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Organization Development Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Organization Development

The Intersection Of Ethnic-Racial Identities And The Development Of Leadership Identity For Asian American Women Leaders And The Impact On Their Success, Nann Chan Chan Aye Jan 2023

The Intersection Of Ethnic-Racial Identities And The Development Of Leadership Identity For Asian American Women Leaders And The Impact On Their Success, Nann Chan Chan Aye

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the intersectionality of ethnic-racial identity and leadership identity in Asian American Women Leaders (AAWLs) in the United States and its potential impact on leadership success. Findings reveal that community, inclusivity, and growth are the elements that intersect the three pillars: ethnic-racial identity, leadership identity, and organizational climate/environment for AAWLs to embrace the ownership of collective leadership identity. AAWLs strongly desire to foster positive organizational cultures that value service, collaboration, trust, autonomy, diversity, and growth. Another prominent finding is the enthusiasm of AAWLs to share and pass down learnings and experiences through open dialogues and mentorship to fellow …


Recovery At Work: Seeking Relief From Toxic Workplace Behavior Through The Adult Children Of Alcoholics And Dysfunctional Families Model, Matthew D. Devandry Jan 2023

Recovery At Work: Seeking Relief From Toxic Workplace Behavior Through The Adult Children Of Alcoholics And Dysfunctional Families Model, Matthew D. Devandry

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated whether the Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA) 12-step recovery model might be relevant to reducing toxic workplace behavior. Seventeen participants in the ACA program were interviewed to answer what changes in work-life are experienced by those who have worked in the ACA program and what components of ACA do practitioners believe have been most influential in their work-life changes? Interviewees reported experiencing positive results in their work lives, categorized by internal, philosophical changes, changes in behavior regarding interpersonal issues, changes in behavior regarding issues of self, and changes in overall outcome. These findings …


Strategies To Influence Meaning Creation To Address Resistance In A Change Initiative, Rebecca L. Escobar Jan 2023

Strategies To Influence Meaning Creation To Address Resistance In A Change Initiative, Rebecca L. Escobar

Theses and Dissertations

Organizational change has been a constant and essential aspect of human societies for centuries, driving innovation and adaptability. However, despite the abundance of models and content on managing change, organizations still struggle to implement and sustain effective transformations. This research aims to address this challenge by exploring strategies to create meaning and address resistance during transformational change. The research will employ a qualitative approach, conducting 15 interviews to capture participants' experiences and strategies in influencing meaning creation during change initiatives. The data collected will be transcribed, coded, categorized, and analyzed for themes, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the strategies …


Exploring The Intersection Of Self-Talk And Decision-Making, Chris M. Lewis Jan 2023

Exploring The Intersection Of Self-Talk And Decision-Making, Chris M. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the intersection of self-talk and decision-making. Leaders in today’s world face increasing volume and complexity of decisions. Using a phenomenological approach to understanding the experiences of people managers in the United States, this research conducted interviews to understand the role self-talk plays in a people manager’s decision-making processes and to what extent self-talk influences people managers to avoid making a decision. Findings suggest that self-talk is a foundational component of decision-making. A manager’s awareness of how to best leverage and manage self-talk may increase an organization’s capacity for strong decision-making.


A Qualitative Analysis Of Beliefs Related To Gender Equality In The Church Of Christ, Timothy J. Priestley Jan 2023

A Qualitative Analysis Of Beliefs Related To Gender Equality In The Church Of Christ, Timothy J. Priestley

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, American Christian churches, including the Church of Christ, have grappled with the role of women in their congregations. As women have gained legal rights, expanded social roles, and access to leadership, certain churches, including the Church of Christ, have lagged in adapting to these changes. This study aims to understand the organizational change process within these churches, exploring why belief systems can be slow to change and how some congregations have successfully transitioned from a complementarian to an egalitarian stance related to women's leadership roles. The research employs a contextual lens, considering how human psychology influences beliefs …


Workplace Gender Gap: Generational Differences In The Narrative Of Women In The Banking Industry, Carly S. Riehle Jan 2023

Workplace Gender Gap: Generational Differences In The Narrative Of Women In The Banking Industry, Carly S. Riehle

