Digital Commons Network^™

Mastering The Void: The Secret Sauce Of Black Female Leadership In The Ivory Tower, Laschanda Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

This scholarly inquiry delved into the enduring disparity of gender representation within leadership roles, a phenomenon persisting despite women's remarkable progress in education and professional realms in the last 50 years. Concentrating on tertiary education, this study examined the scant presence of females, with a particular emphasis on Black females, in elite leadership roles. Its primary objective is to discern and corroborate the leadership aptitudes that have been instrumental in propelling the careers of Black female administrators in tertiary educational institutions. Employing a refined Delphi methodology, this research shared insights from the career trajectories and developmental experiences of Black females …

Global Workforce Dynamics: A Quantitative Analysis Of Inclusion, Retention, And Performance Across United States And Japanese Cohorts In A Multinational Corporation, Cecil Wroton Johnson Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Globalization has lowered geographic and cultural workforce boundaries by increasing global workforce diversity (Boitano et al., 2017; Ferdman et al., 2021; Güzel et al., 2021; Weiss & Wilkinson, 2018). Furthermore, societal revelations through health and social crises have called for multinational corporations to respond with representative workforce diversity (Banks & Harvey, 2020; Dixon-Fyle et al., 2020; Kim & Roberson, 2021). The convergence of globalization, global governance and public policy are factors of global workforce dynamics that reinforce the inevitability of workforce diversity and the necessity for the intentional creation of inclusive work environments (Mor Barak, 2022; Roberson, 2006). This quantitative, …

Voluntary Employee Turnover And The Engagement Perception Of Responsibility, Troy Duerr

Theses and Dissertations

This research project investigates voluntary employee turnover and perceptions of engagement responsibility within organizations. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US workforce experienced significant pressures. Through qualitative research with semi-structured interviews of 15 professionals, key themes influencing engagement and disengagement were identified. These themes include leadership, recognition, role autonomy, team collaboration, unmet career promises, and poor communication. Participants represented various industries, from Fortune 10 companies to family-owned businesses, and held roles from individual contributors to divisional leaders. This research offers both theoretical advancements and practical solutions, emphasizing the necessity of shared responsibility between employees and organizations in managing …

Changing The Narrative: A Phenomenological Study On The Support And Practices Black Males Received For The Successful Completion Of Urban Area High Schools In Los Angeles County, Victoria Lynn Waters

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the support and practices Black Males received to graduate high school successfully. This study is important because it details the challenges and experiences that young Black males who reside in urban areas and attend school in Los Angeles County describes the factors needed to meet academic success and graduate high school and understanding why graduation rates for Black males are low, to learn what can be done to increase the graduation rates for Black Males. The study produced four conclusions:

1. Black Role Models and mentors on campus elevated student’s …

Black Women Leaders Bend But Don’T Break: A Qualitative Examination Of Coping With Workplace Inequity In Fortune 500 Companies, Quennette Standford Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Black women account for 7.1% of the United States (U.S.) population (U.S. Census Bureau,2023); however, they only comprise 2% of executive positions (EEOC, 2023), 1.4% of the Fortune 500 C-suite (Corbett, 2022), and .4% of Fortune 500 CEOs (Dawuni & Frazier, 2022). Typical advice regarding career growth and progression centers on hard work and dedication as facilitators of achievement. However, this is a broken model for Black women, whom studies show follow an inconsistent path and employ a variety of strategies to reach executive levels of leadership as they navigate inequitable systems, treatment, and behaviors in the workplace (Beckwith et …

Breathing: A Story Of Lifelong Learners’ Relationship To The Changing World, Cristina D. González

Theses and Dissertations

Holistic learning is recognized as an effective learning practice. It acknowledges the interconnections between the individual, other people, and the environment, it describes learning as an active process that transforms consciousness. This transformation in consciousness occurs through the facilitation of learning, experiences, and reflection, which lead to acts that nurture oneself, others, and the environment. Teachers face the challenge of noneducators setting unrealistic expectations, providing limited resources, and generating a culture of competition, preventing holistic learning from developing. If students are to learn, this process needs to be honored, which requires pedagogical strategies and practices that can be replicated to …

