Navigating Transitions: Factor Analysis of Competencies in Military Officers

Abstract

The current paper’s purpose is to develop a competency model for the retired armed forces officers which would assist in identification of the major competencies of Military officers and would allow HR professional in better recruitment and further human resource development of the organizations. This study uses literature review and expert opinion to arrive at a set of competencies which characterize Military officers. The competencies, thus identified are factor analysed to reduce it to the critical competencies which forms the basis of the competency model. An analysis of the literature identifies various competencies including skills and traits which are the characteristics of military officers. These are validated through expert opinions to arrive at a set of 28 competencies which define the managerial traits of Military officers. The Military officers develop these competencies over their service period. Further factor analysis reduces these factors to a cluster of six critical competencies developed into a model, which would form the basis for various HR based decisions. 
The scope of this research paper is limited to the basic managerial competencies which define the Military officers. The paper arrives at a competency model specific to Military officers that would lay the foundation for the HR professionals in recruiting this trained workforce and further help them in planning their development and career progression.