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Publication Open Access The Impact of The Coronavirus Disease on The Labor Market of Aruba: A Qualitative Research of The Lived Experiences of The Unemployed Individuals and The NGOs That Provided Aid(University of Aruba, 2025-08-25)The aim of this study is to provide insight into the lived experiences of individuals that lost their jobs due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market in Aruba, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in their efforts to help. With Aruba’s economy heavily reliant on tourism, the pandemic's abrupt halt to global travel led to massive job losses and a rise in unemployment from 5.2% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2020. Government interventions such as wage subsidies and unemployment benefits (FASE) were introduced but often delayed, leaving many individuals without timely support. This caused severe financial hardship, with many unable to meet essential expenses, leading to housing instability and increased dependence on family or savings. The psychological impact was equally severe, with participants reporting anxiety, depression, emotional breakdowns, and family conflicts due to uncertainty and social isolation. Physically, individuals reported weight gain, fatigue, and unhealthy coping behaviors like smoking and overeating. However, some demonstrated resilience by maintaining physical activity and healthy eating habits. Socially, while many lost the structure of work-based relationships, others deepened family bonds or found support through church communities and digital communication. NGOs such as Red Cross Aruba, CEDE Aruba, and Fundacion Pa Nos Comunidad faced significant operational and financial challenges, including limited coordination, resource shortages, and increasing demand. Nonetheless, they adapted by forming partnerships, engaging volunteers, and supporting government relief efforts. Community-based initiatives like TV programs and hotlines also emerged as key support systems. Overall, this research reveals both the vulnerabilities and resilience of Aruba’s labor force and support networks. It underscores the need for stronger social safety nets, better NGO coordination, and proactive mental and physical health Interventions to mitigate the long-term effects of similar crises in the future.Publication Open Access Digital Transformation Strategy: Factors Influencing Digital Adoption Among SME Employees in Aruba(University of Aruba, 2024-11-19)Digital transformation represents a critical evolution in how organizations operate, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of Aruba's economy. This study explores the factors influencing employees' intention to adopt digital transformation initiatives within SMEs in Aruba, utilizing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and its modified frameworks. The research examines critical variables such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, innovative work behavior, and attitudes towards technology. It also assesses the moderating role of prior experience and provides insights into the demographic variables, including age, gender, education, industry, and tenure. Through a quantitative research design, data was collected from SME employees across diverse sectors in Aruba. The findings reveal that employee perceptions and attributes significantly influence behavioral intention, with performance expectancy and effort expectancy emerging as pivotal determinants while innovative work behavior and facilitating conditions also play critical roles. The study provides actionable insights for organizational leaders, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to align technological advancements with employee readiness and support mechanisms. These insights are particularly vital for SMEs aiming to enhance resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly digitizing global economy. The research contributes to the broader understanding of digital transformation adoption, offering a contextualized perspective unique to small island economies.Publication Open Access Interventions for a Learning and Innovative Organization: From Knowledge to Action(University of Aruba, 2025-10-22)Transforming Bureau Traimerdia (BTM) into a sustainable learning organization begins with a strategic framework for leadership development, organizational learning and systems thinking. This thesis explores targeted interventions to support BTM’s transformation into a sustainable learning organization, focusing on how organizational culture, change management, and leadership styles and skills, especially servant and transformational leadership, can contribute to sustainable growth. This research is framed within the context of Aruba’s national education strategy (PEN 2030), and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which promotes inclusive and quality education for all. The central research question investigates how double loop learning, inclusive decision-making, and inter-ministerial collaboration contribute to BTM development as a learning organization. A mixed methods approach was used, combining a Likert-scale survey of BTMs 47 employees, two focus group sessions, and six interviews with directors from both public and private sectors. Findings reveal strong support for professional growth, inclusive leadership, and collaborative learning. Participants emphasized emotional connection to the mission, bottom-up engagement, and transparent communication. Challenges such as inconsistent leadership were noted in reference to past periods of frequent management turnover, which created uncertainty and disrupted continuity. However, this has since stabilized under the current director, whose leadership over the past two years has fostered a more supportive and accessible environment. The results suggest that BTM is on a promising path toward becoming a learning organization. Furthermore, recommendations are provided to strengthen leadership practices, improve communication frameworks, and expand inclusive learning opportunities, supporting BTM’s alignment with the goals of PEN 2030, SDG 4, and Aruba’s broader educational vision.Publication Open Access Publication Open Access Understanding the Barriers and Stimulators for Youth Participation: A Qualitative Case Study in the Parlamento Hubenil Aruba(University of Aruba, 2025-04-22)In the Aruban context, participation could involve community service, participation in town hall meetings, political discussions, and voting in elections. Creating platforms for youth to voice concerns, collaborate with the government, and engage in civic education programs on citizens' rights and responsibilities is vital. Parlamento Hubenil (PH) is committed to fostering youth potential and participation in Aruba, which is aligned with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Despite its efforts, PH faces challenges in attracting youth aged 18-24, a critical demographic for shaping Aruba's future leaders. This study aims to define key concepts such as youth participation while identifying barriers and stimulators that impact youth involvement in organizations like Parlamento Hubenil. Finally, this research explored strategies to mitigate barriers and strengthen stimulators, providing recommendations to enhance youth participation in Parlamento Hubenil. Furthermore, a qualitative case study approach was employed, utilizing purposive sampling and 18 semi-structured interviews to gain deeper insights into participation and the barriers and stimulators affecting it. The findings suggested that peer influence was a strong strategy for recruitment, and a targeted social media campaign was essential for broadening outreach and raising awareness.
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