Designing And Evaluating A Framework For Assessing And Addressing Identity Threat And Integration As Part Of A Merger And Acquisition, Melanie Figler

Theses and Dissertations

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) offer both advantages and challenges to firms that pursue this growth strategy. Although various frameworks and approaches have been designed to reduce the risks of these transactions, high failure rates continue to plague M&A events. This study investigated a lesser-examined but powerful factor in change outcomes: organization identity. This study examined the effects of M&As on organization identity and identified practices for assessing and addressing identity threat and integration as part of an M&A. The research design was a single case study, with 11 employees ranging from individual contributors to executives being recruited from an organization …

Sustainable Tourism Development In Greece: A Phenomenological Study Of Municipal Leaders, Panagiote G. Tsolis

Theses and Dissertations

The Hellenic Republic relies heavily on the summer tourism industry for economic growth (Kouri, 2012). The objective has been to increase demand for lesser-known destinations and encourage visitation outside the peak summer period. However, expanding the tourism offering is complex, as tourism destination networks are some of the most complex systems (da Fontoura Costa & Baggio, 2009). There are no official national framework for sustainable tourism in the Hellenic Republic. However, multiple national frameworks for sustainable tourism within the Hellenic Republic have been designed, focusing on tourism or regions and natural preserves. The problem is that municipal leaders' perspectives are …

Decision Satisfaction In Corporate Settings, Alison Keppler

Theses and Dissertations

While seemingly important, decision satisfaction has remained an understudied aspect of decision making. Defined as how satisfied an individual feels with a decision at the time it is made, separate from any feeling toward the chosen option or ultimate outcome, decision satisfaction has not been explored in the business context. Developing an understanding of what may lead to decision satisfaction is important as it has the potential to impact employee work experience as well as the outcomes of the decisions themselves. To explore this concept, this study conducted 10 interviews with senior employees in corporate environments. They discussed their preferred …

Exploring The Role Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior And The Intention-Behavior Gap In The Adoption Of Products And Solutions By B2b Organizations: An Analysis Of Organizational Culture As Moderators Or Mediators, Ronil Prasad

Theses and Dissertations

New product adoption by business-to-business (B2B) organizations is explored through an examination of the influence of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), organizational culture, and the presence of the intention-behavior gap. A phenomenographic design, utilizing qualitative surveys, enabled a detailed analysis of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as key factors influencing adoption intentions and actions within US-based organizations. The study collected responses from a purposively sampled group of experienced decision-makers with authority over new product selection. A total of 86 B2B decision-makers responded to the invitation to participate

Thematic analysis revealed perceived behavioral control as the most influential …

The Long-Lasting Credibility: A Leadership Model For Building Trust In Multinational Companies, Suelen Schneider Demaría

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to examine the strategies, challenges, and measures of trust-building between leaders and team members in multinational organizations. This topic is significant because (a) the deficit of trust in leadership has spread across industries and nations over the last decades (Edelman, 2023), imposing a high penalty on organizations and society (Covey & Merrill, 2018); (b) in contrast, in a trusting environment, happiness, cooperation, and results are enhanced (Zak, 2017); and (c) trust is also an issue in cross-cultural settings because the traditional notion of trust is binary and Western, leaving out cultural awareness necessary to …

Faculty Exodus From Africa: Exploring The Experiences Of African Academic Diasporic Faculty In The United States Of America, André Crenshaw

Theses and Dissertations

African higher education institutions are experiencing a faculty shortage influenced by globalization, internationalization, and brain drain. Prior literature on immigrant African and diaspora faculty exodus from Africa focuses on the brain drain in African higher education. Still, there is a need for further exploration of faculty teaching experiences virtually from the U.S. to Africa using educational technology with multiple academic appointments. This study aimed to assist stakeholders in gaining insight into how African Diasporic faculty adopt educational technology for virtual teaching, faculty development, cross-culture university-to-university collaborations, and exchanges. This research explored the experiences of higher education faculty, Black African academic …

