Digital Commons Network^™

The Moderating Effect Of Pay Satisfaction On The Relationship Between Generational Differences And The Desire For Meaningful Work, Mia J. Kottgen

Master's Theses

The modern workforce is increasingly generationally diverse, with generational cohorts such as Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z differing in their work values and attitudes. Prior research suggests that meaningful work may be experienced differently across generations and that workplace factors, such as pay satisfaction, may influence these differences. However, few studies have examined generational differences in the desire for meaningful work while also considering workplace influences. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between generational identity and the desire for meaningful work, and whether pay satisfaction moderates this relationship. A survey was administered …

The Relationship Between Imposter Syndrome And Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: The Moderating Role Of Gender, Sakina I. Read

Master's Theses

Prior research consistently shows that imposter syndrome is associated with a wide variety of negative psychological and work-related outcomes such as stress, burnout, and lower job satisfaction. However, other research suggests that individuals with higher levels of imposter syndrome may engage in compensatory behaviors such as increased effort and discretionary helping for impression management purposes. Additionally, research has found that women tend to report higher levels of imposter syndrome and higher engagement in organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) than men, suggesting a gender difference in both variables. The present study sought to examine the relationship between imposter syndrome and OCBs and …

The Great Return In Higher Education: Employee Perspectives Survey, Tonya P. Person

Master's Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed traditional workplace structures across higher education, accelerating the adoption of hybrid and remote work arrangements. In the post-pandemic period, as universities implement or refine mandatory return-to-office (RTO) policies, understanding employee perspectives remains critical for informed decision-making. The present exploratory study investigated staff experiences with hybrid work, anticipated reactions to a five-day in-office mandate, and preferences for future work models within a large public university. Data were collected from 155 university staff members through a 12-item survey assessing perceived benefits of hybrid work, expected impact of a mandatory in-office requirement, and preferred work arrangements when given a …

Effective Strategies For Hospital Leaders To Increase Employee Retention, Lionso Gomez

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee retention remains a critical challenge for hospital leaders because high turnover can contribute to workforce instability, increased organizational costs, and poor patient care quality. The purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry research project was to identify and explore effective strategies that hospital leaders in Texas use to increase employee retention. The participants were six former hospital leaders in Texas's eastern and southern regions who had successfully implemented employee retention strategies. This research project was grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and publicly available documents. The data were analyzed utilizing Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic …

Third Amended Chapter 11 Plan Filed By Roman Catholic Archbishop

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Organizational Climate And Leadership Style On Nurse Practitioners' Job Satisfaction, Sung Chien Mei

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Background: Job satisfaction in nurse practitioners is influenced by the level of autonomy and empowerment they perceive within their practice environment. Little in-depth research has been done to explore the relationship among organizational climate, leadership style, and job satisfaction in the context of nurse practitioners.

Purpose: This study was developed to explore the relationship among organizational climate, leadership style,and job satisfaction in nurse practitioners with the goal of enhancing their job satisfaction.

Methods: A cross-sectional correlational approach and snowball sampling method were employed to recruit400 qualified nurse practitioners to complete an online survey. This survey was a structured questionnaire consisting …

Mountains And Mythology: Folklore In The Alps, Arya Karki

Honors Projects

From nature spirits to secret doorways, an air of mystery and magic surrounds the mountains of Austria. All over the world, mountain ranges inspire rich folklore, each set of tales unique to its respective culture. The purpose of this Honors Project is to answer the question: how does mountain-inspired folklore mirror cultural values and fears? A comparative analysis between Austrian Alpine and American Appalachian folktales is conducted in order to isolate the variables that cause folklore to differ region-to-region. Through research consisting of primary-source folklore anthologies, secondary texts on mountain theory, and direct observation from a study abroad experience, this …

"Girl I'Ll Figure It Out": First-Generation Women Of Color Navigating Higher Education, Prisilla Cortez

Dissertations

This qualitative study focused on understanding the experiences of first-generation women of color at a California public four-year institution and how their intersecting identities shape their academic experiences and overall well-being. Women of Color Feminist (Crenshaw, 1991), and intersectionality frameworks guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in participants’ experiences. Findings revealed three central themes, collective orientation and familial expectations, faculty interactions and sense of belonging, and institutional resources and access. Participants described navigating higher education while balancing family responsibilities, financial pressures, and academic demands. Although they demonstrated resilience …

