Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- Corporate culture (2)
- Leadership (2)
- Organizational behavior (2)
- Organizational change (2)
- Perception (Psychology) (2)
-
- United States. Air Force--Personnel management (2)
- Aerial warfare (1)
- Air Force training (1)
- Anthrax (1)
- Bacillus anthracis--Decontamination--United States (1)
- Biological weapons (1)
- Burn out (Psychology) (1)
- Business logistics--Management (1)
- Change--Psychological aspects (1)
- Cloud computing (1)
- Cockpits (1)
- Cognitive consistency (1)
- Combat--Psychological aspects (1)
- Competition (1)
- Conducive environment (1)
- Creative ability in business (1)
- Decision making (1)
- Defense contracts (1)
- Deployment (Straregy) (1)
- Employees--Attitudes (1)
- Employees--Psychology (1)
- Enlisted personnel (1)
- Entrepreneurship (1)
- Environmental responsibility (1)
- Equal employment opportunity (1)
Articles 1 - 28 of 28
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Behavioral Antecedents Of Fuel Efficiency, James A. Cotton
Behavioral Antecedents Of Fuel Efficiency, James A. Cotton
Theses and Dissertations
The US Department of Defense is the largest institutional petroleum consumer in the world. In addition to the financial cost of petroleum-based fuels, the US DoD generates more CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases than the entirety of modern, industrialized nations like Sweden and Norway. Other dangers and externalities arise from the fuels supply chain, like toxin risks to fuel handlers, and human costs to transport fuel in-theater. Within the DoD, the USAF alone often rivals or exceeds the consumption of all other services combined. While the USAF prefers technical, hardware-based solutions to problems, and has given increasing attention to logistical …
How A Conducive Environment And Susceptible Followers Influence Toxic Leadership Behaviors In The Air Force: An Examination Of The Toxic Triangle Theory, Rachel S. Beightel
How A Conducive Environment And Susceptible Followers Influence Toxic Leadership Behaviors In The Air Force: An Examination Of The Toxic Triangle Theory, Rachel S. Beightel
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this thesis was to determine what characteristics of the Air Force’s environment and Airmen perpetuate toxic leadership behaviors. This survey study was designed, using the toxic triangle theory, to evaluate the toxic leadership behaviors, susceptible follower traits, and conducive environment characteristics participants have experienced in the Air Force. The study applied ordinary least squares path analysis to determine the influence susceptible followers and characteristics of a conducive environment have on toxic leadership behaviors in the Air Force. Results revealed that collusive followers have a direct influence on toxic leadership. While only two characteristics of a conducive environment …
Predictors And Predictive Effects Of Attitudinal Inconsistency Towards Organizational Change, Scott T. Drylie
Predictors And Predictive Effects Of Attitudinal Inconsistency Towards Organizational Change, Scott T. Drylie
Theses and Dissertations
Studies have largely portrayed individual resistance as a pervasive, irrational, and problematic response to organizational change initiatives. The current study confronts this interpretation with a model of attitudinal inconsistency that provides a more holistic perspective of the individual during times of change. Inconsistency reveals the degree to which the mental evaluations of a change initiative may conflict and produce weak attitudinal foundations to govern behavior. Measuring affective-cognitive consistency, the tests in this study demonstrate that employees may form inconsistent attitudes towards a change initiative. Inconsistency relates negatively to the perceived quality of management transition techniques such as participation, communication, structured …
The Relationship Between Key Supply Chain Process Implementation, Competitive Advantage, & Organizational Performance, Anthonelli White Jr.
