Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this dissertation is to develop a theory that explains the administrative behavior of U.S. Forest Service District Rangers (rangers). Methodology. This study was completed using descriptive case study methodologies. Along with a literature review, judicial and legislative histories were examined, historic and agency records were reviewed, and secondary analysis of data from a survey of agency line officers (2003) was conducted. The agency's personnel data base was queried for demographic information on all current district rangers (473 people). Six district rangers were observed for approximately one week each. Their supervisors were also interviewed. Findings. A literature review revealed numerous studies on the United States Forest Service as an agency and how it responded to societal changes since 1960. The results show differences in environmental and organizational attitudes based on demographic and professional variation suggesting an increase in diversification of employees may have changed the collective values orientation of the Forest Service. Rangers were found to be diverse in terms of gender and professional identity. In 1960, Kaufman reported rangers to be 90 percent white, male, foresters. Today only 40 percent of rangers are trained as foresters and over thirty percent of rangers are women. Less dramatic changes were found in racial diversity with whites occupying over 80 percent of all ranger positions. The increase in federal laws during the environmental era (1960-1980), and the resulting requirement for public input and review of decisions, has become a large influence on rangers' administrative behavior. Conclusions. A theoretical model illustrating six factors influencing ranger administrative behavior is presented. These factors include professional identity, legal framework, public involvement, workplace traditions, political community, and the district's natural and physical environment. The influential factors were found to interact with each other in differing degrees allowing rangers to develop administrative behavior in response to work requirements. Future study may include ranger decision making discretion, budget influences, virtual supervision, and samples from the eastern United States.