| Abstract: | This field study was designed to examine the impact of an organizationally sponsored exercise program on attitudes and self-perceptions under shipboard conditions. Pre- and postsurvey data were collected from 245 Navy and Marine Corps men participating in either experimental circuit weight-training (N= 111) or control (N=134) groups. Survey measures included: (1) attitudes towards the organization; (2) perceptions of performance, health, self-esteem and stress; and (3) turnover intent. Results indicate that organizational commitment, satisfaction and internal work motivation declined significantly during the study period. Reported job stress decreased significantly during the study for the exercise group while increasing among control group members. No significant (p<0.05) time or group by time effects for indices of self-perception were observed. Findings suggest that organizationally induced stress: (1) affects attitudes towards the organization in a negative direction; and (2) is attenuated somewhat by involvement in an exercise program. |
