Date of Award

Spring 2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Sarah J. Yates

Second Advisor

Dr. Thomas J. Gollery

Third Advisor

Dr. Lisa A. Coscia

Abstract

Organizations for the past several decades have made diversity a top priority. While diversity and inclusion can often be interpreted as synonymous terms, distinguishing between representative diversity and inclusive diversity is necessary for positive intergroup contact among working teams. The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the effect of a missions training course on individuals' perceptions of what constitutes a diverse and inclusive work environment. Using the personal stories of diverse panelists and pre and post-test survey research, the effect on perceptions of four constructs of diversity: gender, race/ethnicity, age, and language were examined. While study findings did not reveal statistically significant differences in perceptions, a high initial ceiling of diversity appreciation and awareness among missional workers in the pre-test may have contributed to the lack of significant impact. Ancillary analysis beyond the omnibus findings associated with the research question suggest that the training course intervention may have had more influence than study findings reveal. Implications for future studies on the impact storytelling can have on diversity and inclusion in the workplace are discussed.

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