Examining Community Attitudes Toward Manufactured Housing

Examining Community Attitudes Toward Manufactured Housing by Lisa Adams Tyler MBA, Bethel University, 2011 BS, Bethel University, 2009 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University October 2015 Abstract Despite the need for affordable housing, consumers have failed to recognize manufactured housing as a viable alternative to site-built housing. The decline in market share for manufactured housing and subsequent decrease in sales has threatened the sustainability of manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, and support organizations. The purpose of this correlational study was to determine the extent that respondents’ demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, perceptions of manufactured home characteristics, and perceptions of manufactured home occupants and neighborhood characteristics predicted the acceptance of manufactured homes. The model of acceptance of manufactured homes provided the theoretical framework for the study. Data were collected from 2 surveys distributed among adult learners (n = 204) enrolled in a nontraditional degree-seeking program at university campuses in west Tennessee. One survey applied to single-section manufactured homes and another survey instrument applied to double-section homes. Correlation and multiple regression analyses techniques tested the hypotheses. Six of the 12 independent variables emerged as moderate predictors of manufactured home acceptance (R = .217), which were respondents’Despite the need for affordable housing, consumers have failed to recognize manufactured housing as a viable alternative to site-built housing. The decline in market share for manufactured housing and subsequent decrease in sales has threatened the sustainability of manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, and support organizations. The purpose of this correlational study was to determine the extent that respondents’ demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, perceptions of manufactured home characteristics, and perceptions of manufactured home occupants and neighborhood characteristics predicted the acceptance of manufactured homes. The model of acceptance of manufactured homes provided the theoretical framework for the study. Data were collected from 2 surveys distributed among adult learners (n = 204) enrolled in a nontraditional degree-seeking program at university campuses in west Tennessee. One survey applied to single-section manufactured homes and another survey instrument applied to double-section homes. Correlation and multiple regression analyses techniques tested the hypotheses. Six of the 12 independent variables emerged as moderate predictors of manufactured home acceptance (R = .217), which were respondents’ housing value, perceived manufactured home occupant behavior, perceived educational levels of manufactured home occupants, respondents’ household size and composition, land-use mix, and respondents’ neighborhood population range. The research findings may contribute to social change through providing a foundation for future research on variables that influence consumer perceptions about affordable housing choices. Examining Community Attitudes Toward Manufactured Housing by Lisa Adams-Tyler MBA, Bethel University, 2011 BS, Bethel University, 2009 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University October 2015 Dedication Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. This verse reflects my unwavering faith and belief in God’s mercy and love. The completion of this journey is a reflection of God’s glory. I dedicate this study to my parents and family. Logan and Lexi, you provided motivation for this journey. Thank you for always inspiring me. You are life’s greatest gifts. Dwayne, your unwavering support and love gave me the inner strength to persevere through difficult times. Mom and Dad, even though you are no longer with me in the physical form, I know you continue to watch over me. Losing you made me the person who I am today – fiercely determined, stubbornly independent, motivated, and focused. If I can make it through losing my parents, I can make it through the dissertation process. Thank you for instilling the values of hard work, dedication, and servitude. I continue to miss you every day. This study is also dedicated to my amazing circle of friends and family members. Thank you for understanding my absences and supporting this dream. Most of all, thank you for never allowing me to quit! I would also like to dedicate this study to my “work family” at Volunteer Homes, Inc. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and patience were crucial to the research process. When I began employment nearly 20 years ago, I never dreamed that my coworkers would become an extension of my family and that the journey would lead to the achievement of this monumental goal. I will always cherish the blessings of friendships, family, and shared experiences. Acknowledgments I would like to thank Dr. Jose Lopez for his unwavering support, motivation, and feedback that enabled me to persevere through the difficult challenges of this process. My success is a testament to Dr. Lopez’s dedication and professionalism as a mentor. I would also like to thank Dr. Judith Blando and Dr. Christos Makrigeorgis for their valuable feedback and suggestions. I would also like to acknowledge the leadership and staff of Bethel University for allowing access to conduct the research study. Specifically, I would like to thank President Dr. Walter Butler and the following members of Bethel University’s College of Professional Studies: Vice President Kelly Kelley, Executive Director Lisa Vaughn, Director of Academic Affairs Dan Ridley, and Facilitator Coordinator Cindy Gurley for their encouragement, support, and assistance throughout this journey. I am eternally grateful for the professional opportunities and personal friendships developed over the course of my educational journey. I would like to acknowledge the manufactured housing industry professionals who have supported and assisted me throughout this journey. I am incredibly appreciative of Tony “L.A. Tony K” Kovach’s insight, feedback, and valuable opportunities to generate interest and support for my research topic. I am an honored recipient of your generosity in sharing your extensive knowledge and experience.