Digital Commons Network^™

Representation And The Achievement Gap: A Case For Prioritizing Cultural Sameness In The Classroom, Taryn J. Fears

M.S. in Leadership

Abstract

This study examined the impact of cultural representation on achievement for minority students academically and socially across diverse contexts. Recognizing the importance of cultural diversity in educational and youth mentoring settings, this research explores how the representation of various cultural identities, including race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, influences student achievement outcomes. Coming from a background in community based nonprofit organizations, I have seen how black and brown students respond in classroom and out-of-school time settings when having come in contact with teachers and mentors of similar culture. Having a teacher and/or mentor of a similar culture creates pathways …

What’S Your Story? Perceptions Of Diversity In Faith-Based Organizational Contexts, Martha N. Mcclure

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Organizations for the past several decades have made diversity a top priority. While diversity and inclusion can often be interpreted as synonymous terms, distinguishing between representative diversity and inclusive diversity is necessary for positive intergroup contact among working teams. The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the effect of a missions training course on individuals' perceptions of what constitutes a diverse and inclusive work environment. Using the personal stories of diverse panelists and pre and post-test survey research, the effect on perceptions of four constructs of diversity: gender, race/ethnicity, age, and language were examined. While study findings did …

Harnessing The Power Of Cliftonstrengths®: How Multinational Corporations Can Use Deep-Level Diversity To Enhance Organizational Inclusion, Trapper Kay Pace

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research explicitly investigated how multinational corporations can enhance workplace inclusion through the novel use of the CliftonStrengths® assessment as a dimension of deep-level diversity. The study gleaned insights from employees’ perspectives, employing a constructivist grounded theory approach to explicate their experiences in rich qualitative narratives. Through open-ended surveys and intensive interviews, participants were selected using purposeful sampling to ensure meaningful data collection from the study organizations’ three global regions. The researcher conducted the analysis systematically through the constant comparison of data utilizing the NVivo14 software to assist in constructing codes, themes, and a theoretical schema. Results highlighted the significance …

Emulating Paul’S Ministry Leadership In A Diverse And Changing Cultural Landscape, Mark J. Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this Doctor of Ministry project is to train ministry leaders by studying the cross-cultural leadership characteristics of Apostle Paul. Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church is part of the sad statistic of traditional churches that have been declining for the past thirty years. This will continue unless leaders of the church embrace the diverse culture and nature of the surrounding community. Cross-cultural leadership is needed in this time of multi-cultural communities and there is no one better than Paul to demonstrate this indispensable cross-cultural ministry paradigm. If leaders at Central are trained and motivated to embrace Paul’s cross-cultural …

A Design Thinking Mixed Methods Study On Learned Empathy Through Multicultural Education, Samanantha Webb

Dissertations

The dissertation in practice focused on addressing the issue of inadequate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) competencies among teachers in a Title I school. The problem of practice emerged within the context of an increasingly diverse educational landscape, necessitating educators to possess robust DEI skills. The proposed solution was a professional development (PD) program, crafted using a design thinking approach, which included an asynchronous learning module supplemented by a book study. The comprehensive PD program was aimed at enhancing the teachers' understanding and application of DEI principles, making the prototype relevant to the demands of multicultural education in today’s diverse …

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Analysis Tools For Timely Audits: Two Case Studies Of Carlsbad Libraries, Sarah Wilson

School of Information Student Research Journal

When libraries explore how their youth collections can be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI), it is beneficial to first identify where representation gaps exist amongst their holdings. Digital DEI audit tools can quickly target areas for improvement. The following studies use digital instruments to analyze the DEI representation in two youth library collections in Carlsbad, California. The fiction picture book collections were probed at both a Carlsbad elementary school in Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) and the Georgina Cole public library (Cole). Three digital instruments were used: Diverse BookFinder Collection Analysis Tool, TeachingBooks Collection Analysis Toolkit, and collectionHQ Diversity …

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Talent Acquisition And Retention: A Mixed Methods Study Of Organizational Practices, Dawayne Mcintosh

