Date
4-29-2026
Department
Graduate School of Business
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Organization and Management (PhD)
Chair
William Adams
Keywords
veteran transition, civilian employment, military veterans, leadership support
Disciplines
Business | Leadership Studies
Recommended Citation
Buchanan, Kimberly S., "Bridging the Gap: Leadership Support for Military Veterans Who Transition to Civilian Employment" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8190.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8190
Abstract
A gap in leadership support hinders military veteran employees from effectively leveraging their skill sets during their transition from military service to civilian employment, leading to decreased performance, low job satisfaction, and reduced retention of Veteran talent. This flexible qualitative single-case study explored why gaps in leadership support exist for military veteran employees, the extent to which these gaps hinder the utilization of their skill sets, and how leaders can address them. The study included semistructured interviews with 18 military veteran participants, representative of the U.S. Military and diverse in backgrounds. Data analysis involved coding, theme development, and review of organizational documents. The results suggested that gaps in leadership support for military veteran employees stem from leaders’ limited understanding of military culture, low leadership engagement, and ineffective leadership communication. These gaps hinder the utilization of skill sets to varying degrees through underutilization of veterans' skill sets, and a lack of leadership guidance and reciprocal support, contributing to disengagement, boredom, confusion, reduced performance, isolation or working in silos, and, in some cases, a search for new employment. The findings also suggest leaders can improve these gaps through structured transition programs, veteran-inclusive workplace practices, holistic veteran support, and leadership development focused on communication, mentorship, and cultural competency. Practical implications indicate that effective leadership support occurs through daily leadership activities, including clear communication, ongoing engagement, access to resources, and reciprocal support. These practices can strengthen relationships, improve performance, create a satisfying environment, and enhance retention of military veteran employees in civilian organizations.
