21368 research outputs found
Sort by
Effective Strategies for Increasing Diversity in Leadership to Strengthen Organizational Success
Get PDFIneffective diversity strategies for leadership roles that represent the customer base can negatively impact organizational success. Retail business leaders who struggle with achieving effective diversity in these roles risk impeding organizational performance, making it crucial for them to identify successful approaches. Grounded in the balanced scorecard theory and stakeholder theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry project was to identify and explore the practical strategies employed by some retail business leaders to enhance diverse representation in leadership roles, thereby strengthening organizational success. The participants comprised seven retail business leaders with demonstrated success in implementing such strategies. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, public websites, and public archival documents. Using thematic analysis, six key themes were identified: (a) strategic recruitment and hiring, (b) leadership commitment and visibility, (c) overcoming resistance to diversity, (d) strategic use of data, (e) advocating for diversity, and (f) diversity as a driver. A key recommendation is for retail business leaders to establish structured development pipelines for underrepresented employees, including mentorship programs, leadership training, and sponsorship opportunities The implications for positive social change include the potential for retail business leaders to advance equity in leadership, thereby increasing employee trust and retention while enabling organizations to better reflect and serve diverse communities
Resilience, Elapsed Time Since Exposure to Workplace Violence, and Job Satisfaction Among Emergency Nurses in the United States
Get PDFThe emergency nursing profession faces a critical challenge with a declining workforce and a high prevalence of workplace violence (WPV), which negatively impacts nurse job satisfaction. This quantitative study examined the relationships among nursing resilience, time elapsed since WPV exposure, and job satisfaction among emergency nurses (ENs) in the United States. Grounded in resilience and Herzberg’s two-factor theories, this study used a cross-sectional, correlational design. A national, anonymous online survey was distributed via social media, using a sharable QR code to recruit participants. The survey consisted of a total of 52 items, and collected demographic data, and time elapsed since WPV exposure. Resilience was measured using the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC10) and job satisfaction was measured using the 36-item Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). A total of 39 ENs participated. Findings from multiple linear regression indicated no significant relationships or moderating effects among baseline resilience, job satisfaction, and elapsed time since WPV exposure (p = .137b). Neither resilience (p = .504b) nor elapsed time since WPV exposure (p = .187b) significantly correlated with job satisfaction. The findings of this study do not support a relationship between the measured variables within this sample. These results suggest a need for larger sample sizes and qualitative research to explore these complex dynamics further. By deepening understanding of factors influencing EN job satisfaction, findings may contribute to positive social change by informing strategies that foster a more resilient and satisfied nursing workforce, thereby enhancing the quality and stability of public health outcomes
Understanding White-Collar Worker Experiences in Using Worksite Wellness Programs to Achieve Weight Loss
Get PDFAdult obesity rates have increased from approximately 15% in 1980 to more than 40% of adults in 2018, and the rates continue to increase. White-collar workers are disproportionately impacted as a result of the sedentary work performed in a white-collar work environment. Increased levels of obesity result in elevated levels of psychological stress, chronic health conditions, and increased organizational costs. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand the lived experiences of the obese white-collar worker who has used a worksite wellness program to lose weight and to understand what additional support was needed to achieve weight loss. The social ecological model provided a conceptual framework to understand a person’s experiences and the type of support they needed. Six virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants between the ages of 25 and 67, working in a white-collar environment who had attempted weight loss using a worksite wellness program. Data collection was complete after six interviews and saturation was reached. A narrative analysis indicated three emergent themes. The data revealed the role of the worksite wellness program in supporting weight loss for the obese white-collar worker is supplementary. Workers require a personalized and multi-faceted approach that incorporates social connection as a key motivator and accountability source. Identifying how to customize support in a worksite wellness program for the obese white-collar worker to achieve weight loss could contribute to positive social change. With this understanding, the rising levels of obesity can be reduced, which would result in improved health outcomes for this population
Behavioral Health Leadership Strategies Used to Promote Cultural Change Within a Behavioral Health Organization
