Safety, Sense of Belonging, and Organizational Culture experienced by Black Male Leaders at Education Nonprofits

Abstract

This mixed-methods study aims to investigate the experiences of Black Male senior leaders at educational nonprofits, focusing on safety, sense of belonging, and organizational culture. This quality improvement project is conducted under the auspices of the National Association for African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR). Conducted by Kevin Beckford and Aaron Massey (Vanderbilt, Ed.D), this improvement project draws from the perspectives provided by 73 Black male senior leaders via survey, 20 in-depth interviews with Black male senior leaders of education nonprofits, and 5 in-depth interviews with Expert practitioners who support Black male senior leaders. This study aims to provide insight into the following question: How are safety, sense of belonging, and organizational culture experienced by Black male senior leaders in educational nonprofits? Subsequent questions of interest include the following:

1. What supports, resources, and strategies do Black male senior leaders utilize around safety, sense of belonging, and effectiveness while serving in leadership at an education nonprofit? 2. How do Black male senior leaders understand and experience institutions and systems in the education nonprofit space? 3. How can Human Resource professionals and individuals serving in a leadership support capacity (e.g. Chiefs of Staff) support African American males leading education nonprofits?

The study focuses on Black men who are currently (or have previously) served in leadership roles, specifically as CEOs, Executive Directors, Executive Partners, and/ or Co-Founders of educational nonprofit organizations.