Date of Conferral

12-4-2024

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Betsy Macht

Abstract

The trucking industry faces a critical driver shortage, which threatens the stability of supply chains and the economy at large. This issue is particularly challenging for owners of small trucking companies, as they form the backbone of the industry. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, this qualitative pragmatic inquiry aimed to identify the strategies small trucking company owners used to retain drivers and sustain their operations. The participants included five small trucking company owners from the southeastern United States. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, public records, and company websites. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Key themes included servant leadership, competitive compensation, and adaptation to technological advancements. A key recommendation is for small trucking company owners to implement servant leadership practices to improve driver retention. The implications for positive social change include the potential to enhance job satisfaction and work-life balance for truck drivers, ultimately leading to safer roads and more stable communities.

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