Supports And Challenges For Esns In Higher Education: A State University Qualitative Study, Dilkash Ahmed

Dissertations

Although extensive support needs students (ESNS) benefit from access to inclusive higher education opportunities, research shows that navigating college settings has been challenging for these students. This study examined the supports available to ESNS enrolled in college classes and the challenges they encounter within a university setting. Using a State University as the research site, this qualitative study collected data through semi-structured interviews, observations, and reflection responses to capture the experiences of ESNS, faculty, and peer mentors in higher education. The study examined ESNS experiences in classes through the perspectives of faculty on teaching ESNS, peer mentors’ (who support students …

Examining Beliefs Of State Department Of Education Directors Of Assessment Regarding Standardized Testing, Sara L. Kendallen

Dissertations

Directors of assessment in state departments of education are tasked with the planning and oversight, including development, field-testing, validation, and operationalization of statewide assessments. At the state level, directors of assessment are pivotal to a department of education’s ability to meet state and federal testing requirements. Directors of assessment hold their own opinions and beliefs, which may or may not be aligned with current adopted policies. The beliefs of those in state level educational bureaucracies about standardized testing has not been well-researched. It is hoped that this research will add to the greater understanding of statewide assessment. The goal of …

Ensuring Effective, Efficient, And Equitable Libraries In A Post-Pandemic Community College Environment, Jeffery M. Sundquist

Dissertations

Using a case study model, this dissertation investigated student needs regarding library support in a post-pandemic community college environment, using data from student focus group interviews. These needs were juxtaposed with perceived student needs using library employee survey data. Based on the interpretation of data grounded in a critical librarianship framework, the author created action items for college library leaders. To provide effective, efficient, and equitable onsite libraries and library services, the author recommends (a) designing for psychological safety and belonging, (b) embedding visible human support, and (c) conducting equity-oriented space audits. To provide effective, efficient, and equitable online libraries …

The Experiences Of Deaf American Muslims In Their Pursuit And Retention Of Employment, Shukry Mahmood

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Deaf American Muslims in the United States face high levels of unemployment. They often experience compounded marginalization at the intersection of disability, religion, and cultural identity, which often leads to exclusion and underrepresentation in employment contexts. The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences while pursuing and retaining employment in the United States of deaf Muslims in United States workplaces. In this qualitative study, a self-designed, semistructured interview protocol with open-ended questions was used to explore these experiences. The sample of 12 participants was selected based on their self-identification as deaf American Muslims with at least 30 …

Multiple Perspectives On Inclusion In Science For Students Receiving Support From The Learning Center (Tlc) Program, Jeremy C. Adams

Dissertations

Almaden Country Day School (ACDS) is a small, independent private school located in the Almaden Valley neighborhood of south San Jose, California. Currently serving over 400 students, the school has been in operation for over 43 years. Nan Hunter, its founder, set out to build a school community that could “discover the gifts in every child.” As part of this mission, the school sought to support neurodiverse students with accommodations as part of its general education program. In September of 2017, the school’s leaders committed more deeply to this aspect of the school’s mission when they opened The Learning Center …

Out Of The Briar Patch: Storying Resistance Among Black Male Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse And Its Impact On Their Educational Experiences, Anthony Animuntu

Dissertations

This study examines the lack of support within educational settings for Black boys who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Despite growing attention to trauma-informed practices, the experiences of Black male survivors remain largely absent from educational research. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach informed by critical autoethnography, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five African American men reflecting on their schooling experiences as CSA survivors. Axial analysis revealed four central themes: silence as survival and strategic invisibility, shame and internalized distress, institutional misrecognition, and the transformative role of relational care and educational kinship. Findings indicate that participants’ trauma was often …

Can Curriculum Improve Confidence? Examining The Impact Of The Implementation Of The California Math Framework On Math Anxiety Levels Of Preservice Teachers In California, Amanda Lubbs

Dissertations

In 2010, the state of California adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as an effort to ensure students were graduating high school as college and career ready. Shortly after, in 2013, the California Board of Education adopted the California Math Framework (CMF) as a tool for schools to implement the CCSS for Mathematics (CCSSM). Its recommendations incorporated research-based techniques to alleviate math anxiety through the use of explorative learning experiences that help students understand math skills in applied contexts, and by de-emphasizing rote practice and memorization. This study inquires about the framework’s effectiveness in mitigating math anxiety among pre-service …

"A Door To The Future." A Case Study In Exploratory And Culturally Sustaining Theater Curriculum, Verónica Meza

