Date
12-19-2023
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Bethany Mims-Beliles
Keywords
llrolen@liberty.edu
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Morton, Heather Danielle, "A Qualitative Descriptive Study: Exploring Organizational Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace for Individuals with a History of Criminal Behavior" (2023). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5085.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5085
Abstract
Individuals with a history of criminal behavior often experience difficulties finding employment once labeled a criminal by society. Maintaining stable employment post-release has been found to lower recidivism rates, thus supporting safer communities. In concert, positive experiences with equity and inclusion in the workplace have further been found to support stronger social identities and belonging in the workplace. Currently, no study has specifically examined the impact of organizational justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion implementation and practices in the workplace among individuals with a history of criminal behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to better understand the phenomena of organizational justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace through the lived experiences of individuals with a history of criminal behavior. This study attempted to bridge this theoretical gap through the explication of participants' open-ended survey responses. Among individuals who reported contact with the criminal justice system, findings indicate an overarching theme of ongoing career challenges in regard to acquiring and maintaining employment post-contact, with varying experiences with equitable experiences, unfair experiences, and levels of inclusion in the participants’ workplaces.
