Date of Conferral

7-16-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Labrina Jones

Abstract

Canada has exhibited lower productivity growth since 1990, resulting in substantially reduced gains in citizens’ standards of living despite the importance of sustainable productivity to economic prosperity. Understanding the primary factors that influence productivity growth is a critical concern for Canadian government leaders, as it is a key indicator of the nation’s economic vitality, competitiveness, and citizens’ quality of life. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the factors that influenced the investment in productivity improvement of organizations in the energy sector in the Edmonton region of Alberta, Canada. The COSO internal control framework guided this study. The participants comprised 15 senior leaders who make investment decisions in the energy industry within the Edmonton region of Alberta, Canada. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. Eight themes emerged from a thematic analysis: (a) regulations, (b) industry, (c) operational investments, (d) national leadership, (e) culture, (f) workforce, (g) firm leadership, and (h) customer focus. Findings indicated that organizations invest in productivity improvements only to the extent that they add value. A key recommendation is for Canadian leaders to conduct a quantitative value analysis to determine the criteria and relative weights organizational leaders use when comparing Canada with competing countries and to inform strategic improvements in areas of competitive disadvantage. Implications for tangible social impact include the potential for leaders in Canadian federal and provincial governments to improve the value they offer to organizations, encouraging greater investment in productivity improvements that contribute to economic growth and higher living standards.

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