Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commons^™

Politics As Usual: Racial Pay Inequity And The Illusion Of Inclusion In The Rise And Fall Of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Accessibility Executive Orders, Francois C. Melville

West Chester University Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Final Projects

This research examines pressing moral policy questions of our time: who determines when the United States of America has fulfilled its broken promise of equality for all, and what constitutes an appropriate measure of reparative justice. It interrogates why the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Executive Orders (EOs) implemented across presidential administrations, intended to advance social equity, were grounded in conflict and symbolic gestures rather than scientifically evidenced issues such as wage inequality directly linked to upward career mobility. Race conscious policy generates cultural clashes centered on the perception that gains made by Black and Brown Americans come at the …

Women In The Australian Mining Industry, Michelle Gander, Fleur Sharafizad, Aglae Hernandez Grande, Heidi Vivian, Mahan Poorhosseinzadeh, Kate Blackwood

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This report synthesises existing research on women’s participation in the Australian mining industry to identify the structural and cultural factors shaping gender inequality across the sector.

Drawing on research conducted over the past four decades, the report brings together what is currently known about how mining workplaces operate and how organisational practices, work arrangements, and site cultures shape the experiences of women across the sector. While many companies have introduced diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at improving gender balance, the evidence suggests that challenges persist in areas such as operational roles, leadership pathways, and workplace culture.

Specifically, the report examines …

The New Professional: The Legacy Of Women In Dentistry, And Your Place In It, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Women now constitute over half of dental graduates, transforming the profession’s culture and leadership. While women hold a majority of seats on the MDA Board of Trustees, wage disparities, underrepresentation in certain specialties, and work-life balance pressures remain challenges. The author emphasizes that the legacy of women in dentistry is an active, evolving force. New professionals have the opportunity and responsibility to advance this legacy by engaging in mentorship, advocating for fair workplace policies, pursuing ownership, and serving as role models. This ensures the profession is defined by opportunities rather than barriers.

Exploring Hiring Managers’ Strategies For Recruiting Diverse Educators In A Southeastern State, Keisa K. Davis Ma

Dissertations

This dissertation examined the strategies applied by hiring managers within one state in the southeastern United States to recruit diverse teachers. The purpose of the study was to explore hiring managers’ experiences and knowledge of minority teacher recruitment. The primary research question for this study was: What strategies do hiring managers in the school district under study find most effective in overcoming barriers to recruiting minority educators, and how do they measure their success? Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic coding was used to arrive at emerging themes, patterns, and perceptions. The findings revealed that while hiring managers …

Patriarchal Logics In Entrepreneurial Ecosystems And Outcomes For Female Entrepreneurs, Alexandria Krause Matlack

Dissertations

This dissertation examines how patriarchal logics shape the efficiency of funding for female entrepreneurs by comparing two U.S. entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) within the same state: Kansas City and St. Louis. Although these EEs are geographically proximate and structurally comparable, St. Louis has nearly twice as many women-led ventures as Kansas City receiving institutional capital. Drawing on 31 semi-structured interviews, the study includes 20 entrepreneurs, 11 from Kansas City (5 women, 6 men) and 9 from St. Louis (4 women, 5 men), of whom are CEOs of startups founded between 2014 and 2022 and recipients of institutional funding (e.g., grants, angel, …

Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …

Student Textbook Survey - Fall 2025 Executive Summary And Key Findings, James Thibeault

Open Educational Resources Publications

Between September 29 and October 10, the Bentley University library conducted a student textbook survey. The purpose of the study was to gather data from students on textbook affordability. Students responded to 15-20 questions covering topics like how course materials influence their purchasing decisions, their total expenditures of course materials during Fall 2025, and the potential effects of these purchases. The library aimed to gather insights into:

• Students’ views on current textbook prices
• Openness to adopting more affordable educational resources on campus
• Likely responses and behaviors if faced with high-cost educational materials
• The impact of demographic factors related to textbook …

Moving Toward Equity In K-12 Education, George Theoharis, Leela George

The Lender Center for Social Justice

The study “Moving Toward Equity: K–12 Districts’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies, Plans, Actions, and Resistance” explores how Central New York school districts are working to create fairer and more inclusive schools. It finds that deep inequalities still shape students’ experiences, especially for those who are Black, Latino, disabled, or LGBTQ+. Some districts have taken meaningful steps like hiring DEI leaders, forming committees, and setting measurable goals while others are still finding their footing. Yet, resistance from community members and staff often slows progress, particularly around issues of identity and inclusion. The research highlights that real change goes beyond …