The Relationship Between Key Supply Chain Process Implementation, Competitive Advantage, & Organizational Performance, Anthonelli White Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
In spite of an ever-accumulating body of research on the topic of supply chain management (SCM), an agreed upon definition or framework regarding its essential constructs or practices does not exist. There are, however, a few leading academic perspectives on SCM that have been bolstered by the acceptance of industry leaders. One such perspective is that presented by the Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF). This study applies established survey methods to expand the body of knowledge pertaining to SCM by empirically validating the relationships conceptualized by the GSCF framework through an analysis of the perception of mid-level managers and senior-level …
A Study Of Corporate Entrepreneurship In A Department Of Defense Organization, Wade W. Brower
A Study Of Corporate Entrepreneurship In A Department Of Defense Organization, Wade W. Brower
Theses and Dissertations
What determines if an organization has a corporate entrepreneurship (CE) environment? While being entrepreneurial in a private sector job usually means a greater market share or a higher profit margin; in a public research organization, CE must be measured in other ways. This thesis evaluates a Department of Defense (DoD) organization that performs basic research. Any organization that does government or nonprofit work must continually find new ways, methods, processes, or ideas to complete the mission. In this particular study, the mission is to continue to support the warfighter with limited and changing resources—to ensure the military can maintain dominance …
I Can, But I Won’T: An Exploratory Study On People And New Information Technologies In The Military, Michael S. Killaly
I Can, But I Won’T: An Exploratory Study On People And New Information Technologies In The Military, Michael S. Killaly
Theses and Dissertations
Cloud computing is one of the hottest topics in Information Technology accounting for growth in IT spending with global revenues surging to over $130 billion in 2013. According to the Federal CIO, the U. S. Government is considered the world’s largest purchaser of information technology with spending more than $76 billion per year. Since the commercial industry uses cloud computing to reduce costs, optimize business functions and collaborate on real-time data for decision making, should the Department of Defense implement cloud computing? Research examined the possibility that cloud computing is not seen as a viable technology and if the IT …
The Positive Impact Of Negative Feedback, Mark B. Richey
The Positive Impact Of Negative Feedback, Mark B. Richey
Theses and Dissertations
While feedback is an essential element of performance, there is little theory explaining the effects of negative feedback. Disagreement exists as to whether negative feedback is good or bad and this impacts its use. Fortunately, control theory provides scholars with an opportunity to better understand negative feedback and the conditions necessary to support its intended function. This study examined the relationship between negative feedback and task performance in a leadership development environment. This work asserts that performance is contingent on perceived feedback usefulness, such that the relationship is stronger when feedback usefulness is high and weaker when it is low. …
Personality Measures As Predictors Of Long-Term Employment In Air Force Officers, Levi N. Davis
Personality Measures As Predictors Of Long-Term Employment In Air Force Officers, Levi N. Davis
Theses and Dissertations
High degrees of organizational turnover have been associated with decreased customer satisfaction, increased customer turnover, decreased employee productivity, decreased organizational performance, and decreased profitability. As such, more than 1,500 studies have been performed in the past 50 years on the topics of retention and turnover. This study aimed to examine possible relationships between the personality make up of Air Force officers and their retention within the United States Air Force. If present, such relationships might offer avenues for improving recruitment and retention efforts within the Air Force. Between 1996 and 1997, 318 officer candidates attending the United States Air Force …
The Effect Of Major Organizational Policy On Employee Attitudes Toward Graduate Degrees, Frank R. Hughes
The Effect Of Major Organizational Policy On Employee Attitudes Toward Graduate Degrees, Frank R. Hughes
Theses and Dissertations
Leaders initiate policies not only to improve the success of their organizations, but to influence employee performance, whereby employee attitudes toward a policy objective can influence their resulting behaviors. One group of employees, Air Force officers, experienced a policy change in 2005 that discontinued the use of academic degrees as criteria for officer promotions. With this change, there is a concern that the number of Air Force officers with graduate degrees might decrease. In particular, senior leaders in the Civil Engineer (CE) officer career field are concerned that this policy change might reduce the number of officers available to fill …
An Evaluation Of How Organizational Culture Can Perpetuate A Formal Mentoring Relationship, Daniel J. Rieker
An Evaluation Of How Organizational Culture Can Perpetuate A Formal Mentoring Relationship, Daniel J. Rieker
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to investigate how an organization's culture can have an effect on formal mentoring. Specifically, this thesis sought to determine if perceptions among gender, ethnicity, and organizational position differ for mentoring and organizational culture. Additionally, this thesis sought to determine if any correlations may exist between organizational culture and formal mentoring overall.
