Digital Commons Network^™

Impact Of Coronavirus Pandemic On Employee Turnover In Financial Institutions In Ghana, Maame Esi Abbam

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus pandemic in late 2019 brought about a lot of challenges that affected several sectors and industries. The current research focused on assessing the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on employee turnover within the financial institutions in Ghana with a specific focus on women employees. Financial institutions are significant pillars of the Ghanaian economy, and they contribute to economic growth and provide essential financial services to businesses and individuals. Through Vroom’s expectancy theory and a qualitative phenomenological approach and analysis, the study was designed to explore the factors that contributed to employee turnover with a …

Training And Supporting Early Childhood Providers In Inclusive Settings, Kimberly K. Bennett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Early childhood providers care for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and special needs in their programs and classrooms. This study addressed the problem that there is insufficient professional development (PD) training for early childhood providers working with infants and toddlers with special needs in inclusive settings. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand what training early childhood providers report they have had, and what training early childhood providers perceive that they need to support infants and toddlers with special needs in inclusive settings. Using the whole teacher approach as the conceptual framework, the research questions explored …

Revitalizing Public Health Policy And Legislation For Effective Management Of Sickle Cell Disease, Elvelyna B. Beaubrun

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The transition of care from childhood to adulthood can impact young adults with chronic conditions. U.S. public health policy and legislation can mitigate the challenges with the transition of care through education and policy guidelines. There was a lack of information on the public policies that evaluate continuing care practices, education, and the competence of young African American (AA) adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) living in Pennsylvania. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of 10 AA adults ages 18–25 with SCD to understand what education was necessary for policymakers to reform legislation and …

Strategies Leaders Of U.S. Laboratory Testing Organizations Use To Maximize Customer Satisfaction, Kurt Clarkson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Maximizing customer satisfaction is vital for U.S. laboratory testing organizations to succeed within a competitive industry. Leaders of U.S. laboratories are concerned with customer satisfaction because dissatisfied customers can negatively impact customer retention, profitability, and firms’ competitiveness. Grounded in the social exchange theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that leaders of U.S. laboratory testing organizations implemented to maximize customer satisfaction. The participants were five leaders of laboratories in the southeast United States that held current ISO 17025 certification, were non-medical testing laboratories, and received positive online customer reviews. Data were collected from semistructured …

Strategies For Effective Labor-Management Relationships In The Foodservice Industry, Nichola A. Hall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The relationship between unions and management is particularly critical for food service firms, which rely heavily on unionized employees to meet operational needs. Food service managers are concerned with ineffective strategies for engaging with unions because managing these ineffective relationships jeopardizes employee retention and the firm's performance. Grounded in authentic leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore strategies food service managers use to develop and maintain an effective union-management relationship for retaining unionized employees. The participants were six food service managers from three large food service firms who implemented success strategies to develop and maintain …

Strategies Leaders Of Nonprofits Use To Increase Community Awareness And Capital Funding, Michael Beverly, Jr.

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Nonprofit leaders’ ability to establish and sustain effective awareness of their mission-oriented work with organizational stakeholders affects performance and sustainability. The failure to implement community awareness strategies and obtain capital funding through donations and contributions can adversely affect nonprofit leaders’ ability to ensure that their organizations can provide services and support to communities. Grounded in stakeholder theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies that nonprofit organization leaders use to increase community awareness to catalyze capital funding. The participants were three senior leaders of a nonprofit organization in the mid-Atlantic region that successfully obtained funding …

Social Desirability And Relational Self-Esteem In Adults That Experienced Childhood Peer Victimization, Trisha Jeffers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Childhood peer victimization occurs every day in the United States. This experience causes stress, mood changes, and social discord for the victims. Other researchers have examined the long-term implications of childhood peer victimization, which include depression, anxiety, stress response, attention deficits, and poor overall well-being. Further research is needed to identify more areas impacted by childhood peer victimization. Social learning theory proposed experiences influence behaviors and provided the theoretical foundation for this study. Ninety-nine participants were recruited for this quantitative study using online crowdsourcing and social media. The participants completed a survey comprised of the California Bullying Victimization Scale Retrospective …

Church Leaders' Perception Of Their Role In The Deterrence Of Juvenile Reincarceration, Sherine Sandrea Brown-Thomas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2019, U.S. law enforcement officers detained almost 700,000 juveniles under the age of 18. The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention stated that 55% of juveniles were rearrested within a year, and after that, 24% of juveniles were reincarcerated within a year. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore church leaders’ perceptions of their role, experiences, and activities in contributing to reducing the risk of reincarceration of juvenile offenders, and to create a model for other community leaders. The conceptual framework for the study was Shaw and McKay’s social disorganization theory. …

Strong Black Woman Schema And Its Impact Among Black Women, Charissa Simon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the impact of the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema on the mental health and help-seeking behaviors of Black/African American professional women, contributing novel insights to existing literature. Despite possessing access and financial means for mental health services, a strikingly low rate of Black/African American professional women seek such resources. The study was grounded in intersectionality theory and the self-silencing theory. Eleven Black/African American professional women participants volunteered. Thematic analysis illuminated common barriers including pride, distrust in the mental health system, a strong inclination towards self-reliance, feelings of being misunderstood, and a lack of emotional support. …

Examining Technology Use And Competence Of Higher Education Academics During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Devrim Akgunduz, Aysegul Kinik Topalsan

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The present study describes the utilization frequency and competencies of educational technologies among academics at a university in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Participants were 391 faculty members and lecturers working in the faculties and vocational schools of a Turkish university during the 2020–2021 academic year. A survey included questions regarding the use of educational technologies and perceived competency in the use of those technologies.

Results: Academics are more familiar with distance education than hybrid or blended learning. Academics reported that blended learning, hybrid learning, and distance education provide more effective education on integrating technology but report that …

Development Of Technology Pilot Training To Reduce The Number Of Senior Citizens Victimized By Computer Fraud Scams, James Eric Johnston

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is need in the public sector to help people 60+ years of age in the safe, practical use of technology for business, personal use, and family interaction. This age group is targeted more than others involving technology fraud. The current study focused on which topics need to be part of Technology Fraud Pilot Training to reduce the victimization that is put upon seniors 60+ years of age. The project included measures that may improve understanding and safe usage of basic technology that is frequently used. These searches came from public administration, technology, government, city government, state sources, and others …

Social Enterprises And Evidence-Based Practices Of Sustainable Development, Gregory Rogers

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some managers of social enterprise organizations lack strategies to improve business operations and profitability in a social business inside a private market. Social enterprise managers must implement successful strategies to improve business operations and profitability; otherwise, businesses may fail, causing a loss of jobs, increased social injustices, and weakened communities. Grounded in the competing values framework, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies used by managers of social enterprises to improve business operations and profitability. The participants comprised six social enterprise managers who implemented successful strategies for at least 3 years to improve business operations and …

U.S. Health Care Leaders' Perceptions Of A $15 Living Wage And Its Influence On Organizational Outcomes, Mary Trenice Richardson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, paying employees a living wage has been a salient topic for organizations, social advocacy groups, and politicians in recent years. Advocates have introduced a $15 per hour wage as an appropriate living wage. There is existing research on living wages; however, research is limited on perceptions of living wages among leadership in the health care industry. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore leaders' perceptions of a $15 living wage and its influence on organizational outcomes in the health care industry. The efficiency wage theory provided the theoretical framework for the investigation. A …

Strategies To Engage Multigenerational Workforces, With A Focus On Millennials, Talisha T. Turner

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A problem that continues in the blue-collar industry is the lack of strategies to keep a multigenerational workforce engaged, especially millennials. The purpose of this basic qualitative descriptive design was to learn how to engage the millennial workforce in the blue-collar industry. The study examined the generational shift in the workplace leading to high turnover in the construction blue-collar industry. The goal was to enhance understanding of the effects of the generational shift in the blue-collar industry and show the impact that millennials have and will have on the blue-collar industry. The two research questions addressed (a) how experienced supervisors …

Strategies Adopted By Tourism Leaders To Reduce Tourist Harassment, Shawn Marie Scarlett

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some hotel tourism managers and small and medium-sized business owners lack strategies to reduce tourist harassment. Tourism leaders are concerned with tourist harassment because it is one of the significant causes of dissatisfaction for guests. Grounded in the stakeholder theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore strategies adopted by tourism leaders to reduce tourist harassment. The participants comprised four tourism leaders and experts in the tourism sector who employed strategies to diminish tourist harassment in their organizations. The data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of implemented policies. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis …

