Retention and Job Satisfaction
Retention and Job Satisfaction
Retention and Job Satisfaction
2020
Author Note
The author wishes to express sincere appreciation to her Thesis Advisor, Dr. Gabrielle
Blackman, and her Thesis Committee Members, Dr. Casey DeBruyn and Dr. James McGinley.
ProQuest Number: 28155898
In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript
and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed,
a note will indicate the deletion.
ProQuest 28155898
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RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 2
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to identify the best leadership style that increases job
satisfaction and retention in Soldiers of the U.S Army. A total of 423 surveys were submitted, of
the 423, only 255 were found valid based on completeness. There was no single instrument to
measure all variables; therefore, a compilation of surveys was created for leadership style, job
transformational leadership and job satisfaction and transactional leadership and job satisfaction.
Retention questions were individually correlated with both leadership styles. Two retention items
leadership style. Findings are conclusive with the research question, both leadership styles
influence job satisfaction and retention. A major implication of this study is the association with
transformational and transactional leadership and retention and job satisfaction. Although, there
is a robust correlation with both leadership styles it does not suggest that every service member
who is satisfied with their job will retire. Future research should focus on different types of
Army units as they may require a different type of leadership style based on their respective
duties.
Table of Contents
Literature Review 6
Summary and Research Question 13
Method 15
Participants 15
Measures 16
Procedures 18
Data Management 19
Statistical Analysis 20
Results 20
Discussion 22
Limitations 24
Conclusion 26
References 27
Appendix A: Research Announcement 31
Appendix B: Informed Consent Form 32
Appendix C: Questionnaire 35
Appendix D: Tables 41
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 4
For the United States (U.S.) Army, early turnover is a persistent problem involving high
costs associated with selecting, training, recruiting, and attracting Soldiers (Clark et al., 1999;
Sminchise, 2016; Strickland, 2005). About 30% to 35% of enlisted service members separate
before completing their mandatory terms of service (Sanchez, Bray, Vincus & Bay, 2004). It
costs about $20,000 to send an individual through basic training (Clark et al., 1999). According
to Knapp (2020), issues in retaining service members cause shortages of experienced leaders,
lower job satisfaction, and decrease military efficiency. Given the costs involved with Soldier
turnover, the U.S. Army must identify effective ways to retain Soldiers past their first-term
enlistment. Retention refers to the degree to which military personnel willingly choose to stay
after their mandatory term of service has ended (Knapp, 2020). Understanding the decisions
driving Soldier retention is a significant issue (Strickland, 2005). Soldier retention is essential to
Factors affecting retention vary. Although there is much research addressing turnover,
there is not as much examining retention. Sminchise (2016) argues two significant reasons why
Soldiers leave the military include dissatisfaction with the circumstances in the Army and the
desire for alternative opportunities outside of the military. Research on the retention of members
The focus of this study was to examine the effects of leadership style on Soldiers’ job
satisfaction levels and decisions to continue their service. Job satisfaction is the emotional
fulfillment an individual receives from their job (Erwin et al., 2019). Job satisfaction is essential
as a service member who is content with their job is likely to stay. Job satisfaction fosters
retention (Sminchise, 2016). Identifying the right leadership style could increase Soldiers’ job
satisfaction and retention. Effective leaders believe in people and are driven by a set of values to
include loyalty, personal attention, and trust, which could influence followers to experience
Kippenberger (2002) defines leadership style as a style that a leader adopts based on the
contacts with those who follow them. Leadership styles are developed based on the specific
demands of the situation, the requirements of the followers, and challenges facing the
organizations (Erwin, Rahmat, Angga, & Semerdanta, 2019). Burns (1978) theorized that
relationship of mutual stimulation and elevation that converts followers into leaders; it is based
and the life of individuals. Transformational leaders foster the commitment of the follower
towards the organization and give them the motivation to enhance their performance.
make change through example, energizing vision, articulation, and challenging goals. Contrarily,
a transactional leader takes the initiative in making contact with others for an exchange of valued
things (Burns, 1978). Transactional leaders value structure and order, they can command military
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 6
operations as they require rules and regulations to complete objectives on time. Transactional
leaders depend on individuals who are self-motivated and work well in a structured environment.
