Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Barbara Chappell

Abstract

Understanding how workaholism develops in Black women and the role organizational culture plays in its development, specifically individuals who work in predominantly White organizations, is needed to address this phenomenon. Data were gathered from individuals who identify as Black women and are self-proclaimed workaholics who work in settings comprised predominantly of White employees. Understanding workplace culture and the events that may lead to behavioral changes has been limited, specific to the minority group of Black women. The key research questions investigated the development of workaholism in Black women who work in predominantly White organizations and the role organizational culture plays in the development of self-efficacy behaviors for Black women. Using a phenomenological research design with a semi structured interview, the study captured the behavioral constructs of the participants with consideration to the behaviors that develop using the affective events theory (AET) within the framework of the research. It was determined within the research findings that: (a) organizational support from onboarding and beyond could mitigate the onset of workaholic behaviors, (b) trust within the workplace is paramount for authenticity, and (c) lack of representation puts additional pressure on minority employees and can lead to imposter syndrome. Researching and addressing the issue of disproportionate behaviors by race and gender resulting from organizational culture provided insight into necessary steps needed to improve workplace culture, which has the possibility to positively shift self-efficacy behaviors and reduce workaholism leading to positive social change.

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