Exploring the Lived Experiences of Junior U.S. Air Force Military Members: A Phenomenological Journey of Morale

This Dissertation in Practice is a qualitative study of junior military members’ morale and its effect on work satisfaction, work effectiveness, resiliency, and the potential to offset the stress of serving in the United States military. The research question answered in this study was: How do junior military members experience morale in the work environment? This phenomenological study gathered data from junior members of the United States Air Force (USAF) employed between 2- to 7-years using a semi-structured open-ended question protocol. Study participants were asked how they experienced morale, and the perceived effects on their work satisfaction, work effectiveness, and resiliency. The key finding was that leadership is the cornerstone of morale and that it affects multiple areas of a junior enlisted member’s work and family life. The proposed solution is for the U.S. Air Force to implement additional training and education on morale and its vital importance across the force. A recommended path for implementing the proposed solution is provided along with suggestions for future research.

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Boles, Christopher Paul

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Speranza, Carly

• Employee Satisfaction
• Leadership
• Morale
• Qualitative Phenomenological research
• Resiliency
• Stress management

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

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://cdr.creighton.edu/handle/10504/156844

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/156844