state described as an association of an employee with the organization, which includes job
2017). The objective of this study was to identify psychological factors and demographics
organizations is essential, given the high cost of training and recruiting new service members a
factor associated with retention is job satisfaction (Booth-Kewley et al., 2017). The sample of the
study consisted of 1,597 active duty Navy Hospital Corpsman composed of only male
participants. The reason for males is the participants are Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Corpsman,
who serves as Field Medical Service Technicians in combat environments. The Corpsmen were
from Camp Pendleton, California, recruited between February 2013 and September 2014.
Participants ranged from enlisted grades only of E-1 to E7, with ages ranging between 18 and 45;
44% of the participants had a high school diploma; 49% were white. Participants for the study
completed a pretest and a post-test survey. The data used for the study came from the pretest
surveys. They completed the surveys in a classroom setting, consisting of a total of eight classes
ranging from 170 to 225 students. Six of the factors showed significant correlations with
for a Corpsman career, and lower depression. Findings demonstrated factors associated with
organizational commitment: the degree of an individual’s job satisfaction and retention. The
study recommends military leaders and policymakers to take concrete steps to address the factors
ways in which organizational commitment could strengthen job satisfaction and retention.
Armijo (2017) studied the transformational leadership style in a military environment and
the attrition and retention of military members. Active duty service members from a unit in the
United States Marine Corps participated in the study. The selection of the sample was limited to
Marines with personal experiences under the leadership of a member with a transformational
leadership style. The sample included members who were active duty, reenlisted at least once,
and had no legal issues pending. Participants were from a unit within the Marines that resemble a
larger U.S. military organization. A total of 20 members took part in the study. To identify
leaders with transformational characteristics and leadership qualities, the author performed
interviews in a group setting with the participants and administered the Multifactor Leadership
Questionnaire (MLQ) electronically. The findings of the study reveal a positive relationship
between transformational leadership and attrition of service members. Attrition was assessed
leadership qualities and retention in the military. It is essential to examine leadership styles as
they play a significant role in job satisfaction and retention. The findings showed that using the
transformational leadership model allows for the empowerment of followers, reducing turnover,
and improving job satisfaction in service members (Armijo, 2017). The study's weaknesses were
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 8
the size of the study and the limitation in only using one unit within the Marines. Not allowing
other units to participate prevents the examination of factors such as differences based on the
Nazim (2016) used a survey research method to identify the relationship between
Principals' transformational and transactional leadership style and job satisfaction. A total of 43
colleges participated in the survey from Punjab, a province of Pakistan. The study included a
random selection of five teachers from each college involved. To rate the teachers’ leadership
styles, Nazim used a questionnaire with seven indicators consisting of three variables associated
with transactional leadership style and four with a transformational leadership style. The second
satisfaction. The findings of the research study showed a significant relationship between
leadership style and job satisfaction. Although both leadership styles showed a correlation with
job satisfaction, transformational leadership had a more substantial relationship with job
and encourages an interest in the organization's commitment by putting it first. The study showed
that both leadership styles were associated with improving job satisfaction; however, the authors
saw a significant increase in transformational leadership. The study only focused on 43 colleges
and excluded mixed colleges, the authors do not state the rationale for the exclusion; yet, it did
limit the population to only colleges from their choosing. Males and females were part of the
study; however, the study should have expanded the populations and allowed mixed colleges to
participate.
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 9
Sanchez, Bray, Vincus, and Bann (2004) studied demographic, physical, and
psychological predictors of job satisfaction in members of the Armed Forces. The data consisted
of 24,881 records collected from a comprehensive data set from the entire military. The
information was from two studies: The Total Force Health Assessment (TFHA) and Perceptions
of Wellness and Readiness (POWR). The individuals selected in both studies were selected using
sex, pay grade, service, ethnicity, race, and locations as the sampling strata (Sanchez et al.,
2004). The focus of the study assessed 12-item Job Pressures scale the items clustered into four
indexes reflecting job versus non-job conflict, quality concern, role conflict, and responsibility.
