Understanding Code-Switching of Black Businesswomen in Arkansas: Organizational Strategies for a Better Workplace
Date of Award
Fall 2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Committee Chair
Leo Sedlmeyer
Committee Member
Lori Salgado
Committee Member
Crissie Jameson
Abstract
This research study aimed to determine if code-switching in Arkansas workplaces helps Black women achieve upward career mobility, as their strategies might assist other Black women in advancing their careers in Arkansas workplaces. Code-switching, the practice of alternating between different languages, dialects, or cultural behaviors, is a common strategy among Black women in the workplace to navigate predominantly White or non-Black environments. Researching Black women code-switching in the workplace is important as it sheds light on broader issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and organizational dynamics and is crucial for understanding and addressing the complexities of their professional experiences. This research provides valuable insights that can drive systemic change, enhance workplace inclusivity, and support the overall well-being and career advancement of Black women. Employing conceptual frameworks grounded in Black Feminist Thought (BFT) theory and systemic racism theory allowed the assertion that Black women face unique challenges related to both racism and sexism in the workplace. While these theories offer a comprehensive understanding of Black women in workplaces generally, this research seeks to expand on these theoretical models to explore the specific impacts on Black women in Arkansas workplaces. Utilizing an exploratory case study methodology, the researcher interviewed Black businesswomen in Arkansas workplaces to explore their strategies for managing code-switching and determine if they work. This research unveiled three main themes revealing that the study participants learned to code-switch early in life, have challenging work environments, and need to prove themselves moreso than others at work.
Recommended Citation
Small, Latrice R., "Understanding Code-Switching of Black Businesswomen in Arkansas: Organizational Strategies for a Better Workplace" (2024). All Doctoral Student Dissertations. 196.
https://fuse.franklin.edu/docpub/196