships between retro branding, attitude towards products (both utilitarian and hedonic), and purchase intentions. Additionally, age and gender are explored as possible boundary conditions that impact the purchase intentions. Results indicate that evoked nostalgia, through retro branding, enhances attitudes toward products, …

Exploring The Influence Of Social Media Communication On Destination Branding: A Study Of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Alshehri

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Tourists now find social media important in forming their perceptions and decision criteria when traveling. This Research investigates the impact of destination marketing organizations -generated content and tourist-generated content on tourists' inspiration to visit Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the mediating role of destination image dimensions (cognitive, affective, and sensory) and the moderating role of cultural distance. Based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model, Hofstede Cultural Dimension Theory; the research analyzed a dataset of 237 responses using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that destination marketing organizations -generated content and tourist-generated content significantly enhance perceived advertising value, which in …

The Benefits Of Different Graphic Design Elements And What Satisfies Consumers, Kathryn R. Marston

Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the principles, elements, methodologies, and emerging trends of website design. It has a focus on user experience and design elements such as color, shape, and fonts. As websites have evolved from being a place to share information to a place where goods are bought and sold, design directly impacts the satisfaction of the consumer using the website. This study explores the connection between graphic design and user experience elements and satisfaction of consumers.

The research uses qualitative research to discover the impact of graphic design elements of a website including color scheme, button shapes, and font styles …

Exploration, Exploitation, And Financial Performance: The Long-Term Advantages Of Ambidextrous Companies, Georgi Aleksandrov Kirov

Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have advanced ambidexterity as an effective organizational strategy to cope with environmental and technological change. The use of divergent and incompatible core construct conceptualizations, overreliance on cross-sectional and perceptual performance measures, and persistent scarcity of longitudinal examinations have undermined empirical conclusions that ambidexterity works. This study seeks to ascertain whether ambidexterity enhances long-term financial performance under environmental conditions of munificence, dynamism, and external potential slack.

The study deploys a novel operationalization of the ambidexterity concept and develops company portfolios to compare the financial results of ambidextrous firms and their rivals. Based on a 25-year data set, the research finds …

Understanding Pre-Harvest Hedging Behavior And Basis Forecasting: The Role Of Information In Grain Marketing, Iyore Eronmwon

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This dissertation examines decision-making under risk in grain marketing, focusing on how information influences behavior, attitudes toward accessible information, and methods for forecasting commodity basis. Through three essays, it explores the impact of information on hedging decisions, the determinants of information-seeking behavior, the extent to which students can serve as proxies for farmers in risk experiments, and the effectiveness of different forecasting approaches for commodity basis.

The first essay examines the impact of information on pre-harvest grain marketing hedging decisions and grain marketing information-seeking behavior. Specifically, it evaluates two types of information hypothesized to influence decision-making: expected cost of production …

Emergent Models Of Place-Based Philanthropy: A Review Of Six Foundations’ Initiatives, Douglas Easterling

The Foundation Review

Traditional approaches to place-based philanthropy, including comprehensive community initiatives (CCIs), are characterized by four design features: 1) a centralized stakeholder group that serves as the primary nexus for the foundation’s engagement; 2) an extensive planning process on the front end; 3) the planning group’s initial strategy serves as the basis for the foundation’s investments throughout the initiative; and 4) foundation staff play a largely transactional role in reviewing proposals, awarding grants and monitoring progress. This linear, structured approach to community change has had only limited success over 30 years of foundation practice.

In response, a growing number of foundations have …

Engaging Youth In Philanthropic Practice: Field-Building Strategies And The Promise Of Youth-Possible Philanthropy™, Kimberlin D. Butler

The Foundation Review

Traditional philanthropy has largely been top-down, with communities — including youth — having limited decision-making power. Despite philanthropy’s recent shift toward participatory approaches, young people in these historically excluded communities are often ignored as contributors to philanthropic strategy.

Youth-Possible Philanthropy™ (YPP) offers a new, emerging theoretical framework that proposes to shift this dynamic by positioning youth as co-creators and possibility catalysts in philanthropic governance and strategy. YPP is grounded in possibility development, participatory approaches, and trust-based philanthropy.

The article provides strategies for operationalizing YPP. Case examples illustrate how YPP can foster authentic power-sharing and bridge gaps in philanthropic practice.

