Digital Commons Network^™

Leading Organizational Learning Through Stories In U.S. “Big Technology” Companies, Stephanie R. Voss

Theses and Dissertations

Storytelling is becoming increasingly influential across various domains, particularly in executive education and leadership development, where it plays a crucial role in the concept of leadership as performance (Gonzalez & Chakraborty, 2012). Storytelling in the classroom setting provides an opportunity for learners to embed elements of narrative and identity in classroom pedagogy (Edwards et al., 2013). In the professional context, employees construct meaning in their workplace by hearing and/or participating in stories (Echeverria et al., 2017).

This qualitative exploratory study investigates the influence of storytelling in driving organizational learning. The research focuses on the U.S. Big Technology (Tech) sector, home …

Cultivating Ethical Leadership In Middle Management: A Qualitative Study Of Formative Experience And Organizational Support, Cha Vang

Theses and Dissertations

Why is ethical leadership foundational for middle managers, especially in complex organizational settings? This study investigates the foundational factors that shape how ethical leadership emerges among middle managers. Through a qualitative phenomenological approach, cross-sector interviews revealed that ethical leadership is not defined by position but is shaped by identity, relational support, and experiential growth. Middle managers act as ethical interpreters, translating organizational values into action where ambiguity and pressure are highest. It is imperative that middle-management leadership cultivation is grounded in identity awareness, relational accountability, and intentional development, minimizing dysfunction and strengthening ethical resilience in complex organizational systems.

The Impact Of Decision-Making Autonomy, Sense Of Shared Identity, And Communications Strategy On Resource Retention Post-Merger And Acquisition, Randeep Rajwant Kaur

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the impact of decision-making autonomy, a sense of shared identity, and communication strategy on resource retention following mergers and acquisitions. Grounded in organizational development literature, the study examines employee experiences during post-integration periods. Using a qualitative methodology, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees who remained with their organizations for at least twelve months following a merger or acquisition. The research utilizes thematic analysis to explore how autonomy constraints, leadership engagement, transparent communication, and cultural alignment influence retention decisions. The participant sample spans diverse industries such as software, healthcare, financial services, and others, with roles ranging from …

Trauma-Informed Beliefs And Our Child Welfare System, Gabriela Ana Aisenberg

Theses and Dissertations

The integration of trauma-informed care (TIC) into behavioral health and child welfare systems has garnered increasing attention, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the pervasive and multifaceted impacts of trauma on individuals, families, and service delivery structures (Barnett et al., 2019; Bartlett et al., 2018; Bassuk et al., 2017; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014). Legislation such as the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) has led to increased adoption of trauma-informed practices through increased funding for training and services (Bowen & Murshid, 2016; Brown et al., 2023). Research shows that providers’ understanding and implementation of TIC is …

A Mixed Method Case Study Of Leadership For Change: Authentic Transformational Leadership In A Local Baptist Church, Hui Sun

Theses and Dissertations

This convergent parallel mixed methods case study explores how a local Baptist church navigated organizational change during and after the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of authentic and transformational leadership. Grounded in organizational leadership and open systems framework of organizational change, the study examined two primary hypotheses: (1) RBC demonstrated an authentic transformational leadership paradigm in its change processes since 2020, and (2) this paradigm significantly and positively influenced perceived leadership effectiveness.

Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six leaders (three pastors, one minister, one staff leader, and one deacon) and 11 raters (five lay leaders, five congregants, …

Instructional Design And Technology Professionals: Why Are Some Laggards?, Hayley Mendelson Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Laggards are often thought of as aloof and uninformed late adopters, as traditionalists living in the past (Rogers,2003). Laggards represent the last 16% of a population to adopt an innovation, and, as a result, they are often depicted for their resistance to adopt an innovation much later than the rest of the population, if ever (Jahanmir et al., 2020; Rogers, 2003). The present study attempted to expand the research on laggards, specifically laggard Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) professionals.

