Channel modeling : from west point cadet to general
By: MAZUR, Allan
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Contributor(s): MUELLER, Ulrich.
Material type: 
ArticlePublisher: Malden, MA : Blackwell Publishers, mar./apr.1996Public administration review: PAR 56, 2, p. 191-198Abstract: What factors influence advancement in meritocratic organizations? The U.S. Army and air force are meritocracies in which promotion depends on one's competence in achieving organizational goals. Cadets of the west point class of 1950 who performed well at the academy were more likely than might seem superficial-athletic accomplishment, being friendly, having faces that looked deminating, and heading a traditional family-also affected the attainment of higt rank. By representing the military stratification system as a channel model, including forward paths and side shunts, the authors describe the complex effects of these factors, emphasizing the importance for high promotion of appointments to staff and war colleges. Channel modeling improves the quantitative account of rank attainment and, more important, advances the substantive understanding of the promotion process.
What factors influence advancement in meritocratic organizations? The U.S. Army and air force are meritocracies in which promotion depends on one's competence in achieving organizational goals. Cadets of the west point class of 1950 who performed well at the academy were more likely than might seem superficial-athletic accomplishment, being friendly, having faces that looked deminating, and heading a traditional family-also affected the attainment of higt rank. By representing the military stratification system as a channel model, including forward paths and side shunts, the authors describe the complex effects of these factors, emphasizing the importance for high promotion of appointments to staff and war colleges. Channel modeling improves the quantitative account of rank attainment and, more important, advances the substantive understanding of the promotion process.
Public administration review PAR
March/Apreil 1996 Volume 56 Number 2
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