Women in the Military: Pregnancy, Command Climate, Organizational Behavior, and Outcomes. Part II
Abstract
The primary accomplishment of this study was the documentation of pregnant servicewomen's perspectives on what it means to be pregnant in the military and how work experiences influence delivery outcomes, performance, intentions to stay in the military, psychological well-being, and actual turnover. Comparisons of the demographic characteristics of active duly pregnant women with the population of military women were made. A measure of Work Climate was developed and validated. A longitudinal assessment of maternal medical conditions, turnover, work climate work reassignment, career opportunities. Work absences, turnover and delivery outcomes were tested. Most were not reassigned work due to pregnancy. Primary reasons were exposure to hazardous materials and physical requirements. Reassigned participants were more likely to intend to leave the organization. The majority reported pregnancy had no effect on career opportunities. Psychologically healthy pregnant personnel were more likely to perceive better career opportunities, coworker support and intended to stay in the organization. The majority worked at least 40 hours a week and missed less than one day per month throughout pregnancy. Personnel with more medical conditions missed more work. The majority intended to stay prior to and during pregnancy. Turnover intentions and actual turnover were positively associated. Neither turnover intention nor actual turnover were significantly related to baby outcomes. Covariance structural model results indicated rank, tenure, prior turnover intentions, work climate, and health affected turnover. Maternal medical conditions, psychological health, and work climate predicted complicated baby outcomes. Demographics did not predict adverse delivery outcomes. In a longitudinal model, only changes in psychological health predicted adverse delivery outcomes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA349390
Entities
People
- Leora Rosen
- Mary A. Evans
Organizations
- Army Medical Department