Digital Commons Network^™

Reimagining The Leader Behind The Badge: A Qualitative Study Examining Perceptions Of Law Enforcement Leadership From The Perspective Of Law Enforcement Officers, Willie Ng

Theses & Dissertations

This study explores the influence of leadership practices within law enforcement on the professional journey, job performance, and personal well-being of a career officer with over 30 years in the field. Set against a backdrop of evolving societal expectations and public scrutiny, the research investigates how entrenched leadership practices impact both individual experiences and the broader organizational culture within law enforcement. Key themes include outdated hierarchical practices, declining public trust, and resistance to innovation. These themes are examined using the new professionalism model, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, legitimacy, and innovation as essential leadership principles in modern policing (Bass & Avolio, …

Creating A Co-Teaching Plc To Help Find Practical Solutions For Problems In Co-Teaching At A Suburban Middle School, Rachel Siân Machens

Dissertations

The research focused on addressing equity and communication challenges in co-teaching through the implementation of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) and peer mentoring within a suburban middle school. The study took place in a predominantly white, lower-middle-class suburban school that utilized co-teaching across various subjects to provide students with disabilities greater access to the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment. The primary objective was to establish a PLC composed of co-teachers from different disciplines, leveraging existing co-teacher training strategies to improve equity and communication within co-teaching partnerships. The PLC operated through an online forum, where the researcher, serving …

Understanding Voluntary Turnover From An Intentional Change Theory Perspective, Mark Mariani

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The present study used the intentional change theory to understand why so many people choose to leave their jobs, by exploring the possible influence of a discrepancy between a person’s ideal and real selves (RISG) and their perceptions of the learning and development resources that their employers provided. These two predictors were hypothesized to predict turnover intentions and organizational commitment over and above the effect of key covariates. Perceived barriers to learning and development was also expected to moderate these relationships. Results supported these hypotheses, from analyses of data gathered from a sample of 248 insurance workers. RISG and perceived …

Understanding Gossip In The Workplace: The Impact Of Personality And Emotional Intelligence, Alessandra Mogrovejo

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Workplace communication is a constantly evolving process. In recent years, workplace gossip has been reframed as a more complex construct, with researchers increasingly recognizing its positive and functional aspects. The current study aimed to contribute to the gossip literature by examining how personality traits, specifically Neuroticism and Extraversion, predict workplace gossip, and whether Emotional Intelligence (EI) moderates these relationships. A sample of 185 full-time employees in the United States completed measures of personality, EI, and four types of gossip: negative gossip about supervisors and coworkers (NWGS and NWGC), and positive gossip about supervisors and coworkers (PWGS and PWGC). Stepwise regression …

Are We Safe?: An Explanatory Dissertation Of African American Females' Psychological Safety At Work, Loren Ashley Shelley

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This dissertation aimed to explore the relationship between demographic diversity and psychological safety within workplace teams, with an additional focus on African American females. Despite extensive research on psychological safety, there is limited understanding of how demographic diversity influences perception of psychological safety within teams and an even more limited understanding of African American females’ perception of psychological safety within teams. The study sought to address this gap by investigating if team similarities and dissimilarities with regards to demographic differences, marginalized identities (moderation), with an emphasis on African American female identity, and microaggressions (mediation) affected individuals’ perceptions of psychological safety …

Full Issue, Volume 20, Issue 2

Journal of Youth Development

No abstract provided.

Climate Change In An Urban Catholic School: Taking The Temperature With A Three-Pronged Sel Intervention, Christa Marie Chodkowski

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

This Improvement Science Dissertation in Practice examines the impact of a 10-week social-emotional learning (SEL) intervention on school climate at Newberry Catholic Academy, an urban Catholic school with high teacher turnover. The intervention, combining a book study, daily gratitude journaling, and common planning time, aimed to improve collaboration, collegiality, and belongingness among faculty. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the study assessed changes in teacher perceptions and the effectiveness of each component. Quantitative analysis via the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed significant declines in Professional Learning (p=.01), Feedback and Coaching (p=.03), and School Leadership (p=.01), highlighting a need for further inquiry. Qualitative …

Creating Resilient Social Workers: A Pilot Study On Implementing Resilience-Building Skills With Social Work Students, Andrea Sparrow