Staff Matters: My Dental Assistant Asked For A Work Accommodation — What Are My Obligations?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column addresses an employer's obligations when a dental assistant requests an accommodation for a medical condition that makes prolonged standing difficult. Both the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, for 15+ employees) and the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PDCRA, for 1+ employee) mandate providing a "reasonable accommodation" unless it poses an "undue hardship". The employer must initiate the "interactive process"—a good-faith dialogue—to identify the employee's limitations and explore feasible accommodations. Medical documentation can be requested to substantiate the need. Examples of reasonable adjustments include providing a stool, offering schedule flexibility, or reassigning non-essential duties. Undue hardship …

A Just Transition For Female Seafarers : Ensuring Gender Equality In The Sustainable Maritime Industry, Danisa Ama Buakah

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Women In The Construction Skilled Trades: Career Progression, Challenges, And Motivational Factors, Richard Hannah, Andrew Parzyck, Andrea Janzen, Amanda Portinari

Engaged Management ReView

Women remain significantly underrepresented in the construction industry, particularly in the skilled trades. Through qualitative exploratory interviews with six women, this study investigates the career trajectories, worksite barriers, and motivational influences shaping women’s experiences in the construction skilled trades. The research is framed using Donald Super’s Life-Span, Life-Space theory and expectancy-value theory (EVT) to explore how career stages and career value affect women’s experiences. Participants described gender bias, limited mentorship, and restricted advancement opportunities as primary challenges. This study highlights the need for industry-led initiatives to increase early exposure to trades, improve mentorship and sponsorship programs, and create structured pathways …

Toxic Leadership And Employees' Silence In The Public Sector: The Mediating Role Of Emotional Exhaustion And The Moderating Effect Of Cultural Values, Zubair Ahmed Pirzada, Shoukat Ali Mahar, Naveed Ahmed Mahar

Business Review

This study examines the impact of toxic leadership on employee silence in public healthcare institutions within Sukkur Division, Sindh, Pakistan. Although prior studies have mostly focused on corporate settings, little is known about how toxic leadership shapes employee silence in public healthcare systems of developing countries. This study proposes emotional exhaustion as the mediating variable and cultural value as a moderating variable for the indirect effect. The study employed a cross-sectional and quantitative design, collecting data from 255 employees working in District Health Offices, Basic Health Units, and public hospitals. Validated measurement scales were applied, and data were analyzed using …

Beyond Compliance: Investigating The Motivational Power Of Equality, Diversity And Inclusion (Edi) In European Hospitality, Alessandro Ferrazza Dr

ICHRIE Research Reports

The base concept of this study is to explore the interrelationship between Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practices, employee motivation and performance within the European Hospitality Industry. The research aims to identify the barriers and facilitators that shape motivational synergies stimulating performance outcomes, particularly for underrepresented employee groups. The researcher employed a mixed-methods approach underpinned by a pragmatic interpretivist framework. The findings revealed that there is wide use of discriminatory practices, limited career progression and poor work-life balance which act as significant demotivators (Siu et al., 1997). The study also reconceptualises EDI not merely as a compliance requirement, but as …

Unraveling Equity: The Consequences Of Dismantling Dei Initiatives In Education., James D. Upshaw

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Recent political and institutional shifts have led to the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across schools and universities, raising concerns about how these changes affect both students and the future workforce. This research investigates how the removal of DEI programs influences student belonging, academic access, and long-term workforce diversity. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative interviews with professors and students and quantitative analysis of enrollment, retention, and diversity data from universities affected by DEI policy changes. Preliminary findings suggest that dismantling DEI initiatives leads to decreased student support, reduced faculty morale, and declining representation among …

Barriers And Best Practices In Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion (Dei) Initiatives: A Case Study From The United States Aerospace And Defense Industry, Jeremy A. Bailey

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The main objective of this study was to unpack the barriers around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and then provide best practices to improve DEI efforts in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry. There has been a multitude of research conducted on DEI in the past few years. However, very little research has focused on DEI practices in the A&D industry. This case study focused on one large company in this industry to explore and understand various aspects of DEI initiative implementation. As organizations strive to meet industry and client objectives, as well as address employee needs, two research …

