Digital Commons Network^™

Quiet Quitting Out Loud: A Qualitative Study Of Digital Communication Through Public Discourse On Youtube Regarding An Evolving Work Behavior Trend, Jessica R. Koch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the phenomenon of online discourse surrounding quiet quitting, a trending movement that has gone viral on social media. This trend encourages individuals to set work-life boundaries and reject excessive labor demands by contributing only what is required at work. The study aims to explore how news sources and users alike engage with this concept, particularly using YouTube as a platform for advocacy and community-building. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to analyze a sample of news segment videos published on YouTube on the topic of quiet quitting, focusing on emerging themes within those conversations and the role …

State-Based Law Enforcement Accreditation Outcomes: A Multiple Case Study In Texas, Thomas L. Sanders

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The 21st century has brought new challenges to the nation’s law enforcement organizations, with agencies having to achieve a higher service standard to meet society’s demand for transparency, responsiveness, and justice. Prompted by presidential task force recommendations in 2015 and 2020, law enforcement agencies have sought methods to raise their organizational standards to build trust and legitimacy of policing in their communities. Based on federal guidelines, the accreditation of law enforcement agencies and implementation of the best practices in law enforcement throughout the nation have taken root in American policing. On a national level, the Commission on Accreditation for Law …

Strategies Police Agencies Can Implement To Improve Officer Mental Health, Robert Gleason

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The profession of law enforcement is commonly recognized as being extremely stressful. Policing has the potential to produce extraordinarily high levels of stress among officers, particularly in contemporary political and social situations. This stress can be induced by several reasons, including but not limited to the occupation itself, the organization, and the organizational leadership. Long-term exposure to chronic stress has been linked to adverse effects on mental and physical health, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, exhaustion, and, in extreme situations, suicidal ideations and attempts. This qualitative study examined strategies and initiatives that police officers believe would help agencies …

A Grounded Theory Study Of The Second Birth And The Processes Of Sanctification In The United States, With Special Attention To Communicating With God, Richard Bruce Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The human experience of Christian sanctification and communicating with the God of the Bible was studied using a Constructivist Grounded Theory. The setting was the United States, a post-truth society with concurrent falling church attendance, diminished Bible reading, and deteriorating social discourse. Fifteen participants met the inclusionary criteria of a second birth experience over one year prior and over 18 years old. Research questions focused on facilitators and inhibitors of sanctification processes, how the participants perceived God communicated with them, and their resultant actions. Results demonstrated that participants reported that God used multiple communication modalities. Participants felt a great closeness …

The Impact Of Economic Stress On Marital Satisfaction, Luis Ventura

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Marital satisfaction is considered a common index for measuring the stability and quality of marriages. Various factors have been considered to affect the stability and quality of marriages. In the context of the contemporary world, in which socioeconomic dynamics influence day-to-day existence, economic or financial stress is considered a factor that influences relationships. However, the extent to which economic stress affects relationships is unclear. This study examines the effect that economic stress (through its varied types) has on marital satisfaction. It applies a correlational research design where data is collected using quantitative survey questionnaires on a sample of 80 participants …

Exploring Rapport-Building In Coaching Relationships: Coach's Perspective, Tanya Devereaux

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines rapport-building strategies and challenges executive coaches face in their interactions with clients, with an emphasis on demographic influences. By employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study captures the subjective experiences of 14 active executive business coaches. These coaches discussed techniques for rapport-building, such as pre-meeting engagement, setting expectations, and creating safe environments during initial sessions. The findings reveal that demographic factors—such as race, gender, and cultural background—impact the coach-coachee dynamic, often necessitating adaptive strategies to align with the unique needs of each client. The themes that emerged from the research aligned with existing literature, and professional experience …

Multi-Ethnic Executive Leadership (Meel) Experiences Within Higher Education: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Enrique Fabian Fernandez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological hermeneutic study was to understand the experiences of the limited multiethnic executive leadership (MEEL) within proprietary for-profit and private non-profit higher education institutions in the lower Southeastern region of the United States. The study applied a social justice theory interpretive framework via the critical race theory highlighting unconscious biases that have supported by-and-large a majority White leadership hierarchy within higher education in the United States. The study also employed a qualitative study design with a phenomenological hermeneutical approach which fits well with the intent and process aimed at revealing and illuminating participant’s triumphs and …

Lack Of Diverse Leadership In A Highly Diverse Culture In A Military Unit Within The U.S. Armed Forces: Promoting Diversity And Inclusivity, Renika J. Pruitt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem addressed was the potential lack of diverse leadership in a highly diverse culture within a military unit in the U.S. Armed Forces. Despite a demographic variety among service members, leadership roles remain primarily dominated by the majority, white males. I explored systemic barriers to leadership diversity, including implicit biases, traditional selection practices, and limited mentorship opportunities for diverse service members. The research included a sample of 30 leaders as the primary population and 30 survey responses from junior service members for triangulation purposes. A flexible, single-case study design was chosen to explore this issue thoroughly. Key findings revealed …

