A Phenomenological Study: Exploring the Lived Experiences of How Male Black Combat Specialty Officers Achieved Personal and Organizational Career Success in the U.S. Military

Abstract

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of retired Black Combat Specialty Officers' understanding of personal and organizational success during their careers in the United States military. The qualitative transcendental phenomenological approach allowed me to gather participants’ experiences about success through the power of their words. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with nine participants that met the study’s criteria, and their experiences served as the primary data for investigating the lived experiences of Black Combat Specialty Officers’ understanding of personal and organizational success. The findings gave way to 39 initial themes and 2,007 initial codes, which were further analyzed and reduced through axial and selective coding to five primary themes and 15 sub-themes with correspondingcodes. The five primary themes from the findings were performance, mentorship, relationships, culture, and success. A more intimate analysis of the codes, aided by Moustakas’ modification of the van Kaam method of analysis of phenomenological data, produced meaning offerings from participants, which illuminated that performance, mentorship, relationship, and culture were inputs to personal and organizational success. The study’s findings, coupled with the characteristics of transformational leadership, are foundational pillars of the leadership development recommendations offered. The recommendations are intended to be included in existing Pre-Commanders courses to bolster Commanders’ and their subordinates, leadership development within their organizations—regardless of race.