The Sacred And The Secular: The Impact Of Gender And Religiosity On Leadership, Carol Lusk

Theses and Dissertations

Despite strides, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, a disparity that invites a deeper understanding of underlying factors, including the unexamined influence of religiosity. An explanatory sequential mixed methodological approach revealed unique insights. Among a nationally representative sample of men and women (n = 1150), the quantitative analysis suggested that religiosity contributed to the leadership journey for men, but the relationships were more complex for women. Religious women of all ages were more motivated to lead than non-religious women. However, once age was considered, non-religious women attained higher leadership positions than religious women. The qualitative phase, consisting of 12 interviews …

Strategies And Best Practices For Career Advancement For Female Officers In The United States Military, Kayleigh Axtell

Theses and Dissertations

Although there have been significant policies in support of advancing women in the military, they still face many challenges in advancing their careers. Nonetheless, women still have the desire and propensity to serve and work toward higher-ranking leadership positions. Prior research has utilized both qualitative and quantitative research and data from veterans and a combination of officers and enlisted personnel. This paper adds to the literature by using a qualitative, phenomenological approach leveraging the lived experience of active-duty female military officers. Appreciative inquiry and best practices frameworks create the theoretical foundation for this research. Chapter 1 introduces the advancement of …

Best Practices Of Secondary Grades 6-12 Educators Teaching Physical Computing With Microcontrollers, David E. Platt

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, phenomenological research study explores the best practices that secondary Grades 6-12 educators employ when using microcontrollers in the classroom. Governmental and private organizations have investigated and promoted the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and computer science in education (Code Advocacy Coalition [CODE], n.d.-a; Fayer et al., 2017; National Science Board [NSB], 2010b, 2018, 2020b, 2022; President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology [PCAST], 2010, 2012). Computer science occupations are a leading field and will have strong growth through 2029 compared to STEM occupations (Zilberman & Ice, 2021). Organizations such as CODE, Computer Science Teachers Association …

Transgender Inmate Experiences In Prison Systems, Jails, And Detention Centers In The United States: A Systematic Review, Egypt Leithman

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, transgender individuals have faced varying levels of systematic discrimination, harassment, and violence based on their gender identity. The standard method that jails and prisons incarcerate inmates is based on assessing female versus male genitals. Transgender inmates challenge the protocols of jails and prisons because of their gender variance. These inmates, who have no power, query how places of reform treat the most vulnerable when they are marginalized by peers and those in positions of authority. Consequently, the disregard that the prison system imposes by not offering other ways to assess transgender inmates poses a risk to them that other …

Hasta La Raíz: An Exploration Of Latinidad In Venture Capital, Mariela Salas

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the multifaceted experiences and career management strategies of Latinos/as in the venture capital industry, an area marked by significant underrepresentation. This study aims to illuminate the unique challenges and strategies of Latino/a investors. Drawing on literature from identity formation, Latinidad, diversity and inclusion, and career management, this research addresses the gap in academic literature regarding the lived experiences of Latinos/as in venture capital. The study utilizes 18 narrative interviews with active Latino/a investors of diverse backgrounds and varying experience levels to develop a conceptual framework. This framework highlights the constructed identity of the venture capital investor through …

Physician Associate (Pa) Leaders In Executive, Academic, And Clinical Roles: Consensus Building For A Novel Leadership Framework, Bethany Grubb

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the lived experience of Physician Associate (PA) leaders in healthcare executive, academic, and clinical roles. Chapter 1 introduces the research topic, outlines a statement of the problem, study’s purpose, assumptions, limitations and key definitions. The frameworks for this study are appreciative inquiry and critical constructivism. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive review of the literature pertinent to PAs in leadership roles in the United States, including (a) challenges in the PA profession, (b) best practices of the PA profession, (c) leadership competencies in healthcare including leading teams, (d) leadership theory including coaching theory and change management, and (e) …

Revitalizing Online Learning: Teachers’ Perceptions On Boosting Online Engagement For K-12 Education, Alice Pak