The Communication Theory Of Argumentativeness: A Study Analyzing Argumentativeness And Demographics, Monika Joanna Yates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Quantitative research regarding the communication theory of argumentativeness is presented. The communication theory of argumentativeness, with its established argumentativeness conceptualization, scale, and measure, is central. The argumentativeness conceptualization, scale, and measure are used to posit argumentativeness groupings, which are then analyzed along with demographics within argumentativeness groupings. The following research questions are posed and answered: What is the distribution of argumentativeness within the general population? Are there identifiable segments/groupings of argumentativeness within the general population? Are there certain demographic characteristics that accompany the argumentativeness groupings of low, middle, and high argumentativeness measures? The conclusion finds: there are identifiable argumentativeness groupings; …

An Investigation Of Homicide And Aggravated Assault Rates In Relation To Police Attrition, Terence Sweeney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Between January 2021 and December 2022, a surge in retirements and resignations among U.S. police departments coincided with a notable rise in violent crime in urban areas. This correlational study used a retrospective approach to test the theory that a correlation existed between the unprecedented attrition of sworn officers following the 2020 social unrest and the contemporaneous sudden spike in violent crime rates in major cities during that same period. In addition, this study aimed to explore whether the four cities reacted similarly and simultaneously during the 24 months under study. The population under study was the attrition rates of …

A Qualitative Study On University-Model® Schools And Their Impact On Students' Spiritual Formation, Michael Robert Wills

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The University-Model® School (UMS) system is an education model that allows students to attend a combination of in-classroom learning with a supported home learning environment (Turner, 2017). The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of parents to understand their spiritual formation techniques for the development of students and the perceived impacts at University-Model® Schools. At this stage in the research, spiritual formation is defined as the process of conforming to Jesus's image in his service (Pettit, 2008). Howard's (2018) theology of spiritual formation is the theory guiding this study. The study examined the fostering of …

A Written Dissertation Of A History Of The Ethnic Identity Of The Irish Child Laborers In Saint Louis, Missouri: 1890-1930, Deserea A. Morse

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study of child labor helps us better understand the connection between labor, ethnicity, and crime within America. Throughout this dissertation, there will be a closer look into the influence that child labor has had on the growth of this nation. It also grants a look into the design of society within Progressive America and gives a voice to the story of the child laborer and his experiences. Currently, there is an ever-changing debate on the role child labor played within American history, specifically between the years 1910-1930. This period of years is critical as it signals when reform programs …

From Classrooms To Conflict: How Missionary Education Paved The Way To The Korean War, Douglas K. Sutherland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explores the pivotal role of Protestant missionaries and humanitarian actors in Korea’s quest for a unified, independent nation, examining their influence on social, cultural, and political transformations through education. Beginning with the arrival of the first Protestant missionaries in the late 19th century, the study delves into their impact on Korean society by establishing schools and hospitals that introduced Western education and healthcare practices, challenging traditional Confucian norms and fostering a new intellectual and ideological landscape. These institutions became centers of modernity and nationalist ideologies, cultivating a generation of Korean leaders who played significant roles in the independence …

Analyzing Organizational Commitment And Organizational Citizenship Behavior In Telecommuting Work Environments, Joshua L. Hays

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic forced employees and organizations into telecommuting roles which created undesirable consequences for the employee (distractions, overworking, isolation, etc.) and the organization (emotional disengagement, turnover, control, lack of collaboration, etc.). The research design for this study was a quasi-experimental correlational design to analyze the relationship between organizational commitment and telecommuting environments. The data obtained from the participants was collected by using Google Forms survey design. Upon receiving the required (n = 100) completed surveys, the data was then inputted into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 for analysis. The participants of this study were from …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Marital Satisfaction And Marital Resilience In Christian Couples, Melvinlyn Lovell Scott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the impact of the coronavirus, better known as COVID-19, on marital satisfaction and resilience in Christian marriages. Marital satisfaction and resilience are critical components of a successful marriage. Numerous studies have focused on marital satisfaction and resiliency (Carr & Kellas, 2018). However, little research focuses specifically on Christian married couples’ marital satisfaction and resilience during extraordinary conditions such as the recent pandemic, COVID-19. Even without a pandemic, marriages encounter internal and external stressors that can strengthen or destroy marriage. The primary goal of this quasi-experimental study using the interactionism theory was to (a) examine the impact of …

Care Providers Caring For Military Members Struggling With Grief, Clara Altagracia García

