Organizational Development/Workforce Development
Scroll below to select research from the following scholars
Dr. Larrisha McGill-Youngblood
Title: Adjunct Faculty, Wake Technical Community College
Research Topic: The Lived Experiences of African American Female Directors in North Carolina Government
Institution: University of Phoenix
Committee Chair: Kyatonia Reaves
Abstract: Limited research exists regarding the lived experiences of African American women in North Carolina government. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 10 African American Female Directors in North Carolina government.This research study revealed the challenges African American women face to break through barriers created by the glass ceiling and strategies the participants perceived necessary to obtain a leadership position. Participants were asked nine open-ended, semi structured interview questions and their responses were audio recorded for data analysis. The analysis of data revealed eight themes among African American female directors as barriers and contributors in their ascension into a leadership position. (1) African American women need to think positively, (2) African American women lack confidence and the culture of North Carolina government organizations, (3) Female African American leaders are not recognized and respected as leaders, (5) Networking is important for African American women who want to obtain a leadership position in North Carolina government, (5) Extra preparation is needed for African American women, (7) African American women need to cultivate people skills, and (8) African American women must overcome stereotypes to obtain a leadership position. Findings from this study may be valuable to African American women who aspire to be in a leadership position in North Carolina government. Leaders may benefit from the study’s findings to promote gender and race diversity within the organization.
Title: Adjunct Faculty, Wake Technical Community College
Research Topic: The Lived Experiences of African American Female Directors in North Carolina Government
Institution: University of Phoenix
Committee Chair: Kyatonia Reaves
Abstract: Limited research exists regarding the lived experiences of African American women in North Carolina government. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 10 African American Female Directors in North Carolina government.This research study revealed the challenges African American women face to break through barriers created by the glass ceiling and strategies the participants perceived necessary to obtain a leadership position. Participants were asked nine open-ended, semi structured interview questions and their responses were audio recorded for data analysis. The analysis of data revealed eight themes among African American female directors as barriers and contributors in their ascension into a leadership position. (1) African American women need to think positively, (2) African American women lack confidence and the culture of North Carolina government organizations, (3) Female African American leaders are not recognized and respected as leaders, (5) Networking is important for African American women who want to obtain a leadership position in North Carolina government, (5) Extra preparation is needed for African American women, (7) African American women need to cultivate people skills, and (8) African American women must overcome stereotypes to obtain a leadership position. Findings from this study may be valuable to African American women who aspire to be in a leadership position in North Carolina government. Leaders may benefit from the study’s findings to promote gender and race diversity within the organization.
| dissertationlmcgillyoungblood_(1).pdf |
Christopher B. McGrath
Title: Professor at Strayer University
Research Topic: Balancing Work and Family: A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Alternative Work Arrangements and Employee Preferences In The Manufacturing Sector
Institution: Capella University
Committee Chair: Mary Evans Kasala, PhD
Abstract: The research entails a qualitative explanatory study of alternative work arrangements
(AWAs) and employee preferences in the manufacturing sector. The study was to understand the employees’ perspectives for family and work life balance policies. It was based in one of the manufacturing firms located in the Northeastern part of the United States. The location used for this study had 200 employees. A sample of 27 employees was used which was from various organization levels and departments. The sample was obtained by using a non-probability sampling method that is purposive sampling. The sample was categorized into two using both the staff sample and management sample. The face-to-face in-depth interview consisted of open-ended structured questions. Data collected was summarized in tables and percentages. The study showed that many employees responded positively to the policies that allowed them to balance their home and work life. It was also found that a balanced work-home life could lead to the company achieving its objectives. Balanced work-home life increases efficiency; motivation and workers develop a positive attitude toward their work. Thus, they increase their productivity. The study recommended that, there should be formalization of policies regarding work-home balance that should be in written form. Managers in the organization should formulate and promote policies that support flexibility as it enhances efficiency. Lastly, there should be formal methods designed to monitor and control abuses of privileges relating to work-home balance.
Click the link below to download this study.
Title: Professor at Strayer University
Research Topic: Balancing Work and Family: A Qualitative Exploratory Study of Alternative Work Arrangements and Employee Preferences In The Manufacturing Sector
Institution: Capella University
Committee Chair: Mary Evans Kasala, PhD
Abstract: The research entails a qualitative explanatory study of alternative work arrangements
(AWAs) and employee preferences in the manufacturing sector. The study was to understand the employees’ perspectives for family and work life balance policies. It was based in one of the manufacturing firms located in the Northeastern part of the United States. The location used for this study had 200 employees. A sample of 27 employees was used which was from various organization levels and departments. The sample was obtained by using a non-probability sampling method that is purposive sampling. The sample was categorized into two using both the staff sample and management sample. The face-to-face in-depth interview consisted of open-ended structured questions. Data collected was summarized in tables and percentages. The study showed that many employees responded positively to the policies that allowed them to balance their home and work life. It was also found that a balanced work-home life could lead to the company achieving its objectives. Balanced work-home life increases efficiency; motivation and workers develop a positive attitude toward their work. Thus, they increase their productivity. The study recommended that, there should be formalization of policies regarding work-home balance that should be in written form. Managers in the organization should formulate and promote policies that support flexibility as it enhances efficiency. Lastly, there should be formal methods designed to monitor and control abuses of privileges relating to work-home balance.
Click the link below to download this study.
| chrismcgrathfulldissertationfinaldraft9-5-2012.pdf |