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Dissertation
Call of duty: patriotism, job satisfaction, and trust for embedded government contractors : the drivers of being a servant of two masters
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.), Drexel University
16 Feb 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011281
Abstract
Embedded federal contractors occupy a unique position, operating under a dual-leadership structure in which they are administratively employed by private firms while being operationally embedded within government agencies. The structure creates complex dynamics of justice, trust, and job satisfaction that are not fully explained by existing organizational behavior theories. This study examines the role of patriotism as a psychological force, shaping relationships among embedded contractors supporting the U.S. Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Drawing on Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory and Colquitt's Organizational Justice and Trust framework, the study proposes that patriotic motivation alters how contractors interpret fairness, build trust, and experience work satisfaction. Quantitative survey data was collected from embedded federal contractors across multiple organizations and analyzed using regression-based moderation models. Results indicate two distinct direct paths to intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction, both of which are indirectly influenced by patriotism. Patriotism has a limited moderating effect on the relationships between organizational justice, trust, and job satisfaction. These findings extend justice and trust theory into hybrid public/private contexts and highlight patriotism as a meaningful motivational mechanism in mission-driven work environments. Practically, the study offers insights for federal agencies and contracting firms seeking to improve retention, engagement, and workforce stability in dual-authority settings.
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Details
- Title
- Call of duty
- Creators
- Jason Tomasovic
- Contributors
- David Gefen (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- viii, 140 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Bennett S. LeBow College of Business; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022165838404721