Examine Supreme Court Decisions That Have Influenced The Gender Salary Gap, Shinhae Hwang

Journal of the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression

Project Mentor(s): Rodrigo Murataya, PhD

Despite significant advancements in gender equality policies and legal frameworks, women consistently earn less than men across various industries and job positions (Blau & Khan, 2017). As of 2023, median weekly wages of full-time women are 83.6 percent of the median weekly wages of men, an increase of just three percentage points since 2004 (BLS 2024). This stalled convergence in the gender gap in wages has led to a large and vibrant research literature that seeks to understand why change has been so slow (England 2010). This paper explores the impact of legislative acts such …

Cultural Dynamics And Reverse Culture Shock: A Strategy For Building Sustainable Human Resources In International Ngos, Haruka Minemura, Yuko Nishide

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

This study explores the dynamics of cultural conflict between expatriate and local staff in international NGOs (INGOs) and proposes a framework for sustainable human resource management. While existing INGO management literature emphasizes cultural factors in expatriate-local relations, limited empirical evidence explains the developmental process of these relationships and their implications. Through qualitative case study methodology, this research addresses the question: How do cultural conflicts between expatriates and local staff evolve within INGOs, and what management strategies emerge from these dynamics?

The findings reveal a dual-phase conflict management model where both expatriates and local staff experience sequential cultural tensions. The first …

Multi-Generational Biases Perceived By Women To Senior Leadership Positions In Non-Profit Higher Education, Regina Watkins, Deanna R. Davis

Journal of Research Initiatives

Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership in both public and private industry and in non-profit postsecondary education. One reason that has been identified for the gender disparity in senior leadership positions is second-generation or implicit biases. The problem addressed in this study was the existence and persistence of second-generation biases that contribute to the lack of active senior women mentors, potentially inhibiting junior women from Generation X and millennials from achieving senior leadership status in non-profit higher education. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study was to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of perceptions of second-generation biases, …

Ua21 What's New, Wku Institutional Equity

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about the Office of Institutional Equity.

• Demir, Ena. A Message from the Executive Director
• Training Opportunities: Stay Informed & Engaged
• Understanding Title VI
• Student Accessibility Center Joins the Office of Institutional Equity
• Need Workplace Accommodations?
• Web Accessibility Regulations
• Relevant Information
• Stop Campus Hazing Act
• Meet the Team

Effects Of Cultural Diversity On Project Performance, Likhith Somalaraju

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

Cultural diversity emerged as a critical factor influencing team dynamics and performance in contemporary project environments. With globalization reshaping the structure of project teams, understanding how cultural diversity affected project outcomes was essential for project managers and organizations. This qualitative study examined the relationship between cultural diversity and project performance within diverse organizational settings. Specifically, the study explored how aspects of cultural diversity such as ethnicity, nationality, language, and values influenced project outcomes measured in terms of schedule adherence, budget compliance, quality standards, and stakeholder satisfaction. The research was grounded in Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory and Social Identity Theory, which …

Book Review: Building A God, Carl Lee Tolbert

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

The Road To The Sideline: Investigating The Impact Of The Rooney Rule On The Recruitment And Advancement Of Black Coaches In The National Football League, Enrique G. Washington

PhD in Organizational Leadership

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the impact of the Rooney Rule on the recruitment and advancement of Black coaches in the National Football League (NFL). Despite its implementation, Black coaches remain significantly underrepresented in top coaching positions, including head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator. Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine Black coaches who worked in the NFL between 2003 and 2024, this study explored how Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) practices and executive recruitment strategies influenced their career advancement based on their lived experiences. Six principal themes emerged: (a) pathways to advancement, (b) visibility …

“Gen Z Malas Dan Gampang Resign?”: Analisis Wacana Kritis Atas Representasi Negatif Dalam Media Massa, Muhammad Gaza

Jurnal Manajemen dan Usahawan Indonesia

This study employs Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis to examine how Indonesian online media construct negative stereotypes of Generation Z in the workplace. Based on an analysis of 15 national news articles (January–May 2025), the findings reveal that narratives such as “lazy,” “spoiled,” and “quick to resign” are consistently reproduced through word choice, institutional quotes, and framing aligned with traditional work values. The discourse operates on three levels: micro (biased linguistic structures), meso (digital market logic), and macro (intergenerational value tensions). These representations are not mere reflections of reality but symbolic practices that reinforce dominant work structures. A critical reading …