Doctor of Education Dissertations

This study employed a convergent mixed methods approach to explore diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within Company A (pseudonym). It examined the effectiveness of DEI practices in recruitment and retention, leadership attitudes towards DEI, and overall commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. The conducted survey involved a combination of a Likert scale survey and a few open-ended questions from a pool of participants across the organization. The quantitative data highlighted trends and patterns in DEI practices, while the qualitative data revealed nuanced insights into individual experiences and perceptions. The results provided insights into the DEI initiatives that are in place …

Land For Whom? Diversity, Land Trusts, And Farmers And Gardeners From Marginalized Backgrounds In New England, U.S., Julie C. Keller, Blake Harrison, Corey Lang

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Faculty Publications

Land trusts in the U.S. play an important role in preventing the loss of farmland to development. Farmers seeking affordable land may benefit from these conservation efforts. Yet the distribution of these benefits across farmer groups is unclear. This study asks: To what extent are land trusts meeting the needs of farmers and gardeners from marginalized backgrounds? Interviews with land trust staff and focus groups with marginalized farmers and gardeners in New England, USA reveal discrepancies in how diversity and land access are discussed. Access to adequate, affordable land was a serious concern among farmers and gardeners, yet few land …

A Phenomenological Study On Tokenism And Leadership Style Of Black Executives In Corporate Organizations, Alan Keith Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

The demographic composition of the United States is changing. In relation to race, the minority is becoming the majority. This demographic shift creates a more diverse workforce, which increases executive-level opportunities for Black professionals at corporate organizations. However, data indicates that very few Black people are in corporate organizations’ executive-level (VP, SVP, and C-Suite) roles. This study investigated tokenism’s role in developing Black executives’ leadership styles at global corporate organizations. The aim of this investigation focused on uncovering the experiences of Black executives in a corporate environment, including their leadership style. Phenomenological Inquiry served as the method to collect data. …

Department Chairs’ Impact On The Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Of Their Departments, Nicholas R. Garcia Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Department chairs serve not only as the leaders of their departments but also as middle managers in their schools, colleges, and universities. While many department chairs see their role as having little authority, they still play an integral role in day-to-day campus operations (Hunt & Jones, 2015). As leaders of their departments, chairs can directly influence the department’s organizational culture (Schein, 2010), including the culture of diversity and inclusiveness. Departments nationwide are being held responsible for increasing the diversity of the faculty and responding to students' calls for diversity. Departmental organizational culture and the role of the chairperson are essential …

Understanding Attitudes Towards Change, Organizational Diversity & Inclusion Strategies And Anti-Racist, Multicultural Engagement, Lynda D. Gonzales

College of Business Theses and Dissertations

Building on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study focuses on employees from YMCAs across the United States and explores the relationships between individual resistance to change (RTC), attitudes towards organizational diversity & inclusion strategies (AODI) and engagement in anti-racist, multicultural (AMO) efforts. Utilizing the Resistance to Change Scale, the study argues that higher RTC results in lower engagement in AMO activities. Additionally, the study explores AODI predicting more positive attitudes result in greater AMO engagement and that AODI will moderate the relationship between RTC and AMO. A demographically representative total of 141 YMCA employees participated from across the …

Addressing Barriers To Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Massachusetts Community Mediation, Madhawa Palihapitiya, Shino Yokotsuka, Karina Zeferino, Jarling Ho

Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration Publications

This report presents over three years of systematically engaging, documenting and analyzing the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) needs/gaps and assets of state funded community mediation centers in Massachusetts. The report was compiled by researchers and an in-house DEI expert at the statutory state office of dispute resolution, the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration (MOPC) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The office has been serving as a neutral forum and state-level resource for over 30 years.