Formal And Informal Work Group Relationships With Performance: A Moderation Model Using Social Network Analysis, Benjamin R. Knost
Formal And Informal Work Group Relationships With Performance: A Moderation Model Using Social Network Analysis, Benjamin R. Knost
Theses and Dissertations
Social networks have recently emerged in the management discipline as a unique way of studying individuals groups in organizations. While traditionally used in the analysis of un-bounded networks, applying social network analysis techniques to bounded work groups and organizational teams has become increasingly popular. Past research has established relationships between in-degree social network centrality and individual performance as well as social network density and overall group performance. This field study, conducted at a military training course, attempted to further refine this social network-performance relationship by modeling characteristics of both the formal and informal work group networks in relation to performance …
Influence Of Organizational Culture On The Relationship Between Psychological Contracts And Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Jennifer M. Carbajal
Influence Of Organizational Culture On The Relationship Between Psychological Contracts And Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Jennifer M. Carbajal
Theses and Dissertations
The issue of what antecedents of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and psychological contracts (PC) employees form with their organization has also been of interest as they have many implications on an employee's extra-role behavior, specifically OCBs. This research investigates the relationship between types of PCs (a) relational and (b) transactional and the propensity to perform (a) altruism and (b) compliance OCB. Furthermore, the influence of organizational culture (OC) dimensions (a) internal orientation and (b) external orientation on this relationship was explored. The results show that transactional PCs were negatively related to both dimensions of OCB. Relational PCs were positively related …
Challenges Facing Military Organizational Cultural Reform: A Study Of The 2004 Air Force Materiel Command Reorganization, Joy D. Mikulcik
Challenges Facing Military Organizational Cultural Reform: A Study Of The 2004 Air Force Materiel Command Reorganization, Joy D. Mikulcik
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to measure the success of the Product Center (PC) portion of the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) reorganization initiated in 2004. The purpose of this study is threefold, 1) to determine if the 2004 AFMC Product Center reorganization has met General Martin's four intended objectives, (2) the reorganizations effects on AFMC employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment and (3) to gather some general opinions about the reorganization overall. The literature review consisted of a detailed look at the history of AFMC, areas of organizational culture, and gathering detailed information regarding the 2004 reorganization itself. …
Initiating An Entrepreneurial Mindset In The Department Of Defense (Dod): Testing A Comprehensive Model, Gretchen R. Rhoads
Initiating An Entrepreneurial Mindset In The Department Of Defense (Dod): Testing A Comprehensive Model, Gretchen R. Rhoads
Theses and Dissertations
Transformation will become vital as senior military leaders prepare to fight tomorrow's battles. The pervasiveness of the entrepreneurial mind set within Department of Defense (DoD) organizations and the ability of senior leaders to foster that mind set will be vital. This research effort tested an integrated model of the entrepreneurial mind set and produced a framework that senior leaders can implement to ignite their organizations' innovative potential and ability to transform. The research used a questionnaire to gather data regarding three entrepreneurial mind set antecedents -- individual characteristics, process, and context -- to determine the level of influence each has …
Interaction Between The Process Used To Introduce Change And The Personality Of Organizational Members: An International Test, Terry W. Riddle Jr.
Interaction Between The Process Used To Introduce Change And The Personality Of Organizational Members: An International Test, Terry W. Riddle Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
Organizations introduce change to strengthen organizational performance and improve effectiveness. Drawing from literature in the areas of organizational change and personality characteristics, this study seeks to uncover the influence personality has on an individual's readiness for change. Data were utilized from two previous studies that sampled both an American organization and a Korean organization. The administered questionnaires captured data pertaining to the individuals' perceptions of the change process, their personality attributes, and their readiness for change. Using a statistical method known as moderated multiple regression, the study examined whether personality moderates the impact the change process has on an individual's …
Effects Of Deployment On Homestation Job Stress And Burnout, S. Ryan Johnson
Effects Of Deployment On Homestation Job Stress And Burnout, S. Ryan Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
The Global War on Terrorism has increased the demands placed on military members. The increased rate of deployments, coupled with the reduction in resources, has military leaders concerned that these changing demands will cause undue strain, adversely affecting the military member's quality of life. This research tests the effects of active duty military deployments on homestation job stressors and burnout. Pre- and post- deployment surveys were administered to test for any significant changes that resulted from a deployment. A group of non-deploying members was also measured during the same time frame to serve as the control group. Results showed that …
