Digital Commons Network^™

Social Media Presence And Innovation In Minority-Owned Small- And Medium-Sized Enterprises, Lionel Alexander Edlam Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Minority-owned (e.g., Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic, and women) small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for a small percentage of U.S. businesses in this sector. In this context, owners and managers of these businesses need to capitalize on social media to increase their marketplace survivability within the first 18 months of operation. The purpose of this quantitative correlation study, which was based on the technology acceptance model and absorptive capacity theory, was to examine whether the number of social media platforms presences predicts social strategy, customer involvement in innovation, and knowledge gained from customers for innovation in the United States. The …

Ecological Factors And Minority Young Adults’ Trust In Law Enforcement, Jason Boswell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Throughout the past decade, studies have shown that the relationship between police organizations and community members has developed mistrust as more citizens begin to document misconduct by law enforcement officers. Studies have also proven that community members trust the police when they feel the police are fair and just. Distrust of law enforcement undermines the legitimacy of police officers, and without this trust legitimacy, police officers lose their ability and authority to perform their jobs effectively. To help bridge the gap between minority communities and law enforcement agencies, this qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to examine the trust within law …

Neonatal Nurses’ Intention To Stay In The Nicu, Carolyn Penn-Griffin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Neonatal nursing leaders and national health care organizations within the United States are concerned about the recent shortage of skilled and experienced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses that may reduce the quality of care delivered to NICU patients. NICU nurses are passionate about caring for premature and ill full-term infants and providing educational and emotional support for their parents, some NICU nurses remain in the NICU long-term, yet others contemplate leaving the specialty. The purpose of this qualitative interpretative phenomenological research guided by Martin Fishbein and Ajezen’s theory of reasoned action was to explore the lived experiences of NICU …

Predicting Distance Learning Counselor Education Doctoral Students’ Research Self-Efficacy, Jennifer Patrice Edwards

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Distance learning is a growing educational delivery method for Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) doctoral students. At the time of this study, no research existed regarding the research self-efficacy (RSE) of distance learning CES doctoral students. Historically, the lack of RSE among counselor educators has been a chronic issue. However, research addressing contributors to improving RSE among distance learning CES doctoral students is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess and provide data on current perceptions and predictors of RSE among distance learning CES doctoral students. Two theories were used to conceptualize the key variables which were Lent …

Relationships Between Environmental Pollution And Corporate Environmental Violence Within The Florida Energy Sector, Lynne Hodalski-Champagne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Environmental pollution and corporate environmental violence (CEV) have become a primary motivator for research, activism, and policy initiatives. Prior research has involved environmental crime, environmental injustice and racism, its origins, history and applications, and effects on public perceptions leading to recommendations for policy implementation. The purpose of the study was to address environmental pollution in terms of total toxic emissions and CEV through analyses of harm inflicted on life, health, and physical integrity of humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. A quantitative correlational design was used with a Pearson’s r correlation coefficient to determine significance with a 95% confidence interval. Routine activities, …

Language Equity In The Undergraduate Classroom: Fostering Language Diversity In The World Of Standard Academic English., Gabriela Johnson

Higher Learning Research Communications

In this essay, I explore the complex intersection of language, identity, and education with a particular focus on the importance of fostering linguistic equity in higher education settings. It is imperative for higher education institutions to reevaluate language-related practices and foster linguistic diversity and equity. Drawing upon linguistic theories and real-world examples, I highlight how language is deeply intertwined with personal identity, culture, and heritage. Various English dialects, such as African American Vernacular English, Chicano English, and others, are highlighted as valid linguistic expressions rather than deviations from a supposed standard. The role of standard academic English (SAE) in academia …

Leaders’ Responsiveness To Creating Ethical Climate For Whistleblowing And Implicit Retaliation In The Public Sector, Oluwatoyin Olusegun

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Whistleblowing is reporting unethical or illegitimate practices witnessed by a member of an organization. Despite the laws and policies protecting whistleblowers in the public sector, many employees who report observed wrongdoings face retaliation. Creating an ethical climate impacts the responsiveness of organizational leaders to whistleblowing, yet little is known about how middle-level managers navigate organizational factors, situational factors, and personal beliefs to create an ethical climate. The current study aimed to bridge the knowledge gap by exploring how middle-level managers in government organizations in California described how organizational and personal factors influence their ability to create an ethical climate that …

