| The purpose of this qualitative case study research provided explanations to develop an understanding of the leadership and culture of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and address the systemic problem of organizational cultural traits and practices identified by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) Report (2003). The data were gathered and analyzed from three sources of information: (a) 120 interviews, (b) documented data, and (c) past records. The case study revealed that an organizational culture that supports employees' and stakeholders' input reduces employee turnover, allows for innovations, for the recruitment of knowledge workers, and for the elimination future disasters. Themes emerged resulting from employees' concerns focused on leadership, management, organizational barriers, political concerns and fiscal realities. |
