Causes, Consequences and Remedies for Organizational Related Confusion: The Case of the Texas Air National Guard

Date

2016-12

Authors

Fountain, Phil

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to conduct a preliminary exploration of the organizational confusion that emerges from the overlapping jurisdictions governing the missions and members of the Texas Air National Guard. The organization is a complex state-federal entity that is collocated within the Texas Military Department and the U.S. Air Force, and fall under dual chains of command, which vary depending on mission. Broadly, this research seeks to determine if confusion exists in and around the organization, what impact it has on the organization’s missions or personnel, and ways to mitigate any identified confusion. Method: This project employs a pillar question conceptual framework focused on a case study of the Texas Air National Guard. The conceptual framework implements a mixed use methodology, including: semi-structured, in-person interviews of Texas Air National Guard personnel and an analysis of state and federal documents related to the organization’s operations. Findings: This applied research project revealed there to be perceived confusion among Texas Air National Guard members concerning the organization’s structure, with how it accomplishes federal and state missions as well as personnel management. The effects of the organizational related confusion on mission accomplishment or personnel matters was not definitive, but it was clear that any real or perceived confusion has not had a negative impact on the organization’s operations. However, effective communication and training were identified as a way to mitigate the effects of the confusion on personnel-related matters, particularly as personnel enter or transfer within the organization.

Description

An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Fall 2016.

Keywords

Texas Air National Guard, organizational structure, personnel management, Public Administration

Citation

Fountain, P. (2016). Causes, consequences and remedies for organizational related confusion: The case of the Texas Air National Guard. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

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