The Impact of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Programs on Aviator Retention
Abstract
In the U.S. Navy, there are two main bases where fighter squadrons are based Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana and NAS Lemoore. A belief widely held by those familiar with life at NAS Lemoore is that the paucity of local leisure and recreation opportunities is affecting QOL among those stationed at NAS Lemoore. The objective of this study was to compare QOL and the impact of MWR programs on retention among officers and enlisted in the aviation community at both. A second focus of this study examined the impact of the MWR golf program on retention at NAS Lemoore and NAS Oceana. NAS Oceana was selected as the comparison base for this study because it had a similar mission with the same broad range of recreation programs/services with the exception of an on-base golf course (NAS Lemoore does not have an on-base golf course whereas NAS Oceana does). Results generally support the notion that there is a significant relationship between life need satisfaction and organizational outcomes (i.e., global QOL, job performance, organizational commitment, and retention plans). Results also indicate that satisfaction with MWR Programs appeared more consistently related to global QOL and organizational commitment than retention plans. When asked directly, most respondents from both bases reported that MWR programs had neither a positive nor negative effect on retention plans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA406297
Entities
People
- Michael J. Schwerin
Organizations
- Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology