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Emily Aiken, Ph.D. is a 2025 graduate of the PHD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

emily aiken committee

Emily Aiken at her Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. Michael Kocet, Committee Member, Dr. Harriet Schwartz, Committee Chair, Dr. Aqeel Tirmizi, Committee Member

Dissertation Committee

  • Harriet Schwartz, PhD, Committee Chair
  • Aqeel Tirmizi, PhD, Committee Member
  • Michael Kocet, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

workplace dignity, cultural differences, supervision, higher education, grounded theory, positive work culture, leadership

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Imagine a workplace where supervisors centered the dignity of each unique individual and sought to honor each person in their wholeness. This type of work environment moves beyond a toxic culture to a space that fosters flourishing, growth, and inclusion. Given that supervisors play an integral role in the experiences of staff members, this study explored the experiences of supervisors in promoting workplace dignity across cultural differences within higher education. With a focus on relational practices and a positive framing, this research sought to develop a nuanced understanding of dignified leadership across social identity differences. Leveraging a constructivist grounded theory methodology, it explored how supervisors identified as exemplars by their direct reports fostered dignity in the workplace. Insights from this study contributed to a theory of workplace dignity that provided practical and ethical guidance for supervisors, highlighting the integral role of leadership in cultivating a positive organizational culture and sustaining flourishing employee relationships across social identity differences. This dissertation is available in open access AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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emily aiken

Emily Aiken

ORCID: #0009-0000-6679-5748

Emily Aiken, PhD is a scholar-practitioner who finds hope in a future where dignity is honored at work. By exploring the relational dynamics of leadership, Emily’s research focuses on the role of supervisors in fostering dignity across social identity differences.

Emily’s academic and professional journey reflects her passion for bridging cultural divides and fostering meaningful connections to work towards building a bigger “we”. She has served in roles ranging from intercultural development and student support to team coaching, emphasizing the relational practices that promote dignity and belonging. Emily’s work has been shared through presentations and initiatives that highlight the transformative potential of dignified leadership in building stronger, more connected communities.

A former student-athlete and Peace Corps volunteer, Emily brings a global perspective to her work, informed by lived experiences in team dynamics, community engagement, and cross-cultural understanding. Her approach is rooted in the belief that leaders must move beyond intention to embody practices that honor the wholeness of their team members.

Emily earned her Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University, an M.A. in College Student Development from Appalachian State University, and a B.A. in Economics from Kalamazoo College.

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