The analyses were conducted using SUDAAN software for the correlation and statistical
analysis. Results determined that the two significant predictors of job satisfaction in Active Duty
and Reserve/Guard personnel are perceived by the amount of job pressure and job-related issues
such as a supervisor (Sanchez et al., 2004). Although age, pay grade, and race played a vital role
in predicting job satisfaction, the study suggests that job satisfaction is self-selection as older
members are likely to have more happiness and therefore continue with their service. The
findings indicate the military must take steps to increase job satisfaction to increase the
likelihood of members remaining in the military. The study's major strength was the
comprehensive data collected; however, only a few job satisfaction dimensions were examined
in the study. Understanding the leadership style as it correlates to job satisfaction and retention is
vital. Developing leaders to enable and promote soldiers' job satisfaction will help increase
Kane and Tremble (2000) investigated the differential effects of transactional and
transformational leadership behaviors across the United States Army on an increased range of
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 10
secondary outcomes conducive to organizational performance. The data collected and analyzed
consisted of 3,204 Soldiers, both male and female, from 41 battalions in the United States of the
six Army posts. The data came from successive positions in the organizational hierarchy from
leaders, and 160 enlisted members. The soldiers reported views of themselves, the unit, and the
leadership behavior of their direct supervising officer (Kane & Tremble, 2000). The authors used
leadership. The form measures the five forms of transformational behavior: attributed charisma,
consideration. The form also measures three forms of transactional behavior: contingent reward,
four-item job motivation scale to measure job motivation. They collected data using
demographic questionnaires mailed to the contacts for distribution to the participating officers
(Kane & Tremble, 2000). Results were consistent with prior research indicating that
transformational leadership accounts for unique variance in the extra effort put forth by
subordinates (Kane & Tremble, 2000). The results supported Bass’s (1985) theory for an
increased range of subordinate’s job motivation and moral commitment. The study also showed
increased subordinated and group success. The results suggest that organizations should carefully
consider the leadership behaviors they promote. Subordinates are the leaders of tomorrow.
Transformational leadership has a unique effect on outcomes reflecting long term and moral
commitment, which are essential to the retention of Soldiers. Although the research supports the
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 11
organizational performance, it is important to replicate and understand the extent of its findings
by using only one leadership style. The transformational leadership style suggests successful
group development, which is essential in a military setting when considering platoon and
Roibu, Nica, and Hornoiu (2019) studied transformational and transactional leadership as
the primary leadership styles in leading hotel employees. The study’s focus was to find how
empowering leadership can generate business quality, make customers happier, and increase
Romanian tourism. The authors used a qualitative interview, which provided in-depth detail
from the participants’ responses. To analyze the leadership styles, they conducted six interviews
in Romania between May and June 2018. The participants range from the receptionist,
phone and gave participants the option to interview via phone call, message reply, or a face to
face meeting. The benefits of transformational leadership are that it allows for the quick
formulation of vision, uses encouragement to motivate people, and promotes excitement. While a
prominent potential for abuse (Roibu et al., 2019). Both leadership styles are practical and
demonstrated significant benefits for organizations. The study had an exceedingly small sample,
Bernard, Bruce, Dong, and Yair (2013) examined how units running under steady
conditions predict subsequent performance compare to those units under stress and ambiguity.
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 12
To study this, the authors measured the leadership styles of transformational and transactional.
