Date of Graduation
Spring 2016
Degree
Master of Arts in Communication
Department
Communication
Committee Chair
Gloria Galanes
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate to what extent have Millennial young professionals assimilated into Springfield, Missouri's culture. Using organizational assimilation and sensemaking as the theoretical framework, this qualitative thesis research study utilized four focus groups (n=20) to draw its results. Based on a previous foundational study and additional research, five characteristics Millennials want in a city were identified—affordability, community engagement and involvement, Millennial collaboration, entertainment and meaningful experiences, and authenticity. These characteristics also served as the criterion for the results. The findings revealed that Springfield young professionals, based on the five characteristics, have fully assimilated into Springfield's culture. The results and discussion can be used to serve the City of Springfield and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's strategic recruitment and retention efforts of young professionals and families.
Keywords
Millennial, young professional, Springfield, organizational assimilation, sensemaking, recruitment, retention
Subject Categories
Communication
Copyright
© Nii Kpakpo Ekow Abrahams
Recommended Citation
Abrahams, Nii Kpakpo Ekow, "Springfield Or Bust? A Qualitative Analysis Of The Organization Assimilation Of Young Professionals In Springfield, Missouri" (2016). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 2350.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/2350
