Red, White, Blue & Black: A Phenomenological Analysis of the African American Officer Experience of Mentorship in the California Army National Guard

Author

Larry B. Rankin II, University of Massachusetts GlobalFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Carlos V. Guzman

Second Advisor

Dr. Gerald Dugas

Third Advisor

Dr. Shaun Hillis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological analysis is to explore the perception of mentorship through the experiences of African American Officers (in the ranks of O-4 and above), as it relates to their retention in the California Army National Guard.

Methodology: For this study, a qualitative design was used to conduct research to identify and describe the perception of mentorship through the experiences of African American Officers. The sample was composed of five African-American officers (rank O-4 and above) still serving in the California Army National Guard.

Findings: Analysis of the data collected from 10 semi structured interview questions resulted in two primary findings (drawn from the emerging themes of participants’ experiences of mentorship as African-American officers in the California Army National Guard) to answer the research question: (a) self-efficacy traits were prevalent characteristics, and (b) formal mentorship isn’t always impactful.

Conclusion: Mentorship by itself did not play an essential role in the career longevity of African-American officers: 1) Multiple participant responses that indicated that several of their experiences of mentorship would have been more effective if they had been accompanied by acts of advocacy during the junior officer years. 2) African-American officers in the California Army National Guard must be resourceful in their approach to receiving mentorship, seeking to build relationships with individuals outside their own racial spectrums.

Recommendations: Future research is recommended to focus on the experience of African-American female officers, similarly marginalized populations from additional state National Guard Organizations; and perceptions of mentorship through the experiences of African American Officers in the California Air National Guard.

Recommended Citation

Rankin, Larry B. II, "Red, White, Blue & Black: A Phenomenological Analysis of the African American Officer Experience of Mentorship in the California Army National Guard" (2023). Dissertations. 494.
https://digitalcommons.umassglobal.edu/edd_dissertations/494