Date of Conferral

11-15-2024

Degree

Doctor of Human Services (D.H.S.)

School

Human Services

Advisor

Barbara Benoliel

Abstract

While programs and procedures are in place in the US Military to increase diversity and inclusion of minorities and women in senior level positions, the problem is African Americans continue to remain below the relative national percentage rate compared to their White male counterparts. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore African American veteran Military officers' experiences with promotion and access to career opportunities, and to identify how their social and cultural relationships influenced those opportunities. Khawaja’s theory of workplace relationships provided a lens into the key role of relationships in organizational conflict, teamwork, and inclusion in each employee’s professional life. A purposive convenience sample of six African American veteran Military officers participated in individual interviews to explore their experiences of social belonging and career opportunities in the Military, and the data collected was analyzed using thematic content analysis resulting in six themes: 1) mentorship is needed for leadership development, 2) Military officers need to take personal initiative in professional development and job opportunities, 3) junior officers set personal career aspirations, 4) lack of guidance and a career plan hindered career progression, 5) cultural and social groups influenced job opportunities, and, 6) there were perceived strong connections with peers and senior leaders who shared cultural and social groups. These findings may impact social change by informing research and training in cultural and social group awareness in the Military and encouraging the Department of Defense to reform mentoring and career development for minority officers, aiming for more equitable and inclusive representation at the Military’s senior level.

Download

Share

 
COinS