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A Qualitative Exploration of the Milwaukee Chapter of My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge Program
Get PDFAlthough the mayor of Milwaukee and other stakeholders launched and committed resources to the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program, it was unclear whether the program was meeting its goal of increasing graduation rates and college readiness of young Black males in Milwaukee. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore administrators’ perspectives on whether the current funding resources of the MBK program in Milwaukee were adequate to ensure the program’s ability to meet its goal of increasing graduation rates and college readiness of its participants. Resource dependence theory and the teleological process theory guided the study. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from semi-structured interviews with 11 participants. Findings indicated that the funding model needed to be adjusted to make the desired impact. The funding model created a culture of competition among organizations that are often doing similar work, and more collaboration is needed not only from the service delivery organizations but also from the funding entities. Organizations that allow the needs of the community to drive their programming and are not resource dependent tend to make a larger and more lasting impact on their communities, especially with young Black males. The implication for positive social change is if these programs are adequately funded, and the needs of the community are what drive change in the programming, the goal of improving outcomes in young Black males in Milwaukee may be achievable
The Mediating Role of Trust on Tacit Knowledge Sharing and Job Satisfaction
Get PDFEffective knowledge management is vital for organizational success. However, challenges in knowledge gaps arise when key individuals depart from their respective organizations and there is no effective knowledge management system. This study was an exploration of the nuanced relationship among trust, tacit knowledge sharing, and job satisfaction in the life insurance industry. Trust, job satisfaction, and tacit knowledge sharing are critical components in organizational dynamics. Tacit knowledge sharing is difficult to codify, and employees might be motivated to share their know-how on the basis of anticipated benefits and reciprocal interactions. On the other hand, research that explores the relationship between tacit knowledge sharing and job satisfaction remains limited. In this study, the theories of social exchange and expectancy were used as a framework to investigate the motivations behind knowledge-sharing behaviors. A correlational design was used to explore the interplay among trust, tacit knowledge sharing, and job satisfaction. Full-time sales representatives with at least 1 year tenure participated in online surveys. The sample was selected based on convenience and regression analysis was used to explore the relationships between the variables while controlling for confounding variables. The findings of the study indicated that trust did not have a significant mediating effect on tacit knowledge sharing and job satisfaction. The results of the study will provide insights to leaders, on organizational strategies to foster trust, tacit knowledge sharing, and to enhance workplace satisfaction
Experiences of Law Enforcement in Workplace Violence Threat Investigations
Get PDFA significant social problem affecting law enforcement investigations into workplace violence is the lack of threat assessments and threat management programs performed in workplace investigations. Collaboration with law enforcement early in workplace violence investigations has significant benefits within the corporate sector. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to examine the experiences of law enforcement officers/agents involved in targeted violence workplace investigations. Areas of focus were the collective perspectives of participants regarding the use of threat assessments, inclusion of law enforcement, and the barriers to an effective investigation within the workplace and by community law enforcement. This study utilized the conceptual framework of self-efficacy and idiographic theory to explain the experiences of law enforcement during threat investigations into targeted violence in the workplace. Ten participants volunteered and completed the interview for study participation. Key findings of this study included the identification of the importance for threat assessment programs, the importance of threat assessment training and the importance of early engagement of law enforcement. These findings demonstrated the need for strong collaboration and communication between law enforcement and community workplaces, to ensure societal safety and early violence mitigation strategies. The results of the study help provide positive contributions in behavioral threat assessment and targeted workplace violence investigations
Childhood Religious Participation as Mediator for Posttraumatic Symptoms and a Joyful Disposition in Adulthood
