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Experiences of Exemplary Supervisors Promoting Workplace Dignity Across Social Identity Differences

Aiken, Emily Joy
http://orcid.org/0009-0000-6679-5748
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch173860535988094

Abstract Details

2025, Ph.D., Antioch University, Leadership and Change.
Imagine a workplace where supervisors centered the dignity of each unique individual and sought to honor each person in their wholeness. This type of work environment moves beyond a toxic culture to a space that fosters flourishing, growth, and inclusion. Given that supervisors play an integral role in the experiences of staff members, this study explored the experiences of supervisors in promoting workplace dignity across cultural differences within higher education. With a focus on relational practices and a positive framing, this research sought to develop a nuanced understanding of dignified leadership across social identity differences. Leveraging a constructivist grounded theory methodology, it explored how supervisors identified as exemplars by their direct reports fostered dignity in the workplace. Insights from this study contributed to a theory of workplace dignity that provided practical and ethical guidance for supervisors, highlighting the integral role of leadership in cultivating a positive organizational culture and sustaining flourishing employee relationships across social identity differences. This dissertation is available in open access AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).
Harriet Schwartz, PhD (Committee Chair)
Aqeel Tirmizi, PhD (Committee Member)
Michael Kocet, PhD (Committee Member)
246 p.
Educational Leadership; Ethics; Higher Education; Higher Education Administration; Social Research
workplace dignity; cultural differences; supervision; higher education; grounded theory; positive work culture; leadership

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Aiken, E. J. (2025). Experiences of Exemplary Supervisors Promoting Workplace Dignity Across Social Identity Differences [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch173860535988094

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Aiken, Emily. Experiences of Exemplary Supervisors Promoting Workplace Dignity Across Social Identity Differences. 2025. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch173860535988094.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Aiken, Emily. "Experiences of Exemplary Supervisors Promoting Workplace Dignity Across Social Identity Differences." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2025. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch173860535988094

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

antioch173860535988094
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© 2025, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.