Date of Award

3-10-2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Timothy S. Reed, PhD

Abstract

Department of Defense (DoD) and Air Force senior leaders have called for transforming the way the military conducts business. One way to achieve this transformation is by promoting a more entrepreneurial approach. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent an entrepreneurial mindset exists in DoD organizations and to identify key antecedents and outcomes associated with this mindset. The study participants were seven Air Force organizations, most of which were located on Air Force Bases in the United States. An electronic survey was used to gather data from members of these innovative DoD organizations. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were then used to assess the extent of an entrepreneurial mindset in the sample organizations and to identify key antecedents and outcomes. The results of this study show that a high degree of entrepreneurial mindset exists in the sample organizations and that appropriate use of rewards, management support, a supportive organizational structure, and risk taking and failure tolerance are key antecedents that positively influence this mindset. In addition, results show that an entrepreneurial mindset in these organizations is positively related to increased levels of job satisfaction, perceived organizational contribution, organizational commitment, memory orientation, and overall organizational performance. The results of this study provide senior leaders with a distinct set of factors they can promote and support to influence entrepreneurial behavior in their organizations. Further, the study shows that these factors may lead to positive outcomes that maximize organizational performance.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAQ-ENV-04M-14

DTIC Accession Number

ADA423134

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