Exploring Dimensions Of Crystallized Identities, Candice L. Ruh

Feminist Pedagogy

For college students, learning about the components of identity can generate deeper knowledge about how personal and social identities differ, and how identities influence the way individuals experience socio-cultural systems and structures. The Exploring Dimensions of Crystallized Identities activity uses principles of self-reflexivity and dialogue to explore theoretical frameworks for practical application. This experiential activity is a facilitated dialogue driven by student involvement and is best suited for students in mid- to upper-level undergraduate courses. It encourages students to reflect on their and others’ identities, and to consider the social impacts of diversity in their lives.

Exploring A Holistic Conceptualization Of Destructive Leadership: Perspectives From The Lived Experiences Of Latino Law Enforcement Command Staff Officers, Carmelin Rivera

Dissertations

Recently, there has been an increased interest in destructive leadership or what is characterized as the dark side of leadership. There is, in fact, no consensus in the literature about the definition of destructive leadership, and this murkiness has led to two somewhat different approaches to understanding this phenomenon: 1) a leader-centric approach that emphasizes the bad behaviors and traits of so-called toxic leaders and 2) a much broader, holistic approach, often discussed as the toxic triangle (Padilla et al., 2007), that focuses on how destructive leadership is co-created by a toxic system of bad leaders and susceptible followers …

Matthew Kinnard, Matthew A. Kinnard M.S., Ph.D.

We Are NIH Oral History Project

No abstract provided.

The East La Walkouts Of 1968: How A Community Came Together For The Fight Of Chicano Educational Rights, Cynthia Castro

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

The Walkouts of 1968 occurred from March 1st to March 8th when thousands of Chicano students from 5 East LA high schools marched to have their voices heard by the school board and people across the United States of America

Issues:

Chicano youth and student movement was determined to find a new identity and radical forms of political power that were different from past generations (Munoz Jr., 75)

Chicano students were major contributors to the Chicano movement • The Walkouts were a foundation point for other educational movements in the Chicano community

Exploring Contributions Of Partnerships Between Employers And Disability Organizations On Recruitment, Hiring, Training, Retention, And Accommodation Of Individuals With Disabilities In Mississippi, Peter Oluwadare Kalejaiye

Dissertations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provides equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities (IWDs) by prohibiting discrimination in employment. However, one out of four IWDs face discrimination in employment in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Additionally, despite establishing the Office of Disability Employment Policy and enacting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to help integrate IWDs into the workforce, IWDs face barriers to equal and equitable employment (NASEM, 2017). Previous studies recommend partnerships between employers and disability organizations (DOs) to provide employment opportunities and benefits for IWDs through recruitment, hiring, training, retention, and …

The Digital Incorporated Worker Narrative: A Mixed Methods Study Of Digital Capital, Work Selection, And Outcomes In The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Tracie King

Dissertations

Digital technology permeates society and industry, making digital-ready workers necessary for firms of all sizes as a firm seeks competitiveness in the market (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; de Ruyter et al., 2018; Gorski et al., 2022; Karaboğa, 2023; Kim et al., 2017; Qureshi Zia, 2019). Firms seeking digital-ready workers face a complex digital divide that creates a worker shortage (Bergson-Shilcock et al., 2023; Karaboğa, 2023; Qureshi Zia, 2019). This study aims to describe workers' work selection, work experience, and outcomes in a complex digital society.

Most digital divide research focuses on the individuals excluded from owning, accessing, and having skills …

Buyer Perceptions Of Single- And Mixed-Gender Dyadic Sales Teams: Should I Have A Wingman Or A Wingwoman?, Eric Kushins, Melissa Clark

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

Prior research suggests that the gender composition of sales teams may impact team performance. However, research at the intersection of sales, gender, and teams is limited. In this study, we collect survey data from hypothetical buyers who viewed one of six sales pitch videos, including solo salesmen and saleswomen, single-gender dyadic sales teams, and mixed-gender sales teams. The hypothetical buyers were asked to rate each of the salespeople on important traits that have proven to lead to successful sales interactions, including customer orientation, understanding, trustworthiness, awareness of others’ feelings, competence, knowledge, and if the hypothetical buyer would take advice from …