Doctor of Social Work Capstone Projects

Social work students in Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs are expected to develop competencies in working with individuals, groups, and communities. However, limited research exists on their preparedness with resilience-building skills to navigate occupational challenges. This mixed-methods exploratory study examined the relationship between completing online resilience-building modules and students’ knowledge of resilience strategies. A pre-and post-assessment measured knowledge uptake among undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Louisville’s Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. The study explored two key questions: (1) What is the relationship between completing resilience-building modules and students’ knowledge …

The Relationship Of Peer Recovery Support Specialists And Recovery Of Perinatal Women With A Substance Use Disorder, Mary C. Talbot

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: Substance use in pregnant and postpartum women is a growing issue in the United States. Drug use while pregnant can lead to birth defects, stillbirths, and problems providing positive parenting to their children. Many women with substance use disorders (SUD) feel extreme shame and stigma related to their substance use and have trouble accessing recovery-related treatment and other services. Peer recovery support treatment uses the lived experiences of individuals in current recovery from SUD to facilitate and support recovery in others. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of peer recovery support specialists on the …

A Proposed Organizational Model To Increase Women Coaches In Elite Alpine Skiing: Learning From The U.S. Cross-Country Initiative, Anika Anna Angriman

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Despite the tremendous growth in girl’s and women’s participation in sports following the implementation of Title IX in 1972, women’s participation as sport coaches did not follow the same trajectory. In fact, women remain significantly underrepresented in sports coaching. Research highlights ongoing barriers within the sports industry's patriarchal structure, and although strategies have been proposed to improve women’s representation, the lack of progress over the past two decades indicates their limited effectiveness. A more comprehensive, multidimensional approach is essential to address this issue across the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. Purpose: This study proposes a model to increase …

The Effects Of Short-Term Rental Regulation On Neighborhoods In Traverse City, Mi, Joseph H. Slonecki

Master of Public Administration Capstone Papers

With the increase in popularity of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) and the increase in housing and rental prices throughout the United States, this study aims to explore the effects STRs have on housing and rental prices in Traverse City, MI. Traverse City is a popular tourist area and has experienced significant price increases over the last decade. STRs have been a topic of regulation by many local units of government and the area lacks unified regulation. The study area is confined to two census block groups of adjacent neighborhoods that occupy different townships. The townships have two different approaches to STR …

Equipping Project Managers With A Creative Problem-Solving Framework: A Leadership Development Approach, Alodie Reyes Dockery

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

This project explores how standardized processes can foster a change in mindset within accounting and finance functions at a large banking organization. It introduces a Creative Problem-Solving Leadership Framework (CPS-LF) that integrates Agile, Design Thinking, Lean Six Sigma, and Sprint methodologies within the FourSight CPS model. The framework was developed as an interactive digital tool and delivered through a four-part training series, guiding project managers through CPS stages (Clarify, Ideate, Develop, Implement) to identify challenges and apply appropriate methodologies. This project aims to strengthen problem-solving, innovation, and efficiency in highly regulated environments by enhancing creative leadership skills and promoting a …

The Ripple Effects Of Belonging: How Faculty–Student Connections May Drive Mutual Success, Marissa Burton

Honors Theses

Experiencing a sense of belonging on a college campus is predicted to increase academic success, classroom engagement, and greater well-being for students. Less central to the belonging conversation is faculty belonging; since faculty play an instrumental role in the development of student belonging, we hypothesize that faculty belonging may increase positive student outcomes inside and outside the classroom. Study 1 examines faculty experiences of and beliefs about belonging at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI), with the aim of identifying patterns and indicators of heterogeneity. Results revealed that significant burnout is central to a lack of faculty belonging and stronger desires …

Lauryn C. Salazar: A Life History Of Mariachi Leadership, Berta Alicia Guerra

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze Lauryn C. Salazar’s mariachi/educational leadership style by focusing on her contributions to the community of Texas Tech University and Tarleton State University. Leadership styles, as defined by Northouse, 2021, refer to the distinct approaches leaders use to guide, motivate, and influence their teams. After examining Salazar’s background to place her motivations and actions in the proper context, this study analyzed what Salazar did, how she perceived her actions, and how others perceived her actions. The life history written by the researcher was primarily based on data collected through eight interviews; however, …

Melanated Reflections Through Testimonios: Centering The Experiences Of African American Women Teachers Turned Leaders And Their Implications On Recruitment, Selection, Hiring, And Retention Of Women Of Color In Leadership Positions, Tanya Rochelle Santos

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

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2022), during the 2017–2018 academic year, only 7% of all teachers identified as Black or African American, with approximately 76% of that group being women. This qualitative study investigates the lived experiences of African American women educators who have transitioned into leadership roles within P–12 educational settings across the Great Plains Region of the United States. The research explores how their experiences intersect with issues of racial and gender equity, particularly within the broader discourse of social justice in education and educational leadership.

