ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES FACED BY UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS AND THEIR SOURCES
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Authors
Thomas, Jeremy D.
Dunklin, Capreece M.
Subjects
peer effects
diversity
U.S. Naval surface vessels
Enlisted Sailors
officers
retention
leaders
role models
first-term
Abraham Maslow
Hierarchy of Needs Theory
Frederick Herzberg
Two-Factor Theory
social needs
self-actualization
diversity
U.S. Naval surface vessels
Enlisted Sailors
officers
retention
leaders
role models
first-term
Abraham Maslow
Hierarchy of Needs Theory
Frederick Herzberg
Two-Factor Theory
social needs
self-actualization
Advisors
Arkes, Jeremy A.
Tick, Simona L.
Eger, Robert J., III
Date of Issue
2020-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In this thesis, we use surveys and interviews with first-term Sailors on board U.S. naval ships to identify the factors most influential in their stay/leave decisions and how these factors vary across gender and race/ethnicity groups. Our framework of analysis is built on Frederick Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory and Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory to highlight relationships between factors of diversity of leadership and peers, mentoring, and first-term retention. Our analysis finds that most underrepresented groups and females have very different experiences than non-Hispanic whites in relation to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs factors of safety and security, social needs, esteem needs and self-actualization. Of these factors, negative experiences in social needs, which encompasses mentorship, the sense of belonging, and peer support, was found to have the largest impact on retention decisions of underrepresented groups and females. Based on these findings, our recommendation is the implementation of measures and strategic directives that address and resolve the gap felt in the lack of social needs fulfillment. We believe these findings can assist Navy leadership in their continuing efforts to improve strategies and initiatives to recruit, develop, and retain a high-quality military workforce. Improved racial and gender minority retention is a vital element in cultivating workforce talent and unlocking our Navy’s full potential in better support of national defense.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Graduate School of Defense Management (GSDM)
Graduate School of Defense Management (GSDM)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
OPNAV N17
Funder
Format
Citation
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.