Undue Influence: The Dangerous Side Effects of Toxic Leaders on USAF Pilot Retention

The United States Air Force (USAF) has struggled with pilot retention for decades. Though solutions have largely focused on quality of life and monetary incentives, the influence of leadership on retention decisions has yet to be thoroughly studied. This qualitative phenomenological study sought to explore the lived experiences of current and former mobility pilots to determine if or how toxic leaders influenced their decision to stay in or separate from active duty service after their initial service commitment. Through deep interpretation and thematic analysis, the lived experiences of participants revealed three themes which captured their experiences with toxic leaders, the impact on personal and professional well-being, and various coping mechanisms utilized to deal with these experiences. The findings suggested that Mobility Air Force (MAF) leaders are ill-prepared for the responsibilities levied upon them and toxic leaders negatively influenced turnover decisions. Proposed solutions are discussed to include developing an enduring leader development course and increasing organizational transparency within the USAF.

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Carlson, Cataleya

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Koonce, Rob

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/136141

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/136141