Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Organizational Leadership
First Advisor
Hanna Raymond
Second Advisor
Robin Pierson
Third Advisor
Timothy McCarty
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to identify and describe the perceptions of organizational managers on the impact of quality management principles on helicopter maintenance outcomes at the California Army National Guard’s Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot (AVCRAD). This study also explored the perceptions on the organizational culture as it pertained to leadership and employee engagement of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 quality management systems.
Methodology: This qualitative phenomenological research examined the perceptions of Army aviation managers regarding specific ISO principles of leadership and
improvement on AVCRAD maintenance outcomes. The researcher conducted open-ended qualitative interviews with 11 participants who met specified criteria that indicated high levels of expertise in Army aviation maintenance protocols.
Findings: Based on interviews, eight themes emerged. Leadership commitment influences communication, resource management, and accountability, and continual improvement enhances efficiency, workflow, and safety. Leadership also shapes organizational culture by fostering quality commitment and inspiring common goals, aligning employees with ISO 9001 standards. Despite challenges, leaders play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency, promoting adherence to best practices, and ensuring operational readiness through structured frameworks and adaptability. These efforts drive continual improvement and reinforce a culture of excellence.
Conclusions: The key findings led to three conclusions about the effect of the ISO 9001 principles of leadership’s commitment, continual improvement, and employee engagement: (a) The ISO 9001 principle of leadership’s commitment is beneficial because it enhances clarity, productivity, and responsibility; (b) the ISO 9001 principle of continual improvement is beneficial because it enhances efficiency and safety; and (c) the ISO 9001 principle of employee engagement is beneficial because it enhances quality and alignment.
Recommendations: The researcher recommends further exploration into the impact of different leadership styles on ISO 9001 success, the role of technology in enhancing compliance, and large-scale quantitative studies for broader applicability. Additionally, longitudinal research could provide insights into the long-term sustainability of ISO 9001 principles in various organizational settings and industries.
Recommended Citation
Caporossi, Matthew S., "The Impact of Quality Management Principles on Army Aircraft Maintenance Outcomes" (2025). Dissertations. 609.
https://digitalcommons.umassglobal.edu/edd_dissertations/609
