Alexandria Ditursi

When are you graduating?

Spring 2024

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

Alongside my amazing teammates Sabrina Devasia and Diana Rosenzweig, our team studied job characteristics, turnover intention, and the mediating effect of respect. We were very fortunate to have access to a phenomenal archival data set, allowing a sample size of approximately 40,000 respondents!

Through our robust literature review, statistical analyses, and interpretation, our team found evidence of the predictive effect that job characteristics have on turnover intention. We also found evidence of full mediation of this interaction via respect. This means that the characteristics of a job (autonomy, task variation, inclusion in decision-making, etc.) act as a predictor for an employee's intention to leave the organization; furthermore, perceived respect (interactions with co-workers, managers, etc.) in the workplace explains this relationship.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

We had many different ideas of interest, it was very difficult to make a final decision. We chose job characteristics, respect, and turnover intention because more research is needed on this topic. This topic is also a practical one that has the ability to make or break an organization's culture. Understanding how perceived respect affects employee turnover offers organizations an opportunity to drive change that aims to increase perceived respect in the workplace, for better retention, employee experience, and well-being.

Additionally, this topic has personal significance to me. I am passionate about forming and maintaining strong, healthy working relationships in the workplace, academia, and in my personal life. I love people and I believe that we are all innately good. These healthy, working relationships are not possible without respect and dignity. Finding support for this idea that we can improve an employee's experience on the job simply by showing respect feels both painfully obvious and groundbreaking all at once.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

Wow, talk about a loaded question. Can I say, "In every meaningful way?" CHSS and the I-O MPS program changed my life.

I was referred by a co-worker to check out the program, her daughter was in the I-O Psych MA program at GMU. We shared experiences from past organizations and workplaces and discussed our goals of improved advocacy and employee experience in the workplace. She thought this program would be a good fit...she was right.

I read, learned, helped, tried, struggled, triumphed, tried again, and then some. I found a language to discuss the observations, experiences, and ideas that I had about organizations, work, and the people who make them; from my first job as a cashier at my local pizza shop to my current role in learning and development and more. We welcomed my daughter during my enrollment in the program, to which I credit for keeping me grounded and dedicated to my growth as a mother, student, and professional. I got to collaborate with incredible classmates and professors, who taught me so much about this field and its potential to drive impactful, positive change. Most importantly, my experience served as confirmation that I can do hard things, I can do them well, I can do them with kindness, and I can achieve my goals.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

Practicum: research paper, white paper and presentation
Experiential Learning with Alpha Omega Integrations: Job Analysis- Learning & Development Specialist
Organizational Change & Development: Organizational Change Initiative at CRi
This nomination for CHSS Outstanding Student Honoree!

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

SO MANY. I'm afraid I will miss some, but I can try.

The incredible faculty that shared so much valuable knowledge, skill, and feedback to both celebrate my efforts and provide constructive criticism. Who were truly supportive throughout my coursework.

Dr. Afra Ahmad and Dr. Stagl, who made concerted efforts to check in with me as my daughter's due date approached. They understood my "why," asked how they could support me academically while my family adjusted to life as a family of four, and genuinely cared about my experience and success in the program.

Dr. Hutchison, Dr. Doverspike, Dr. Ahmad, and former GMU staff member Victoria Suarez at Alpha Omega Integrations, who empowered my team and fellow classmates to take ownership of the development of new job descriptions for Alpha Omega. This allowed us the real-world experience of completing this project for an organization, much like we would as a consultant. This experiential learning created room to practice critical KSAOs like collaboration, client requirements, working with subject matter experts, data collection, teamwork, and communication.

Dr. Lee and Dr. Liang, for unwavering kindness, support, and enthusiasm for Applied Data Analytics. You made a subject that had this girl VERY nervous, interesting and fun to learn.

Dr. Elder and Professor Lydia Aulisi, for your thoughtful responses and productive feedback. I learned so much in your courses!

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

DO THE READING. At first, it is a lot...but you get used to it. The books for each course are interesting, well written, and really build on one another to create a comprehensive understanding of all things I-O.
Attend SIOP if you can! It is so much fun, great for networking, and a way to get involved in the I-O community at large.
Establish good relationships with your cohort members and professors. Lean on your Cohort when you need to, and be there for someone when they need you.
Just get started. It goes by incredibly fast.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I am still trying to figure this one out. Currently I work in Training and Development, which I really enjoy, but I would love to work in a large consulting firm to get exposure to a variety of projects.

Long-term career goals: I would love to lead a team of innovative, person-centered thinkers who work with organizations to improve processes that positively affect each employee and the organization at large.