Date
12-4-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Ralph L. Ogburn
Keywords
Air Force, job satisfaction, qualitative case study, retention, supervisor support, teleworking, military
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Nelson, Gregory L. Jr, "Understanding How Supervisor Support for Teleworking Shapes Job Satisfaction and Retention in the Military" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7766.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7766
Abstract
For United States military members, balancing work and personal life often proves more elusive than facing the realities of war. This qualitative study reviewed how supervisor support for teleworking shapes job satisfaction and retention among 15 Air Force members at Beale Air Force Base, California. Supported by the social exchange theory (SET) and the theory of work adjustment (TWA), the study examines three questions: (1) how do members describe the influence of supervisor support on their job satisfaction and the perceived effectiveness of teleworking within their organizational setting, (2) how do teleworking members perceive organizational support as influencing their job satisfaction and decisions about retention, and (3) what challenges do teleworkers encounter in receiving supervisor support, and how do they perceive these challenges as influencing their job satisfaction and retention. The semi-structured interview collected data from Airmen with teleworking experience, assessing their responses through a six-phase thematic analysis. The findings show that leadership, work-life harmony, and reliable infrastructure increased satisfaction, while the lack of human interaction, accountability, and work classification constraints were challenges. The results expand SET by showing supervisor support as a critical exchange resource, and TWA demonstrated the role of teleworking in aligning individual and organizational needs. Implications include improving digital leadership practices through training, addressing technological barriers with enhanced software, and adopting balanced telework policies that not only increase mission readiness but also support personnel's well-being.