Dissertations

This study addresses the persistent inequities in access to quality arts education for Latino immigrant and linguistically diverse communities in California. Despite progressive initiatives such as Proposition 28 (The Arts and Music in Schools Act) and the California Arts Council's Racial Equity Statement, systemic barriers prevent Latino and immigrant students from benefiting equitably from the arts. The central objective of this project is to understand how an exploratory, culturally sustaining theater curriculum can serve as a transformative and healing vehicle for adult immigrant Latino students, providing emotional protection, cultural affirmation, and language preservation within a U.S. educational context. This qualitative …

Breaking The Glass Ceiling From The Ground Floor: Bipoc Women Classified Professionals’ Journey In California Community Colleges, Lusyna Kim Narvaez

Dissertations

This phenomenological study examined how women in classified professional positions navigate institutional barriers and access professional development within California community colleges. Using Critical Liberatory Feminist Pedagogy, Critical Race Feminist Theory, and Challenging Leadership Theory as analytical frameworks, the study explored the lived experiences of 18 participants across five Northern California community colleges through individual interviews and focus groups. Findings revealed three central themes: strategic communication as a survival mechanism, institutionalized exhaustion, and professional development as gatekeeping. Participants described employing calculated communication strategies to navigate workplace dynamics while minimizing personal and professional risk. The study illuminated how institutional structures create systemic …

Leadership, Identity, And Black Joy: The Career Trajectories And Experiences Of Black Administrators In The California State University System, Uchechukwu C. Ogamba

Dissertations

This study explores the experiences of Black mid- and upper-level administrators within the California State University (CSU) system, with a focus on career trajectories, institutional barriers, support systems, and mentorship. Black administrators are essential but continue to be underrepresented in higher education leadership and limited research focuses on their professional pathways and sustainability within the higher education systems. Guided by Black Joy Theory and Professional Identity Theory, this study uses survey data (n = 24) and semi-structured interviews (n = 8) to explore how Black administrators navigate leadership and create meaning within institutional environments. Quantitative findings highlight the importance of …

Guru Shishya Parampara: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Character Development Through Immersion, Shilpan Sheth

Dissertations

Processes that support the intentional effort to manifest virtue remain an under-described and poorly understood area of education research. In the literature, it is identified that immersion - a state of deep affective or cognitive engagement with one’s environment - holds implications for character development. Exploring the guru shishya parampara ((गुरुिश� पर�रा), a pedagogical tradition with roots in Vedic culture, through the lived experiences of an expert musician, this study relates immersive experiences to personal transformation. Data from interviews, lectures, and articles were analyzed. From the data, immersive experiences of the guru shishya tradition are understood to be embodied, intrinsic, …

Third Amended Chapter 11 Plan Filed By The Official Committee

Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy

No abstract provided.

Childbirth Experiences Of The Bangladeshi Immigrant Women In South Florida, Tahsina Ferdous

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present

This qualitative research was conducted among Bangladeshi immigrant women living in South Florida who have given birth here. Twenty Bangladeshi immigrant women were selected using the snowball sampling method from various cities in South Florida. The unit of analysis was the individual Bangladeshi immigrant woman, focusing on her experiences and behavior during pregnancy and childbirth. Semi-structured interviewing and case study methods were used for data collection. The results reveal the coping strategies and the navigation process of socio-cultural transition from non-mother to mother, and the Bangladeshi traditional views regarding beliefs, rituals, and practices of Bangladeshi immigrant women regarding their pregnancy …

A Closer Look At The Relationship Between Workplace Harassment And Negative Workplace Behavior: The Mediating Role Of Revenge Cognitions And The Moderating Role Of Fear Of Internal Threat, Keely L. Sinclair Smith

Master's Theses

The purpose of the current study was to provide a closer look at the relationship between workplace harassment and negative workplace behavior by investigating the mediating role of revenge cognitions and the moderating role of fear of internal threat, a novel construct that included both formal and informal organizational sanctions. A sample of 103 employees from a variety of occupational backgrounds participated in the study by completing an online survey. Results of the simple mediation analysis showed that workplace harassment was positively related to negative workplace behavior, and revenge cognitions fully mediated this relationship. In other words, employees who experienced …

Perceptions Of Speech-Language Therapy Among Generations Of One Mexican-American Family, Sabrina A. Macias