Overcoming Resistance To Change: An Analysis To The Department Of Defense's Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, Irene C. Johnson
Overcoming Resistance To Change: An Analysis To The Department Of Defense's Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program, Irene C. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this research was to investigate the impact of change on organizations, in the absence of a preparedness program and to develop strategies for overcoming resistance to change, in the midst of a proposed initiative that has become stalled as a result of mistrust and cynicism. The results of this research suggests a framework of management techniques that will offer leadership approaches to resurrecting a stalled change initiative and overcoming personnel's resistance to a proposed change project, in order for the project to be more widely accepted. A series of personal interviews and focus groups, a qualitative method …
Decision Analysis Using Value Focused Thinking To Select Renewable Energy Sources, James S. Duke
Decision Analysis Using Value Focused Thinking To Select Renewable Energy Sources, James S. Duke
Theses and Dissertations
The United States is heavily dependent on fossil fuels to produce electricity. Renewable energy can provide an alternative source of energy for electricity production as well as reduce fossil fuel consumption. The executive agencies in the U.S. must also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 based on 1990 emission levels as directed by Executive Order. However, there is currently no analysis model to provide guidance toward which renewable energy to select as a course of action. This research effort used value-focused thinking decision analysis to create a model based on inputs from the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency. This …
Aerospace Expeditionary Force Implementation And The Effect On Team Cohesion, Michael J. Zuhlsdorf
Aerospace Expeditionary Force Implementation And The Effect On Team Cohesion, Michael J. Zuhlsdorf
Theses and Dissertations
A statistical analysis of deployed and deploying airmen was conducted to provide insight and defensible support for Aerospace Expeditionary Force Center commanders to base teaming initiatives and policy decisions. To ensure that the results of this research are applicable across the Air Force, the research examined the effect of the Aerospace Expeditionary Force deployment process, comprised of individual anxiety, group unity, and work-group characteristics, on team cohesion, deployment commitment, and team effectiveness. The sample obtained included 643 airmen who had deployed within a 12-month period or who were scheduled to deploy within the next 3-month period. The results of the …
Military Members Responses To Sexually Harassing Behavior: Response Types And Efficacies, Michael W. Braucher
Military Members Responses To Sexually Harassing Behavior: Response Types And Efficacies, Michael W. Braucher
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis uses four sexual harassment response constructs and evaluates the efficacy of the responses. The constructs are built based on individual or joint/collaboratory responses and whether or not the harasser is confronted with his or her behavior(s) perceived as harassing by the victim. The constructs are applied to the 1995 Department of Defense survey of Harassment. Results include each response's effect on the harassing behavior, whether the behavior is ceased or not. A second result is the victim's perception of improvement or worsening of the situation based on the response type used. Tests for proportional differences were used to …
An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Perception Levels Of Prime Beef Training And Readiness Task Confidence, D. Wade Lawrence
An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Perception Levels Of Prime Beef Training And Readiness Task Confidence, D. Wade Lawrence
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examined the readiness training perception levels and task self-confidence of CE Prime BEEF personnel, and investigated the relationships between these two constructs. A heuristic model was developed which hypothesized that since previous research has shown that perception of training affects self-efficacy, and that self-efficacy affects performance, it may be inferred that training perception ultimately affects task performance. Surveys were sent to the target population to gather demographic data, perceptions of Prime BEEF readiness training and task confidence in both self and unit. Despite an improvement in perceptions over the past 12 years, results showed somewhat mediocre perception levels …
Usaf Pilot Perceptions Of Workload Assessment In A Combat Or High-Threat Environment, Kadircan Kottas
Usaf Pilot Perceptions Of Workload Assessment In A Combat Or High-Threat Environment, Kadircan Kottas
Theses and Dissertations
This study analyzed the self-reported survey responses of 219 Air Force Pilots concerning their perceptions of workload assessment in a combat or a high threat environment. The first objective of this study was to determine and compare the combat workload factors of varying importance in combat workload assessment by aircraft and mission type flown. The second objective was to examine the pilots' perception of combat mission inflight workload. A stepwise regression model to predict the pilots' perceptions of inflight workload using pilots' characteristics data was explored. Research conclusion varied among aircraft types. Combat workload items indicated as distractingly important were …
