A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL STRESSORS FROM MARCH 2020 TO MARCH 2021 ON NAVAL FORCES AND COMMANDERS' REACTIONS TO STRESSORS
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Authors
Norton, Wesley A.
Subjects
inclusion
diversity
design thinking
human-centered design
social stressors
COVID-19
Black Lives Matter
Capitol riots
gender
race
sexual orientation
pandemic
2020
command climate
equal opportunity
commander's guidance
qualitative study
diversity
design thinking
human-centered design
social stressors
COVID-19
Black Lives Matter
Capitol riots
gender
race
sexual orientation
pandemic
2020
command climate
equal opportunity
commander's guidance
qualitative study
Advisors
Blassingame, Simonia L.
Aten, Kathryn J.
Date of Issue
2023-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In this thesis, I study responses by Navy unit-level leadership to external social stressors from March 2020 to March 2021 such as the #BlackLivesMatter movement and associated events, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the U.S. Capital riots, as they relate to fostering inclusion. Current training for Navy leaders does not include guidance or general practices on how to address such events at the unit level. These external events have a negative impact on sailors’ mental well-being and readiness. Therefore, the ad-hoc nature of responses by Navy leaders, with varying results on the cohesion and sense of inclusion, has room for improvement. Prior studies have indicated that an inclusive approach increases a leader's ability to manage negative feelings during periods of social upheaval. In this thesis, I use a design thinking framework to conduct a series of interviews with members of majority and minority communities in the Navy, followed by in-depth focus groups. Further, the focus group results are briefed to a test group of senior Navy and academic officials to collect and analyze their feedback. My findings help identify and recommend a set of best practices for leaders to address external social stressors in a manner that promotes inclusion.
Type
Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.