The report is based on qualitative research that falls into the category of community based participatory research conducted through a series of community …

Addressing Barriers To Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Massachusetts Community Mediation, Madhawa Palihapitiya, Jarling Ho, Shino Yokotsuka, Karina Zeferino

Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration Publications

This report presents over three years of systematically engaging, documenting and analyzing the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) needs/gaps and assets of state funded community mediation centers in Massachusetts. The report was compiled by researchers and an in-house DEI expert at the statutory state office of dispute resolution, the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration (MOPC) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The office has been serving as a neutral forum and state-level resource for over 30 years.

The report is based on qualitative research that falls into the category of community based participatory research conducted through a series of community …

Lost In Your Halo: The Influence Of Group Attractiveness And Diversity On Perceived Group Performance Ratings, Jade C. Chacon

Psychology Theses - Archive

Research on attractiveness suggests that more attractive individuals are assumed to have superiority on several traits, such as happiness and extraversion. This is termed the halo effect. Additionally, within the diversity literature, although inconsistent, there is evidence supporting the importance of diversity within a team to promote better group performance and to foster creativity and innovation. This study examined, for the first time, whether the physical attractiveness halo effect applies to groups. Particularly, overall group attractiveness, group diversity, and their interactive influence on perceived group creative performance were examined. This experiment manipulated both the attractiveness and the diversity of the …

Development & Validation Of A Scale Of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Alexander Davy

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important to organizations and their employees. However, confusion in conceptualization and operationalization hinders the development of DEI research and application. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, I conceptualized DEI as a composite construct of three interrelated but differentiated components, that is, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Possible relationships among the three constructs were discussed. Second, I developed a three-dimensional scale to measure diversity, equity, and inclusion as separate constructs. The scale showed acceptable reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha levels for the overall scale and subscales range from .81 to .94. Convergent and divergent validity …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Underrepresentation Of Blacks In Leadership Roles In Professional Services Organizations, Marcia E. Stokes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of Blacks in professional services organizations who were promoted into leadership positions. The theories which guided this study were Spence’s theory on signaling and the Critical Race Theory (CRT). They provided lenses that were used to view the problem of access to advancements and promotions for Blacks in professional services organizations. The research design used for this study was qualitative, and the approach was hermeneutical phenomenological. The qualitative design provided an opportunity to gather the data by hearing the lived experiences of the participants and by capturing …

The Southern Baptist Convention’S Perception Of Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Compared To African American Pastors’ And Leaders’ Lived Experiences, Jeffrey J. Wallace

PhD in Organizational Leadership

The study of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is complex and multilayered. Similarly, the study of DEI within an ecclesiastical and ecumenical Christian movement like the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has its challenges. Challenges and tensions surrounding the SBC, relating to women's leadership issues, the infiltration of partisanship and politics in the pulpits, racial injustice flashpoint moments, and the lack of ethnic diversity in a crucial leadership position have impacted the overall lived experience of African American pastors and leaders. This phenomenological study explored the Southern Baptist Convention's perception of diversity, equity, and inclusion compared to African American pastors’ and …

Increasing Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Fields Of Nutrition And Obesity: A Roadmap To Equity In Academia, Samantha L. Martin, Michelle I. Cardel, Tiffany L. Carson, James O. Hill, Takara Stanley, Steven Grinspoon, Felicia Steger, Loneke T. Blackman Carr, Maxine Ashby-Thompson, Delisha Stewart, Jamy Ard, Raziel Rojas-Rodriguez, Mabel Toribio, Gabrielle Page-Wilson, Ursula White, Glenn Rowe, Marine Saint-Cyr, Rita Brookheart, Lauren Adele Fowler, Gwen Twillman, Felicia Price, April Stull, Sonia Vega-Lopez, Tony Comuzzie, Catherine M. Kotz, Francoise Knox Kazimierczuk, Monica L. Baskin, Robert Newton, Andrew Greenberg, Camile E. Powe, Dympna Gallagher, David H. Burk, Elissa S. Epel, Paul S. Maclean