The sample population consisted of 72 platoons made up of three rifle squads and a heavy squad
who participated in joint readiness exercise (Bernard et al., 2013). The total number of
participants ranged between 1,340 and 1,335, with the total number of raters for unit cohesion
and potency of 1,594. The data was collected in the form of a survey from four different Army
posts. MLQ-Form 5X was used to measure 36 leadership items. The study examines how
transactional group reward and transformational leadership of both sergeants and platoon leaders
correlate with unit strength and cohesion and how it predicts performance in challenging
conditions (Bernard et al., 2013). In the context of the study, both leadership styles were
successful in performance. The authors note that the sergeant transformational leadership was
beyond prognostic of unit performance. The explanation behind is that the First Sergeant in the
United States Army has more contact with platoon members on a daily basis as well as greater
tenure in the Army than platoon leaders. The study supports further research necessary to
investigate the leadership style most effective for military service members. It consists of
The literature review suggests that transformational leadership influences job motivation;
therefore, increases job satisfaction and retention while transactional leadership helps increase
rewards which can also help with retention and job satisfaction. (Armijo, 2017; Nazim, 2016)
studied both leadership styles and discovered transactional leadership style, the best predictor for
job satisfaction and retention. However, (Roibu, Nica and Hornoiu 2019) discover that
transformational leadership can carry prominent abuse. While (Bernard et al., 2013) emphasize
on transformational leadership being the best leadership style working under stress and
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 13
satisfaction due to its ability to motivate subordinates. However, transactional leadership rewards
subordinates which in the military is significant for Soldiers, who need recognition for their hard
work. Motivation is important but rewarding Soldiers can go long ways. Both leadership styles
have the capability of increasing job satisfaction and increasing retention; however, in the
military, it is important to identify the best to save money and resources and increase job
satisfaction in an environment where stress is prominent. Finding the right leadership style can
help the military by retaining Soldiers while encouraging job satisfaction. The current research
aims to address the concern. Therefore, the Research question of the current study is
transactional or transformational leadership style the best predictor of Soldiers’ retention and job
satisfaction?
d Armijo (2017) studied the qualitative experience in organizational leadership and the
behaviors of transformational leadership can increase the quality of leader-member exchange and
increase retention in service members. Nazim (2016) explored the relationship between two
transformational and transactional leadership style and job satisfaction. Both studies discover
transformational leadership was better than transactional leadership. Sanchez, Bray, Vincus, and
Bann (2004) studied the demographic, psychological, and physical predictors of job satisfaction
in members of the Armed forces and discovered that a supervisor can intervene to increase job
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 14
satisfaction and retention. Kane and Tremble (2000) studied the differential effects of
transactional and transformational leadership behaviors in the United States Army about
organizational performance and discovered that the unique effects of transformational leaders on
follower’s job motivation increased. Roibu et al. (2019) studied the transformational and
transactional leadership style in hotel employees and discovered that transformational leadership
style influences the formulation of vision and encourages motivation and excitement yet that it
carries prominent abuse while transactional leadership style rewards employees. Bernard et al.,
and discovered that transformational leaders performed better under stress and ambiguity.
The literature review suggests that transformational leadership influences job motivation;
therefore, it increases job satisfaction and retention while transactional leadership helps increase
rewards, which can also help with retention and job satisfaction. Armijo (2017) and Nazim
(2016) studied both leadership styles and discovered the transactional leadership style is the best
predictor for job satisfaction and retention. However, Roibu et al. (2019) discovered that
transformational leadership can carry prominent abuse. While Bernard et al. (2013) emphasized
transformational leadership being the best leadership style working under stress and ambiguity.
The transformational leadership style supports many studies about job satisfaction due to its
in the military is significant for Soldiers who need recognition for their hard work. Motivation is
important, but rewarding Soldiers can go long ways. There are many leadership styles; however,
in the military, it is essential to identify the best to save money and resources and increase job
satisfaction in an environment where stress is prominent. Finding the right leadership style can
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 15
help the military by retaining Soldiers while encouraging job satisfaction. This research aimed to
address the concern. Therefore, the research question of the study was; is transactional or
transformational leadership style the best predictor of Soldiers’ retention and job satisfaction?
