Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived effects on African American female law enforcement officers when cultural identity is threatened, and to determine the perceived self-described importance of race, gender, and profession. The study further examined the effects of emotional dissonance on job performance, job-related stress levels, personal and racial identity, and the perceived effects on African American females attempting to balance department loyalty and personal identity, as reported by study participants. Methodology. The explanatory mixed-methods design was used in the study. A homogeneous selection of 42 African American female officers from multiple municipal agencies participated in the study. The use of the explanatory mixed-methods design served as an instrument to drive the purpose of the study. Findings. The study found little to no effect on the job performance of African American female officers when emotional dissonance was present; however, the respondents did experience job-related stress associated with emotional dissonance. Due to the strong connection of racial identity, the research findings indicate that the African American female is affected when her cultural identity is threatened. Eighty-three percent of the participants reported feelings of emotional dissonance when cultural identity is threatened. Ninety percent of the participants believed department loyalty was important; however, blind allegiance was discouraged. The attempt to satisfy personal needs and organizational needs produces stress and could result in emotional dissonance. Conclusion. The effects of emotional dissonance when cultural identity is threatened, create job-related stress but do not affect job performance. Although the level of job performance was maintained, the coping skills developed by these officers could prove detrimental to their emotional health. Recommendations. Future studies are needed on the African American female officer in the areas of stress, personal identity, and assimilation due to the gap in researched literature within a larger population. Future studies should be extended to female officers with a focus on gender-related issues from all backgrounds.