The relationship between the associated symptoms of first nation peoples' historical losses and organizational commitment in the Canadian workplace

• Main Author: Wilson, Justin W.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: ScholarWorks 2011
• Subjects: vocational rehabilitation counseling;native american studies;organizational behavior and theory; Indigenous Studies; Organizational Behavior and Theory; Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling; First Nations
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1122; https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/context/dissertations/article/2121/viewcontent/3615801.pdf

Researchers have found that minorities suffering from traumatic stress report increased levels of stress in the absence of supportive and committed work environments; however, a paucity of empirical research exists for First Nations Peoples (FNP). The purpose of this quantitative correlation study was to examine the nature of the relationship between FNP's associated symptoms of historical loss, assessed by the Historical Loss and Associated Symptoms Scale, and organizational commitment, as measured by the Three Component Employee Commitment Survey. A total of 118 residential school survivors completed surveys. Correlation analysis was used to determine the significance of historical loss in relation to organizational commitment among survivors. Results showed an inverse relationship between affective commitment and associated symptoms of historical loss and between continuance commitment and associated symptoms. No statistically significant correlation was found between normative commitment and historical loss or associated symptoms. Findings can help inform targeted engagement, recruitment, and retention initiatives designed to accommodate FNP perspectives and experiences into organizational culture and systems. Implications for positive social change include better understanding of factors impacting career progression among FNP, such as organizational commitment. Results may also inform culturally safe interventions that help FNP to be successful.