Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Gregory Campbell

Abstract

Inequities in staffing may affect the ability of organizations to deliver social services to the homeless. As homeless services are challenged with roadblocks exacerbated by systemic racism, a focus on hiring diverse employees may impact the delivery of services to minority clients. Little is known about the effects of diverse hiring in social service programs that serve the homeless. The purpose of this study is to bridge the gap in knowledge by examining the diverse hiring practices of senior employees that hold decision-making roles that affect the delivery of homeless services. Research questions were focused on discovering participants lived experience around the level of diversity in the hiring process. The theoretical framework for the study used social constructionism to define cultural competence along with the social identity and critical race theories to provide additional insight into how participants construct their reality. A qualitative, interpretative, phenomenological study design was integrated, using purposeful semi-structured interviews of 12 senior-level employees of organizations that support the homeless. Data from the interviews were coded and categorized for thematic analysis and comparison. Participants expressed the need for diversity in recruiting, and interviewees have confirmed that they are not aware of a formal process around diverse hiring within their organization. The implications for social change include informing decision makers around the importance of hiring diverse employees that possess cultural competence so they can provide services that benefit diverse communities.

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