A Phenomenological Study of the Experience of Humanist, Spiritual
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2016 A Phenomenological Study of the Experience of Humanist, Spiritual, and Transpersonal Films on Positive Organizational Behaviors in the Workplace Frederick Henry Keeve Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Film and Media Studies Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, and the Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Frederick Keeve has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Diana Jeffery, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Bernadette Dorr, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Bonnie Nastasi, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2016 Abstract A Phenomenological Study of the Experience of Humanist, Spiritual, and Transpersonal Films on Positive Organizational Behaviors in the Workplace by Frederick Keeve MS, California Lutheran University, 1994 BA, University of California at Los Angeles, 1976 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2016 Abstract A solution is needed to counteract violent news, Internet, and other negative media images and management behaviors in the workplace, in order to boost engagement and prosocial behaviors at work. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the attitudes of working professionals toward prosocial behaviors and employee engagement in the workplace as affected by transpersonal Hollywood films. An organization’s ability to survive is directly related to empowerment and innovation. Classic films provide a gateway for transpersonal experiences that could change behavior and thoughts. Peterson and Seligman’s transformational typology involving 6 character virtues and 24 strengths was the basis for coding 8 positive films that were viewed by participants. Data collection consisted of 2 in-depth interviews, 8 written film questionnaires, and an exit interview from a criterion-based, purposeful sample of 10 adult working nonmanagerial professionals living in Los Angeles, employed in any industry except the entertainment industry. Six to 10 participants, according to researchers, are an appropriate number for saturation. The most prevalent strengths mentioned were social intelligence and perspective, followed by integrity, hope and open-mindedness. Frequent phrases that corresponded to the 6 virtue categories were wisdom/knowledge and humanity. The results revealed that positive films could be a boon for industrial/organizational issues involving recruitment, training, motivation, and prosocial behaviors. The use of positive transpersonal Hollywood films in human capital development could lead to positive social change in the workplace by reducing worker sick days and promoting a happier workforce with increased innovation and productivity. A Phenomenological Study of the Experience of Humanist, Spiritual, and Transpersonal Films on Positive Organizational Behaviors in the Workplace by Frederick Keeve MS, California Lutheran University, 1994 BA, University of California at Los Angeles, 1976 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2016 Table of Contents List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ................................................................................... 1 Background of the Problem .......................................................................................... 4 Statement of the Problem .............................................................................................. 6 Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................................... 8 Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 11 Conceptual Framework and Background to Study ..................................................... 12 Operational Definitions ............................................................................................... 14 Nature of Study ........................................................................................................... 16 Assumptions, Limitations, Scope, and Delimitations ................................................. 16 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................ 17 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 18 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................ 21 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 21 Research Strategy ........................................................................................................ 24 Theoretical Foundation ............................................................................................... 25 Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................... 27 Review of Literature ................................................................................................... 27 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 43 Chapter 3: Research Method ............................................................................................. 46 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 46 i Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................... 47 Nature of the Study ..................................................................................................... 48 Possible Types and Sources of Information ................................................................ 49 Research Methodology ............................................................................................... 50 Research Design .......................................................................................................... 51 Participants of the Study ....................................................................................... 55 Measures ............................................................................................................... 56 Ethical Protection of Participants .......................................................................... 60 Procedures ............................................................................................................. 60 Data Collection ..................................................................................................... 62 Data Analysis ........................................................................................................ 64 Verification of Findings ........................................................................................ 67 Method Limitations ............................................................................................... 71 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 73 Chapter 4: Results ............................................................................................................. 75 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 75 Setting ......................................................................................................................... 75 Research Team (Primary Researcher and Research Assistants) ................................. 76 In-Person Interviews (Participants) ............................................................................. 77 Demographics and Background ............................................................................ 77 Participants of the Study ............................................................................................. 84 Data Collection ........................................................................................................... 85 ii Research Questions ............................................................................................... 85 Procedures ............................................................................................................. 86 Measures ............................................................................................................... 86 Data