The purpose of this study is to investigate factors affecting the leadership capacity of middle managers and then evaluate the corresponding effect on the performance of subordinates in Vietnamese economic and defense enterprises. Data for the study was collected from questionnaire survey of 15 economic and defense enterprises, preceded by in-depth interviews with respondents who are subordinates of the departments/divisions of these enterprises. The research used logistic regression estimator to address econometric issues and to improve the accuracy of the regression coefficients. Our results show that the determinants of the leadership capacity of mid-level managers in defense and economic enterprises include: (i) personal qualities and qualities of managerial officials (understanding, courage), fairness, assertiveness and compliance), and leadership behaviors of two leadership styles – (ii) a transforming leadership style (influenced by ideals, inspirations, concerns) subordinates, stimulating intellect) and (iii) transactional leadership style (rewarding, detecting and handling problems for subordinates). Based on these results, our study suggests that middle managers should possess superior knowledge, care more about subordinates, understand the strengths and weaknesses of each subordinate, always be creative, assertive and courageous people as well as have high standards of competency and morality in order to become outstanding leaders in Vietnamese economic and defense enterprises.