Date

9-25-2025

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Brittany Littrell

Keywords

Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, EOS, hybrid improvement program, qualitative research, organizational culture, Self-Determination Theory, Proverbs 24.

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This qualitative case study researched the deficiencies of three established business improvement programs: Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, and Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), to discern the possibility of a tailored hybrid improvement program. Utilizing data collected through semi-structured interviews from the experiences of twelve business leaders representing different industries. All of the leaders had five or more years of direct experience with one or more of the business improvement programs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding, applying Constructivist Grounded Theory. The analysis found that Continuous Improvement empowered employees and nurtured incremental changes, but it struggled with ongoing leadership commitment and strategic alignment. Six Sigma provided data-driven quality improvement, but it lacked flexibility and consideration for personnel. EOS provided vision and leadership, but was also inflexible in its processes and could be costly for smaller organizations. The research was grounded with ideas from the Self-Determination Theory, Organizational Culture Theory, and various biblical principles. The findings of this study support a customizable hybrid improvement program, one that can increase employee engagement, augment processes and production, and support organizational transformation. This research adds to the limited academic literature on EOS and hybrid improvement approaches, providing practical applications for business leaders seeking solutions in an ever-evolving marketplace.

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