An Action Research Case Study Concerning Deaf and Hard of Hearing Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare Cybersecurity Consulting Organizations

Design/Methodology/Approach

This project aims to investigate through an organizational development (OD) management consulting action research framework. The focus of the study is an exploration of the consequential impact of organizational dynamics of bias against those with disabilities at Pandemic Health Technology Solutions, a healthcare information technology government. The action research approach used included fact-finding interviews, barrier analysis, company policy assessments, content analysis of the problem in the literature, and recommendations based on the amalgamation of the triangulated data.

Action research is a type of qualitative research where the researcher develops actionable solutions to real-world problems (Reason & Bradbury, 2008). The approach is a problem-solving or consulting one focused on bridging theory and professional practice gap through a consulting-oriented intervention (Reason & Bradbury, 2008). This type of research is situation-based, is helpful in problem-solving, and deals with individuals or groups with a common purpose of improving practice (Reason & Bradbury, 2008). Further, this research helps address practical problems and generate knowledge to produce change (Reason & Bradbury, 2008).

The significance of this project is that there is limited research in the literature about workplace diversity and inclusion in the workplace concerning those that are deaf and hard of hearing. Most of the existing research applies to students in school systems.