Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Elizabeth Thompson

Abstract

The electric power industry is very complex, dangerous, and challenging. The number of workplace accidents declined over the last decade, but worker injuries and fatalities continue to occur. The purpose of this Delphi study was to gain consensus regarding the most feasible and desirable methods to prevent accidents and deaths. The research question focused on gaining consensus from a panel of experts regarding the most desirable and feasible solutions to fatal and serious workplace accidents in the United States. The Bolman and Deal 4-frame model proved useful for understanding challenges within the electric industry and how workers and leaders can work together to best prevent accidents. Twenty-seven managers, trainers, supervisors, and workers, each with more than 10 years of experience in the United States electric power industry, responded to 30 items in the first round. The responses from the first round, where 70% or more of participants agreed, were analyzed using the NVivo 12 Plus software. Consensus occurred after each round: In the first round through the solutions participants provided. In the second round and later rounds, consensus occurred through acceptance of items with scores of 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert-type scale endorsed by 70% or more respondents. Participants decided if the solutions were desirable and feasible in the second round, and important and credible in rounds third and fourth. Participants concurred that organizational leadership, managers, supervisors, and workers were in different ways responsible for accident prevention. Supervisors and managers who communicated organizational priorities, and demanded strict compliance with policies, rules, and procedures, promote social change in a highly specialized industry.

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