Get PDFIndividuals who have experienced trauma may have varying life experience outcomes based on trauma histories and other factors. Little to no study has been done to determine whether childhood religious involvement can be a mediating factor. The purpose of this quantitative study was to test if any potential mediating effects exist between childhood religious attendance, the presence of joyfulness in life, and adult posttraumatic symptoms. The theoretical framework utilized in this study was Kenneth Pargament’s theory of religious coping. Data were collected in a secure fashion utilizing Survey Monkey, and all participants voluntarily answered questions that utilized the short posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rating instrument self-reporting tool, the joyful disposition scale, and two specific questions from the American general social survey which identified the frequency of attendance of religious services. All these measures are Likert-style questionnaires that determine the likelihood of the behaviors noted. Data were collected from a total of 262 respondents from a variety of ages, backgrounds, and locations in the United States; 246 responses were used for analysis. Upon the final study, there was no statistically significant data showing childhood religious attendance is beneficial as a mediator against PTSD symptoms. However, data analysis did show a positive correlation between childhood religious attendance and having a joyful disposition as an adult. Any positive support identified can help therapists be informed to potentially increase the quality of life of individuals who are seeking help with PTSD symptoms, which can have implications for positive social change
Predictors of Mental Health Seeking Behaviors Among Nigerian Immigrants
Get PDFUnderstanding the mental health seeking attitudes (MHSA) of Nigerian immigrants is a social concern for psychologists as it provides valuable information for developing outreach and clinical interventions. Unfortunately, there is scant and inconclusive research addressing potential predictors of MHSA among Nigerian immigrants, thus leaving clinicians with an unclear picture in understanding and the promoting the wellbeing of this vulnerable population. To address this gap, this study utilized the theory of planned behavior and Berry’s model of acculturation to explore if acculturation (positively), length of stay in host country (positively), religious and spiritual beliefs (negatively), and gender (women higher than men) predict favorable MHSA. The study used a nonexperimental quantitative correlational/cross-sectional survey design. A total of 92 participants completed the survey. Bivariate correlation analyses identified a positive correlation between mental health seeking attitudes and acculturation and a negative relationship between acculturation and religious beliefs. Other hypothesized associations were non-significant. A simultaneous lineal multiple regression analysis, conducted to assess if gender and length of stay, acculturation, and religious and spiritual beliefs predicted MHSA, failed to reach significance for all predictors. The study’s results could provide mental health providers with insight on the relationship between relevant potential predictors and MHSA. Furthermore, it could provide psychologists and other mental health providers working with Nigerian immigrants with valuable knowledge for the development of outreach interventions in supporting the mental health needs of this vulnerable populations, thus effecting positive social change
Predictors of Treatment Adherence Among Individuals with Bipolar Disorder and Comorbid Substance Use Disorders
Get PDFIndividuals with bipolar disorder (BD) require lifelong treatment to manage their symptoms, and many also struggle with comorbid substance use disorders (BD-SUD) that complicate treatment adherence. Despite these challenges, there has been limited research on what factors predict successful treatment adherence in this population. This study was thus conducted to identify key predictors of adherence among individuals with BD-SUD. Several factors were examined, including age, gender, type of substance used at admission, opioid medication-assisted therapy, length of stay in inpatient psychiatric care, type of discharge service, and participation in self-help groups before discharge. The study applied a donut model framework that considers patient-related, medication-related, condition-related, healthcare provider, and socioeconomic factors surrounding the core issue of treatment adherence around this patient group. Using data from the 2020 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Mental Health Treatment Episode Data Set, logistic regression was conducted to identify significant predictors. The findings showed that shorter hospital stays and a reduced need for inpatient services such as detoxification or rehabilitation/residential were associated with better treatment adherence after discharge, while other variables showed no significant impact. These results suggest that focusing on hospital stays and discharge services can improve treatment outcomes for individuals with BD-SUD. This approach may also reduce healthcare costs by emphasizing community-based support and ultimately foster positive social change by meeting the needs of this population in a more beneficial manner
Leadership Development in Millennial Corporate Employees With Nonnative Accents
Get PDFEmployees with nonnative accents sometimes avoid leadership roles, engage less in the workplace, and perform poorly. Organizational leaders need to understand how the challenges of individuals with nonnative accents specifically affect millennials. Grounded in attribution theory and social identity theory, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how millennial employees with nonnative accents experience leadership opportunities in the corporate workplace. The participants were 10 millennial corporate employees in the United States with nonnative accents working toward or already holding leadership positions. Data were collected using in-depth interviews for thematic and interpretive phenomenological analysis. Seven themes emerged: (a) challenges due to nonnative accents, (b) mixed messages received, (c) methods used to work towards goals, (d) resources available in the workplace to support advancement, (e) workplace peer influence (f) aspiration and drivers for leadership advancement, and (g) influence of nonnative accents on career advancement. Key findings revealed participants faced personal, organizational, and social challenges, although they demonstrated resilience through action planning and positive self-talk. Workplace resources, peer interactions, and personal motivations significantly influenced their career advancement. Empowering employees to share their experiences advocates for a more inclusive work environment where all individuals can thrive. The implications for positive social change include the potential for organizational leaders to cultivate a more supportive and welcoming workplace culture, encourage positive peer interactions, mitigate discrimination, and empower individuals with nonnative accents to realize their maximum career potential
Effects of Foreign Aid on Developing Countries: Case of Turkana County, Kenya
Get PDFDespite substantial foreign aid investments in road construction projects in Turkana County, Kenya, anticipated benefits of improved access to social facilities, economic development, and rural and urban growth have not been fully realized. This study involved assessing the impact of foreign aid for road construction in Turkana County. Grounded in the social constructivism perspective, the research acknowledges subjective realities shaped by individual and societal experiences. The agency theory served as the theoretical foundation, framing the donor-recipient relationship as one where donors act as principals imposing conditions on recipient communities as agents. The study addressed the central research question: What is the impact of foreign aid investments for road construction on economic development and access to social services in Turkana County, Kenya? Using a general qualitative design, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to process and interpret data, facilitated by MaxQDA software. Findings highlight while foreign aid has contributed to road infrastructure development, significant challenges persist. Recommendations emphasize the need for strategic reforms, ethical leadership, and ongoing civic education. The study underscores the importance of aligning donor objectives with local priorities to maximize the potential of foreign aid. The study also offers actionable insights for policymakers to redefine foreign aid’s role in infrastructure development, fostering positive social change by improving livelihoods, empowering disadvantaged groups, and promoting sustainable development in Turkana County
A Qualitative Exploration of Urgent Care Clinic Providers’ Experiences with Patients with Mental Health Concerns
No full textWith mental health concerns on the rise in the United States and around the world, there has been a call for non-traditional avenues for the treatment of patients with mental health needs. Existing research indicates that in the current post-pandemic era, urgent care clinic providers have begun playing a pivotal role in the treatment of patients with mental health concerns. However, there is a lack of research currently available on the lived experiences of urgent care clinic providers treating of patients with mental health concerns. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of urgent care clinic providers in treating of patients with mental health concerns. Biopsychosocial theory was utilized to analyze the data gathered from providers concerning their experiences of providing mental health care. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling were avenues for the recruitment of participants. This study utilized the Giorgi five-step method to analyze the data collected from the semistructured interviews. The results of these analyses indicated significant concerns with the mental health resources available in the urgent care clinics, gaps in provider competency, capacity, and qualification in the treatment of patients with mental health concerns, continuity of care, referral barriers, and significant systematic barriers to comprehensive treatment. Urgent care clinic administrators, urgent care clinic providers, and health care providers may benefit from the results of this study by improving the training that is provided before beginning work in an urgent care clinic, providing better support to the urgent care clinic providers, and improving follow-up on patient care
The Roles and Motivation of Volunteers in State Correctional Facilities
Get PDFResearchers have demonstrated that volunteers play a vital role in supporting the needs of those incarcerated in state correctional facilities, but the researchers fell short of elaborating on what stimulates the volunteers’ motivation, chosen roles, and selected areas for their contributions. Understanding the motivation of this group is valuable to ensure ongoing commitment for this important community role. The purpose of this study was to explore lived experiences of community state prison volunteers to better understand what motivates them. Dutta-Bergman’s theory of unified responsibility formed the framework for this generic qualitative study. Narrative data from interviews with six participants were collected from volunteers at a non-profit organization. The results from the thematic content analysis indicated that a) volunteers perceive they provide incarcerated people with positive social interactions and a sense of normalcy not necessarily available in their current environment, while b) at the same time provide the volunteers with a sense of contributing to the community and the lives of others. This study contributes to social change by informing state prison administrators about the thinking of volunteers in state prisons and emphasizing the need for continuity of these volunteers who maintain programs to help meet the needs of their communities