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study gathered stories from four generations of women in banking to observe how the gender gap has changed over time through their personal experiences and to determine if there is a new story that can be told about the closing of the gender gap for at least one industry. The study included 36 women from 15 different banks across most regions in the United States. The 60-minute interviews covered 20 questions. Participant answers were coded and analyzed, yielding several themes. The study found that all four generations of women in banking agree there have been substantial improvements to …


Shifting Institutional Paradigms To Ignite Organizational Equity Amongst African American Professionals, Michael Fountain Jan 2023

Shifting Institutional Paradigms To Ignite Organizational Equity Amongst African American Professionals, Michael Fountain

Theses and Dissertations

African Americans can become discontented with their jobs and even consider resigning due to workplace anxiety. This quantitative study among African American business professionals in the U.S. highlighted the critical factors that foster positive working environments and organizational equity for African American professionals. The researcher focused on increasing an organization's effectiveness through managing diversity, allowing employees to feel inclusivity, and being part of a team. As a result, there will be happier, satisfied, and committed workers, thereby increasing the level of knowledge in the workforce while reducing expenses. This study analyzed conflict management, cultural diversity, marginalized employee emotions, teamwork, and …


Exploring The Potential Connections And Distinctions Between The Ceeing Model And Current Approaches To Diversity Training, Desirae Mahs Jan 2023

Exploring The Potential Connections And Distinctions Between The Ceeing Model And Current Approaches To Diversity Training, Desirae Mahs

Theses and Dissertations

Despite the widespread use of diversity training, research suggests that diversity training does not change biased behaviors. This paper explores the application of the CEEing model, which provides a novel perspective on the challenge of valuing diverse perspectives. The CEEing model, which stands for Coherent, Effortless Experiences, sheds light on the neurological processes that govern our perception and how we make sense of reality. Furthermore, it puts forth a point of view on the fundamental causes behind our innate struggle to truly value and embrace diverse perspectives. The study gathers data from leaders specializing in D&I to investigate the potential …


What Are The Conditions Of Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Organizations, Given The Recent Social Climate?, Angela Dixon Williams Jan 2023

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 …


Autonomy And Coordination: A Field Study, Jessica Kaufman Jan 2023

Autonomy And Coordination: A Field Study, Jessica Kaufman

Theses and Dissertations

With an emerging remote and dispersed workforce that is consequently more autonomous, OD professionals will need to understand how autonomy relates to coordination to help organizations adapt and be effective. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between team member autonomy and inter-team coordination in organizations. The manager-team participants in this study spanned eleven industries, including 22 teams from 15 companies. The researcher took a mixed-method approach using interviews and surveys to assess autonomy and coordination. The research resulted in five variables: three variables measured coordination and two variables measured autonomy. Autonomy and coordination were significantly and …


Did The Psychological Implications Of Covid-19 Influence Employees To Say, “I Quit”, Lori Fay Jan 2023

Did The Psychological Implications Of Covid-19 Influence Employees To Say, “I Quit”, Lori Fay

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored the forces that influenced employees to quit and how the employee-manager relationship mitigated this. The research centered on employees employed in the retail industry throughout the year 2020. This study aimed to investigate what factors motivated employees to remain committed to their organizations amidst the psychological impacts of COVID-19. The findings of this study suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental well-being of individuals, as evidenced by their experiences of anxiety, depression, and emotional fatigue. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on employee turnover and the influence of the employee-manager relationship …


Overcoming The Space Between Us: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach To Bridge Building, Kate Hanisian Jan 2023

Overcoming The Space Between Us: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach To Bridge Building, Kate Hanisian

Theses and Dissertations

Facilitators in organization and community contexts (and other practitioners whose job it is to move groups of people forward together) are faced with the undercurrent of human conflict every day in meetings and gatherings around the world; often with limited access to an overarching tool to help prevent and manage conflict in most settings. The purpose of this paper was to uncover patterns in bridge building practices so that anyone who finds themselves in the role of facilitating conversations between people who are very different or do not like each other might lean into a set of practices that can …


Convening The Climate Pledge: A Transorganizational Development Case Study Of Amazon's Role As Convener, Charles W. Billingsley, Iii Jan 2023

Convening The Climate Pledge: A Transorganizational Development Case Study Of Amazon's Role As Convener, Charles W. Billingsley, Iii

