Selective Retention: A Longitudinal Analysis. I. Factors Related to Recruit Training Attrition.
Abstract
The purpose of the present study, the first in a series of longitudinal turnover investigations, was to assess the impact of individual and organizational variables as multivariate predictors of attrition during recruit training. A sample of 4911 recruits was administered a questionnaire on the fourth day of recruit training to obtain information about various demographics, enlistment motivations, general Navy attitudes, personality variables, and work outcomes. Results indicated important differences between eventual attrites and nonattrites. The best predictor of attrition was the reported intention to complete one's enlistment. Also, attrites were more influenced to join the Navy because of reactions to events in their civilian environments; and nonattrites, by opportunities to obtain various 'self' needs. Attrities also perceived work outcomes as less desirable and did not expect them to occur within a Navy setting to the same extent as did nonattrites. It was concluded that, during recruit training, individual-type variables were more significant predictors of attrition than were organizational variables. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA062516
Entities
People
- Arthur J. Farkas
- Samuel B. Landau
Organizations
- Bureau of Naval Personnel