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research aims to address the lack of grief support services for service members (SMs) and veterans, which affects them and the wider community. The mission is to uncover the needs of SMs and veterans and devise effective strategies to support them. The literature review will provide the foundation for the need for research and create a reasonable solution for a healthier grieving process for SMs. This research aims to determine how complicated grief goes undetected and how counseling can help SMs and veterans. The thesis project will impact the grief counseling process of others in this field and bring …

Exploring The Influence Of Police Officers Lived Experiences On Implementing Community Oriented Policing Of Marginalized Populations, Herman "Tracy" Williams Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The oppositional relationship between the police and communities characterized as marginalized populations aptly describes an adversarial dynamic that hinders the effective implementation of guardian-focused, community-oriented policing. Fears of crime, claims of police bias, dehumanization, and perceptions of social disorder frequently breed socioeconomic decline in these communities. These conditions often contribute to citizens of marginalized communities viewing police officers as traditional policing warriors versus the roles of police as guardians who assist and protect the public. The problem is that the lack of cooperation and mutual distrust in interactions between the police and communities leads to external friction and internal organizational …

Data Literacy In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Morgan V. Harrell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study is to explore the essential data and digital literacies for instructors in community colleges, trade schools, and vocational training programs located in the South to work with artificial intelligence (AI) effectively. The theory guiding this study is based on Max van Manen's framework on lived experiences and Paul Ricoeur's narrative theory, which is designed to enhance understanding of the perception and implementation of these literacies within an AI-augmented educational domain. As society's reliance on data continues to grow, it becomes essential to equip all citizens with the skills required for data literacy (Wolff …

A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Of Military Veterans' Lived Experiences With The Cultural Transition Process: Navigating From The Military Culture To Civilian Life, Claudia Flores

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the process of cultural reintegration of service members from the military culture to the civilian culture, and to critically examine the implementation of existing Department of Defense (DoD) military transition policies designed to facilitate this reintegration. Policy implementation theory, pioneered by Jeffrey Pressman and Aaron Wildavsky, served as a framework to evaluate the efficacy of the DoD’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) in supporting cultural reintegration. The study also drew upon the military transition theory, pioneered by Carl Castro and Sara Kintzle, which highlights the acculturation challenges faced by veterans, due …

Arguments For The Sovereignty Of God In The Book Of Job, Elizabeth J. Welch

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The book of Job is a complex piece of wisdom literature studied for centuries using various methodologies to elucidate theological doctrines, biblical themes, and literary motifs. This dissertation aims to demonstrate that a midrashic form of exposition significantly expands the understanding of the Joban arguments for and against the sovereignty of God within the context of the ancient views of divine retribution and human suffering. Encapsulated in the legal motif, the disclosure and discussion of these views with associated themes, such as theocracy, theodicy, justice, and theophany, identified God’s sovereignty as the most prevalent doctrine in the book. The three …

Pentecostal Christian’S Influence On Marital Satisfaction And Longevity, Rebecca Burgess

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research study aimed to explore the influence of Pentecostalism on marital satisfaction and longevity within the context of individuals who identify as Pentecostal Christians. By employing PENTECOSTALISM AND MARITAL SATISFACTION 3 phenomenology, the study sought to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, perspectives, and beliefs of participants regarding the impact of Pentecostalism on their marriages. The research involves in-depth interviews with married individuals adhering to Pentecostal beliefs, examining their experiences and interpretations of how Pentecostal teachings and practices influence their marital satisfaction and relationship longevity. This study included a sample size of 10 participants, consisting of 5 married …

The Masculine Perspective Of The Stigmatization Of Childlessness In Marriage In YorùBáLand: An Ile-Ife Phenomenological Study, Godwin Segun-George Olugbami

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe men's experiences with the stigmatization of childlessness in the context of marriage in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The experience of childlessness as a universal phenomenon has been predominantly studied from the female perspective, and men are primarily neglected. The heteronormative ideal of women as 'mother/nurturer' is supported by only collecting women's fertility data in contrast to relatively suboptimal statistics in men's studies. This dissertation explores the view of ten African men set in the Yorùbá culture suffering from childlessness and its attendant stigmatization, mainly as a result of infertility. It provides in-depth interviews …

Experience Of Underrepresented In Medicine Faculty In Career Advancement At A U.S. Medical School: A Phenomenological Study, Johnson George

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This transcendental phenomenological study aims to gain insight into the experiences of Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) faculty members who have gone through the individual promotional plan (IPP) in preparation for promotion to senior ranks at a medical school. The study focused on the experiences of 12-15 medical school faculty members who met the criteria and experienced individual promotion plan consults with a leader in faculty affairs. This study will guide Lev Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory and Rappaport’s empowerment theory. Vygotsky's approach emphasizes the importance of language and community in teaching skill sets, while Rappaport's theory empowers individuals to take ownership of …

