Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Department

School of Business

First Advisor

Paul Shelton, PhD

Second Advisor

Sarah Cooley, DBA

Third Advisor

Tracie King, PhD

Abstract

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study examined how belonging influences retention among Black women nonprofit professionals. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight participants and analyzed using Moustakas’ (1994) approach Social Decision-Making Theory (SDMT) guided interpretation. The study identifies belonging as central to retention and introduces the Dynamic Contribution Model (DCM) in nonprofit organizations. Findings show that belonging is an evolving experience shaped by daily interactions, leadership behavior, and alignment between values and practice. When belonging was present, participants remained engaged. When it weakened, participants disengaged and left. Retention emerged as an ongoing evaluative process.

Download

Share

COinS