Get PDFThe deficiency of patient-centered care and active treatment within behavioral health hospitals continues to contribute to decreased patient satisfaction, increased rapid readmissions, and low employee engagement and morale. This qualitative case study explored how behavioral health leadership in a for-profit behavioral health hospital in the southwestern United States addressed challenges related to patient-centered care and active treatment to foster cultural change. The study was grounded in the Baldrige framework of excellence. Data collection included semi structured interviews with behavioral health leaders and analysis of the hospital’s internal archival data, including patient satisfaction surveys and rapid readmission rates. Thematic analysis identified seven key themes: (a) a compliance-driven culture limiting innovation, (b) misalignment between task-focused care and person-centered care, (c) leadership modeling inconsistencies, (d) superficial approaches to employee engagement, (e) barriers to staff development, (f) strategic planning limitations, and (g) leadership rigidity impacting workforce morale. Findings from this study may contribute to positive social change by informing healthcare leaders and policymakers about strategies to enhance patient-centered care practices, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve workforce engagement. Improved organizational practices may lead to better patient outcomes, higher employee satisfaction, and a stronger, more resilient behavioral healthcare system
Human Resource Managers’ Perceptions of Vocational Readiness Among Post-Secondary School Students in Antigua
Get PDFVocational readiness for the global workforce requires the development of both academic and nonacademic skills. Antiguan education has focused primarily on the teaching of academic skills. Grounded in Holland’s theory of career choice and Wigfield and Eccles’s interpretation of expectancy-value theory, the purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore perceptions of Human Resource Managers (HRMs) in Antigua on the vocational readiness of post-secondary school graduates. Research questions asked about the perceptions of HRMs in Antigua regarding the vocational readiness of post-secondary school graduates, offerings of tertiary institutions to address the vocational readiness of their students, and the type/quality of vocational services built into the school curriculum. Ten HRMs were interviewed, and responses were coded manually and using NVivo software to identify key themes. The findings indicated that HRMs perceived post-secondary school graduates as lacking practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and work experience despite adequate theoretical knowledge. Misalignment was noted between curriculum offerings of educational institutions and the needs of the labor market. Participants also noted the importance of both employee motivation and societal pressure as impacting individual career choices. The study supports positive social change by informing educators of best practices to ensure that post-secondary school graduates in Antigua are adequately prepared to enter the workforce and possess the skills that will make them employable
Washington, DC Public School Educators’ Perspectives on the Implementation of Educational Technology in Music Education
Get PDFThere was a gap in practice in the consistent use of educational technology to engage students, provide instruction differentiation, and improve the overall music learning experience in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). The inconsistent use of technology in DCPS music programs limits students’ potential to fully experience and benefit from music education advancements. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of K–12 DCPS music teachers on the use of educational technology to engage students, provide differentiated instruction, and improve overall learning outcomes. The conceptual framework was Davis’s technology acceptance model, which has been used to measure the adoption of new technology. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data from 10 K–12 DCPS music content area educators with at least 5 years’ teaching experience, including integrating educational technology into music education practice. Saldaña’s qualitative coding method was implemented for data analysis. Findings revealed three themes: enhancing student engagement through interactive and visually stimulating content, facilitating differentiated instruction with adaptive tools, and improving learning outcomes with specialized music software. Continuous professional development was found to be crucial for addressing challenges, keeping teachers updated, and boosting their confidence in using technology effectively. The project deliverable was a 5-day professional development training program, which may lead to positive social change by helping music educators effectively use and engage with technology to support diverse learners and improve student outcomes
Executive Summary: Clinical Practice Guideline Medication Reconciliation as a Catalyst for Patient Safety and Outcome
Get PDFThis doctoral project centered on the development and implementation of a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) aimed at improving the accuracy of medication reconciliation for patients with complex medication regimens. Medication discrepancies and associated adverse drug events are significant concerns in healthcare, particularly during care transitions. The project addressed the practice-focused question: Will an interprofessional team reach consensus on a plan to standardize and automate the medication reconciliation process? This question highlights the importance of interprofessional collaboration in ensuring patient safety and improving healthcare outcomes. The project’s purpose was to standardize and automate the reconciliation process to reduce discrepancies, improve medication list accuracy, and enhance overall patient safety. Analytical strategies involved pre- and post-implementation data collection on key metrics. Post-implementation results were significant: medication list accuracy improved by 20%, discrepancies decreased by 8%, ADEs reduced by 9%, and hospital readmissions dropped by 10%. These outcomes affirm the effectiveness of the CPG and its potential for broader application. The project produced a validated CPG, training resources, and a structured workflow for automation and interprofessional collaboration. Recommendations include continued education for healthcare providers, regular updates to the guidelines, and integration of automated tools to sustain improvements. Beyond the local setting, the project contributes to positive social change by improving equitable access to safer healthcare by fostering interprofessional teamwork and equipping nurses with tools to enhance care transitions
