Accession Number:

ADA210506

Title:

Family Factors Affecting Retention: A Review of the Literature

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Jan 1976-Sep 1987

Corporate Author:

RESEARCH TRIANGLE INST RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK NC

Personal Author(s):

• Etheridge, Rose M.

Report Date:

1989-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

35.0

Abstract:

This report summarizes and critiques prior research linking family factors to soldier retention over the last 15 years. The research shows a consistent relationship between spouse support for the military career and both career intent and actual retention behavior. The more positive and supportive the spouse, the greater the likelihood of the soldiers remaining in the military. The soldiers satisfaction with the military as a good place to raise a family, degree of organizational commitment, and satisfaction with military life are also related to retention. Awareness of the existence of community programs even when they are not used increases satisfaction with military life and enhances retention. However, the relationship between retention and satisfaction with specific family programs, policies, and other aspects of military life is less clear. The review shows that little is known about the process used by families to make actual retention decisions. Such information should be useful to policy makers and program managers who would like to influence that decision to benefit the Army. The review also showed the need for multivariate and other more sophisticated research designs for testing the relative influence of key family variables in the stay-leave decision.

Descriptors:

• *JOB SATISFACTION
• *FRINGE BENEFITS
• MILITARY PERSONNEL
• POLICIES
• DECISION MAKING
• COMMUNITIES
• ARMY PERSONNEL
• FAMILY MEMBERS
• CONSISTENCY
• CAREERS
• BEHAVIOR
• PERSONNEL RETENTION
• AWARENESS

Subject Categories:

• Psychology
• Personnel Management and Labor Relations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE