MA Theses - DO NOT EDIThttp://hdl.handle.net/10106/248612024-03-28T09:11:33Z2024-03-28T09:11:33ZSWITCHIN’ UP: THE EFFECT OF CODE-SWITCHING ON BLACK PROFESSIONALS IN PREDOMINANTLY WHITE ORGANIZATIONShttp://hdl.handle.net/10106/317392023-11-09T22:47:56Z2023-08-30T00:00:00ZSWITCHIN’ UP: THE EFFECT OF CODE-SWITCHING ON BLACK PROFESSIONALS IN PREDOMINANTLY WHITE ORGANIZATIONS
This study explored how highly educated Black professionals holding at least a four-year degree view use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in relation to their ethnic identity. Additionally, the study investigated whether code-switching impacts participants’ organizational identification or their connectedness to ethnic identity. Through interviews, I uncovered that although 3 of 12 participants indicated that use of AAVE felt natural to them, 6 participants use it infrequently or not at all. Surprisingly, using Standard American English (SAE) had little to no effect on most participants’ feelings of connectedness to their ethnic identity. This research also uncovered that though all participants may not code-switch verbally, they may still do so behaviorally. Also, participants expressed feeling pressure to be perfect as they believe they are held as an exemplification of the entire Black community. However, some were willing to code-switch and take on the pressure to elevate their rank within their respective organizations to create more opportunities for incoming Black professionals. Finally, I found that participants did not describe AAVE as a major part of their ethnic identity, code-switching does not impact their connectedness to their ethnic identity and organizational identification (OI) is not impacted by code-switching.
2023-08-30T00:00:00ZSocial Media: The impact of Imagery and Engagement in Athletic Social Mediahttp://hdl.handle.net/10106/316922023-11-09T22:57:33ZSocial Media: The impact of Imagery and Engagement in Athletic Social Media
As the athletic communication field enhances its practices on social media in order to have the highest reach, the impact of visual content and its role in increasing social media engagement cannot be overstated. This study explores social media patterns, specifically the use of visual content within professional sports, and how the role of semiotics influences the viewer. As social media moves forward in athletics, the practice of two-way communication has become vital. This study of social media across the NFL provides insight on specific content that engages sports fans. Findings suggest both the type of content and the timing of posts based on team performance have a significant impact on social media engagement. Harnessing this knowledge in a social media plan will give practitioners the greatest ability to reach the most users, and more importantly, grow their brand on online platforms.
FRAMING LEADERSHIP RHETORIC: EXPLORING GENDER (IN) EQUALITY IN CORPORATE TRAINING MATERIALhttp://hdl.handle.net/10106/316602023-12-08T19:08:41ZFRAMING LEADERSHIP RHETORIC: EXPLORING GENDER (IN) EQUALITY IN CORPORATE TRAINING MATERIAL
This study explores gender equality in the workplace using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Two sets of data were analyzed: leadership training and development materials and in-depth interviews. This two-fold method allowed for a holistic approach to analyzing data and made it possible to compare findings from the textual analysis with insights gained from the interviews. This study revealed a lack of attention being devoted to developing and promoting leadership training materials and experiences that acknowledge gender differences and encourage gender equality.
It was determined that overall, gender associated rhetoric used in the course titles and descriptions made up barely 6% of the total word count. However, the focus of leadership development materials were nine times more likely to support the leadership development of men based on the topics of the courses offered. Only four courses focused on topics supporting the development of business and financial strategic acumen.
Interviews exposed the belief that many of the most important leadership skills that women possess are not learned, but rather they are innate. Women also believed that their most beneficial development experiences came from collaborative interactive encounters where they had the opportunity for discussion, particularly mentorships.
NONPROFIT MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION PERSONNEL JOB SATISFACTION: THE EFFECTS OF ROLE CONFLICT AND ROLE AMBIGUITYhttp://hdl.handle.net/10106/312242023-06-15T08:26:43Z2023-05-01T00:00:00ZNONPROFIT MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION PERSONNEL JOB SATISFACTION: THE EFFECTS OF ROLE CONFLICT AND ROLE AMBIGUITY
Job satisfaction is becoming increasingly important in efforts to retain employees across all sectors. The nonprofit sector is facing greater challenges than ever before in competing for and retaining adequate talent. The nonprofit sector provides unconventional benefits such as hybrid office models, paid time off, and others to improve job satisfaction. While nonprofits receive high job satisfaction, turnover is a big issue, even among marketing and communication teams which are often underfunded, understaffed, and unappreciated. Marketing and communication teams play a unique role within nonprofits, as they are frequently pulled in different directions to accomplish tasks that may not necessarily fall within their original responsibilities, leading to a blurring of roles and conflicting priorities. Prior research suggests that role conflict and role ambiguity are significant components in determining the level of job satisfaction in both for-profits and nonprofits. In light of the unique situation nonprofit marketing and communication professionals face, this paper aims to understand the relationship between role conflict and role ambiguity and job satisfaction.
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