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Research shows that a diverse faculty improves academic, clinical, and research outcomes in higher education. Despite that, persons in minority groups, usually categorized by race or ethnicity, are underrepresented in academia (URiA). The Nutrition Obesity Research Centers (NORCs), supported by the NIDDK, hosted workshops on five separate days in September and October 2020. NORCs convened these workshops to identify barriers and facilitators for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and provide specific recommendations to improve DEI within obesity and nutrition for individuals from URiA groups. Recognized experts on DEI presented each day, after which the NORCs conducted breakout sessions with key …

A Cross-Disciplinary Examination Of Institutional Diversity: How University Programs Advance A Diverse Workforce, Joseph Trendowski, Matthew R. Trendowski, Thomas N. Trendowski, Stephanie D. Trendowski, Michael J. Trendowski

Journal of the North American Management Society

Diversity in higher education is encouraged and celebrated throughout many predominant universities across the United States. Institutions of higher learning benefit from diversity in all aspects of campus life; from classes, organizations, or extracurricular activities. Institutional theory is applied to this study to examine how diversity programs are implemented in various university types (national research, private, and state) as well as different settings (educational opportunities, leadership, and accessibility) to develop a qualified and diverse workforce. To achieve this objective, we suggest universities implement a multifaceted approach focusing on initiatives at the university, faculty, and student level.

Advancing Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Developmental Disabilities: The Essential Role Of Leadership For Cultural And Linguistic Competence, Tawara D. Goode, Oluwatosin Ajisope, Sharonlyn Harrison, Betelhem Eshetu Yimer, Deborah Perry, Wendy Jones

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

ABSTRACT

There is a clear and compelling need to approach equity, diversity, and inclusion not as problems to be solved,but rather as opportunities to be realized. The Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights and Assistance Act of 2000,states the need for cultural competence, specifically to ensure that supports and services “are provided in a manner that assure maximum participation and benefit for persons with IDD.” Cultural and linguistic competence (CLC) are evidence-based or proven practices that reduce disparities, advance diversity, and promote equity. Achieving CLC requires strong and informed leadership to spark the necessary changes within systems, organizations, and practice. …

Hospital Board Composition Effect On Health Equity, Derrick Mitchell

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Goal: As the diversity of the United States population increases, hospitals must be equipped with the appropriate tools and resources to address the unique needs of their diverse patients. The goal of this study was to examine if there is a correlation between a hospital board's demographic makeup and health equity initiatives implementation. Methods: Using dataset from the American Hospital Association’s 2020 Annual Survey and the 2021 National Governance Survey, we performed a quantitative analysis of Illinois for-profit and not for profit hospitals evaluating the types of health equity initiatives implemented versus their board demographic. Hospitals were excluded if they …

Disparities In Mental Health Technology Among African Americans: Breaking Cultural Inclusion Barriers, Nyoki Cosey-Brown

DSW Capstone Projects

Mental health technology is a healthcare delivery model of the future. The engagement in virtual healthcare was intensified when traditional healthcare methods were inaccessible during the federal restrictions implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing digital apparatuses for healthcare improved the convenience, efficiency, and accessibility of various mental health services that were inoperable in past healthcare models. However, the historical constructs of stigma, discrimination, inequity, exclusion, and structural racism in mental healthcare were prevalent problems that remained present in virtual mental health platforms concerning the experiences of African-American patients and professionals who utilized the spaces.

This research explored mental health …

Beyond The Business Case: Moving From Transactional To Transformational Inclusion, Jamillah Bowman Williams

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

While workplace diversity is a hot topic, the extent to which the diversity management movement has effectively improved intergroup relations and reduced racial inequality remains unclear. Despite large investments in diversity and inclusion training and other company wide initiatives, historically excluded groups remain vastly underrepresented in leadership and the most lucrative careers, such as finance, law, and technology. This calls the efficacy of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts into question, particularly with respect to reducing racial inequality in the workplace.

