Latino and Hispanic
Dr. Michelle Steven
Title: Royally Planned Communications
President/CEO
Research Topic: A Seat at the Table: A Profile of the Leadership Preferences Among Generation Y Latina College Students
Institution: St. John Fisher College
Committee Chair: Byron K. Hargrove
Abstract: There continues to be mixed evidence regarding interest in, knowledge about, and preferences for leaders among Generation Y Latinas, despite their ability to vote. While a few studies have begun to profile leadership preferences among Generation Y samples, no previous studies have focused exclusively on Generation Y Latina college students. The purpose of this descriptive, quantitative research was to reveal a profile of the leadership preferences consistently endorsed by Generation Y Latina college students at a small, urban liberal arts college in the northeastern United States. Across five themes: (a) competence, (b) interpersonal relations, (c) management of others, (d) self-management, and (e) communication, using the online administration of the Leadership Preference Inventory, 50 female participants answered 44 items addressing their degree of agreement. The results show that participants most frequently agreed that leaders should: (a) provide opportunities for growth, take risks, exude authority, inspire others, and provide constructive feedback; (b) treat everyone with respect, provide encouragement, praise employees when they earn it, and be approachable; (c) be intelligent, provide mentoring, respect work-life balance, be a problem solver, and have a sense of humor; (d) set a positive example, consider the future when making decisions, control their emotions, and set realistic expectations for employees; and (e) communicate with confidence, create a fun work environment, be a good listener, and be trustworthy. These findings were consistent with previous research. Recommendations for stakeholders and research include: focus groups, mentoring, and larger survey population.
Click here to download the study
Title: Royally Planned Communications
President/CEO
Research Topic: A Seat at the Table: A Profile of the Leadership Preferences Among Generation Y Latina College Students
Institution: St. John Fisher College
Committee Chair: Byron K. Hargrove
Abstract: There continues to be mixed evidence regarding interest in, knowledge about, and preferences for leaders among Generation Y Latinas, despite their ability to vote. While a few studies have begun to profile leadership preferences among Generation Y samples, no previous studies have focused exclusively on Generation Y Latina college students. The purpose of this descriptive, quantitative research was to reveal a profile of the leadership preferences consistently endorsed by Generation Y Latina college students at a small, urban liberal arts college in the northeastern United States. Across five themes: (a) competence, (b) interpersonal relations, (c) management of others, (d) self-management, and (e) communication, using the online administration of the Leadership Preference Inventory, 50 female participants answered 44 items addressing their degree of agreement. The results show that participants most frequently agreed that leaders should: (a) provide opportunities for growth, take risks, exude authority, inspire others, and provide constructive feedback; (b) treat everyone with respect, provide encouragement, praise employees when they earn it, and be approachable; (c) be intelligent, provide mentoring, respect work-life balance, be a problem solver, and have a sense of humor; (d) set a positive example, consider the future when making decisions, control their emotions, and set realistic expectations for employees; and (e) communicate with confidence, create a fun work environment, be a good listener, and be trustworthy. These findings were consistent with previous research. Recommendations for stakeholders and research include: focus groups, mentoring, and larger survey population.
Click here to download the study
| a_seat_at_the_table__a_profile_of_the_leadership_preferences_amon.pdf |
Dr. Gwendolyn C. Dorsey
Title: Administrator at Frederick County Public Schools
Research Topic: An Examination of the Lived Educational Experiences of Successful Latinas Currently Enrolled in a Four-Year Institution
Committee Chair: Jennifer Clayton
Abstract: This qualitative research study discovers, investigates and explores how selected Latinas make meaning of their high school experience. This study also examines whether there are any resources and/or factors that contributed to their success. The 14 participants are currently enrolled as full time students at a post-secondary institution. The researcher
conducted one in-depth, semi-structured interview with each participant. Qualitative research methods (Merriam, 2009) were used to analyze what participants shared. Social capital theory was the theoretical perspective that provided the lens for this study (Coleman, 1988; Putnam, 2000; Stanton-Salazar, 2001). A concept map containing four categories, self, family, school and community, along with a constructivist outlook were included in the overall approach to interpret how Latinas made meaning of their experience. Results from analysis of the data revealed five main themes: (a) Self Identity, (b) Family Influences, (c) Educational Experiences, (d) Advocacy, and (e) Community Connections. These themes and the categories in the concept map are interrelated and were found to have an impact on how Latinas access, acquire, network, and build upon social capital. The conclusions, along with the implication to theory, inform the implications for practice in school systems and policy.
Click here to download the study
Title: Administrator at Frederick County Public Schools
Research Topic: An Examination of the Lived Educational Experiences of Successful Latinas Currently Enrolled in a Four-Year Institution
Committee Chair: Jennifer Clayton
Abstract: This qualitative research study discovers, investigates and explores how selected Latinas make meaning of their high school experience. This study also examines whether there are any resources and/or factors that contributed to their success. The 14 participants are currently enrolled as full time students at a post-secondary institution. The researcher
conducted one in-depth, semi-structured interview with each participant. Qualitative research methods (Merriam, 2009) were used to analyze what participants shared. Social capital theory was the theoretical perspective that provided the lens for this study (Coleman, 1988; Putnam, 2000; Stanton-Salazar, 2001). A concept map containing four categories, self, family, school and community, along with a constructivist outlook were included in the overall approach to interpret how Latinas made meaning of their experience. Results from analysis of the data revealed five main themes: (a) Self Identity, (b) Family Influences, (c) Educational Experiences, (d) Advocacy, and (e) Community Connections. These themes and the categories in the concept map are interrelated and were found to have an impact on how Latinas access, acquire, network, and build upon social capital. The conclusions, along with the implication to theory, inform the implications for practice in school systems and policy.
Click here to download the study
| diss-dorseyfinal12-2-15.pdf |