21867 research outputs found
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The Vulnerabilities of Smart Technology
No full textSmart technology is everywhere. In the last decade, an amazing digital transformation swept across the globe, changing how people interact and shaping the public sector interaction between the local government and the constituency. Public administrators must contend with a new communication method that will impact the constituency. Smart technology is making the world convenient, more accessible, and more connected; however, smart technology is making the United States more vulnerable to advisories that seek to harm the free world. When viewed holistically, the vulnerability of smart technology is a national security concern. The United States is not leading the smart technology manufacturing effort; the reliance on a country like China further opens the aperture wider. Furthermore, the industry standard is non-existent regarding standard definitions, minimum requirements to identify a smart city, and a purchasing requirement to ensure foreign equipment is not corrupt. Without a figure of merit, public administrators leave the constituency vulnerable to nefarious actors. As the public sector moves toward a digital platform, the reliance on foreign countries to provide hardware grants a foreign entity defense leverage over the United States. This study is a quantitative assessment of the vulnerability of smart technology and the willingness of the constituency to assume the risk for convenience. Furthermore, this study will consider the confidence level of multiple generations of constituents adapting to smart technology in the public sector
The Impact of Communication on Generational Trauma
No full textTrauma has occurred since God made man, and it has been passed down through generations. Now, even though generational trauma may not end until our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ returns (Revelations 21:4), in the meantime, the Scriptures encourage us to love one another as God loves us (John 13:34-35), to care for each other, and to share our burdens with one another (Galatians 6:2). However, there is limited research as to whether sharing our burdens such as discussing traumatic experiences within the home impacts generational trauma. Therefore, this qualitative, interpretative phenomenological study aimed to answer how the children of parents or caregivers who experienced trauma made meaning of the discussion, silence, or non-verbal communication in their homes. A convenience sample of 10 participants was procured from Liberty University, ages 18 and over, who scored 4 or more on the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire. Thematic analysis was utilized to transcribe, code, interpret, and extract common themes provided by the participants during semi-structured interviews. Results showed that whether parents or caregivers discussed or did not discuss their traumatic experiences in the home impacted generational trauma by teaching participants how to be better parents who chose to stop trauma transmission to subsequent generations. Findings also showed that participants were able to heal due to their faith and taking part in therapy. Findings from this study fill a gap in literature, provide valuable insights in developing programs, training, and new treatment options, which in turn help in the reduction and prevention of trauma transmission from one generation to another
Leading in the Unexpected: Adaptive Leadership and Time Management, A Phenomenological Study of the Small Church Pastor
No full textOne of the most challenging obstacles small church pastors face today may be managing their time. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of the use of time management within the scope of church leadership and administration, as perceived through the lens of pastors ages 35 to 80 who are either the senior or sole pastor or elder at small trinitarian Protestant churches in the United States Northeast Region. Time management is generally defined as organizing and planning how to divide time between different activities and functions. The theory guiding this study is Ronald Heifetz\u27s (2009) Adaptive Leadership theory and its associates, which focuses on the leader\u27s behaviors in relation to the adaptive work of others in the situations they face. As a subset of complexity leadership theory, adaptive leadership produces adaptive change in a social system by encouraging learning, creativity, and adaptation. Small churches are unique and dynamic; this study explores the impact and influence of time management strategies on a small church pastor\u27s daily work, from a practical standpoint, and how adaptive leadership is carried out in these responsibilities and leadership structures. A pastor’s daily experiences and time-management practices offer insight and opportunities for the small, local church community and its structure. In addition to time management, this study also captured a pastor’s self-efficacy and the impact of the overchurched demographic on small churches. This study seeks to glean from the daily experiences of small churches, pastors, ministry leaders, and their congregants
The Security and Defense of This Province: General Frederick Haldimand’s Intelligence Operations in North America, 1754-1783
