Gender Analysis of the Professional Development of Officers Study (PDOS) Survey
Abstract
One of the recommendations of the Professional Development of Officers Study Group (PDOS) was further analysis of their survey data regarding gender, differences. To that end, responses for each survey item were analyzed gender, and combat role. Gender differences by company and field grades were found on 49 of the 105 questions. Response frequencies were presented for each item on which responses differed by gender. In general, women officers were less positive about the professional development of officers than were men. These findings indicate an overall picture of women officers (particularly in company grades) as being: less satisfied with an Army career; less committed to the Army; less confident of their own and fellow officers wartime abilities; less positive about the Officer Professional Development System; less positive about the Army School System; less confident in the promotion system; less influenced by inducements and socialization; and less confident of the values of their fellow officers. Women also report receiving less Army sponsored schooling than men and less mentoring than men. Women emphasized the need to train for command and staff duties (versus just command or just staff, and to increase resources for officer development in TOE and TDA units. The indications that the perception of being involved and satisfied is higher in the field grades is probably due to self and systemic selection factors. Like the male respondents, by the time female officers reach the rank of Major, they are likely to be more committed to the Army and its values. Their success indicates more satisfaction and identification with the organization and maybe a direct result of a greater commitment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA168878
Entities
People
- Douglas C. Rachford
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences