College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
Term of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Health in Public Health Leadership (Dr.P.H.)
Document Type and Release Option
Dissertation (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Committee Chair
Dr. Linda Kimsey
Committee Member 1
Dr. William Mase
Committee Member 2
Dr. Katie Mercer
Committee Member 3
Dr. Hannah Scott
Abstract
Timely and fair adjudication of incivility-related actions within the Department of Defense (DoD) and Military Health System (MHS) is increasingly crucial for maintaining accountability, mission readiness, and quality of care. Ongoing delays in resolving workplace complaints and inefficiencies in resource-heavy adjudications highlight the need to shift from reactive complaint handling toward proactive civility promotion and transparent decision-making. This Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) introduces the Peipelman Civility Discussion and Assessment Toolkit (PCDAT)—a comprehensive, evidence-based framework designed to improve civility, optimize resources, and enhance communication, even in the MHS. Based on the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) and adapted from the Workplace Power and Control Wheel (WPCW), the PCDAT translates behavior and power dynamics theory into practical tools to address incivility, bullying, and harassment across organizational levels. The framework is implemented through three core components. The Training Manual uses an ADDIE-based curriculum with case studies and exercises to develop leadership skills, foster psychological safety, and boost readiness. The Dialogue-Based Intervention Protocol facilitates structured conversations and mediation to resolve workplace conflicts before they escalate to formal adjudication. The Assessment Protocol features a 44-item civility spectrum tool that categorizes behaviors by theme and severity, employing a four-tier framework to guide proportional responses—from no action to disciplinary or investigatory review. Developed collaboratively by researchers and practitioners, the PCDAT is in early validation stages but demonstrates strong potential to improve efficiency, fairness, and workplace culture—supporting a DoD-wide shift toward proactive, civility-driven leadership and organizational performance.
Recommended Citation
Peipelman, E. (2026). Peipelman Civility Discussion and Assessment Toolkit (PCDAT): A social-ecological framework for military healthcare [Doctoral dissertation, Georgia Southern University].
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
Included in
Business Intelligence Commons, Business Law, Public Responsibility, and Ethics Commons, Defense and Security Studies Commons, Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Labor and Employment Law Commons, Labor Relations Commons, Leadership Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Military and Veterans Studies Commons, Nonprofit Administration and Management Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Other Business Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Training and Development Commons
