Through a grounded theory approach this thesis reports on a study investigating reflection within the organizational context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the impact reflection has upon individual identity. A snowball sample of persons with a background in the LDS Church (n = 8) wrote and submitted journal entries upon stories from the book Echoes of Mind: Thinking Deeply About Humanship to be analyzed following grounded theory methodology. As a result of the analysis the author proposes the grounded theory of conflict engagement holding that individuals engage, through reflection, the conflicting experiences inherent to their organizational context. Through this process individuals arrive at a better understanding of their identity.
Through the use of grounded theory methodology and the operationalization of a representative bureaucracy framework, this study investigates the perception of discretion within public administration in educational institutions. Public administrative actors use discretion to provide equitable learning opportunities, and without said discretion, underrepresented groups would have no extra support despite numerous disadvantages. In an attempt to give cause or further explanation as to the nature of this discretion, evidence from 20 interviews and 30 hours of observation of fifth grade classrooms in urbanized schools (n = 8) suggests a grounded theory of purposeful accountability to link an increased perception of discretion for teachers and principals. School officials can stay afloat in the age of accountability as long as their sense of belonging and ability to mobilize their organizations are maintained through proper access to centralized knowledge and expectations, the ability to fulfill needs unique to the organization, and the recognition of efforts and status through trust from centralized authority. With this theoretical foundation, public administrative actors can find greater progress and efficiency in assuring active representation through discretion.
This thesis explores the causes and effects of brain drain on Ethiopia’s development. A snowball sample was taken of participants who self-identified as members of the Ethiopia diaspora in the Denver-metropolitan area (n=8). Data was collected through individual interviews. The interviews were converted into typed transcriptions and synthesized using the grounded theory methodology. The theory proposed is one of struggle through the axial codes that were developed: migration, remittances, communal living, reasons for remaining, reasons for desire to leave, development efforts and transition. The axial codes are assessed in relation to the presented theory of struggle and exploring the effects on Ethiopia’s development. Through this data and analysis, the Ethiopian diaspora has greater access to further understanding their role in development and take actions that have a measurable impact.