Master's Theses

This research is a modified replication of Salas-Provance et al. (2002) and analyzes the perceptions of speech-language therapy among one Mexican-American family. It investigates opinions about causes of speech-language disorders, for whom speech therapy can be helpful, characteristics and stereotypes about people with hearing and speech disorders, and the influence of education level on such opinions. With the assistance of three family members and two cultural informants, an online survey was developed consisting of demographic factors, Mexican folk and medical beliefs, and potential stereotypes of people with speech, language, and hearing disabilities. Twenty-three family members (response rate = 76.7%) completed …

Correction To: A Double‑Edged Sword: Ethical And Psychological Implications Of Apoe Genotype Disclosure Across The Lifespan, Diego Iacono

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

The Harlequinades: Agatha Christie’S Forays Into Fantasy, Joe R. Christopher

Mythcon

This review by Joe R. Christopher explores Agatha Christie’s long engagement with the Commedia dell’Arte tradition - referenced in current popular culture through figures such as the Batman series’ Harlequin character – and traces how elements of that fantasy appear throughout her early poetry and some of her short-fiction work. Her Harlequinade foray was in a self- funded volume of poems, some of which read as autobiographical. The evocation of wandering ancient, semi-immortal spirits may reflect a business trip taken with her first husband. Christie extends the Commedia motifs into her prose where she introduces recurring characters; notably, a character, …

The Role Of Social Emotional Learning In Utah’S Implementation Of Essa, Sharon Walles

Transforming Communities

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), as a policy, offers an additional tool to address the escalating adolescent mental health crisis. By acknowledging the critical link between student well-being, academic success, and evidence-based practices, this policy analysis explores how funding from ESSA can be leveraged to integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) within Utah’s schools. Experts, educators, and parents can be voices to combat misinformation surrounding the recent politicization of SEL and its implementation. This analysis connects Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory, which highlights the interconnectedness of the environment, with the importance of prioritizing mental health within schools to help adolescents with issues …

Assessing A Fourth Trimester Support Group Using An Adapted Ripple Effects Mapping, Kayleigh Gregory, Aubrey Jones, Isabel Paulk, Krysten Munn, Karli Adams, Diana Frankenburger

Transforming Communities

Purpose: Maternal mental health disparities warrant attention, particularly as rural communities face substantial barriers to timely screening and treatment. The Fourth Trimester group at the University of Kentucky was established in April 2022 to address the need for additional postpartum support. This qualitative study examined participants’ perspectives on the group.

Method: Participants included 8 mothers who engaged in the online fourth-trimester social support group. Data were collected using an adapted ripple effects mapping via semi-structured interviews.

Findings: Results of the thematic content analysis revealed six key themes: (1) Community and Belonging, (2) Circle of Wisdom, (3) Empowerment, (4) Practical Support, …

Mythopoeic Awards Finalists Discussion, David Lenander, Grace Moone

Mythcon

General Discussion of the Finalists for the 2026 Mythopoeic Awards. We expect some committee members to offer their opinions and experiences and invite others to share their reactions to the books! Discussion of the awards process and suggestions for the future are also in order. Find out how to become involved for next year. What books did we miss?

Sense Of Safety And Quality Of Life Among Immigrants, Rachel Gomez

McNair Scholars Research

This study examined the relationship between sense of safety and quality of life among Hispanic/Latinx immigrant communities. The study sought to determine whether perceived sense of safety was associated with quality of life and whether differences existed based on immigration status, gender, and age. A quantitative, non-experimental survey design was used with a convenience sample of 33 first- and second-generation Hispanic immigrants from Arkansas. Participants completed a survey combining the Immigrant Enforcement Fear Scale and the 10-Item Well-being Instrument, which were translated into Spanish to increase accessibility. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and independent-samples t-tests with an alpha …

Communication Innovation: Developing A Bilingual Communication Board Validated By Lawshe’S Cvr, Natalie Palau, Amy Valenta

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Hospitalized families with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) can encounter communication barriers during routine interactions due to limited interpreter access, increasing the risk for adverse events and reducing satisfaction. At a freestanding pediatric hospital neurology unit, 67.3% of nurses reported difficulty communicating basic needs and 60% felt dissatisfaction with current LEP communication methods. To address these challenges and enhance communication, a bilingual communication board, featuring English and Spanish captions alongside illustrative icons, was developed and validated.

Experts, identified as nursing staff and Spanish and English-speaking caregivers, evaluated each icon and caption for clarity and accuracy using a four-point scale. Analysis using …