Job satisfaction and race among military officers

Abstract

This thesis investigated the extent of variation in levels of job satisfaction among military officers that could be attributed to race. The data came from the 1978 Department of Defense Survey of Officers and Enlisted Personnel conducted by the Rand Corporation. The population analyzed was black and white officers in all four services, with the ranks of 01 through 03, who were still within their initial period of obligated service. Factor analysis was performed on a set of job characteristics to determine if differences existed between the black and white officers in the ranking and relative importance of these characteristics. The results of the factor analysis were used to formulate two multivariate models that explain job satisfaction for black and white officers separately. Knowledge of the aspects of work that are important to these officers can provide manpower planners with information that can improve the attainment of recruiting and retention goals in the future.