Implications of the ACA on Critical Access Hospitals and Patients’ Responsibility of Account Balances
Get PDFCritical access hospitals (CAHs) have a history of closing due to a lack of financial viability, causing U.S. communities to lose support provided from jobs and taxes paid by the hospital, and patients to lose health care access. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and Patient Protection Act of 2010 (ACA), the expectation was that more people would become insured, but plan copays and deductibles owed by patients increased. The purpose of this study, which was undergirded by von Bertalanffy’s general systems theory, was to explore (a) whether there was a significant correlation between the implementation of the ACA and an increase in patient-responsible balances as a percentage of gross charges and (b) whether the amount of patient-responsible balances written off as a percentage of gross charges increased. The data analyzed in this quantitative, correlational study were from a rural Alabama CAH and encompassed the years 2009 and 2019, amounting to 45,011 patient accounts. Using SPSS software, t-tests were performed to evaluate correlations, if any, between patient-responsible balances, balances written off, and gross charges. The analysis concluded that the patient-responsible balances and patient-responsible balance write-offs were significantly lower in 2019 when compared to 2009; t(45,009)=8.64, p=\u3c.001, and t(45,009)=9.525, p=\u3c.001 respectively. A recommendation for further research includes reviewing data by payor for negative trends. The finding that the ACA works at the focal CAH as intended may allow organizational leaders to concentrate on the revenue cycle process, contracts, and other expenses so they can remain financially viable to continue to promote community health
High School Teachers’ Perspectives on Implementing Self-Regulated Instruction in eLearning Environments
Get PDFResearch shows that successful high school students must self-regulate their learning, yet teachers face barriers in using technology to support self-regulated learning (SRL) in eLearning environments. The purpose and research questions for this basic qualitative study were focused on exploring teachers’ perceptions of the barriers to implementing SRL and the technology and training needs required for overcoming barriers to incorporating SRL within the high school eLearning environment. Grounded in Bandura’s social learning theory and Zimmerman’s SRL model, the research included semistructured interviews with 10 public high school teachers from the southeastern United States with at least one year of experience in teaching eLearning. Data analysis included a combination of a priori, descriptive, and interpretive coding to develop the study’s final themes. Findings suggest that educators recognize extrinsic SRL support systems, guided practice, collaborative networks, and skills in digital literacy as critical for fostering student success in eLearning environments. Teachers also identified barriers, including gaps in technology literacy, over-reliance on external support, misaligned stakeholder expectations, inadequate training in SRL pedagogy, and restrictive learning networks. To address these issues, teachers highlighted a need for better integration of technological resources, improved communication infrastructures, effective monitoring systems, and the development of specialized digital pedagogy focused on SRL. The study’s findings could lead to positive social change by equipping educators with the necessary tools and strategies to enhance SRL in eLearning environments, ultimately fostering greater student success and bridging gaps in educational support
Documentation Challenges and Service Outcomes in Behavioral Health Organizations Serving the Homeless With Mental Illness
Get PDFObserved inconsistencies in clinical documentation are a problem for a behavioral health organization (BHO) serving homeless individuals with mental illness in the southern United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of inconsistent clinical documentation on patient outcomes within the BHO. The Baldrige Excellence Framework was used to examine organizational leadership, strategy, operations, and compliance practices. The chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and lead psychiatric coordinator were interviewed to assess challenges related to clinical documentation. Archival records were also reviewed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the BHO\u27s documentation processes. Three major themes emerged: (a) inconsistent documentation methods across clinicians leading to incomplete and inadequate patient records; (b) barriers to accurate patient documentation due to homelessness and limited access to patient history; and (c) compliance hurdles resulting from the lack of standardized documentation processes, which have led to regulatory violations and financial penalties. These findings may contribute to positive social change by identifying documentation inconsistencies that affect patient safety and care continuity. Standardizing documentation practices could improve service delivery for homeless individuals with mental illness, ensuring accurate and accessible patient information for care providers. Moreover, enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements may safeguard the organization from legal repercussions and improve overall operational efficiency. These improvements may lead to better patient outcomes for homeless individuals and improved organizational accountability for BHOs