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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Christopher B. Stone, Andrea R. Neely, William Phillips and Ryan P. Terry

The aim of this work is to enhance workplace diversity and inclusion by exploring and addressing unique barriers faced by veterans during their transition from military service to…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this work is to enhance workplace diversity and inclusion by exploring and addressing unique barriers faced by veterans during their transition from military service to civilian occupations.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on existing expatriate theory, we introduce the Veteran Employment Transition (VET) model. Drawing parallels between veterans and expatriates, the model illustrates key antecedents crucial for a successful transitional adjustment.

Findings

The proposed VET model outlines essential factors contributing to successful veteran transitions. These factors include individual factors such as language skills, job and organization factors such as role clarity and nonwork factors.

Research limitations/implications

The VET model establishes a foundation for future research on veteran transition and answers the call for theory development in the field.

Practical implications

The insights derived from the VET model offer practical recommendations for designing interventions and transition support programs tailored to the unique needs of returning veterans.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper lies in the development of the VET model, offering a novel perspective for understanding and addressing the distinctive challenges faced by returning United States (US) military veterans.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 5 September 2018

Sara Kintzle and Carl A. Castro

The transition from military service to civilian employment is one of the most important factors related to post-service well-being and success. It is also one of the biggest…

Abstract

The transition from military service to civilian employment is one of the most important factors related to post-service well-being and success. It is also one of the biggest challenges. The majority of veterans describe finding a job as the greatest challenge in transitioning to civilian life. While research has demonstrated a number of contributory factors related to difficulty in finding employment, a conceptual framework for understanding such challenges has yet to be proposed. Military transition theory describes the progression through which service members’ transition out of the military and illustrates how certain factors may create susceptibility to negative transition outcomes. The purpose of this chapter is to utilize the military transition theory to provide a foundation for understanding the factors related to successful transition to the civilian workplace after military separation.

Details

Occupational Stress and Well-Being in Military Contexts
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-184-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2020

John C. Dexter

Upon discharge, US service members experience an instantaneous immersion back into civilian life. One of the most challenging aspects of that reimmersion is the reentry/entry into…

3068

Abstract

Purpose

Upon discharge, US service members experience an instantaneous immersion back into civilian life. One of the most challenging aspects of that reimmersion is the reentry/entry into the civilian workforce. As such, it is necessary to study the returning veteran's employment experience when considering the veteran's civilian reintegration. The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate the returning veteran's civilian employment experience and to identify challenges faced by the veteran in the civilian onboarding experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a qualitative analysis in which 27 military veterans were interviewed about their experience with civilian reemployment. The results of the interviews were compiled, analyzed and grouped by common theme. This study explains some of the major issues confronted by the newly separated veteran and discusses how those challenges may influence job satisfaction and job performance.

Findings

The analysis identified the following three main themes that posed challenges to the veteran to civilian employment transition: civilian employer’s military job knowledge deficit, veteran anxiety with civilian employer’s lack of clearly defined new-hire processes and civilian employer misunderstanding of veteran compensation, benefits and family involvement expectations.

Research limitations/implications

This study is beneficial to scholars in as much as it will help to more clearly identify literature gaps, provide direction on emerging research concepts, add to the existing literature on the veteran to civilian transitions and connect research areas that have not yet been adequately studied. Future research would be well served to follow a similar program of research but by employing different research methods in order to address the limitations outlined above and further support the findings of this research. Specifically, future research should sample across a wider set of individuals as study participants (time since discharge, age, military rank at time of separation, reserve status, etc.). By doing this, future researchers may be able to determine how perceptions change over time and with regard to military experience. A second area of future research may be to conduct related research based on civilian employment opportunities and qualifications. Specific areas of study to be considered should be focused primarily on the macro issues such as military leadership and translating military experiences and skill sets to civilian contexts. Unlike other findings in this research, these two areas cannot be affected at the organizational level, and as such require concept exploration and clarity.

