Leadership Experiences of Enlisted Airmen During Force Management Phases: An Empirical Phenomenological Stud

The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of enlisted Airmen with leader actions when required to make the decision to separate from service or retrain into critical career fields. Data were collected using an empirical phenomenological research design in conjunction with the long interview method approach as described by Moustakas. Data analyses interviews were conducted using a manual spreadsheet matrix with results validated from the NVivo 11 software. The study sample included 10 enlisted Airmen who were targeted by force management programs in the Air Force. Participants described their feelings concerning their leaders' actions when forced to make critical career decisions. Interviews were captured by digitally recording each interview using a 20-question interview guide aligned with the established research question. The five emergent themes from the data analysis were: (a) leadership support and guidance, (b) leadership influences and traits, (c) enlisted experiences, (d) decisions, and (e) career goals. Enlisted Airmen expressed concern about the lack of knowledge and lack of support senior leaders provided during force management cycles. In this study, enlisted Airmen understood the purpose and the intent of force management programs. Participants identified the need for senior leaders to work to better understand the career guidance needs of their enlisted Airmen and provide the desired level of support. The recommendations for action included the need for the Air Force to start working with the study-targeted installation and initiate a climate survey to allow enlisted Airmen to share their personal feelings and possible solutions anonymously.