Author: Rosalie K. Ambler

Publisher:

Published: 1966

Total Pages: 20

ISBN-13:

It was hypothesized that morale level as measured by a self-rating scale would vary as a function of the subject's own definition of morale. During the week of their graduation from training, 560 Naval aviation trainees were administered an anonymous questionnaire that, among other things, asked them to give their own definition of morale. They were then instructed to note the morale of their own group in advanced training on a ten-point scale with their own definition as a frame of reference. A content analysis of the definitions was made, and three definition areas were identified. These can be described briefly as task oriented, group oriented, and feeling oriented. Mean morale rates were obtained for the subjects falling in each of the definition categories. Significant differences among this array of means were demonstrated. The task oriented group yielded the highest mean, with group oriented and feeling oriented following in that order. Hypotheses for further study were developed. (Author)