How Female Professionals Successfully Process and Negotiate Involuntary Job Loss at Faith-Based Colleges and Universities: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Using a constructivist grounded theory approach (Charmaz, 2006), this qualitative study examined how eight female senior-level professionals employed at faith-based colleges and universities processed and navigated the experience of involuntary job loss and successfully transitioned to another position. The theoretical framework of psychological capital (PsyCap; Luthans, Youssef, & Avolio, 2007) was foundational in creating the interview protocol; thus, the research represents a contribution to both Christian higher education and to the field of positive psychology. Questions were designed by the researcher to reveal if indicators of the four PsyCap capacities of "hope," "self-efficacy," "resiliency," or "optimism" were evident in women's responses. Analysis of these findings revealed that PsyCap capacities were present yet supported and propelled by two central tenets--the participants' expression of "faith" (Pargament & Mahoney, 2009) and the "ethic of care," based on the ethic of care theory introduced and developed by Noddings (1984). In addition, all of the participants recognized an "atmosphere of supportive relationships" and acknowledged that the encouragement and love extended by family, friends, and colleagues contributed to their ability to move forward. Results from this study suggest that spirituality is a viable capacity to be considered by proponents of the PsyCap construct. Recommendations for future research include replicating the study with women who do not work at faith-based colleges and universities, as well as with male participants, to gain a clearer understanding of the gender differences that may arise in navigating the experience of involuntary job loss.