Evidence-Based Leadership Practices Of Reentry Program Leaders To Reduce Recidivism Among African American Women, Mabrey Raymond Duff

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The rate of recidivism among African American women is disproportionately higher than among European American or Latino women in a southeastern state. The problem identified was the high prevalence of recidivism among African American women despite undergoing reentry programs. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the practices of reentry program leaders in a southeastern state that reduce recidivism among formerly incarcerated African American women. Evidence-based leadership development provided a conceptual framework for assessing the results of practices in the reentry program. Current reentry program leaders in a southeastern state were asked to describe the leadership practices …

The Lived Experience Of Transformation In Cam Providers Trained In Trauma-Informed Care, Alane Lucht

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Public and professional awareness of the nature and consequences of psychological trauma has resulted in a greater interest in becoming trauma informed. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers have begun to incorporate trauma-informed care in their practices. However, there is a lack of research exploring how training in trauma-informed care (TIC) personally and professionally transforms CAM providers. This descriptive phenomenological study explored the lived experience of transformation in CAM providers who participated in TIC training. Transformative learning theory (TLT) was used as the conceptual framework. Nine participants were interviewed, and their experiences of personal and professional transformation were analyzed using …

Race-Related Stress, Medical Mistrust, Covid-19 Worry, And Covid-19 Vaccination Behavior Among African Americans, Lisa A. Cash

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, nearly 104 million cases and over 1.1 million deaths from novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported overall, but African Americans have been disproportionately affected. Nevertheless, this population has demonstrated the lowest intention to be vaccinated and lowest vaccination rates of all racial/ethnic groups in the United States. The research problem addressed by this study is African American COVID-19 health disparities. The purpose of this investigation was to examine factors that influence COVID-19 vaccination behavior among African Americans, which is important to better understand how to achieve health equity. Using the health belief model …

Perceptions Of Financial Exploitation Among Older African American Women In The Black Church, Patricia Jackson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Perceptions of Financial Exploitation Among Older African American Women in the Black Church by Patricia Jackson MS, Walden University, 2016 BA, Langston University, 1977 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Social and Behavioral Sciences, Family Studies and Intervention Walden University February 2024

Social, Cognitive, And Teaching Presence As Predictors Of Online Student Engagement Among Msn Students, Mark Littler

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The dynamics of higher education have changed as a result of online learning. However, it can be challenging for teachers to effectively engage students online. Furthermore, limited research about the relationship between presence and online student engagement is a social problem that impacts the quality of online nursing education. The purpose of this nonexperimental quantitative research study was to examine the relationship between social presence, cognitive presence, teaching presence, and online student engagement among MSN students. The community of inquiry (CoI) framework was used to guide this study. The research question addressed the relationship between social presence, cognitive presence, teaching …

Entrepreneurship Strategies For Reintegrating African American Male U.S. Military Veterans After Military Service, Schavass L. Hamilton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

African American male U.S. military veterans struggle with transitioning from military to civilian life; however, engaging in entrepreneurship can ease this integration. Grounded in the Schlossberg 4-S model, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore the experiences of four veterans and one active-duty member in their transition from military to entrepreneurial practices. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis was used to identify eight themes: (a) challenges encountered in entrepreneurship, (b) minimal external financial assistance used, (c) multiple paths to entrepreneurial education, (d) strategies for entrepreneurial success, (e) adapting to COVID-19 challenges, (f) diverse marketing …

First- And Second-Grade Teachers’ Use Of Data-Driven Decision-Making For Guided Reading, Caroline J. Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem in this study was that first- and second-grade teachers are not using relevant and timely data, specifically running records, analysis of oral reading errors, self-correction rates, and word accuracy, as well as the student zone of proximal development (ZPD) in guided reading instruction. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how first- and second-grade teachers use data-driven decision-making (DDDM) and ZPD to inform guided reading instruction. The conceptual frameworks in this study were DDDM and ZPD, as they collectively provided a lens for gathering rich data on instructional decision-making processes. Research questions addressed how first- …

Strategies For Insider Threat Mitigation And Detection, Adam Clifton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Some information technology (IT) security professionals lack strategies to protect against insider threats. This lack of strategy is concerning because of the widespread organizational damages from insider threat incidents within global organizations, which often lead to financial penalties against organizations and a lack of public trust. Based upon the total quality management model, the goal of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore strategies IT security managers used to secure their organizations against threats from trusted insiders. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with five high-level network security practitioners specializing in insider threat mitigation. Five themes emerged during data …