Practical implications

This study provides guidance and direction for veterans and employers alike by outlining areas that may be challenging for new-hire military veterans and bringing to light areas where the civilian onboarding experience can improve to better accommodate veterans. Further, this study identifies areas that directly or indirectly contribute to high veteran turnover rates and ultimately high veteran unemployment rates.

Originality/value

This original quantitative study conducted by the author specifically identifies several areas in the veteran to civilian employment transition that pose challenges for the returning veteran. All data for this study were gathered and analyzed using first-hand face-to-face interviews and established data analysis methods by the researcher.

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2021

Jihye Oh, Melika Shirmohammadi, Shinhee Jeong and Jia Wang

Military officials who become accustomed to the distinct culture of the military face a variety of challenges when attempting to transition into the civilian workforce as veterans

Abstract

Purpose

Military officials who become accustomed to the distinct culture of the military face a variety of challenges when attempting to transition into the civilian workforce as veterans. These hardships even pertain to short- and mid-term veterans (SMVs) who leave the military at early career stages to pursue alternative career options. In this study, the authors explored the career construction decisions made by South Korean SMVs who left their military careers and successfully transitioned into the civilian workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a phenomenology approach and conducted a semi-structured interview with 19 SMVs to unpack their career transition experiences.

Findings

The authors identified the motivational factors that encourage SMVs to develop their four career adaptabilities and illustrated the necessity for such qualities pre- and post-transition. Furthermore, the authors characterized each individual experience by the theoretical constructs of career adaptability and highlighted the contextual characteristics that prompted the emergence of career adaptability.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of career mobility at early career stages and how career adaptability is developed and manifested in the context of transitioning from the military to civilian society.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 27 December 2018

Catherine Ward

Due to the country’s most recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the enactment of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, colleges and universities across the United States have experienced a…

Abstract

Due to the country’s most recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the enactment of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, colleges and universities across the United States have experienced a remarkable increase in student veteran enrollment. As a result, many college campuses have been challenged with knowing how to effectively support veterans as they transition from military life to college life. Although there is notable good intention, this challenge can impact an institution’s ability to offer adequate support. Consequently, many student veterans remain at the margins of the college experience, often affected by their distinct circumstances and a campus that may not be fully prepared to support them. This is a matter of equity and inclusion at its core. Students who are not well understood are likely to be underrepresented and underserved. Therefore, veterans must be included in the equity and inclusion conversation. A review of the literature confirms that student veteran support must involve a greater understanding of the student veteran experience, address institutional barriers to access, replace deficit models of support with more equitable practices, and challenge the dominant paradigm of student success that overemphasizes students’ individual and group characteristics and overlooks the role educators play in student achievement.

Details

Perspectives on Diverse Student Identities in Higher Education: International Perspectives on Equity and Inclusion
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-053-6

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 August 2016

Elliot Bolles and Kami Patrizio

This study investigates the leadership tenets informing veterans’ work as school leaders. Drawing on 15 interviews and surveys with military veterans working as educational…

Abstract

This study investigates the leadership tenets informing veterans’ work as school leaders. Drawing on 15 interviews and surveys with military veterans working as educational leaders, the study relies on Stake’s (2006) case study method to substantiate assertions that veterans: 1) come into education without the support of a transitional program, 2) are committed to taking care of their people, 3) have a strong belief in service, 4) are influenced by leadership that they have witnessed, and 5) are equipped to manage delegating and accountability by virtue of military experiences.

Details

Journal of Leadership Education, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1552-9045

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Karen Burnell, Adrian Needs and Kim Gordon

Informal social support is often sought by veterans to support reminiscence or cope with traumatic memories. However, it can also encourage unhelpful ways of coping, such as…

Abstract

Purpose

Informal social support is often sought by veterans to support reminiscence or cope with traumatic memories. However, it can also encourage unhelpful ways of coping, such as avoidance, or may be absent altogether. This project is borrowed from the growing peer support literature. The purpose of this paper is to explore the suitability of peer support services to enhance the wellbeing for older veterans, when naturally occurring support is absent or unhelpful.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a sequentially staged research programme involving a scoping review of current practice and evidence, and a consultation with veterans. In total, ten veterans (nine male, one female) took part in the consultation (M=66 years).