Framed within the theoretical lens of Black Feminist Thought, …

Using The Miso Survey At An Academic Health Sciences Library, Deirdre Caparoso, Leah Everitt, Alexander Leon Cupe, Sally Bowler-Hill, Ingrid Hendrix, Jonathan Eldredge, Melissa L. Rethlefsen

Projects

No abstract provided.

Improving Oral Hygiene Practices In A Long-Term Care Setting For Individuals With Advanced Dementia: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Rachel L. Mcinerney

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

This quality improvement project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework to enhance oral hygiene practices in a long-term care setting for individuals with advanced dementia. Advanced dementia often leads to significant oral health challenges due to the individuals’ inability to communicate needs or independently manage oral care. Poor oral hygiene results in pain, systemic infections, and reduced quality of life. The project aimed to identify and address barriers to effective oral care delivery by focusing on organizational factors such as leadership, training, and caregiver support. This capstone paper provides insights into the quality improvement initiative’s aims, background, and methodology, while emphasizing its …

Quick Response Codes In Extension Outreach Communications: Insights From A Visual Content Analysis And Educators’ Perceptions, Kobina Danful Fanyinkah

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Increased smartphone use presents an opportunity to enhance the creative inclusion of Quick Response (QR) codes in extension outreach efforts. Tailoring extension programs to communicate with specific audiences has been identified as essential, highlighting the need for targeted and context-specific strategies. The development of QR code technology has provided a unique approach that allows extension professionals to target clientele with specific extension messages and programs. While extension has a commendable record in educational delivery through traditional forms of outreach, research on how best to employ digital tools with extension audiences is thin at best. Though the rising popularity of QR …

Aspiring Leaders And Future Visions About Leadership Communications, Conner Haggerty, Dylan A. Sawicki, Jared Gerke, John Langan, Kaitlyn Mj Calabrese, Kyle Borske, Mattie Schimenz, Barbara Holmes

Leadership Education Books

The spring 2025 Leadership Education LDRS 615 graduate course student writing project focuses on the leadership communications and the future. Graduate students enrolled in this class chose as a topic: Aspiring Leaders and Future Visions about Leadership Communications. Interest in this topic emerges from discussions regarding the new digital tools and mediums implemented in the 21st century.

Upon completion of the Organizational Leaders program, new leaders will add voice and expertise to creating new visions for the workplaces of tomorrow. These graduate students point out that the future is here and the requirement to send clear communications to others remains …

The Influence Of Social Identity On Psychological Safety, Organizational Performance, And Employee Learning, Antonio Meeks

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Organizations struggle to recruit and retain top talent. The challenge to keep employee talent was exacerbated by COVID-19. However, there has been a downward trend of employees in the workplace and a continued struggle to fill key roles with eligible workers since 1999. Filling key roles is only one issue impacting organizational success. Another concern is keeping employees engaged to do the work. Research suggests that over 65% of employees are disengaged or actively disengaged at work (Burke, 2019; Iqbal, Shabbir, Zameer, Khan, & Sandhu, 2017; Motyka, 2018). Disengaged and actively disengaged workers do not help the organization meet its …

Bridging America: Reclaiming Rail For People, Planet, And Progress, Emma Clark

Architecture Theses

Bridging America presents a long-term, phased strategy to reestablish passenger rail as the most viable mode of transportation in the United States within the next 50 years. Through an analysis of historical patterns, environmental urgency, and societal well-being, the thesis proposes a national rail network centered on modular train design and human-centered station architecture. Three phased sites beginning in Nashville and expanding regionally demonstrate how infrastructure can reconnect communities, reduce carbon emissions, and foster regional identity. While challenges remain in fully resolving modular train functionality and long-distance adaptability, the work opens pathways for future research in AI integration, operational logistics, …

How Can Coalitions Positively Impact Michigan’S Rural Communities And Influence Local Policies: A Comparative Case Study, Amanda Bonesteel-Kratt

Master of Public Administration Capstone Papers

This research explores the impact of coalitions on communities and their influence on local and state policies in rural agricultural communities in Michigan. Nonprofit organizations often utilize coalitions to strengthen their outreach efforts and impact, and in this paper, the author focuses on Farm-to-Power (FTP), a new nonprofit organization in Michigan. FTP advocates for landowners’ rights regarding renewable energy, specifically wind and solar, on a utility scale. This paper explores the best practices concerning effective coalition-building that have the capability to impact policy changes that benefit farming communities through improved economic stability. Access to renewable energy leases for Michigan farmers …

Safety, Access To Resources, And Inclusion: A Mixed-Methods Study Of The Lgbtqia+ Community In The Inland Empire, Jessica Mary Fanene, Leonardo Serrano Jr.