2025 May, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for May of 2025.

Why Do We Buy What They Recommend? Investigating The Effects Of Fashion Influencers’ Source Factors On Consumer Attitudes And Purchase Intentions, Faren Karimkhan, Sindy Chapa

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

This study examined the effects of source factors (trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness, similarity, and likability) among Social Media Fashion Influencers (SMFIs) on consumers’ attitudes toward SMFIs and attitudes toward endorsed products, as well as the influence of these attitude variables on consumers’ purchase intention. A one-shot single-group case study was conducted (n=440). PLS-SEM was used to analyze the data. Results indicated that trustworthiness, attractiveness, and likability influence attitudes toward SMFIs but not the product. Expertise, similarity, and likability influence attitudes toward the product but not attitudes toward SMFIs. Attitudes toward the product and similarity with SMFI significantly influence purchase intentions. Attitudes …

Buyer Perceptions Of Single- And Mixed-Gender Dyadic Sales Teams: Should I Have A Wingman Or A Wingwoman?, Eric Kushins, Melissa Clark

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

Prior research suggests that the gender composition of sales teams may impact team performance. However, research at the intersection of sales, gender, and teams is limited. In this study, we collect survey data from hypothetical buyers who viewed one of six sales pitch videos, including solo salesmen and saleswomen, single-gender dyadic sales teams, and mixed-gender sales teams. The hypothetical buyers were asked to rate each of the salespeople on important traits that have proven to lead to successful sales interactions, including customer orientation, understanding, trustworthiness, awareness of others’ feelings, competence, knowledge, and if the hypothetical buyer would take advice from …

Unplanned In-Store Purchase Behavior Of Organic Grocery Product Users: Effect Of Consumer Innovativeness Traits And Traditional And Digital Promotional Stimuli, Dale A. Cake, Vikas Agrawal, Wooyang Kim

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship of consumer innovativeness traits and traditional or digital in-store promotional stimuli and their effect on in store unplanned shopping of organic products. Within a framework of trait theory, consumer buying behavior theory and decision-making processes, SEM and r software applied to U.S. retail organic user panel data showed a unique, positive relationship of hedonistic, price-consciousness and quality-seeking traits with domain-specific (organic products) consumer innovativeness. This had a direct, positive effect on traditional and digital stimuli use, as well as leading to unplanned shopping and spending of organic goods. Knowing the …

A Comparative Analysis Of Advertising Appeals In Anti- Smoking Advertisements (Print And Online Display Ads) From 1990s To 2020s In The U.K, Ayomide Adebare Mr, Jill Nash Dr

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

This study provides a comparative analysis of advertising appeals in static anti-smoking advertisements in the U.K. from the 1990s to the 2020s, using quantitative content analysis. The research evaluates print and online display advertisements, focusing on the prevalence of rational (gain-framed and statistical) and emotional (fear and guilt) appeals. The study investigates shifts in appeal usage over time and the broader societal and regulatory influences driving these changes. Findings indicate a strategic shift in public health messaging, moving from fear-based appeals in the 1990s to increased reliance on gain-framed appeals by the 2020s. This study enhances academic understanding of how …

Bridging The Gap: Management Vs. Leadership And The Path To Mastering Both, Wesley A. Key

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Management and leadership, though often conflated, represent distinct but complementary skills that are critical for organizational success. This thesis aims to explore the fundamental differences between management and leadership, highlighting how these roles interact and the necessity for individuals to master both to excel in today’s dynamic business environment. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from psychology, organizational behavior, and case studies, this research synthesizes academic literature to address key questions: What core competencies distinguish leaders from managers? How do these competencies align or conflict with one another in real-world settings? And what practical steps can individuals take to develop proficiency in …

Rigged Or Random? How Angry Bettors, Game Fixing, And Controversy Affect The Integrity Of The Sports World, Ryan S. Bostik

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper explores how the legalization of sports betting has fueled fan outrage, athlete harassment, and mistrust in professional and collegiate athletics. It explores the psychology of sports gamblers, the role of social media and online betting, and recent scandals in the sports world. It also highlights the measures being taken by the NCAA, government, and professional sports leagues to protect athletes and maintain integrity. This paper ultimately questions whether true integrity can be maintained in a sports world increasingly influenced by gambling.