Theses and Dissertations

The present case study research details Amazon’s role as the convener of The Climate Pledge (TCP), a transorganizational system of over 400 signatories as of 2023 collaborating to address the climate crisis and issues surrounding the decarbonization of the global economy. The study answered one central question: How did Amazon’s role as a convener impact TCP, as experienced by stakeholders? Study participants were Amazon employees working for TCP. Data sources included interviews, TCP public announcements, and internal communications. The study determined that Amazon utilized robust action tactics from 2019-2023, indicative of a Convener. Findings indicated that Amazon’s future convening strategy …


The Effect Administrators Have On Employee Morale Within The University Of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Sherry L. Beaty-Sullivan Dec 2022

The Effect Administrators Have On Employee Morale Within The University Of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Sherry L. Beaty-Sullivan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between Arkansas County Extension County staff morale and their perceived relationship county staff had with their County Staff Chair. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (UAEX) can utilize the results from this research to identify individuals who have the capacity to build high-quality relationships with staff members, thereby promoting higher levels of morale within the organization. Administrators can use this study to identify current or future leaders within the organization by identifying those who can promote high-quality relationships with county-level staff. Results from this study may also be used …


The Role Of Civil Society Organizations In Youth Inclusion Reforms In Post-Uprising Tunisia, Amal Tobich Jun 2022

The Role Of Civil Society Organizations In Youth Inclusion Reforms In Post-Uprising Tunisia, Amal Tobich

Theses and Dissertations

Tunisia has a large youth population; more than half of the population are youth aged between 15-30 years in 2011. Tunisia has long faced challenges adopting serious reforms for youth inclusion and participation. Young people, especially since the Arab Spring, are driving social and economic innovation, challenging policies, and representing governments. More connected than ever, young people exert a greater influence on their fellow citizens and their country and youth inclusion is a central aspect of the post-2015 global development agenda. This study seeks to determine the role of Civil society Organizations in youth inclusion by drawing on extensive literature …


High Potential Programs In Professional Service Firms, Charlene Robison Jan 2022

High Potential Programs In Professional Service Firms, Charlene Robison

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined whether a mixed-cohort of billable and non-billable (e.g., marketing, human resources, accounting, technology) participants in a high-potential development program is beneficial to the organizations that utilize this development approach and to the participants in such programs. This research focused on professional service firms with time-defined and structured high-potential programs. This study utilized a mixed-method design and gathered data in two phases: a survey and a focus group. These methods were used to obtain participant sentiments of participating in their respective high-potential programs. Twenty-five high-potential professionals completed the survey and six participated in the focus group. The study …


The Identity Experiences Of Maya Q'Anjob'al American Youth And Mayan Language Loss: A Post-Colonial Perspective On Language, Culture And Identity, Juanatano Cano Jan 2022

The Identity Experiences Of Maya Q'Anjob'al American Youth And Mayan Language Loss: A Post-Colonial Perspective On Language, Culture And Identity, Juanatano Cano

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of Maya American youth of the Q’anjob’al ethnic group in the United States. It examined whether American-born Maya children affirmed their indigenous Maya Q’anjob’al background and if they performed better in school and had a better adjustment to life if they had a secure sense of identity. The study includes a discussion of major findings related to the literature on the Post-colonial theory and the theoretical approach of William G. Demmert’s Culturally Based Education (CBE) practices, which refers to education that recognizes the importance of indigenous languages, culture, …


An Examination Of The Relationships Between Integrated Leadership, Organizational Structure And Public Sector Performance In Egypt, Abdelrahman Hassanein Jun 2021

An Examination Of The Relationships Between Integrated Leadership, Organizational Structure And Public Sector Performance In Egypt, Abdelrahman Hassanein

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates how integrated leadership mediated by organizational structure, affects organizational performance in three Egyptian public sector institutions. The aim of this research is to identify the key challenges in these three areas (leadership, organizational structure and performance) and provide recommendations for improvement. The study adopts a mixed method approach, including both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The qualitative element consisted of in-depth interviews of organizational leaders and participant observation. Employee surveys and interviews with leaders were conducted in three public organizations located in Greater Cairo. Two of these organizations are project implementations units (PIUs), whilst one is a traditional …