No full textSir Frederick Haldimand, the unintentional father of Canada, was a pioneering strategist whose sophisticated use of intelligence secured British North America during the American Revolution and shaped the continent’s permanent geopolitical division. Moving beyond traditional American-centric historical narratives, this study argues that Haldimand’s success stemmed from a superior “all-source fusion” methodology, which systematically integrated Human Intelligence (HUMINT) from a remarkably diverse network of Loyalists, Indigenous allies, and French Canadians, with Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), and administrative data. His network excelled at statecraft and non-kinetic warfare, differentiating his efforts from his contemporaries and establishing him as a foundational figure in modern intelligence practices. As Governor of Quebec, Haldimand strategically deployed his intelligence network to achieve political and defensive objectives. His masterful counterintelligence operations, including the “Vermont Affair” (or Haldimand Affair), successfully neutralized the threat of American annexation by exploiting political divisions and deceiving the Continental Congress. His rigorous approach to information management and control extended to civil society, exemplified by the creation of the Quebec Library as a tool for political stability. By meticulously leveraging information to anticipate threats and achieve strategic goals without engaging in costly conventional warfare, Haldimand effectively preserved his portion of the British Empire, a strategic triumph that forever ensured a separate Canadian existence
The De-Westernization of Music Education Through World Music
No full textThis study reviews the variety of qualitative research studies that examine the effects of world music in the classroom across different classroom settings. Other studies explore the reactions of the students when presented with music from various cultures and diverse musical identities from around the world. These research studies reveal the importance of exposing students to different cultures, spark a new interest in cultural music, and provide information on the overall effects of artistic exposure. The results of the studies have shown positive influences on students exposed to a World Music class. The importance of cultural inclusion lies in its ability to allow students to expand their horizons and increase their excitement about learning and performing new music
\u3cem\u3eAmes v. Ohio Department of Youth Services\u3c/em\u3e: Reaffirming Title VII’s Neutrality in an Era of Shifting Discrimination
No full textTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, emphasizing individual rights over group status. In Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, however, the district court and Sixth Circuit deviated from this bedrock principle by imposing an additional “background circumstances” evidentiary burden on plaintiff Marlean Ames, a heterosexual female alleging sexual orientation discrimination, solely because of her perceived majority-group status. This Article demonstrates that such group-based burdens contravene Title VII’s text, legislative intent, and judicial precedent, as reaffirmed by the Supreme Court’s rejection of the “background circumstances” requirement in Ames. Through an analysis of Title VII’s individual-focused framework, the lower courts’ misapplication of the McDonnell Douglas standard, and the broader implications of Bostock v. Clayton County’s expansion of “sex” to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identification,” this Article highlights the absolute necessity of Title VII’s neutral application to ensure equal protection for all plaintiffs. It further contends that evolving workplace dynamics, including the rise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, render outdated the assumption that discrimination against majority groups is uncommon, underscoring that Title VII must maintain its role as an impartial arbiter amidst shifting cultural trends
The Effect of Parent-Child Relationship, Teacher-Student Relationship, And Parent/Teacher Religiosity On Prosocial Behavior in Early Childhood
No full textThere are several factors that can influence prosocial development in early childhood, including secure attachments, perspective-taking skills, empathy, parent-child relationships, teacher-student relationships, and parent/teacher religiosity. The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to explore how parent–child relationships, teacher–student relationships, and the religiosity of both parents and teachers are perceived to influence prosocial behavior in 5- to 6-year-old children in early childhood settings. Through an in-depth examination of multiple cases, this study aimed to understand the lived experiences and perspectives of parents and teachers regarding the relational and spiritual factors that may support or shape prosocial development during this critical stage. Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software, NVivo 15, was used to conduct a thematic content analysis which revealed valuable domains from the parent follow-up questionnaires and the teacher follow-up questionnaires. The domains included, ‘Need for parents and teachers to model prosocial behavior’, ‘Children have the will to be helpful, sharing, giving, cooperative and compassionate’, ‘Environment encourages prosocial behaviors, ‘Impact of Biblical stories on early childhood relationships and behaviors’. The domains identified could potentially be used for future research on prosocial behavior in early childhood