IDT professionals were the target group because of their perceived innovativeness as a result of their high exposure to instructional technology …

Estudio Fenomenológico Sobre La Relación Entre El Liderazgo Transformacional Y La Efectividad De Las Iniciativas De Gestión De Cambio En Las Organizaciones, Greilyn Soto-Perez

Theses and Dissertations

Esta Disertación Aplicada tuvo como propósito explorar la relación entre el liderazgo transformacional y la efectividad de las iniciativas de gestión del cambio en organizaciones de diversos sectores. Este estudio cualitativo se centró en comprender, desde el punto de vista de diferentes lideres transformacionales en distintas áreas e industrias, cómo los líderes y empleados experimentan y perciben el impacto del liderazgo transformacional en la implementación de cambios significativos organizacionales.

Este estudio de naturaleza cualitativa se enmarcó en un enfoque fenomenológico. Mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad, se exploraron cuatro dimensiones del liderazgo transformacional: influencia idealizada, motivación inspiradora, estimulación intelectual y consideración …

Examining Special Education Programming Through The Lens Of Upper Elementary And High School General Education Teachers In Select Black Rural Schools In Mississippi - Do They Feel Prepared To Serve?, Natasha Michelle Porter

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the perceptions of upper elementary and high school general education teachers towards special education programming and whether they felt prepared to meet the needs of students with Individualized Education Plans. The literature review provided a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on the topic researched, offering an in-depth exploration of key themes, trends, and findings in the relevant academic literature. It critically examined assorted studies, theories, and methodologies researchers employ, identifying gaps and areas of consensus. The purpose of this study was to build from the foundation set by existing bodies of related literature, to gain formal …

The Positivity Principle: Investigating A School Administrator Training Series Designed To Promote Systemic Positivity, Catherine Gillach

Theses and Dissertations

Education has historically been recognized as a stressful profession, yet the Covid-19 pandemic (2020) paired with intensified socio-political influences have exacerbated educator stress, anxiety, and negativity, prematurely pushing more career educators to leave the profession. Teacher and principal pre-service preparation programs largely neglect to train educators in strategies for personally managing negative stressors, and negativity mitigation strategies are often overlooked as a critical facet of school climate and culture. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation in practice was to examine the degree to which a school administrator training series could stimulate personal and systemic positivity within participants’ schools in a …

Utilizing Self-Management Strategies To Increase Staff Productivity In An Aba Clinic, Jasmine Margarita Hernandez-Morris

Theses and Dissertations

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), self-management is defined as an individual's behavior change strategies and tactics implemented to achieve a desired behavioral outcome. Both clinicians and researchers aim to develop and implement efficient self- management strategies that enhance staff performance, ultimately driving positive outcomes for the clients they serve. At this time, the research regarding the use of self- management strategies to increase staff fluency is limited. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of using self-management strategies to increase fluency in administering a verbal operant card set. Six staff members from an ABA clinic in Central Florida were recruited for …

Identifying Challenges Faced By Small And Medium Enterprises (Smes) In The Middle East And North Africa (Mena) Region Through Total Quality Management, Mohamad Atef

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have become recognized as an important driver of global economic growth and innovation. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the MENA region, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make a significant contribution to the businesses. SMEs offer significant benefits in terms of job creation, revenue generation, and fostering economic diversity. Although SMEs have a vital contribution in the economy of the MENA region, SMEs face many challenges that hinder their development and long-term viability. Focusing on these challenges is very important for fostering a vibrant and resilient economic environment. The objective of this thesis …

Exploring The Impact Of Teacher Curiosity On Job Satisfaction And Self-Efficacy: A Quantitative Study In Stem Education, Christopher Jeffcoat

