Engaging the Acquisition Work Force: A Study of Antecedents in a Program Office Context

Author

Derek W. Zima

Date of Award

9-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

John Elshaw, PhD

Abstract

In an era marked by international conflict and heightened geo-political tensions, the Air Force has necessarily begun preparing for a near-peer fight. Air Force senior leaders have defined improving acquisitions career field performance as a necessary objective to keep pace with adversaries. The linkage between employee engagement and enhanced performance outcomes, as widely supported throughout the literature, suggests that fostering a more engaged acquisition work force may be the key to delivering technology to the field quickly and affordably. As such, this research effort surveyed an acquisitions program office to characterize the key drivers of engagement. Stepwise regression showed that openness (R² = 0.29, p < 0.001), the ability to develop and be oneself (R² = 0.24, p < 0.05), and service to others (R² = 0.62, p < 0.001) were the most influential factors. Practical recommendations based on these insights were made for implementation by acquisition leaders to enhance the engagement of their teams in pursuit of improved performance.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-24-S-085

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

Recommended Citation

Zima, Derek W., "Engaging the Acquisition Work Force: A Study of Antecedents in a Program Office Context" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 8014.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/8014