Prevalence of Careerism among U.S. Air Force Officers

摘要

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of careerism among officers in the US Air Force. Two basic sources of evidence are used to measure this prevalence. First, the attitudes and opinions about careerism from a worldwide sample of officers are analyzed. A questionnaire was used to gather the data. Second, a selected behavior is investigated to determine if careeristic tendencies are evident. Demographic data organized by officer cohort form the basis of this evidence. This study contains seven chapters. Chapter 3 introduces the reader to a new definition of careerism and shows how the concept is measured. Also, it presents a simplistic model that shows how careerism relates to attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes. Chapter 4 explores the causes of careerism. Some of these causes are society, the military system, and the officer personnel system. Chapter 5 examines some earlier studies on careerism. It also analyzes contemporary attitudes on careerism in the Air Force. In chapter 6 an attempt is made to define and measure a behavior that is characteristic of careerism. The careeristic behavior discussed is an officer obtaining an advanced degree for the purpose of promotion. Chapter 7, the final chapter, provides an overall assessment of the problem. It discusses what the Air Force can do and should do to reduce careerism in the officer corps. (SDW)