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a quantitative study involving 96 teachers of STEM subjects, aimed at investigating the relationship between teacher curiosity, job satisfaction, and teacher self-efficacy. The primary objective was to examine the significance of teacher curiosity in the context of educators' job satisfaction. The research findings indicate a moderate positive correlation between teacher curiosity and job satisfaction (r=0.57), suggesting that educators with higher curiosity tend to experience greater job satisfaction. Also, a moderate positive correlation (r=0.51) was identified between teacher curiosity and teacher self-efficacy, emphasizing the connection between curiosity and educators' belief in their ability to positively impact student learning. …

Identifying School-Wide Inequities: Action Research Conducted Using An Equity Audit To Inform Annual School Planning For A Pre-K–8 School, Janine Casella

Theses and Dissertations

This action research study aims to identify and address equity gaps within a PK-8 New Jersey school by leading a professional learning community (PLC). The study will use action research methods to conduct an educational equity audit, which will inform the annual school plan and create a leadership action plan to stimulate organizational change. Traditionally, teachers at the research site have used Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) cycles, but this study will integrate Critical Data-Driven Decision Making (CDDDM) cycles, including an equity audit analyzed in PLCs. The audit will identify patterns of inequity and identify strategies to address them. The study …

A Comparative Analysis Of Teacher Innovative Practices And Principal Leadership Strategies In Microsoft Showcase Schools Implementing The Microsoft School Transformation Framework For Up To Two Years And More Than Two Years, Ibrahim Soykan

Theses and Dissertations

As global challenges such as climate change, shifting job markets, and technological advances intensify, educational systems must adapt to equip students with essential 21st-century skills. While countries like Singapore, Ireland, Australia, and Finland have created flexible education systems to meet these demands, the United States faces a fragmented and decentralized system that struggles to keep up with global changes (Wehling, 2007). This study investigates how the Microsoft School Transformation Framework (MSTF) is addressing these issues within Microsoft Showcase Schools (MSS). The purpose of this research was to evaluate how principals and teachers perceive the implementation of the MSTF and to …

Sustainability Of A State, District, And School Professional Learning Community, Gertrude Jones Black

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, I explored professional learning community sustainability at the school, district, and state levels. Researchers have found that professional learning communities are a means of effective professional learning for teachers and a vital factor in increased student achievement. However, there is very little multi-case research involving the sustainability of professional learning communities. This multi-site case study extends the research on this topic. I used qualitative methods to clarify my understanding of the phenomenon of sustainability of PLC communities. I investigated how the PLC members’ stances and actions, perceptions of school culture, and commitment to lifelong learning impacted a …

“I’M Speaking”: Black Women Leading School Public Relations, Managing Communications And Personal Challenges, Keisa Gunby

Theses and Dissertations

Operationalizing feminist communication theory with a critical lens, this research analyzes virtual, semi-structured interviews with 13 Black women who are integral to impacting organizational culture through the brand management and narratives to the stakeholder groups of employees, parents and community members for a public school district. This study aims to describe the oppression and invisibility of Black women in school public relations and amplify their voices as they lead the communication, marketing, and promotional efforts in public school districts across the United States. The interview transcripts were analyzed utilizing NVivo software through the first round of coding initial and the …

Impacts Of Teacher-Led Staff Meetings On School Climate, Culture, And Teacher Voice, Alison Ely

Theses and Dissertations

A staff development team composed of four teacher leaders was chosen at a public high school to plan and facilitate two staff meetings. The purpose of this study is to determine how the use of a staff development team influences teacher voice within the school, the overall direction of staff meetings, and the culture and climate of the school. 21 teacher participants completed surveys that measured their perceptions of school climate, school culture, and teacher voice. Additionally, these teacher participants also completed post staff meeting surveys that measured their perceptions of the productivity/ effectiveness of four staff meetings. As a …

International Student-Athletes' Agency, Authorship, And Voice At U.S. Higher Education Institutions, Malia Nicole Schimminger

