Give them Wings! Exploring Latino experiences and perspectives on employee engagement through qualitative phenomenological inquiry
Abstract
Employee engagement has emerged as a relevant and noteworthy topic in the discourse
on organizational leadership and sustainability, as engaged employees are a source of
organizational productivity, positive morale, competitive advantage, and retention
(Gallup, 2017; Albrecht, Bakker, Gruman, Macey, & Saks, 2015). Workforce
composition has changed significantly over the years, and with this change comes the
need to explore evolution in organizational strategy and workplace engagement. The
purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the role of cultural
values in shaping the attitudes, beliefs, and work experiences of Latinos employed at a
major global specialty retailer. A total of 11 participants were interviewed using semi-structured,
open-ended interviews. The data were coded by hand, using a whole-parts-whole
process to identify conceptual categories, and led to the emergence of the three
themes of workplace relationships, feeling valued, and leadership communication. The
results of the study should provide new and useful information for executive leaders and
human resources professionals in the development, deployment, and sustainability of
organizational engagement strategies, particularly among the Latino population. Three
recommendations for action include: a) focus on selecting the right organizational
leaders, b) provide leaders with training and development to support engagement efforts,
and c) hold leaders accountable for the engagement of those they lead. Further research
could include research on various cultural groups and organizations and quantitative
analysis of potential cultural antecedents of engagement.
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