The Influence Of Foreign Culture On Air Force Contingency Contracting Operations, Christian M. Ruefer
The Influence Of Foreign Culture On Air Force Contingency Contracting Operations, Christian M. Ruefer
Theses and Dissertations
Abstract Contingency Contracting Officers (CCOs) are increasingly finding themselves an integral part of overseas deployments, purchasing in theater whatever the combat forces cannot bring with them. As a result, CCOs must deal directly with businesses and the individuals who operate them in the deployed location. Cultural differences between the CCO and suppliers can become an issue not encountered in stateside operations. This thesis was designed to explore the possible impact of culture on the deployed CCO's ability to do their job. There were four objectives of this study. First, those tasks CCOs must accomplish in order to perform their job …
Environmental Attitudes And Behaviors: An Examination Of The Antecedents Of Behavior Among Air Force Members At Work, Mark S. Laudenslager
Environmental Attitudes And Behaviors: An Examination Of The Antecedents Of Behavior Among Air Force Members At Work, Mark S. Laudenslager
Theses and Dissertations
A questionnaire was randomly distributed to members of the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB, OH, with 307 returned. The survey was designed to test the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model developed by Icek Ajzen, and the organizational theory of planned behavior (OTPB) model explored in this research effort. Validation and measurement of the TPB in relation to an organizational setting was accomplished, with the organizational theory of planned behavior (OTPB) developed. The behaviors and intentions individuals have towards recycling, energy conservation, and carpooling were examined, with the demographic variables of gender, age, and education also investigated. …
Motivational Factors In Combat: A Comparison Of German And American Soldiers In World War Ii Using Content Analysis, Douglas J. Traversa
Motivational Factors In Combat: A Comparison Of German And American Soldiers In World War Ii Using Content Analysis, Douglas J. Traversa
Theses and Dissertations
To determine whether content analysis could be used to successfully identify major combat motivational factors for individuals, this research focused on soldiers who fought in World War II. Combat narratives written by men who fought in World War II were examined. Ten German and ten American works were examined. Of these, five of each were the works of flyers and the other five were the works of ground troops. The following factors were examined: "primary group" influence, ideology, attitudes toward the enemy, group leadership, national leadership, personal gratification, propaganda, religion, vindictiveness, desire to end the war and go home, coercion, …
An Air Force Guide To Team Building, Roy M. Gozum
An Air Force Guide To Team Building, Roy M. Gozum
Theses and Dissertations
Team structures are used extensively in civilian, government, and military organizations to accomplish modem task demands that almost always exceed the capabilities of single individuals. As team structures became larger and more complex, managers realized the need for formal team building education. Team building programs serve to facilitate an environment for productive teamwork. However, despite the apparent importance of teams, most organizations overlook the implementation of formal team building programs. Therefore, the purpose of this research is two-fold. First, this thesis examines the evolution and importance of teams, and the subsequent need for the development of formal team building programs. …
An Analysis Of The Usefulness Of Graduate Education To Contracting Professionals As Perceived By Graduates And Their Supervisors, Ursula J. Woodson, Kimberly L. Yoder
An Analysis Of The Usefulness Of Graduate Education To Contracting Professionals As Perceived By Graduates And Their Supervisors, Ursula J. Woodson, Kimberly L. Yoder
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to assess the usefulness of graduate education to contracting professionals as perceived by graduates and their supervisors. Based on a list of 22 skills used by contracting professionals, graduates and their supervisors were surveyed to determine to what extent graduates possess these skills, developed these skills in their graduate degree program, and use these skills in the performance of their jobs. Air Force Institute of Technology Contracting Management Graduates since 1988 and contracting professionals with masters degrees within the Air Force Materiel Command were identified for this study. As a result of this study, …
An Analysis Of Air Force Acquisition Engineering Officer's Perceptions Of The Adequacy Of Their Preparation For Management, Steven E. Woodruff
An Analysis Of Air Force Acquisition Engineering Officer's Perceptions Of The Adequacy Of Their Preparation For Management, Steven E. Woodruff
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine how much time Air Force acquisition engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers spend in performing management functions, how those engineers perceive their management training, and which types of training contribute the most to managerial competency. The results from surveys of 215 acquisition engineers assigned to ASCEN, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and their supervisors revealed that engineers do indeed spend substantial amounts of time performing management functions. Slightly more than half the engineers reported spending at least 50 of an average workday performing management functions. Over 53 of engineers responding to …