Date of Award

Fall 11-11-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Department

Business

First Advisor

Dr. Greg Gimpel

Second Advisor

Dr. Upkar Varshney

Third Advisor

Dr. Roni Medaglia

Abstract

This study examines the transformative journey of veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life, addressing the psychological, social, and economic barriers they face, such as stereotypes, structural differences, social exclusion, and financial instability. Despite existing support programs, veterans require inclusive and tailored reintegration strategies to foster a smoother transition. This dissertation explores these challenges and designs a structured rite of passage to support veterans' reintegration into the civilian workforce.

Grounded in Arnold van Gennep's theory of liminality, this research applies the stages of Separation, Transition, and Incorporation to develop a structured program. Rites of passage, traditionally rooted in anthropological and religious studies, are adapted here to address modern social and corporate contexts. The study employs Design Science Research (DSR) to create the SERVE Initiative (Skills, Employment, and Reincorporation Veteran Experience), a program designed to facilitate veterans' transition.

The SERVE Initiative consists of four phases: Pre-Separation, Separation, Transition, and Incorporation. In the Pre-Separation phase, participants are selected based on self-application or counselor recommendation, prioritizing those with the greatest need. The Separation phase features a symbolic Uniform Removal Ceremony and a Territorial Passage, marking the transition from military to civilian culture. The Transition phase includes workshops on resume building, employment law, networking, and emotional intelligence, complemented by events like the Strategic Leadership Simulation and Professional's Table etiquette dinner. These activities prepare participants for civilian workforce demands by addressing key competencies, such as communication and legal rights awareness.

The Incorporation phase celebrates participants' achievements through a Completion Ceremony, connecting them to an alum network for mentorship and encouraging ongoing community engagement. This phase concludes with a ceremonial dinner, formally acknowledging the veterans' successful reintegration.

This dissertation fills both theoretical and practical gaps. The primary contribution is the SERVE Initiative, which provides a framework to support veterans leaving active duty. Additionally, the introduction of the Rite of Pre-Separation offers a novel theoretical approach, identifying individuals suitable for the transformative process of a rite of passage.

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