Method
Participants
The population for the research was Soldiers of the United States Army. To participate,
the Soldier had to be between the age of 21 and 34, currently serving with a minimum of one
reenlistment. The research was open to all genders. The researcher posted the Research
Announcement on the Facebook pages of several open access groups frequented by Soldiers in
the United States Army. Facebook’s terms of service allow such research postings; see
www.facebook.com/terms. The Research Announcement remained on the social media sites for
four weeks and was re-posted there by the researcher repeatedly to keep the announcement
appearing in the news feed for the selected groups. Some Facebook groups were moderated;
others are not. Some groups include language in their terms disallowing posting on their pages
for research and data collection. The researcher only posted the Research Announcement on
Facebook pages whose terms allow postings for research or data collection purposes. If this was
not clear from the terms, the researcher contacted the group moderator and requested permission
to post the Research Announcement. If permission was granted, the researcher included
documentation of such permission in the present work as an appendix and then posted the
SurveyMonkey. The link took the subject to SurveyMonkey, where the subject first saw and
agreed to the Informed Consent; see Appendix B for text of Informed Consent. If subjects agreed
to the Informed Consent, they were then automatically presented with the survey to complete
online. If subjects did not agree to the Informed Consent, they were taken to a thank you page
and participation was terminated at that point. Although it was unlikely, if subjects experience
any emotional discomfort as a result of completing the survey, they were allowed to contact the
Emotional Distress Hotline, a national mental health hotline, available 24/7 for free, at
1-800-LIFENET. After several weeks, the SurveyMonkey survey was closed and the data
analyzed.
Measures
The goal of the study was to identify what leadership style could increase job satisfaction
and retention in different units in the United States Army. There was no single instrument to
measure all variables; therefore, a compilation of surveys was created. The researcher developed
a survey of 15 questions to measure leadership style. For job satisfaction, the researcher used the
Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), which consisted of 36 items. The researcher developed a 10-item
survey to assess retention, particularly military retention. The measures included a Likert rating
scale to capture the participants perception. The researcher used an aggregate scoring method.
questions were developed. The researcher developed the questions for transformational
Management-by-exception and Contingent Reward also described by Bass (1985). Figure 1 and
Figure 2 demonstrate what component belongs to each question. Both leadership styles were
measured using a 6 point Likert scale; 1- Disagree very much; 2-Disagree moderately;
Job Satisfaction. The researcher used the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), created by Paul
E. Spector, PhD, to measure job satisfaction. Reliability of the questionnaire was at an acceptable
range and its a valid questionnaire to use amongst the military, it was previously reported at 0.86
using the Cronbach's Alpha method. (Gholmi-Fesharaki et al., 2012). The JSS consists of 36
items, with nine facet scales that assess employee attitudes and aspects about the job. Each facet
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 18
was assessed with four items. The items were measured using a six-choice score ranging from
“strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”. The nine facets consisted of; promotion, pay,
supervision, contingent rewards and fringe benefits, coworkers, operating procedures, nature of
work and communication. All nine facets were related to military organizations.
Retention. The researcher developed the retention questions based on the six factors that
career, and lower depression (Booth-Kewley et al., 2017). The questions were developed for
soldiers in the Army with the intent of re-enlisting. A total of 10 questions were created using a 6
point Likert scale for measurement ranging from “strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree”.
See Appendix C for the measure. The survey was reviewed and edited by a doctoral-level
psychologist with a specialization in survey design. This improved the face and content validity
of the survey. Face validity suggests that the survey measures what it aims to measure based
upon a simple reading of the questions. Content validity indicates that the instrument represents
all key aspects of the construct it was designed to measure. Nevertheless, as a new survey
developed specifically for the present research, no data were available on the reliability or
validity of the questions or the instrument beyond face and content validity.
Procedures
The researcher contacted various U.S. Army Facebook Groups and requested permission
to post the Research Announcement (See Appendix A) on the groups. The Research
Announcement included a link to the surveys. The survey was accessed via SurveyMonkey (See
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 19
Appendix C). Following the link, it prompted the participants to read the description and purpose
of the study and the Informed Consent (See Appendix B). If the participant met all qualifications
and agreed to take part, they were directed to complete the survey. If a participant did not meet
the qualifications or refused to participate, they were taken to a thank you page where
participation was terminated. After seven weeks the survey was no longer active. At that moment
Data Management
To ensure the anonymity of the survey participants, in SurveyMonkey, the researcher did
not collect IP addresses. For this study, data from the survey SurveyMonkey was transferred into
an SPSS database for analysis. All the results were presented in aggregate form to protect
subjects' identities. Data was accessible to the researcher only in the form of completed survey
data that was saved and maintained on an encrypted flash drive, kept in a locked file cabinet in
the researcher’s home. The SPSS database used for data analysis was accessible only by using a
strong password known to the researcher and the thesis committee. The dataset did not contain
All electronic data was stored on an encrypted flash drive. No data was stored on any
computer hard drive. Following the completion of the research, the data set and related files are
to be retained by the researcher for a minimum of five years in case questions arise about the
analyses. After the five years, this data will be destroyed using the current Department of
Defense data destruction standards. An affordable technique, such as encryption, will likely be
Statistical Analysis
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 20
The data analysis was conducted using IBM’s SPSS statistical software. Descriptive
statistics were used to include frequencies, mean, range, standard deviation, skewness, and
kurtosis. A correlation analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between the following
retention, transactional leadership and job satisfaction, and transactional leadership and retention.