The Influence Of Participative Leadership On Employee Performance: A Case Of The Public Sector In Saudi Arabia, Thamer Alsubaie Jan 2021

The Influence Of Participative Leadership On Employee Performance: A Case Of The Public Sector In Saudi Arabia, Thamer Alsubaie

Theses and Dissertations

Most public organizations in Saudi Arabia currently face leadership problems such as the inability to meet organizational performance targets, low productivity, and poor motivation. This study presents a critical analysis of the extent to which a participative leadership style could help improve these leadership challenges in the Saudi Arabia public sector organizations. Its main objective was to determine the impact participative leadership has on employee performance in the Saudi Arabia public sector. It focused on analyzing the positive impact the participative leadership approach has on employee performance that contributes to enhanced employee performance and organizational performance. However, the participative leadership …


Organizational Dissonance In The Context Of Organizational Decline And Turnaround Of A Security Printer: A Quantitative Case Study, Tina Marie Ramirez-Dominguez Jan 2021

Organizational Dissonance In The Context Of Organizational Decline And Turnaround Of A Security Printer: A Quantitative Case Study, Tina Marie Ramirez-Dominguez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this non-experimental, quantitative study was to examine organizational identity dissonance experienced by an organization's social actors in the context of organizational decline and turnaround utilizing factor structures from five years of pre-existing, employee surveys to determine whether differences in factor scores occurred over the 5-year time frame. Organizational identity dissonance is the psychological stress or discomfort experienced by an organization's social actors from holding two or more contradictory attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors (McLead, 2008) in relation to the organization's identity. A social actor is an individual participating in a communal environment (Whetten & Mackey, 2002). A communal …


Emergence Of The Connectivist Leadership Paradigm: A Grounded Theory Study In The Asia Region, Frederique Covington Corbett Jan 2021

Emergence Of The Connectivist Leadership Paradigm: A Grounded Theory Study In The Asia Region, Frederique Covington Corbett

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, grounded theory study focused on the exploration of leadership arising within the Asia region. While enduring leadership qualities like strength, humility, resolve, and trust have been foundational in leadership practice globally, scholars have demonstrated that leadership does not exist in absolute terms; it is shaped by the values of local culture, which set expectations for leadership behaviors. This study explored the conceptualization of a more collective and connected form of leadership in the context of a region leading the world with highly networked digital social practices. The question the study explored was, if, and to what extent, leaders …


Improving Student Attitudes Towards Stem Education By Building Self-Efficacy Through Robotics Education, Kevin Obillo Jan 2021

Improving Student Attitudes Towards Stem Education By Building Self-Efficacy Through Robotics Education, Kevin Obillo

Theses and Dissertations

The United States must grow its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) trained workforce in order to fill the jobs projected to be in demand. One of the ways in which this can be done is to tap into the vast population of minorities and women who are underrepresented in the STEM fields. The United States has been looking for ways to improve STEM participation in these groups for many years now, through outreach, legislation and innovative academic programs. The purpose of this research was to examine the impact that a robotics education enrichment program had on elementary, predominantly Latinx …


The Effects Of Collaborative Leadership Practices On Employee Satisfaction Levels, Thomas Martin Jan 2021

The Effects Of Collaborative Leadership Practices On Employee Satisfaction Levels, Thomas Martin

Theses and Dissertations

Successful organizations understand how employee satisfaction levels affect the bottom line. Establishing the best practices for managing employee satisfaction is paramount so human resource directors can share information. This literature review will help educate human resource practitioners and researchers to understand better the history, the existing research, and the benefits of properly managing employee satisfaction levels. When employees become dissatisfied, it can lead to a lack of trust, poor communication, and retention problems. Obtaining information on managing employee satisfaction levels can be difficult for aspiring human resource leaders. Through this phenomenological research study, human resource executives will share their knowledge …


Forward Solutions In Digital Learning Transformation: A Study In Navigating 21st-Century Organizational Learning For Learning & Development Professionals, Malika Afiya Viltz-Emerson Jan 2021

Forward Solutions In Digital Learning Transformation: A Study In Navigating 21st-Century Organizational Learning For Learning & Development Professionals, Malika Afiya Viltz-Emerson