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

LGBTQIA+ individuals face growing discrimination, exclusion, and systemic inequities that threaten well-being. Rising anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric exacerbates these challenges, contributing to anxiety, depression, and heightened suicide risks. This study explores LGBTQIA+ individuals’ sense of well-being by analyzing how external factors impact safety and inclusion. Using an exploratory, mixed-methods approach, this study surveyed members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Inland Empire to determine perceptions on well-being (n = 219). Based on descriptive statistics, about one third of participants reported a below average to average sense of safety (35.6%), access to resources (32.0%), and inclusion (33.8%). Meanwhile, thematic analysis revealed that the …

Commitment To The Profession: Elementary Teacher Perceptions Of Self-Determination And Professional Retention In Tennessee, Riley A. Prickett-Armstrong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teacher burnout and loss of teachers in the profession have affected school and district capacity to effectively staff all positions. The pandemic brought about unique changes and challenges to classrooms worldwide, disrupting the educational process for over 94% of the world’s student population. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine factors influencing teacher self-determination and retention at the elementary school level in Tennessee school districts to better understand how administrators can support teachers. The central research question investigated elementary teacher perceptions of self-determination and professional retention. A series of in-depth interviews with twelve participants produced data and subsequent …

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

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

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

Paul College Students Research Economic Challenges Facing New Hampshire, Aaron Sanborn

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

Navigating Leadership: The Impact Of Intersectional Identities On Female Leaders In Postsecondary Education, Sara A. Shaw

Journal of Research in Technical Careers

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of female leaders in postsecondary education, focusing on how intersecting identities influence their leadership and decision-making processes. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach and the theoretical framework of intersectionality, the research explored the relationships between gender, leadership, career decision-making, and other social identities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and demographic surveys with 11 female leaders. The findings revealed seven key themes: Identity Influenced Experiences, Unintentional Navigation, Institutional Bias, Playing the Game, Institutional Champion, Supportive Mechanisms for Career Advancement, and Value Alignment. These themes illustrate how gender and intersecting identities shape career decisions …

Leadership Development: A Qualitative Inquiry To Investigate Preparedness For Higher Education Administrative Roles In Online Doctoral Programs, Stephanie Fletcher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The changing climate of academia requires higher education leaders to refine online doctoral programs to ensure future administrators are equipped to navigate institutions of education successfully. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the lived experiences of graduates from online educational doctoral programs to understand how instructional activities, mentorship opportunities, and practical experiences shaped their preparedness for higher education administrative roles. Data collection strategies included twelve individual interviews with higher education administrators who completed their preparation in an online doctoral program. Findings included seven themes: perceptions of leadership preparation; online learning and leadership preparedness; peer learning and leadership …

Burnout Among Mental Health Professionals In Northern California: A Mixed-Methods Study, Sade Butler

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Burnout, characterized by prolonged emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, is a widespread issue affecting millions of professionals in the United States and globally. Previous research has not adequately addressed the phenomenon of burnout, particularly in California. This study took a mixed-methods approach to determine the scope of, contributing factors to, and coping strategies for burnout among mental health professionals in Northern California. A sample of 93 mental health professionals completed a survey that contained both closed-ended and open-ended questions on burnout. Descriptive statistics indicated that 89.2% of participants experienced a moderate to severe level of burnout at work. Meanwhile, thematic …

Evaluating The Nebraska Medical Center's Repatriation Of Inter-Hospital Transfers, Natalie Crump

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Background: Bed capacity challenges at large academic medical centers delay the transfer of rural patients, negatively impacting their safety and quality of care. Repatriating inter-hospital transfer (IHT) patients to referral facilities upon completing specialized care can improve tertiary hospital bed capacity and community hospital financial sustainability.

Objectives: This project aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to successful IHT repatriation and the process and outcome variables influenced by the Nebraska Medical Center’s reverse transfer program.

Study Design: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators of NM’s IHT repatriation program.

Methods: Descriptive and comparative analyses of …