Results
Participants were recruited via various Facebook Groups specifically for Soldiers in the
United States Army. The survey was available for a total of three weeks. A total of 423 surveys
were submitted, of the 423 only 255 were found valid based on completeness. Table D1
represents the demographics of the respondents. Of the 255 who completed the survey, males
represent 54%, females represent 45%, and 1% preferred not to answer. The mean of the age
group was 34. The position that was reported the most was Staff Sergeant at 32%. The response
rate is unknown as there is no way of knowing how many people viewed the research
announcement.
Leadership Style
Leadership style was measured using a self developed questionnaire with components of
transformational and transactional leadership based on Bass (1985). A 6-point Likert scale was
used to measure leadership style. A total of 255 Soldiers completed the survey. Transformational
leadership was measured using questions 1 through 10 and reported (M=39.3. SD=
14.53).
Transactional leadership was measured using questions 11 through 15 and reported (M=17.7.
6.16). Correlations were used to determine a relationship between the variables as shown in
SD=
Table D3.
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 21
Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction was measured using the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), created by Paul E.
Spector, Ph.D. The JSS consists of 36 items, with nine facet scales that assess employee attitudes
and aspects of the job. The items were measured using a 6-point Likert scale. Job satisfaction
Retention
questions were developed based on the six factors that correlate with organizational
commitment. All retention questions were evaluated individually. The two most important
questions that demonstrated statistically significant correlations with retention (see Correlational
Analyses) were question number 2 “My supervisor plays an important role in my decision to
statistics.
Correlational Analyses
Leadership and Job Satisfaction and transactional leadership and job satisfaction. The
participants' average transformational leadership scores and job satisfaction, as measured (r
(243)=.67, p < .000). Transactional leadership scores and job satisfaction measure as followed
(r( 242)=.64, p < .000). Table D3 shows statistically significant correlations, from which one can
confirm that both leadership styles influence job satisfaction in Soldiers in the United States
Army. Retention questions were measured individually for correlations. Two questions stand out
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 22
the most with a statistically significant correlation between transformational leadership and
retention and transactional leadership and retention. Question number 2 showed a statistically
retention, as measured in the question "my supervisor plays an important role in my decision to
re-enlist" (r(254) = .32, p = .001)). Question number 10 “the encouragement from leadership will
determine if I re-enlist” measured (r(254) = .34, p = .001)). Transactional leadership scores and
retention measure in question “my supervisor plays an important role in my decision to re-enlist"
(r( 253) = .26, p = .001)). Question number 10 “the encouragement from leadership will
determine if I re-enlist” measured (r(253) = .26, p = .001)) based on transactional leadership
scores and retention. Results confirm that a supervisor or leader has a significant role in a
Regression Analyses
Linear regression analyses provided further insight into the relationship between the
variables. The researcher regressed the retention variable (“I plan to retire from the United States
Army once I reach 20 years of service”) and transactional leadership. The model regressing
retention onto transformational leadership was statistically significant (F(1,252) = 5.616, p =019,
R2 =.022). The model regressing retention onto transactional leadership was not statistically
significant (F(1,251 ) =2.932, p =.088 , R2 =.012). The researcher also regressed an aggregate
form of the job satisfaction variable onto transformational leadership and transactional
leadership. The model regressing job satisfaction onto transformational leadership was
statistically significant (F(1 ,241) =183.755, p =001 , R2 =.433). The model job satisfaction onto
transactional leadership was statistically significant (F(1,240 ) =169.259 , p =001, R2 =.414).