A Therapist Perspective: Gender Differences In Treatment Recommendations For Adults With Adhd, Inattentive Presentation, Casey Redus

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with onset during childhood and often persisting into adulthood. Statistics show that more men are diagnosed with ADHD than women, and that women are more often diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type. Treatment for ADHD has not focused on non-psychopharmacology gender-based treatment recommendations, and this has been identified as requiring further research. This qualitative study explored therapists' process in making treatment recommendations for women versus men diagnosed with ADHD inattentive subtype. Social role theory was used to underpin the research. The participants of the study included ten licensed psychologists in the state …

Leadership Strategies Business Managers Use To Improve Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace, Eric Ray Robinson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Business managers’ lack of leadership strategies leads to a lack of a diverse workforce in most high-powered positions. Business managers who fail to implement appropriate leadership strategies for improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace can experience poor innovation, high employee turnover rates, decreased productivity, and decreased customer satisfaction. Grounded in social identity theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the leadership strategies business managers use to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace to improve performance in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Participants were four business managers who successfully used leadership strategies …

Southeastern South Carolina K-12 Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Difficulties In Implementing An Arts-Based Initiatives, Alexis P. Steedman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A public school district in southeast South Carolina implemented a new arts-based initiative due to the surge in demand for mental health services for students following the pandemic. With more students in the research site requiring intensive mental health support during the 2021-2022 academic year, compared to the 2016-2017 school year, the district is expanding its student mental health efforts to encompass a variety of arts-based initiatives to try to alleviate such concerns. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore K-12 teachers' experiences implementing arts-based initiatives and the resources they need when implementing arts-based initiatives in the …

Attitudes Of Algerian Emi And Non-Emi Lecturers And Students Toward English, Sana Touahmia, Farhana Bakar

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the attitudes of English medium instruction (EMI) lecturers and students and non-EMI lecturers and students toward English in Algeria. The Algerian government plans to implement English as a medium of instruction in higher education.

Methods: The research was carried out at an Algerian university where French is the primary language of instruction, but English is used as the medium of instruction for certain courses in the engineering department. Data were gathered through a questionnaire, which was distributed to a group comprised of 52 EMI lecturers, 226 EMI students, 70 …

Southeastern South Carolina K-12 Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Difficulties In Implementing An Arts-Based Initiatives, Alexis P. Steedman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A public school district in southeast South Carolina implemented a new arts-based initiative due to the surge in demand for mental health services for students following the pandemic. With more students in the research site requiring intensive mental health support during the 2021-2022 academic year, compared to the 2016-2017 school year, the district is expanding its student mental health efforts to encompass a variety of arts-based initiatives to try to alleviate such concerns. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore K-12 teachers' experiences implementing arts-based initiatives and the resources they need when implementing arts-based initiatives in the …

Ecological Factors And Minority Young Adults’ Trust In Law Enforcement, Jason Boswell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Throughout the past decade, studies have shown that the relationship between police organizations and community members has developed mistrust as more citizens begin to document misconduct by law enforcement officers. Studies have also proven that community members trust the police when they feel the police are fair and just. Distrust of law enforcement undermines the legitimacy of police officers, and without this trust legitimacy, police officers lose their ability and authority to perform their jobs effectively. To help bridge the gap between minority communities and law enforcement agencies, this qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to examine the trust within law …

Leadership Strategies Business Managers Use To Improve Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace, Eric Ray Robinson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Business managers’ lack of leadership strategies leads to a lack of a diverse workforce in most high-powered positions. Business managers who fail to implement appropriate leadership strategies for improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace can experience poor innovation, high employee turnover rates, decreased productivity, and decreased customer satisfaction. Grounded in social identity theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the leadership strategies business managers use to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace to improve performance in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Participants were four business managers who successfully used leadership strategies …

Predicting Distance Learning Counselor Education Doctoral Students’ Research Self-Efficacy, Jennifer Patrice Edwards

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Distance learning is a growing educational delivery method for Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) doctoral students. At the time of this study, no research existed regarding the research self-efficacy (RSE) of distance learning CES doctoral students. Historically, the lack of RSE among counselor educators has been a chronic issue. However, research addressing contributors to improving RSE among distance learning CES doctoral students is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess and provide data on current perceptions and predictors of RSE among distance learning CES doctoral students. Two theories were used to conceptualize the key variables which were Lent …

