Date of Conferral
10-20-2026
Date of Award
October 2026
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Management
Advisor
Janie Hall
Abstract
Some healthcare leaders struggle to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives to improve employee performance. This challenge matters to healthcare leaders because they depend on employee development, retention, and performance to support effective operations and achieve organizational goals. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry project was to identify and explore effective strategies some healthcare leaders use to implement DE&I initiatives to improve employee performance. Participants were six healthcare leaders in New England. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of publicly available resources. Using thematic analysis, three overarching themes emerged: (a) inclusive leadership, trust, and employee voice, (b) equitable employee development and career advancement, and (c) organizational integration of DE&I supported by leadership accountability. A key recommendation is for healthcare leaders to integrate inclusive and equitable practices into workforce management through employee voice, development, and accountability. The potential implications for positive social change include increased employee participation, access to development and career opportunities, and workplace support, which may contribute to improved organizational performance, positive workforce outcomes, and more equitable employment opportunities.
Recommended Citation
Zidan, Ayman, "Effective Strategies that Healthcare Leaders Use to Implement DE&I Initiatives to Improve Employee Performance" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20921.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20921