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 23
Discussion
The United States Army spends about $20,000 to send an individual through basic
training (Clark et al., 1999). Retention is detrimental to saving the military money. Sminchise
(2016) proposes two major reasons why Soldiers leave the military. Reasons include job
dissatisfaction within the Army and the desire for alternative opportunities outside of the
military. If Soldiers are dissatisfied with their circumstances in the Army, they are likely to leave
the service members causing a loss of about $20,000 per service member. The purpose of this
research was to identify the best leadership style to increase job satisfaction and retention in
soldiers of the United States Army. A correlation analysis was performed to identify if
indicated a significant statistical correlation. The study presents empirical evidence that
transformational leaders can help increase job satisfaction in soldiers of the U.S. Army. The
second hypothesis tested was transactional and job satisfaction. Results show a significant
statistical correlation, implying that transactional leadership helped increase job satisfaction.
The third variables tested were transformational leadership and each retention question. Three
questions show significant statistical correlations. Questions two and three focus on the
supervisor and co-workers playing an important role in the Soldier decision to reenlist. A strong
organization can influence a soldier in their decision to re-enlist. It was also confirmed in
question ten stating that the encouragement of leadership will determine if a soldier reenlist.
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 24
Transactional leadership and each retention question were tested for correlation. A significant
correlation was identified in question two and ten. Based on the results it is determined both
leadership styles play an important role in a soldier's job satisfaction and retention.
Implications
One major implication of this study is the association with transformational and
transactional leadership and retention and job satisfaction. Even though there is a strong
correlation with both leadership styles it does not imply that every service member who is
satisfied with their job will remain in the service until retirement. The military has many
different types of units and many require a different type of leadership style. Transformational
and transactional are only two types of leadership styles and while they may be beneficial for an
and psychological factors are associated with organizational commitment. Findings revealed
that organizational commitment was determined based on the individual's job satisfaction.
While this study shows a significant relationship between retention and job satisfaction it
does not support the research. There was no relationship associated with the leadership style.
In contrast, Armijo (2017) research findings are consistent with job satisfaction and
style, retention, and job satisfaction. Armijo (2017) research involved transformational
leadership style in the military and the attrition and retention of service members. The
findings showed that by using the transformational leadership model leaders empower
followers, reduce turnover, job satisfaction improved in service members (Armijo, 2017).
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 25
This is consistent with the statistical correlation with transformational leadership and job
satisfaction and transformational leadership and retention. Nazim (2016) researched the
relationship between transformational and transactional leadership and job satisfaction. The
study findings correlate with the research. Both leadership styles were associated with
statistical correlation with job satisfaction. Another study consistent with the researcher’s
leading style at a hotel. Both leadership styles demonstrated significant benefits for
organizations and increased satisfaction. Bernard et al. (2013) examined multiple units that
and transactional leadership were used to measure the performance. Both leadership styles
were successful in performance, which is consistent with the research. All research was
consistent with both leadership styles as a factor in increased job satisfaction which
influences retention.
Limitations
There are several major limitations to the current study which elucidate that the
research is not entirely conclusive. The retention and leadership surveys were developed
specifically for this study and therefore; lack validity and reliability. The survey was
available to every enlisted service member in the U.S Army and not to a specific type of unit.
While transformational and transactional leadership have a significant correlation with job
satisfaction and retention, different military units require a specific type of leadership.
Although past research has shown both leadership styles are beneficial in schools, medical
fields, and military units, the military has a distinctive amount of units that run differently.
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 26
Future research should focus on distinctive types of units to identify if both leadership styles
have a positive impact. A final limitation was the response rate to the survey. The survey was
available in multiple Facebook groups and there was not a way to estimate how many
Conclusions
The study was designed to identify the best leadership style that helps influence job
satisfaction and retention in the United States Army soldiers. The findings of the study
suggest that both transformational and transactional leadership persuade job satisfaction and
retention. The Army should focus on helping leadership master the best leadership style for
their unit. Transformational leadership works well in changing the environment, influencing
recognizing their hard work; it promotes job satisfaction and retention. Both leadership styles
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RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 31
Appendix A
Research Announcement
The purpose of the research is to identify what leadership style increases job satisfaction and
retention in Soldiers of the United States Army.