The Lived Experiences Of Urhobo Women From The Niger Delta Region Of Nigeria During The Menopausal Transition, Omemiyere Sheila Uwayzor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative phenomenological study offered an in-depth exploration of the menopausal experiences of seven Urhobo women, ages 45–65 years old, representing diverse occupational backgrounds and communities from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, who shed light on the multifaceted dimensions of menopausal experiences. Grounded in the Meleis transitions theory, the research presented thematic insights from semi-structured interviews, capturing the participants’ physiological, emotional, cultural, and healthcare-related experiences. Interviews were conducted with seven Urhobo women aged between 45 and 65 years old. These menopausal women responded to the research question regarding their lived experiences of Urhobo women during the menopausal transition. Using …

Strategies For Financing Small Businesses, Tina P. Do

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Accessing financial capital is an essential aspect of small business survival because the lack of funding is detrimental to the performance and sustainability of small businesses. Small business owners are concerned about gaining access to financial capital because it is vital to small businesses’ survival. Grounded in Donaldson’s pecking-order-theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small business owners used to sustain their businesses. The participants were three small business owners of the restaurant industry who successfully accessed capital from banks and financial institutions to help sustain their businesses. Data were collected through semistructured interviews …

Raising Public Awareness Of Electric Vehicle Technology To Increase Sales, Robert English

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, transportation is critical to economic viability and growth. Electric vehicle (EV) technology may provide an essential solution to rising environmental issues; however, public awareness of electric vehicle technology is low. Grounded in advantage theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore sales and marketing strategies used by business owners to educate the public on EV technology to expand sales and market share. Participants included 11 EV business owners who had been in business for at least 5 years in the Philadelphia metropolitan area; each company had a marketing budget and formulated approach to …

Challenges Of Cameroonian Immigrants When Accessing Mental Health Services In Los Angeles, Christiana Bibish Onjeme Elad

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The California Pan- Ethnic Health Network has been undertaking community-driven research projects aimed at evaluating the immigrant communities’ barriers to accessing mental health care. The Department of Healthcare Services in Los Angeles County provides healthcare services to anyone and everyone in Los Angeles irrespective of their immigration status. My Health LA provides free healthcare services to immigrants 26 years and older who do not qualify for public health insurance like medical. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the challenges of Cameroonian immigrants when accessing mental health services in Los Angeles. The theoretical foundation of this study …

The Effects Of Spirituality And Social Support On Posttraumatic Growth In Bipoc Communities Following The August 2016 Flooding Event In Baton Rouge, La, Danielle Lorena Lee

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) community of Baton Rouge, Louisiana experienced life-changing events after the August 2016 flooding event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Even after experiencing a traumatic event, survivors may display signs of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Previous researchers looked at the impact of social support and religious/spiritual beliefs on PTG, but results have historically been obtained from married, White, and Christian individuals. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the influence of religious/spiritual beliefs and social support on PTG. Data were collected from BIPOC participants who reside in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana through …

Elementary Educators' Experiences Implementing Mandatory Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Curricula, Latonsha Diane Pridgen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a recognized public health problem with lasting adverse impacts on survivors, their families, and society, and three million children are affected by CSA. School-based CSA prevention education is the primary prevention method most commonly used to address this social problem. As such, legislators in 28 U.S. regions have enacted laws requiring CSA prevention curricula be administered in public schools. Although several researchers have studied the efficacy of school-based CSA prevention curricula, there has been limited research exploring the experiences of educators implementing the curricula. The goal of this generic qualitative study was to examine the …

Qualitative Study Of Public Policy Affecting Public University Students: How Positive Psychology May Lessen Racism, Russell F. Peck

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Racism, racial inequity, and racial violence, including micro-aggressions (slurs and fearful glances) are endemic in modern American society. Finding ways to eliminate or at least mitigate racism and racial violence is important, not only for public safety but also to ensure equality, fairness, and social harmony among every stratum of American society. The purpose of this study was to determine if teaching positive psychology in Boston, Massachusetts (MA)-area university college classrooms helped improve race relations. The primary research question involved determining factors that create racism and racial violence in society. The second research question was about if an education policy …