Knockin’ On Music’S Door: A Cross-Generational Study Of The Formation Of Tastes, Roles, And Affinities For Music, Hannah B. Turner

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

The music we love is a direct reflection of who we are. It shapes our identity, fuels our emotions, and connects us to the world around us. Whether it's the anthems of our youth, the lyrics that put our feelings into words, or the melodies that bring back memories, music is woven into every stage of life. It influences the way we dress, the communities we belong to, and the way we see ourselves. Our playlists may evolve, but the connection remains the same. Music is more than just something we listen to; it’s a part of us.

Sports Betting, The Gateway Drug To A Gambling Addiction: A Study Of The Implications Of Sports Gambling On Societal Well-Being And Its Effects On The Younger Generation, Ellison Lewis

Marketing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction

It is everywhere you turn. In recent years we have seen unprecedented growth in the advertising, activities, and addiction of gambling. To put it into perspective “the AGA reported that total revenue from land-based casino games, sports betting and iGaming reached $66.52 billion for the calendar year, a 10% gain from the previous record set in 2022.” Of that, $10.92 billion came from sports betting specifically which was a 44.5% increase from the prior year (Reynolds, 2024). Factors contributing to the rise include the increase in gambling advertisements, the legalization of sports betting, and the removal of environmental barriers …

Of Headlamps And Marbles: A Motivated Perceptual Approach To The Dynamic And Dialectic Nature Of Fairness, Michael Ramsay Bashshur, Laurie J. Barclay, Marion Fortin

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

How do people perceive fairness? Recently, fairness scholars have raised important theoretical questions related to what information is used in fairness perceptions, why this information is emphasized, and how fairness perceptions can change over time. Integrating the Brunswikian lens approach with a motivated cognition perspective, we develop the Motivated Perceptual Approach (MPA) to highlight how people can be motivated to selectively perceive and weight cues to form fairness perceptions that align with their motives. However, these motives can change over time and through interaction with motivated others. By illuminating the dynamic and dialectic processes underlying fairness perceptions, the MPA sheds …

Succession Planning: Lessons From A Qualitative Single Case Study Of Ceo Behaviors Within A Small To Medium Enterprise Hospitality Industry Organization, Denise Mazzei

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For hospitality organizations to innovate in every direction and attract, engage, and retain their most potential internal talent, the CEOs of their organizations must prioritize succession planning within their organization’s strategic plans. In small to medium enterprise hospitality organizations, some CEOs overlook succession planning as a strategic imperative. Within the context of SME hospitality organizations, this qualitative method single case study research project focused on answering three questions to illuminate why some CEOs do not prioritize succession planning among the multiplicity of their responsibilities. The first question explored whether there is a need for CEO succession planning. The second question …

The Dynamics Of Power Transfer In Organizations: Examining Downward Deference And Its Workplace Consequences, Hoang Bao My Nguyen

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

This dissertation examines managerial power transfer as a core mechanism through which less-hierarchical management unfolds in organizations. While traditional management research has emphasized formal authority and top-down control, emerging organizational forms increasingly call on managers to share power with subordinates. Despite growing interest in constructs like empowerment, delegation, and participative leadership, the phenomenon of power transfer remains conceptually fragmented and undertheorized.

To address this, the dissertation defines power transfer as the intentional redistribution of authority, control, or resources by powerholders to lower-power individuals. Chapter 1 develops a typology of power transfer behaviors, organized along two key dimensions: extent of control …

Research On The Structural Antecedents And Contingencies Of Fluid Team Performance, Xiaodong Zhang

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

In response to rapidly evolving markets and the pursuit of organizational agility, fluid teams—characterized by dynamic membership and flexible structures—have become prevalent as a key organizational form for addressing complex tasks and uncertainty. However, inherent challenges such as frequent member mobility and multiple project participation pose significant management difficulties and performance risks, including project delays and cost overruns, particularly evident in China's fintech sector. While existing research has begun examining fluid teams, systematic investigation into their structural antecedents and performance mechanisms—especially their contingencies across contexts—remains limited.

The study examines structural antecedents and contingencies of fluid team performance through a mixed-methods …