Date of Award
Fall 12-8-2022
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Education
Committee Chair
Dr. Kyna Shelley
Committee Chair School
Education
Committee Member 2
Dr. Thomas Lipscomb
Committee Member 2 School
Education
Committee Member 3
Dr. Kevin Wells
Committee Member 3 School
Education
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was twofold. In Part 1 of this study, using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey research design, the purpose was to examine the dimensionality of an instrument developed by the researcher, the Employee Disability and Military Veteran Attitudes, Awareness, and Disclosure Questionnaire (EDMVAAD) and the relationships among the three variables of interest. In Part 2 of this study, using a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design, the aim was to analyze whether a brief training session on diversity policies and practices related to employees with disabilities and military veterans in the higher education workplace, influenced participants knowledge levels and their willingness to disclose disability status in the workplace.
In Part 1, data was collected from 507 employees in higher education. An exploratory factor analysis of the EDMVAAD revealed a 13-factor solution that was found to be parsimonious and simple structure was achieved resulting in a 63-item scale with adequate internal reliability. This investigation revealed statistically significant differences in attitudes toward fellow employees with disabilities and employees who are military veterans among groups based on position of employment. Overall knowledge of diversity policies and practices was a significant predictor of attitudes toward these two subpopulations and willingness to disclose disability status in the workplace.
In Part 2 of this study, pretest and posttest results revealed significant differences on the knowledge posttest. However, on the willingness to disclose disability and/or military status in the workplace posttest, there was not a significant difference between groups. Training appeared to influence knowledge but not willingness to disclose disability and/or military status scores.
Copyright
Kerri Fontenot Liuzza, 2022
Recommended Citation
Fontenot Liuzza, Kerri, "AN ASSESSMENT OF ATTITUDES, KNOWLEDGE AND WILLINGNESS TO DISCLOSE DISABILITY AND MILITARY VETERAN STATUS IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION WORKPLACE" (2022). Dissertations. 2056.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2056