If you are interested in taking the survey, please click here for more information:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BKTGPLZ
This study will be anonymous, so no one will know that you were a participant and no one will
ever be able to connect your answers to your identity.
Appendix B
Your participation in this research is voluntary. Your decision whether or not to participate will
not affect your current or future relations with Purdue University Global. If you decide to
participate, you are free to withdraw at any time without affecting that relationship.
A link to the informed consent and the questionnaires will be available via Facebook groups. It
will take approximately 13 minutes to complete. Questions will elicit you to reflect on different
aspects of your job in the United States Army.
Participating in the research may help identify the best leadership style for units in the United
States Army that can help increase job satisfaction and retention in service members. The
research will suggest what leadership style is the best fit for leaders to adopt.
Any information that is obtained in connection with this study and that can be identified with you
will remain confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or as required by law.
Will I be reimbursed for any of my expenses or paid for my participation in this research?
At this time, no reimbursement is available for participation in this research.
Remember: Your participation in this research is voluntary. Your decision whether or not to
participate will not affect your current or future relations with Purdue University Global. If you
decide to participate, you are free to withdraw at any time without affecting that relationship.
RETENTION AND JOB SATISFACTION 34
You may keep a copy of this form for your information and your records.
Signature of Subject
I have read (or someone has read to me) the above information. I have been given an opportunity
to ask questions and my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I agree to participate
in this research. I have been given a copy of this form.
Signature Date
Printed Name
Appendix C1
Demographics
Appendix C2
The following questions are related to your supervisor. Please select the response that most
reflects your opinion about it.
Responses are as follows; 1-Disagree very much; 2-Disagree moderately; 3-Disagree slightly;
4-Agree slightly; 5-Agree moderately; 6-Agree very much
3. My supervisor demonstrates moral conduct to the United States Army Ethics and Values.
giving me time off (four day pass), paying for my lunch, awards etc.,
13. When someone complaints about my behavior to my supervisor he/she uses corrective
Appendix C3
The following questions are related to your opinion about your job.
1-Disagree very much; 2-Disagree moderately; 3-Disagree slightly; 4-Agree slightly; 5-Agree
moderately; 6-Agree very much
2. There is really too little chance for promotion at my job. (Reverse scored)
5. When I do a good job, I receive the recognition for it that I should receive.
6. Many of our rules and procedures make doing a good job difficult. (Reverse scored)
11. Those who do well on the job stand a fair chance of being promoted.
13. The benefits we receive are as good as most other organizations offer.
16. I find I have to work harder at my job because of the incompetence of people I work
18. The goals of this organization are not clear to me.(Reverse scored)
19. I feel unappreciated by the organization when I think about what they pay me.(Reverse
scored)
21. My supervisor shows too little interest in the feelings of subordinates.(Reverse scored)
23. There are few rewards for those who work here.(Reverse scored)
26. I often feel that I do not know what is going on with the organization.(Reverse scored)
29. There are benefits we do not have which we should have.(Reverse scored)
32. I don’t feel my efforts are rewarded the way they should be.(Reverse scored)
Appendix C4
Retention
The following questions are related to different aspects in your career that will determine if you
will re-enlist with the United States Army.
Responses are as follow: 1-Disagree very much; 2-Disagree moderately; 3-Disagree slightly;
4-Agree slightly; 5-Agree moderately; 6-Agree very much
1. I plan to retire from the United States Army once I reach 20 years of service.
Appendix D
Table D1
Age 34
Gender
Male 54.5%
Female 45.1%
Position
Sergeant 16.5%
Hispanic 23.1%
White/Caucasian 51.0%
Table D2
Responses on the x Questionnaire (N=100) < To be used with a Likert Scale Measure
Subscales Mean SD