Leaders’ Responsiveness To Creating Ethical Climate For Whistleblowing And Implicit Retaliation In The Public Sector, Oluwatoyin Olusegun

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Whistleblowing is reporting unethical or illegitimate practices witnessed by a member of an organization. Despite the laws and policies protecting whistleblowers in the public sector, many employees who report observed wrongdoings face retaliation. Creating an ethical climate impacts the responsiveness of organizational leaders to whistleblowing, yet little is known about how middle-level managers navigate organizational factors, situational factors, and personal beliefs to create an ethical climate. The current study aimed to bridge the knowledge gap by exploring how middle-level managers in government organizations in California described how organizational and personal factors influence their ability to create an ethical climate that …

Neonatal Nurses’ Intention To Stay In The Nicu, Carolyn Penn-Griffin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Neonatal nursing leaders and national health care organizations within the United States are concerned about the recent shortage of skilled and experienced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses that may reduce the quality of care delivered to NICU patients. NICU nurses are passionate about caring for premature and ill full-term infants and providing educational and emotional support for their parents, some NICU nurses remain in the NICU long-term, yet others contemplate leaving the specialty. The purpose of this qualitative interpretative phenomenological research guided by Martin Fishbein and Ajezen’s theory of reasoned action was to explore the lived experiences of NICU …

Relationships Between Environmental Pollution And Corporate Environmental Violence Within The Florida Energy Sector, Lynne Hodalski-Champagne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Environmental pollution and corporate environmental violence (CEV) have become a primary motivator for research, activism, and policy initiatives. Prior research has involved environmental crime, environmental injustice and racism, its origins, history and applications, and effects on public perceptions leading to recommendations for policy implementation. The purpose of the study was to address environmental pollution in terms of total toxic emissions and CEV through analyses of harm inflicted on life, health, and physical integrity of humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. A quantitative correlational design was used with a Pearson’s r correlation coefficient to determine significance with a 95% confidence interval. Routine activities, …

Ten Myths About Artificial Intelligence In Education, Louie Giray

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: I analyze, deconstruct, and debunk prevalent misconceptions about artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

Methods: This study identifies and presents ten common myths about AI in education, followed by concise explanations that counter each myth with the corresponding reality, relying on credible sources and evidence.

Results: AI does not replace educators; it lacks the vital human qualities crucial for effective learning experiences. Thus, it can complement rather than substitute for educators. Physical classrooms remain pivotal for fostering student engagement, an element AI cannot fully replicate, challenging the notion of AI replacing the need for traditional classrooms. Despite excelling in specific …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives Of Differentiating Social And Emotional Learning, Anya Kayne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers face challenges in differentiating social emotional learning (SEL) to meet the diverse needs of their students. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives of strategies and challenges to differentiating SEL curricula to meet students’ diverse needs using the theory of social constructivism. The research questions focused on teachers’ perspectives of strategies they use and challenges they face when differentiating SEL curriculum. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 participants with 3 or more years of teaching experience in kindergarten through third grade in the United States. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed, resulting in …

Strategies Credit Union Leaders Use To Build Customer Retention, Nira N. Cooper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Enhancing customer retention is critical for U.S. credit unions to maximize competitiveness. Credit union leaders are concerned with customer retention because the loss of customers can negatively impact profitability and sustainability. Grounded in the expectation-confirmation theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the strategies that U.S. credit union leaders use to build customer retention. The participants were six credit union leaders successful in retaining customers. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of organizational documentation. Four themes were identified through thematic analysis: credit union leaders build customer retention through excellent customer service; credit …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives Of Differentiating Social And Emotional Learning, Anya Kayne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Teachers face challenges in differentiating social emotional learning (SEL) to meet the diverse needs of their students. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives of strategies and challenges to differentiating SEL curricula to meet students’ diverse needs using the theory of social constructivism. The research questions focused on teachers’ perspectives of strategies they use and challenges they face when differentiating SEL curriculum. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 participants with 3 or more years of teaching experience in kindergarten through third grade in the United States. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed, resulting in …

