The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of talent identification, development and succession within the 3M career field based on the perceptions of 3M Airmen and Senior Non-commissioned Officers. An extensive review of literature within the hospitality industry was conducted to examine implications that possibly crossover into military dining facilities. Research was reviewed in talent management, employee development programs, and succession planning in order to assess how managers are developed within an organization. Military development programs, policies, and procedures were reviewed to see what guidelines are currently being used.
Two different online surveys were distributed to two groups of enlisted personnel within the 3M career field. The results from this study indicate enlisted members within the 3M career field believe talent identification occurs, Airmen and Non-commissioned Officers are mostly satisfied with employee development, and Senior Non-commissioned Officers believe there should be some improvements to the succession process.