Theses and Dissertations

While there is a substantial volume of information on digital transformation in companies and basic knowledge of the learning functions in organizations, there is little academic research on the skilling required of Learning and Development Practitioners or Professionals (LDPs) and the impact 21st century digital transformation has on their role. This mixed methods study shares lived experiences and the perceptions of LDPs and identifies challenges with which they are faced. Overall, the study explores transformation of LDPs within the construct of organizations and the digital evolution. The study reviews how LDPs are adapting to the rapid changes and the evolution …


Manager Development In Younger, Growing Organizations, Christine Parcells Jan 2020

Manager Development In Younger, Growing Organizations, Christine Parcells

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored manager development needs in younger, growing organizations related to challenges with uncertainty, ambiguity, and a rapid pace of change. This research examined two companies: one that had not gone through IPO or acquisition and one that was acquired twice. The primary themes in the findings included adaptive behaviors and communication capabilities, the impact and influence of a company's culture and a changing organization structure on development, as well the need for building relationships and networks to help managers cope with the challenges of a growing organization. By implementing manager development programs early, companies can build inclusion, foster …


Career Trajectory And Leadership: The Role Of Personal Adversity, Kristina E. Kovacs Jan 2020

Career Trajectory And Leadership: The Role Of Personal Adversity, Kristina E. Kovacs

Theses and Dissertations

Adversity is part of life and certainly contributes to human development. This study seeks to explore the impact of personal adversity on career trajectory and leadership. A qualitative study based on 12 interviews with a narrative approach is presented. Key themes were identified among high-level executives around career evolution, perception of leadership, and how those experiences impacted their way of leading. The study concludes with a brief discussion of limitations and the findings that raise questions for additional research and provide some support for leadership and career development, counseling, and training.


Managing The Affective Responses Of Employees During Organizational Change In Higher Education, Brad Kennington Jan 2020

Managing The Affective Responses Of Employees During Organizational Change In Higher Education, Brad Kennington

Theses and Dissertations

Higher education is facing a period of continual change driven by numerous external and internal forces. Consequently, higher education leaders are faced with the frequent and daunting task of planning and managing organizational change in higher education institutions, which are both complex and dynamic in nature. Adding difficulty to this task is the fact that employees often react to change with emotional responses that are both challenging to understand and complicated and to manage. Managing affective dimensions of change can be overwhelming to leaders, which can lead to failed organizational change efforts. This study explored and answered (a) how a …


The Impact Of Manager Appreciative Communication On Employee Psychological Well-Being Being, Matthew Bowman Jan 2020

The Impact Of Manager Appreciative Communication On Employee Psychological Well-Being Being, Matthew Bowman

Theses and Dissertations

Communication and leadership are both important components of a successful organization and can play a role in an employee's psychological well-being. This study looks at managers communication and the real-life impact on an employee's experience at work and how it affects their happiness. This study uses a mixed methodology to build a foundation of data, each from the managers and employees' point of view to build context and generate a direction a manager can take when communicating with their staff. The manager and employee reactions showed a correlation between a manager's ability to communicate their appreciation to their employee. A …


Team Building Challenges And Opportunities After A Public Agency Merger, Andrea A. Severson Jan 2020

Team Building Challenges And Opportunities After A Public Agency Merger, Andrea A. Severson

Theses and Dissertations

This study used a mixed-method design to gather data about team building after a public agency merger. This study found that teamwork, role clarity, and clear decision processes were the most important factors impacting goal accomplishment post-merger. Prioritizing team building before, during, and after a public agency merger can address some of the most common challenges presented by a merger or acquisition.


Establishing And Sustaining No-Kill Communities: Best Practices For Animal Services Directors, Kristin R. Barney Jan 2020

Establishing And Sustaining No-Kill Communities: Best Practices For Animal Services Directors, Kristin R. Barney

Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between humans and non-human animals in the United States has evolved from the capturing and impounding of stray livestock found in colonial times to the billion-dollar industry supporting companion animals that exists today (Irvine, 2002; Zawistowski & Morris, 2013). As people's perceptions and attitudes about the treatment of non-human animals have evolved over time, so have the expectations of the organizations that are in place to care for them. A current movement exists to end the killing of healthy and treatable pets within the United States. Known as the no-kill movement, shelter directors and community stakeholders around the …