Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Robert Levasseur

Abstract

Inspired, motivated employees are essential to organizational success. Research findings indicate a strong relationship between vision, leader charisma, organizational factors, and the extent to which employees feel motivated to achieve organizational goals based on the vision, known as employee vision inspiration (EVI). However, little is known about how employees personalize organizational visions and why this affects their performance. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore in-depth the organizational and employee-related factors that affect EVI using the constant comparative method and grounded theory methodology, and how EVI manifests itself in employee behaviors directed toward the achievement of a company's vision. Interviews with a purposeful sample of 14 employees, chosen because they were inspired by their organization's vision, provided the data needed to answer the research questions and enable the development of a grounded theory of EVI. According to this theory, having an organization with a strong culture of two-way communication and a positive work environment fostered by a leader committed to an achievable vision positively affects EVI. The theory further indicates that such an organization acts as a motivator that enhances employee satisfaction and commitment, and elevates pride in the organization, thus positively affecting EVI. The significance to social change of this study is that it may enable leaders to understand how to inspire employees to be more creative and more committed to the success of the organization, thereby fostering a more fulfilling and satisfying organizational environment.

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