WE (MIGHT) WANT YOU: EXPECTATIONS OF VETERANS' GENERAL COMPETENCE AND LEADERSHIP

This experimental study tested competency expectations and perceptions of leadership ability for United States military veterans compared to non-veterans. Military veterans in the United States are recruited into MBA and leadership programs but may face additional challenges seeking employment. Individuals may not expect veterans to perform better in work situations than others but may view their military service as linked to leadership ability. Surprisingly, results show significantly lower influence over participants for veterans on a cognitive ability task. As predicted, veterans' influence increased significantly when instructions tied performance to leadership ability.