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the transformative evolution of online learning, focusing on its role in K-12 online education and the critical issue of student engagement. Tracing its origins from early correspondence courses to today's dynamic, technology-driven platforms, this research examines how online learning has revolutionized educational access, flexibility, and engagement. The study highlights the significant milestones in the evolution of online education, noting the substantial impact of technological advancements that have made learning more interactive, engaging, and personalized (Haleem et al., 2022). Focusing on K-12 education, the dissertation examines how online learning has enabled personalized instruction, self-paced learning, and broader access …

The 3 C'S Of Leadership, Jennifer Gayle Rogers

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to investigate and identify the strategies and best practices employed by elementary school leaders through the teacher's lens to ensure their success. Additionally, the research sought to view school leadership behaviors and practices through the teacher's lens. This approach created collaboration and communication between the school leader and their teachers. Moreover, this qualitative phenomenological study focused on independent school teachers with at least 10 years of teaching experience. The researcher collected data by interviewing 15 teachers from independent schools across Los Angeles County to answer four main research questions through corresponding interview questions. The findings connected to …

An Examination Of Types Of Trauma, Resiliency Factors, And Strengths-Based Approaches To Treatment Among Undocumented Mexican Immigrants, Rosa Marín

Theses and Dissertations

Undocumented immigration into the United States can be coupled with significant contextual sociopolitical challenges, particularly for Mexican-origin populations which represent the largest immigrant group in the U.S. Research examining the day-to-day nuances unique to this hard-to-reach population is limited and even more so for strengths-based treatment interventions. This systematic review sought to investigate the following questions: (1) What types of trauma do undocumented Mexican immigrants experience after immigrating to the U.S.? (2) What are resiliency factors among undocumented Mexican immigrants in the U.S.? (3) What are strengths-based approaches to working with undocumented Mexican immigrants in the U.S.? This integrative review …

Exploratory Study Of Leading U.S. Companies’ Post-Covid 19 Manager Engagement Practices, Christina Watt

Theses and Dissertations

Managers are crucial to employee satisfaction, serving as the bridge between leadership and staff, balancing expectations from both sides. Although managers are important for employee engagement, recent research highlights a significant issue in organizations regarding the low engagement levels of managers themselves. The purpose of this study was to examine the practices leading companies are using to engage managers and support their performance post-COVID-19. Informants from six Fortune 100 and three Fortune 500 companies were recruited using purposive sampling and interviewed for this study. The participant was required to have worked regularly on their company’s enterprise-wide manager engagement programs within …

Empowering The Next Generation: An Exploration Into The Best Practices That Support The Advancement Of Iranian-American Female Leaders In Higher Education, Noosha Razmara

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the experiences of Iranian-American and Iranian female leaders within higher education institutions. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research actively engaged a cohort of 18 participants through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. Four research questions guided this study, highlighting the experiences, perspectives and complexity of these women in their journey towards leadership roles in higher education. The research questions focused on highlighting challenges, methods to overcome them, measures of success and recommendations for aspiring Iranian and Iranian-American leaders. This study aimed to showcase the distinctive intersections of identity, culture, and gender within a lens of leadership experiences …

The Benefits And Challenges Of Conducting Individual Video-Based Telehealth Psychotherapy With Adults: A Systematic Review, Michael Scarlata

Theses and Dissertations

Objective. A systematic review was conducted to provide clinicians, patients, professional organizations, and researchers with an understanding of the benefits and challenges of conducting psychotherapy via telehealth. Furthermore, this review examined the implications of these benefits and challenges to provide recommendations for practice. Methods. Data was collected from three electronic databases, including quantitative peer-reviewed, English-language articles published between 2018 and 2023, studying adult participants engaging in synchronous psychotherapy. A narrative synthesis was used to integrate the data. Results. Findings from 35 studies included 91.4% demonstrating benefits and 22.9% challenges. Key benefits included clinical effectiveness, a strong therapeutic alliance, and high …

Business Managers’ Adaption Of Communication And Leadership Characteristics Amidst Covid-19: A Qualitative Study, Shadan Shamloo

