The Use of Incentives in Light Infantry Platoons

Abstract

This research examined the perceptions of 995 soldiers in light infantry platoons concerning standard incentives in their unit and whether the incentives were given to the right soldiers. Incentives examined were (1) public recognition for a job well done, (2) passes, (3) awards, (4) specialized training courses, (5) letters of appreciation or commendation, and (6) promotions. About 70% of the soldiers reported that the incentives were only seldom or occasionally used; about 50% responded that they were sometimes given to the wrong people. Use of the incentives was significantly correlated with the levels of soldier motivation, job satisfaction, identification with the Army, pride in being a platoon member, cohesion, unit climate, perceived training proficiency, and positive unit training expectations. The report includes suggestions to improve the management of incentives.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA250425

Entities

People

  • Guy L. Siebold
  • Twila J. Lindsay

Organizations

  • U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Classification
  • Education
  • Families (Human)
  • Frequency
  • Identification
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Learning
  • Military Research
  • Observers
  • Perception
  • Personnel Management
  • Ratings
  • Recognition
  • Rotation
  • Social Sciences
  • Surveys
  • Training

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Marksmanship and Weaponry.
  • Naval Personnel Management
  • Organizational Psychology.