Strategies Credit Union Leaders Use To Build Customer Retention, Nira N. Cooper

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Enhancing customer retention is critical for U.S. credit unions to maximize competitiveness. Credit union leaders are concerned with customer retention because the loss of customers can negatively impact profitability and sustainability. Grounded in the expectation-confirmation theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the strategies that U.S. credit union leaders use to build customer retention. The participants were six credit union leaders successful in retaining customers. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of organizational documentation. Four themes were identified through thematic analysis: credit union leaders build customer retention through excellent customer service; credit …

Effective Strategies To Improve Retention Of Sales Professionals In U.S. Large Retailers, Nicole Monique Jackson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Retail sales professionals have the highest turnover rates of approximately 40% in the United States. Retail business leaders see a continuous decline in sales due to understaffed workers in large apparel retailers leading to poor business performance. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor model theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies that some retail management teams use to retain sales professionals of large retailers in the Virginia peninsula and Portland, Oregon Metropolitan areas. The participants were five retail managers of four large apparel retailers who were successful in retaining sales professionals in their current roles within …

Veterans Justice Outreach Program, Risk Of Recidivism, And Justice-Involved Veterans, Melody C. Weathers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To date, no study has examined whether the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program influences recidivism once a justice-involved veteran (JIV) completes the program. Nor has a study examined the diagnoses and comorbidities between a JIV’s propensity for recidivism following separation from the VJO. One of the VJO program’s goals has been to end JIVs' contact with the criminal justice system. This study utilized a generic qualitative design that aimed to explore JIVs who received treatment from the VJO and whether there was an effect on their risk of recidivism. Additional elements for exploration included posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain disorder, …

Strategies Used In United States E-Waste Recycling Businesses, Victor Odell Osborne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Increased consumer demand for the latest electrical and electronic technology and products has increased the amount of consumer and manufacturer-generated e-waste, leading to collection, handling, disposal, and environmental issues across the United States. Grounded in Bass’s curve theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that southern United States company leaders used to recover funds from the disposal of e-waste. The participants included 13 leaders from 13 organizations in the solid waste recycling industry. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and peer-reviewed articles. Data analysis included occurrence frequency, with five themes emerging: (a) communication, (b) …

Veterans Justice Outreach Program, Risk Of Recidivism, And Justice-Involved Veterans, Melody C. Weathers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

To date, no study has examined whether the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program influences recidivism once a justice-involved veteran (JIV) completes the program. Nor has a study examined the diagnoses and comorbidities between a JIV’s propensity for recidivism following separation from the VJO. One of the VJO program’s goals has been to end JIVs' contact with the criminal justice system. This study utilized a generic qualitative design that aimed to explore JIVs who received treatment from the VJO and whether there was an effect on their risk of recidivism. Additional elements for exploration included posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain disorder, …

Strategies Used In United States E-Waste Recycling Businesses, Victor Odell Osborne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Increased consumer demand for the latest electrical and electronic technology and products has increased the amount of consumer and manufacturer-generated e-waste, leading to collection, handling, disposal, and environmental issues across the United States. Grounded in Bass’s curve theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that southern United States company leaders used to recover funds from the disposal of e-waste. The participants included 13 leaders from 13 organizations in the solid waste recycling industry. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and peer-reviewed articles. Data analysis included occurrence frequency, with five themes emerging: (a) communication, (b) …

Effective Strategies To Improve Retention Of Sales Professionals In U.S. Large Retailers, Nicole Monique Jackson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Retail sales professionals have the highest turnover rates of approximately 40% in the United States. Retail business leaders see a continuous decline in sales due to understaffed workers in large apparel retailers leading to poor business performance. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor model theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies that some retail management teams use to retain sales professionals of large retailers in the Virginia peninsula and Portland, Oregon Metropolitan areas. The participants were five retail managers of four large apparel retailers who were successful in retaining sales professionals in their current roles within …

Quality Improvement: Naloxone Prescribing Practices For Paitent With An Opioid Patient Prescriber Agreement, Moniqueca Helms

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Substance Abuse Mental Health and Human Services Administration (SAMHSA) has set guidelines for opioid prescribing practices. The core principles of SAMHSA are to prevent overdose abuse and to provide appropriate treatment for those with an opioid abuse disorder. The concern addressed by the Doctor of Nursing Practice project was the gap in physician education regarding a Best Practice Alert (BPA) in the Electronic Medical Record that appears when prescribing an opioid to a patient without cancer. The alert indicates best practice is to prescribe naloxone with the opioid prescription. The naloxone BPA education project was implemented using the exploration, …