Abstract

This research explored two questions: “How does one measure a strong organizational purpose?” and “What are the sources of success caused by a strong organizational purpose?” These questions were answered by developing a new measure of purpose that incorporated enacting and aspirational dimensions. Further, the level of analysis of prior research was shifted from the individual to the organizational level. The research then empirically tested the influence of the new purpose construct, Enacting Aspirational Purpose, on two important sources of organizational performance, specifically radical innovation and innovation success. The analysis supported a statistically significant positive influence of Enacting Aspirational Purpose on radical innovation and innovation success. It also confirmed that radical innovation partially mediates purpose's influence on innovation success.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Organizational effectiveness; Corporate culture; Technological innovations—Management; Strategic planning

Date of Award

2022

School Affiliation

Graziadio Business School

Department/Program

Business

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Chris Worley

Included in

Business Commons

Share

COinS