Bellevue Professor and Student Research Explores Burnout and Decision-Making in High-Stress Jobs
Dr. Stephen Linenberger and Dr. Lauren Archer co-authored a study on burnout and decision-making among U.S. Air Force aircraft maintainers. The research examines how work conditions and organizational factors influence decision-making.
Key Facts
- Authors: Dr. Stephen Linenberger and Dr. Lauren Archer
- Affiliation: Bellevue University faculty and alum
- Study title: Burnout and Decision-Making in U.S. Air Force Maintainers: A Phenomenological Study
- Publication: Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management
Study Overview and Research Approach
Dr. Stephen Linenberger, Professor in Bellevue University’s College of Business, and Dr. Lauren Archer, a Bellevue University alum, recently co-authored a study examining how burnout affects decision-making among U.S. Air Force aircraft maintainers.
The article, Burnout and Decision-Making in U.S. Air Force Maintainers: A Phenomenological Study, examines the experiences of former U.S. Air Force maintainers to understand how work schedules, leadership practices, and organizational culture influence decision-making in military environments.
Findings and Impact
The study is based on interviews with five Air Force veterans who shared their experiences with long work hours, perfectionism, and management practices and how those aspects affected their decision-making. The research highlights how ongoing work-related stress can reduce confidence, affect judgment, and influence job satisfaction, safety, and retention among maintainers.
The findings provide information that can inform leadership and management practices within the Air Force and other organizations where personnel face high work demands and operational pressures. The article was published in the Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management and is available for download.
Downloads
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 85 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).