A Philosophical, Theological, And Biblical Defense Of The Hebrew Concept Of Resurrection, Daniel M. Danciu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project challenges the consensus view on the origins, hermeneutics, and validity of resurrection hope in Hebrew thought. It provides a scientific, philosophical, theological, and historical defense against minimalist and moderate perspectives. The case against the minimalists offers empirical evidence for an afterlife. It demonstrates that the Hebrew Bible discloses the afterlife and that early passages express the Hebrew concept of resurrection. New scientific data for near-death experiences, as well as the existence of the soul, which contradict specific neuroscience perspectives, support this argument. The practices such as necromancy and the resurrection of Jesus provide additional evidence for an afterlife, …

A Phenomenological Study Examining How Ages Of Attention-Deficit Diagnoses Affect Adult Perceptions Of Achievement, Janeen Kingma

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology was to discover how adults diagnosed with attention-deficit (ADD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), at different ages, view their experiences, and how the ages of diagnoses affected their view of educational achievement and occupational success. A qualitative research design was used to collect data about the experiences of adults who were diagnosed at different ages. Guiding this study were two educational theories: Bandura’s social-cognitive theory, which promotes self-efficacy, and self-determination theory (SDT) (Ryan & Deci, 2020), which proposes that all individuals innately pursue self-optimization. A hermeneutic approach was chosen to interpret the analysis of data. …

Harmonizing Faith Across Generations: The Spiritual Resonance Of Modernizing Traditional Worship Lyrics, Hyoeun Eunice Jeon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The quest to create an inclusive worship environment that honors diversity without sacrificing the sacred essence of traditional hymns is challenging. This study is anchored in the understanding that music, as a profound expression of faith, has the power to transform individuals and communities, and therefore modernizing traditional hymn lyrics could be vital in bridging the generational divide. This would then enhance the sense of togetherness in communal worship. By employing a qualitative research approach, this study analyzes the impact of lyrical modernization on intergenerational engagement within worship settings. Data was collected through interviews and participatory observation, tapping into the …

Approaches In Preparing Transfer Degree Students For University Study: A Case Study Of A Community College In Rural Southwest Virginia, Melissa Suzanne Mckinney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand approaches for preparing students for their transition to a four-year university following completion of a transfer-focused associate degree at a community college. The theory guiding this study was Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory. The study followed an embedded, single case study design and included faculty members, staff, administrators, and students within the transfer division, along with general college staff at a rural community college in southwest Virginia. The study used surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data which was analyzed to identify relevant themes and unique approaches to preparing transfer …

Exploring The Significance Of Emotional Intelligence In Organizational Effectiveness: A Case Study Of Created To Serve Ministries, Leslie Mcneill Gordon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation addressed the critical imperative of enhancing emotional intelligence within Created 2 Serve Ministries, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering organizational health and effective leadership. The project aimed to comprehensively investigate current emotional intelligence levels within Created 2 Serve Ministries, develop tailored interventions, and implement strategies to improve emotional intelligence among members and leaders. Recognizing that emotional intelligence is essential for cultivating empathetic relationships, resolving conflicts, and navigating the complexities of pastoral care, the rationale for this endeavor was based on identified challenges within the ministry, including interpersonal conflicts, communication breakdowns, and the potential for burnout among leaders. Through …

Bridging The Governance Gap: Addressing Board Turnover And Team Building In Northern California Special Districts, Karin R. Freese

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The turnover of publicly elected or appointed board members in Northern California’s special districts poses a significant challenge to effective governance, impacting these local governments' strategic capabilities and mission accomplishment. Despite extensive research on governance, there is a notable gap concerning the effects of turnover and the role of formal training in building effective governance teams in special districts. This qualitative multiple-case study addresses this gap by investigating the governance dynamics following board turnover, focusing on the perspectives of both board members and general managers. Employing a flexible design, the study integrates interviews, document analysis, and archival data to examine …

The Necessity Of Weaknesses In Experiencing The Grace Of God: An Examination Of Paul’S Use Of Grace, Culminating In 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Jason Scott Shawa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Paul’s understanding of weakness, grace, and the power of the risen Christ are all important theological truths. This dissertation’s goal is to show that within the Pauline corpus, Paul’s use of “grace” (specifically χάρις) is often inseparable from the experience of weaknesses. This necessitates the inclusion of weaknesses (e.g., distress, persecution, difficulty, pain, and suffering) for the believer to experience the “grace” God offers in and through the power of the crucified and resurrected Christ.

Paul’s understanding of grace is a subject that has far-reaching implications. Understanding his use of χάρις within his corpus is essential to theological studies and …