Findings

Peer support was considered suitable, particularly in addressing loneliness and social isolation. There was an understandable concern regarding its use with more complex issues such as trauma. An added issue was the implicit assumption that this consultation concerned transition; supporting younger veteran as they move from military to civilian life. This mirrored the focus of current UK policy and affected the focus of the consultation. Issues were also raised around the sustainability of services more broadly.

Social implications

Peer support is appropriate in supporting older veterans, but must be implemented in a sustainable way. Raising awareness of the needs of older veterans in older adult services is an important implication for service development and delivery.

Originality/value

There is a considerable lack of research concerning older veterans, particularly concerning their formal and informal social support needs. This paper addresses the current gap in the literature.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2021

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

634

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This research paper concentrates on the transition experiences of recent military veterans into civilian employment. The interview-based results revealed that, firstly, veterans were struck by civilian employers' lack of knowledge about military jobs and skills. Secondly, the comparatively loose hiring and training processes experienced in civilian firms were a source of anxiety and frustration for military veterans. Thirdly, civilian employers clearly didn't understand the significantly different military compensation and benefits structure, nor the high level of family involvement in military life. Consequently, these civilian employers were deemed to possess little context around the environments these veterans were joining from.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Details

Human Resource Management International Digest , vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-0734

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2015

Chloe Persian Mills, Emily Bounds Paladino and Jacqueline Courtney Klentzin

– The purpose of this study is to investigate whether student veterans have specific library-related needs and how librarians can best meet them.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether student veterans have specific library-related needs and how librarians can best meet them.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers developed a survey which was administered both online and in paper copies. The survey results indicated need for further investigation; six face-to-face interviews with volunteers were conducted.

Findings

Principle findings were that while student veterans do resemble nontraditional students in their needs and characteristics, important distinctions from that population could be noted. In addition, dedicated student veteran centers and/or offices provide librarians with the best possible means of communications with this particular population.

Research limitations/implications

This case study demonstrates that individual institutions are well-served to investigate the specific characteristics of their own student veteran population. Librarians can utilize outreach to student veterans through their institution’s veteran center (if available), and may wish to employ the specific outreach practices detailed in the study.

Originality/value

Virtually no other qualitative or quantitative research regarding the specific needs and characteristics of this academic population exists in the literature of the library sciences, and the academic literature that does address the population, coming from the student services arena, does not include mention of academic libraries.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 43 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2019

Jill Manthorpe and Stephanie Bramley

The purpose of this paper is to review evidence about the role of education in supporting ex-service personnel to move to social care work with older people. Social care has…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review evidence about the role of education in supporting ex-service personnel to move to social care work with older people. Social care has long-standing, well-recognised problems of staff recruitment and retention in many jurisdictions. Within ageing societies, the need for more social care staff is predicted to rise. Therefore, policy makers and employers are exploring if there are untapped sources of potential employees. Some ex-service personnel may be interested in exploring a move to social care work with older people but may need to gain additional qualifications.

Design/methodology/approach

Databases and grey literature were searched systematically to provide an overview of the evidence on this topic. Six articles were included in the review.

Findings

A narrative analysis revealed two themes: preparing ex-service personnel for enrolment onto health and social care programmes, and supporting ex-service personnel during health and social care programmes.

Research limitations/implications

This review was confined to English language studies published between 2008 and 2018. Few mentioned specific user or client groups.

Originality/value

This review identified evidence gaps relating to whether the skills, education, training and experience gained in the armed services are transferable to civilian social care work with older people; the types of support which are offered to ex-service personnel who are interested in completing qualifications necessary for social care roles and the views of ex-service personnel about their experiences of completing educational courses to facilitate a transition into social care work with older people.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

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