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, case study research project is to explore international student-athletes’ experiences at U.S. higher education institutions, probing how well nonimmigrant visa holders are prepared for postgraduate success through their college experiences. Six collaborators engaged in photo elicitation interviews to provide insight into how they have navigated their international student identity and student-athlete identity. Collaborators each shared 10-15 media files representative of their experiences, and then they engaged in 90-minute interviews to talk about what their selections meant to them and why they were significant. The frameworks of agency, self-authorship, and voice were used to gauge how …

Activities Eligibility: Building A More Equitable Approach To Support Students, Cory Holten

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, the researcher analyzed the impact of traditional cocurricular activityeligibility practices on minoritized students, students with disabilities, and students receiving free and reduced lunches. The researcher issued a survey to staff members at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead, Minnesota to gain an understanding of the perceived impact of participation in cocurricular activities and the impact and observed disparities existing as a result of traditional eligibility practices. As a result of the findings, the researcher proposes an alternative approach focused on identifying lagging skills through the collection of student data related to academic achievement, attendance, and behavior. Instead of …

The Healing Of Stories: International Teachers’ Lived Experiences Of School Culture Using The Hourglass Model For Mindful Reflections, Vesna Radivojevic

Theses and Dissertations

School culture affects all facets of teaching and learning. Starting from individual international teachers’ perspectives and their accounts relating to school culture, new insights and perspectives on the problem of practice were gained. The research focused on answering the questions: What are teachers’ experiences of school culture in international schools? What are teachers’ perspectives on critical components in developing a positive school culture? What was helpful to teachers when experiencing the positive and negative aspects of a school culture? A qualitative narrative research methodology involved interviewing ten international teachers who taught in K-12 grade schools in Australia, Asia, the Middle …

A Document Analysis On The Role Of Innovation In The Strategic Plans Of Small Private Liberal Arts Institutions, Jillain Kaye Veil-Ehnert

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study provides interpretations of the nature of strategic plans at small private liberal arts institutions. The study explored the concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship, and transformation detailed in the plans. This study included a specific cohort of eight United States small private liberal arts colleges with similar characteristics regarding academic programs, enrollment, and fiscal stability. The research was conducted through document analysis of the institutions’ publicly available strategic plans. The data collected illustrates what the documents indicates about innovation, entrepreneurship, and transformation at small private liberal arts colleges. Key findings on innovations in the plans included a focus on …

Why Take Ap? Access To High School Advanced Placement Courses Long-Term Impact On Career/Workplace Opportunities, Gina Marie Frasca

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to understand the long-term impact of providing access and equity to highly rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) coursework to underserved and/or underrepresented high school students, and its long-term impacts on career. Using a qualitative approach, this study explored the experiences and opportunities of 6 graduates from a rural public high school in New Jersey with open access to AP courses who are now in a career/workplace environment. All six graduates took at least one AP course while in high school, graduated between 2010 and 2016, and had two or more potential barriers to opportunity while attending high school …

The Effects Of Work-Life Balance, Teleworking, And Deia On The U.S. Federal Employee Job Satisfaction: Towards Developing A Contemporary Needs Theory, Latara Marie Arterberry

Theses and Dissertations

The study of work-life balance, teleworking, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are increasingly studied among scholars using different theoretical frameworks. However, no study examines work-life balance, teleworking, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as needs in these contemporary times that, when met, lead to higher employee job satisfaction. Existing scholarship suggests that employee job satisfaction is a function of needs. However, with globalization, human needs have changed to include social justice concerns and the desire to have a more fulfilling family life. When organizations respond to these needs, it leads to employee job satisfaction, which ultimately improves organizational performance. …

Organizational Cultural Entrenchment: Exploring Cultural Antecedents Of Actively Destructive Employee Behaviors As A Manifestation Of Voice In Mergers And Acquisitions, Keith Dellano Holloway

Theses and Dissertations

Mergers and acquisitions are frequently leveraged as a vehicle for company growth. However, many of these transactions fail to yield a positive result and often cause a net loss of shareholder value.

