Driving Strategies in Performance Excellence

Driving Strategies in Performance Excellence by Nathan Allan Lawrence MBA, Florida Institute of Technology, 2011 BSOE, Wayland Baptist University, 2000 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2017 Abstract Only a small number of U.S. businesses have implemented the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence to improve their performance. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies that executive business leaders use to implement the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. The study population consisted of 6 business executives and 2 organizations in the U.S. state of Texas, all with experience in implementing the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. The theory of high performance work systems provided the conceptual framework for the study. Data were gathered from interviews and record reviews that were conducted within the organizations. Inductive analysis was used to identify words, phrases, ideas, and actions that were consistent among participants and organizations as well as to identify patterns and themes. Triangulation of sources between the interview and record review data was used for consistency. Three main themes emerged from data analysis: organizational leaders embedded the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence into native work models; they also used robust strategy deployment systems with accountability for action plans to spread the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence; and, rather thanOnly a small number of U.S. businesses have implemented the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence to improve their performance. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies that executive business leaders use to implement the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. The study population consisted of 6 business executives and 2 organizations in the U.S. state of Texas, all with experience in implementing the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. The theory of high performance work systems provided the conceptual framework for the study. Data were gathered from interviews and record reviews that were conducted within the organizations. Inductive analysis was used to identify words, phrases, ideas, and actions that were consistent among participants and organizations as well as to identify patterns and themes. Triangulation of sources between the interview and record review data was used for consistency. Three main themes emerged from data analysis: organizational leaders embedded the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence into native work models; they also used robust strategy deployment systems with accountability for action plans to spread the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence; and, rather than specifically create goals to align with the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, they identified actions to reach organizational strategic goals that were created using the Criteria as a business model. Implications for positive social change arising from this study include the potential to increase the number of available jobs by improving overall organizational performance through the increased implementation and use of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence among U.S. organizations. Driving Strategies in Performance Excellence by Nathan Allan Lawrence MBA, Florida Institute of Technology, 2011 BSOE, Wayland Baptist University, 2000 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2017 Dedication I dedicate this study to the loves of my life without whom nothing else would be possible or worth effort. My son Logan is my muse, my reason to fly, my purpose for being better and my hero. My mom Sharon is my dedication, my perseverance, my loyalty and my reliability. My dad Allan is my comedy, my laughing, my smiling, my dedication to doing things right, my work ethic and my zest for enjoying life within the small things. My grandmother Mary, always taught me to play and sing because you only live once. Finally, my love, Irma, is my adventure, my heart, my passion, my calm, and my home. Acknowledgments To the many along the way who have contributed to my growth. Many served as mentors in my path both in the short and long term. I looked and listened for these moments constantly. Too many are within this realm for me to list them all. However, I would like to especially thank one of my friends, Dr. Mac McGuire, for quickly influencing me to be better and to try to pass the benefits on to improve the world around me.