This Article explains why it is time for organizational leaders to move beyond the transactional case for diversity and …

What Are The Conditions Of Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Organizations, Given The Recent Social Climate?, Angela Dixon Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Following George Floyd’s death in 2020, grassroots activism and protest reminiscent of the historic 1960s Civil Rights movement spread across the United States and abroad. Unlike the movement of the 1960s, the government did not respond with laws and oversight agencies to hold organizations accountable for change. Instead, corporate leaders voiced resounding commitments of financial pledges. Many organizations rapidly hired experts specializing in Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to address activist demands. Inspired by the 2020 social movement, this study aimed to explore the contemporary landscape of DEI through the lens of leaders in the field. The study applied a …

Perceptions Of Women Of Color Improving Patient Outcomes Through Hospital Leadership Advancement, Benita A. Mclarin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Women of color have been underrepresented in hospital leadership positions and face challenges in advancing their careers. The benefit to hospitals providing women of color with training and support to move into leadership positions may be improved patient outcomes. Grounded in the interactional model of cultural diversity framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of women of color advancing in leadership roles in hospitals and their impact on patient outcomes. The study participants included 16 women of color in leadership positions from hospitals in a western U.S. state. Data were collected through semi structured …

Perceptions Of Women Of Color Improving Patient Outcomes Through Hospital Leadership Advancement, Benita A. Mclarin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Women of color have been underrepresented in hospital leadership positions and face challenges in advancing their careers. The benefit to hospitals providing women of color with training and support to move into leadership positions may be improved patient outcomes. Grounded in the interactional model of cultural diversity framework, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of women of color advancing in leadership roles in hospitals and their impact on patient outcomes. The study participants included 16 women of color in leadership positions from hospitals in a western U.S. state. Data were collected through semi structured …

Strategies For Improving Performance Through Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace, Satari Kay Durrah

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A lack of diversity and inclusion policies can lead to the perception of exclusion in the workplace and cause some employee groups to underperform. Some hospital leaders lack strategies for developing and implementing effective diversity and inclusion policies to improve business performance. Grounded in transformation leadership theory, the purpose of this multiple case qualitative study was to explore strategies for improving performance through diversity and inclusion in the healthcare field. The participants included four leaders from hospitals located in the southeastern region of the United States. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and review of company documents. Data were analyzed …

Review: Implementing Excellence In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion: A Handbook For Academic Libraries, Lalitha Nataraj

Communications in Information Literacy

Review of Lee, C., & Lym, B. (Eds.). (2022). Implementing excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion: A handbook for academic libraries. Association of College and Research Libraries.

Implementing Diversity Training Targeting Faculty Microaggressions And Inclusion: Practical Insights And Initial Findings, Ellen Ernst Kossek, Patrice M. Buzzanell, Brittany J. Wright, Cassondra Batz-Barbarich, Amy C. Moors, Charlene Sullivan, Klod Kokini, Andrew S. Hirsh, Kayla Maxey, Ankita Nikalje

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Despite the importance of faculty diversity training for advancing an inclusive society, little research examines whether participation improves inclusion perceptions and belongingness. Integrating training and diversity education literature concepts, this study examines the effectiveness of training targeting microaggressions in six STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) oriented departments at a research-intensive university. Reactions data collected at the end of face-to-face training suggested that participation generally increased inclusion understanding. Self-assessments on inclusion concepts collected from 45% of participants before and three weeks after training suggest participation increases perceptions of the importance of inclusion, microaggression allyship awareness, inclusive behaviors, and organizational identification. Compared …

Dismantling Institutional Whiteness: Emerging Forms Of Leadership In Higher Education, M. Cristina Alcalde, Mangala Subramaniam

Navigating Careers in Higher Education Series

Dismantling Institutional Whiteness: Emerging Forms of Leadership in Higher Education focuses on the experiences of women of color in leadership roles in higher education. Top roles historically have gone to white men, and leadership has not reflected the range of identities and people who make up higher education. Why? And why does this problem continue to this day? Most importantly, what can be done to bring about meaningful change?

Dismantling Institutional Whiteness gathers a range of first-person narratives from women of color and examines the challenges they face not only at a systemic level, but also at a deeply personal …