Book Description

This review and critical analysis of attempts at morale measurement presents the first phase of an investigation aimed at developing an effective means for measuring morale among Air Force personnel. The uses of morale measures as predictors and as criteria are noted, and the implications of each usage for measurement are discussed. The problem of scale dimensionality is analyzed, and studies are cited demonstrating the confusion resulting from erroneous assumptions of unidimensionality. An analysis of low intercorrelations among diverse morale relevance emphasizes notions of dimensional relevance and concept relevance. A review of definitions of morale points out such problems as the equating of job satisfaction and morale, individual and group references, and definitions for which no measurement operations presently exist. The collection of methodologies and conceptualizations which, in effect, constitute the body of morale theory, is reviewed with particular attention to conclusions drawn from factor analysis. These results give a basis for a more exact and complete analysis of the dimensions of Air Force morale.