There are many interrelated factors at work within a merger or acquisition. Structure, leadership, finances, strategic fit, market, and price are just a few variables to consider. However, the factor of culture, and the failure of cultural integration, has surfaced in literature as a significant contributor to losses within mergers and acquisitions.

This study built on the work of Harris, Hirschman, Kotter, and Schlesinger and examined the deleterious …

Investigating Potential Improvements To Mbse Software To Support Dodaf, Jennifer Marie Kimpson

Theses and Dissertations

The integration of models created through model-based systems engineering methods with DoDAF is not a new concept. By creating DoDAF-aligned models, DoD program managers are following DoD guidelines to hopefully achieve more effective communication with stakeholders and improve efficiency of their programs. With the use of MBSE tools to create these models, DoD program managers are able to take further advantage of the benefits of MBSE methods. However, even with the use of MBSE tools, there continue to be issues throughout DoD programs. The literature has shown that a continuous improvement approach regarding the use of MBSE tools with DoDAF …

Law Enforcement And Traumatic Experiences: A Qualitative Study With Administrators, Tami Jo N. Lieberg

Theses and Dissertations

The culture and work experiences of law enforcement lead to unique workplace trauma. The cumulative and complex trauma commonly faced by law enforcement officers can activate multiple stress-related illnesses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These illnesses can have high personal costs to the individuals, lead to loss of departmental productivity and effectiveness, and incur higher expenses for taxpayers due to overtime and high turnover rates and potential lawsuits. Research over several decades has identified risk and resiliency factors for officers. One identified risk and resiliency factor is relationship with management. This research study explores how department leaders can assist officers …

Navigating School Restructuring In The Post-Covid Era: A Principal’S Perspective In Sustaining Organizational Health While Bridging The Academic Achievement Gap, Alma Alicia Perez-Campos

Theses and Dissertations

In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic led to nationwide school closures, followed by a mandate for schools to reopen in 2020, posing challenges for ensuring both educational continuity and student safety. This paper presents findings from a mixed-method study involving ten campus principals in District A, South Texas, post-pandemic. Qualitatively, the study explored the principals' perspectives on restructuring their campuses to address achievement gaps while maintaining organizational health. Quantitatively, it examined the relationship between achievement and organizational health scores and any differences in organizational health pre- and post-COVID-19. The study aimed to offer insights for future …

School Leaders’ Understanding And Implementation Of Their School District’S Mission And Vision Statements: A Qualitative Study, Venice P. Daley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore the perspectives of school leaders in a single public school district regarding their purpose in leadership, understanding, and implementation of their school district’s mission and vision statements. Three research questions guided the study:

1. How do Florida’s public school leaders incorporate or implement the district’s mission

and vision statements in their daily practice?

2. How do Florida’s public school leaders incorporate the school district’s vision and

mission statements into their purpose as leaders or roles as educational leaders?

3. How and in what ways do Florida’s public school leaders …

Artificial Intelligence And Perception: An Empirical Study, Anthony J. Neil

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the impact of adjusting artificial intelligence explainability levels’ outputs on user perception. The overarching study extends within the Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) domain. It examines a spectrum of variables, including performance, cognizance, familiarity, transparency, system bias, and the overall impact of AI, to understand their collective and individual effects that enable effective professional use in an organization. The study aims to illuminate the relationship between the degree of explainability provided by large language models such as ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing AI and the performance of these models when tasked with XAI adjustments.

Exploring Fiscal Year Budget Assessments: A Look At Sbir/Sttr And Congressional Rescissions, Bryan N. Palmer

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between acquisition programs within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (LCMC) and budgetary assessments from both the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR & STTR) programs, as well as Congressional Rescissions. It analyzes the tendency and severity of budget cuts across different programs, considering factors such as completion time, budget activities, and a variable akin to true Acquisition Category (ACAT) levels. Key findings include a significant difference in the rates of proportion of programs assessed between appropriations 3010 (23.65%) and 3600 (67.05%) from fiscal years 2010-2023. The research indicates a …