Army Contracting Workforce Organizational Climate Assessment

Abstract

The DoD obligated approximately $273.5 billion in contracts for major weapon systems, supplies, and services in fiscal year 2015. The DoD contracting workforce professionals are responsible for managing the millions of contract actions for the procurement of critical supplies and services, ranging from commercial-type supplies, professional and administrative services, highly complex information technology systems, and major defense weapon systems. The DoD's organizational climate is a significant contributor to the success of the contracting workforce. An analysis of an organization's climate and its various components can provide its leadership with a road map for developing a healthier climate, and thus improve performance. The purpose of this study is to conduct an organizational climate assessment of the Army contracting workforce. Using a web-based survey, we assessed the Army contracting workforce on the various components of organizational climate. Based on the number of survey responses and response rate, we used quantitative data analysis methods to analyze the survey data and identify research findings. This research benefits the Army by establishing a baseline climate of the Army's contracting workforce. It also identifies the dimensions that need to be addressed in order to improve the Army's contracting organizational climate. These research findings can then guide the DoD, as well as the federal government contracting community, in developing a road map for improving its contracting organizational climate.