Measuring Cultural Awareness and Belonging in an Organization

Marc Muchnick; Pamelyn Witteman; Susan Saurage-Altenloh

doi:10.58593/cjar.v2i3.31

Authors

Dr. Marc Muchnick Capella University https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2205-8695
Dr. Pamelyn Witteman Capella University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4405-6933
Dr. Susan Saurage-Altenloh Capella University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9341-5405

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58593/cjar.v2i3.31

Keywords:

cultural awareness, belonging, diversity, equity, inclusion, DEI, survey development, factor analysis, organizational culture

Abstract

This study presents the development and validation of a quantitative instrument designed to measure cultural awareness and belonging within the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organizations. The Cultural Awareness and Belonging Survey (CABS) aims to fill the research gap by offering a reliable tool for assessing these constructs. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as the theory of generative interactions, the CABS survey was constructed with three initial dimensions: Embrace, Engage, and Enact. Data were collected from 403 U.S.-based participants using a cross-sectional survey design. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a two-dimensional model consisting of Embrace and Enact, with strong internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = .91 for Embrace and .91 for Enact). The fit indices (CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.02) confirmed the robustness of the measurement model. The findings suggest that cultural awareness and belonging are critical factors in organizational performance and psychological safety, with practical implications for DEI initiatives. This study contributes a validated tool for organizations to understand better and enhance their DEI efforts, fostering a more inclusive workplace environment.

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Author Biographies

Dr. Marc Muchnick, Capella University

Marc Muchnick, PhD (Primary). Dr. Muchnick is an Associate Professor in the PhD, DBA, and MBA programs at Capella University’s School of Business, Technology, and Healthcare Administration. He is also the President and Executive Director of Leadership Development at People First Group, where he serves as an executive coach and senior leadership team consultant to leaders of name-brand companies across the globe. He is the author of several bestselling leadership books and has recently coauthored the Leadership Theory in Action textbook. San Diego, CA. marc.muchnick@capella.edu

Dr. Pamelyn Witteman, Capella University

Pamelyn Witteman, PhD, MSA, MSM. Dr. Witteman is currently an Assistant Professor of Research Methods for PhD, DBA, DIT, and DHA in the School of Business, Technology, and Healthcare Administration at Capella University. Dr. Witteman is also the founder of Data Designz, LLC, where she dives into quantitative consulting. Dr. Witteman has a Ph.D. in Business Management, a Master of Science in Data Analytics, a Master of Science in Management, and certifications in SAS and Tableau, and she is proficient in various statistical software. Robbinsville, NC. drpam@datadesignz.com

Dr. Susan Saurage-Altenloh, Capella University

Susan Saurage-Altenloh, PhD, MBA, MS. Dr. Saurage-Altenloh is an Assistant Professor in the School of Business, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN, and Chief Insights Officer of Saurage Research, Inc., a global research organization. Dr. Saurage-Altenloh has designed and delivered innovative, award-winning research strategies that drive transformative ideas for 3 decades. She received a PhD and an MS in Analytics from Capella University and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. Houston, TX. susan.saurage-altenloh@capella.edu

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