Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this case study was to identify and describe the intrinsic and extrinsic motivational drivers for enrolling in the AFJROTC and the motivational drivers for continuing participation in the AFJROTC program as perceived by high school student cadets currently enrolled in AFJROTC at three comprehensive high schools. In particular, the study examined intrinsic and extrinsic motivators identified by Herzberg (1976), including achievement, recognition, the work itself, responsibility, advancement, and growth. The extrinsic factors described by Herzberg et al. (1959) include company policies, supervision, relationships with supervisors and peers, work conditions, salary, status, and security. Methodology. This study used qualitative interviews to explore the intrinsic and extrinsic motivational drivers high school cadets attribute to their decision to enroll and continue participating in the AFJROTC. Findings. The following themes resulted from the interviews: Achievement, advancement, and growth are critical intrinsic factors for high school students' decision to enroll in AFJROTC. The primary intrinsic motivational drivers high school cadets attribute to their continued decision to enroll in the AFJROTC are recognition and the work itself. Recognition was identified more frequently as a motivator than as a hygiene factor. Conclusions. The AFJROTC program's long-term viability depends on the retention of experienced and knowledgeable cadets. Attrition or expansion can be managed through effective recruiting of capable and interested students. Research in motivation can provide a better understanding of why students enroll in different courses, thus enabling programs to improve recruitment efforts and implement measures to decrease turnover rates among students. If students' motivations are known, programs can better attract students by developing persuasive communications that match specific functional motives of these individuals. Recommendations. While the findings from this study seem significant, additional research is needed. Therefore, the researcher recommends conducting a replicated study looking at another geographical area to see if similar findings result regarding how these 12 cases in California perceived Herzberg's (1976) motivational factors.