Accession Number:

AD1079467

Title:

Returning to Centerline: How the Air Force Could Better Leverage Human Behavior and Motivation Theories to Increase Retention

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

AIR UNIV MAXWELL AFB AL MAXWELL AFB

Personal Author(s):

• Blom,Gregory M.

Report Date:

2018-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

93.0

Abstract:

The Air Force is facing a severe retention challenge that is affecting the health of the force. One stark example is pilot manning As of November 2017, the Air Force was short 2,000 pilots. This shortfall has prompted Congress to insist top Air Force leaders find ways to reverse the trend. A common starting point in past retention efforts has been to evaluate compensation. Many people may think in terms of monetary benefits when discussing compensation however, the DOD also routinely uses non-monetary incentives as part of their comprehensive compensation packages. Surprisingly, however, the DOD has not assessed the effectiveness of non-monetary measures with regard to incentivizing behavior. This thesis explores the effectiveness and limitations of monetary and non-monetary incentives by integrating extant theories to create a new, proposed model of behavior and motivation. Insight gained will provide Air Force leaders recommendations to inform decisions on incentives available to reduce personnel compensation costs and increase retention.

Descriptors:

• military pilots
• personnel management
• employment
• organization theory
• management personnel
• financial management
• human behavior
• flight crews
• pilots
• psychology
• active duty
• administrative personnel

Subject Categories:

• Military Forces and Organizations
• Personnel Management and Labor Relations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE