Exploring how spirituality shapes workplace ethical perceptions among African American women.

摘要

There were two major purposes of this dissertation study. The first purpose was to answer the research question: How do African American women who are considered spiritually based address what they perceive as unethical practices in the workplace? The second purpose was to explore common themes and patterns that may affect how spirituality shapes workplace ethical perceptions among African American women. The study focused on spiritually based African American women who attended a selected church, and indicated how they perceived ethical conduct at their workplace according to their personal and spirituality values. The researcher interviewed 21 African American women in diverse positions in the public and private sectors, in order to capture workplace ethical perceptions, and views. The researcher utilized a descriptive qualitative methodology to understand the perceptions, and lived experiences that have shaped ethical views in the workplace among African American women. Themes and patterns emerged from the narratives of the participants that shaped the participants' spirituality in the workplace. The themes and patterns represent common perspectives shared by the participants with respect to the single open-ended interview question. According to the findings, the seven themes the participants described to shape workplace ethical perceptions were identified as: (a) spiritual connection, (b) take a stand, (c) spiritual values, (d) impact to organization/repercussion, (e) working relationships, (f) obedience/lead by example, and (g) communicate/confront issues. There were six patterns described by the participants that shaped the participants spirituality, (a) prayer, (b) church attendance, (c) godliness/doing the right thing, (d) believe God would handle situation, (e) seek God's guidance, (f) read and study God's word. The findings suggest most women in the study believed in the efficacy of prayer on a daily basis, and while at work. The participants used prayer as a coping strategy when dealing with perceived unethical practices. The researcher made recommendations for future research studies to add to the literature on spirituality and workplace ethics. Future studies should focus on spirituality and workplace ethics related to enhancing the role of employees in the public sector, the role of managers, the role of teachers, and the role of church leadership.