Resilient Leadership In Action: The Rhetoric AND Relationships of Abraham Lincoln for Today’s Public Administration
No full textPublic administration faces growing volatility and complexity, requiring leadership models that extend beyond traditional management paradigms. This qualitative, historical-explanatory case study introduces and tests a multidimensional theory of resilient leadership in public administration through the rhetoric and relationships of Abraham Lincoln during his presidency. Guided by one central and four sub-research questions, the study analyzes fifty-six of Lincoln’s letters, speeches, and memoranda alongside fifteen diary entries by Navy Secretary Gideon Welles. Using a dual framework that integrates the Four-Factor Leadership Model and the proposed five-dimensional resilient leadership model: adaptability and learning, ethical decision-making and integrity, collaborative governance and stakeholder engagement, emotional and psychological strength, and strategic vision for long-term sustainability, the study identifies how Lincoln’s behaviors characterized resilient leadership amid national crisis. Findings reveal that Lincoln’s rhetorical clarity, ethical consistency, and relational acumen advanced national unity and institutional trust under extreme pressure. His leadership demonstrates an enduring balance of empathy and decisiveness, strategic vision and adaptability, that informs modern public-sector resilience allowing greater public value. The study contributes to leadership theory by merging historical analysis with contemporary administrative challenges, offering an actionable framework for cultivating resilient leadership in governance. Policy implications underscore the need for leadership development grounded in adaptability, integrity, collaboration, and emotional strength. Recommendations call for future empirical testing of this framework across organizational and governmental contexts
A Phenomenological Study Exploring Christian Women Emotional Traumatic Symptoms Post Spousal Infidelity
No full textThe discovery of spousal infidelity has been recognized in the literature as a devastating breach of marital commitment. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe women of faith’s experiences with emotional trauma after discovering spousal infidelity in the Northeastern United States. This study’s theoretical framework is guided by Schlossberg’s transition theory, which aims to answer the following research questions: How do women of faith describe emotional trauma after the discovery of infidelity? How does infidelity affect the psychological, emotional, and physical functioning of women and their social systems? How do participants describe their spiritual relationship with God after relational betrayal? In what ways do women of faith cope with emotional trauma and betrayal? The data collection involved demographic questionnaires, interviews, cognitive representations, and focus groups. The data were analyzed using Naeem et al.’s systematic thematic analysis method, in which three primary themes emerged: Before Psychological Instability, During Emotional Distress, and After the Emotional Crisis. The prominent results show that the participants suffered traumatic symptoms in seclusion and without spiritual and professional involvement. Additionally, the results show the abandonment of religious practices during the emotional suffering and the return to Christian practices during the recovery process. The results are important towards the cognitive and emotional aspects of mental health and can provide support to therapists, the mental health community, and clergy leadership for spiritual guidance
Examining Perceived Problem-Solving Skills, Parenting Styles, and Biblical Principles: Insights from Parents or Guardians of African American Teen Males
No full textThis quantitative study examined the relationship among parenting styles, the use of biblical principles in parenting, and the problem-solving skills of African American male teenagers aged 14 to 17 years in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, as perceived by their parents or guardians. The study addressed a significant gap in existing literature by integrating biblical teachings with established psychological theories on parenting. The primary theoretical frameworks included Baumrind\u27s parenting styles theory and Bandura\u27s social cognitive theory. Using the Kruskal–Wallis H and chi-square tests, the study assessed the potential relationships among parenting styles, biblical use in parenting, and parent-perceived problem-solving skills of their male teenagers. Results indicated no significant differences in parent-perceived problem-solving skills of the male teenagers across the three parenting styles. Additionally, the study did not find statistically significant differences in parent-perceived problem-solving skills of their male teenagers based on whether parents used biblical principles in parenting or not. The study concluded that neither parenting style nor the use of biblical principles in parenting was associated with parent-perceived problem-solving skills of male teenagers. These findings have important implications for future research, educational practices, and community interventions aimed at improving the cognitive development of African American male adolescents