Challenging Veteran Stereotypes: An Investigation Around Veteran Status and Its Influence on Aggression, Ostracism, Stress, and Counterproductive Work Behaviors
Open Access
Author:
Tirrell, Bruce
Graduate Program:
Human Resources and Employment Relations (MS)
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
March 18, 2022
Committee Members:
Paul Clark, Program Head/Chair Kameron Carter, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Dorothea Roumpi, Committee Member Susan Mohammed, Committee Member
Keywords:
Veterans Military Veteran Stereotypes Aggression Stress Counterproductive Work Behaviors Organizational Citizenship Behaviors Ostracism Emotional Stability Military Identity Military Culture
Abstract:
Although recent unemployment among U.S. military veterans has fallen to levels relatively consistent with non-veteran unemployment rates, statistics show that veterans have historically endured a higher rate of unemployment than non-veterans. Research has shown that one of the issues potentially having a negative impact on veteran employment is bias toward veterans based on stereotypes held by civilians. Examples of common veteran stereotypes include the belief most veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are therefore unstable and more likely to be aggressive; and that the highly structured and hierarchal culture of the military causes veterans to have significant difficulty adjusting to civilian business culture. The current study examined the relationship between veteran status and outcomes/assumptions related to military stereotypes such as aggression, stress, and work behaviors (i.e., OCBs and CWBs). Ostracism and emotional stability were also analyzed as possible mediators between veteran status and other outcomes. Data was collected via a survey of Pennsylvania State University graduate and undergraduate students comprised of 98 veterans and 96 non-veterans. The results provide initial support disproving negative stereotypes associated with veterans. Practical implications and future research recommendations are discussed.