Theses and Dissertations

The problem being studied was that because managers of for-profit businesses in California were having to communicate with their employees outside of face-to-face internal interactions (e.g., Zoom conferencing and telephone). It was unknown how business managers of for-profit businesses in California had adapted their communication and leadership styles when responding to COVID-19’s social distancing guidelines. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how managers of for-profit businesses in California described how their communication and leadership styles had been adapted to follow the social distancing guidelines of COVID-19. This study was guided by the communication accommodation theory and …

Trauma Across Culture: A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Historical Effect Of Colonialism, Genocide, And Resilience On Descendants Of Indigenous Peoples In The United States, Monique Lumas-Wright

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout history, massive killings have gravely affected the succession of cultures, and the impact of its traumatization is vast. The centuries-long enslavement of African Americans, the ethnocide of Native American/Alaskan Natives, and the genocide of European Jews represent some of the most horrific catastrophes of human history through the destruction of identity, culture, language, and religion. The destabilization of these distinct groups and the extreme violence experienced by historical injustices have resulted in cultural, mental, emotional, and physical obstructions with profound economic, psychological, and health impacts encompassing both the wounds inflicted by oppression and resilience. The literature review examined the …

The Divine Digital Divide: A Qualitative Analysis Of The Effects Of Implementing Information And Communications Technology In The Black Baptist Worship Service Experience On Attraction And Retention Of Young Adults Post Covid-19, Ladonna Y. Boyd

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of using information and communication technology (ICT) in the Black worship experience for recruiting and retaining young adults in relation to church services, engagement (defined in this study as communication, community outreach, social activism and collaboration, and support services), and cultural identity within the community of faith. The relevancy and engagement for emerging generations and the cultural and ancestral ties of the Baptist church will be explored. Data analysis from these findings will be used to identify opportunities for faith and community leaders in relation to young Black adults, defined …

The Ask: A Study Understanding The Motivations Of Major Giving Donors. The Best Strategies And Practices To Achieve Fundraising Successes In Small Charitable Organizations, Courtney Laddusaw

Theses and Dissertations

Most charitable organizations, almost 1 million in the United States, are considered small organizations because they have a budget of less than $50,000 (Statista Research Department, 2023). These numbers show the need for small charitable organizations to develop fundraising protocols, specifically major giving programs (Eisenstein, 2014; Faulk et al., 2021; Stahl, 2013). To create a well-established and sustainable major giving program, charitable organizations must understand the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of donors (Andreoni, 1990; Breeze, 2023; Chapman et al., 2022; Drollinger, 2018; V. S. Harrison, 2018; Hether et al., 2014; Ko et al., 2011; Kumar & Chakrabarti, 2021; O’Reilly et …

Conducting Change: The Effect Of A Music Director’S Leadership Factors On Players’ Performance Within The Symphony Orchestra, Mehran Tebyani

Theses and Dissertations

This study delved into the dynamic relationship between an orchestra and its conductor, exploring how this partnership transcends mere interpretation of musical scores to craft immersive auditory experiences that resonate with the audience and authentically convey the composer's emotional narrative. Influential conductors harmonize diverse talents, channeling collective energy through a shared and communicated vision. They can orchestrate teams of passionate and skilled musicians toward success or dismantle the team's synergy through ineffective leadership, misaligned role assignments, and poor coordination. The contemporary role of the conductor in a symphony orchestra is evolving. Gone are the days of the autocratic, sometimes dictatorial …

When Education And Qualifications Are Not Enough, Carla Hamilton-Yates

Theses and Dissertations

African-American women face substantial career barriers when seeking ascension to educational leadership. Numerous factors contribute to career advancement barriers, such as systemic, institutional challenges, organizational factors, personality, and individual contributors. Various systemic and managerial aspects, directly and indirectly, were considered barriers for African-American women when attempting to gain equity in the ascension process to leadership. Microaggressions, racism, and overt harassment in the workplace inhibit African-American women from advancing to leadership positions. The percentage of African-American principals is proportionately low compared to White principals. African-American employees are less likely to be promoted, wait longer for promotion, or are passed over for …