Beyond Rhetoric: Building a Culture of Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Defence Forces

Abstract

Issues of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) have received considerable attention in recent international debate relating to the values and organisation of armed forces. With reference to the Irish example this paper argues that, to better reflect the society which it represents, the Irish Defence Forces (DF) should ensure that Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is embraced and that authentic D&I values are inculcated. Only by doing so can the DF move away from the traditional military construct and address organisational failings, identified by the recent Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (2002), which described DF culture as masculine, gendered, and patriarchal.  

This research, qualitative in nature, engaged with six participants - four internal to the organisation and two external - through the use of semi-structured interviews. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the data gathered from the internal participants provided context and insights into the DF’s D&I journey, while the data from the external participants provided alternative perspectives and lessons which the DF should consider. Thematically, the research focused on areas such Exclusion and Inclusion; Representational Diversity; Invisible and Visible diversity; Employee Voice; Leadership; D&I challenges; and the role of D&I allies.  

The findings show that D&I has become important to the DF, but the organisation’s current diversity priority is primarily greater female representation with the ambition of achieving thirty-five per cent. The findings also highlight that greater understanding and awareness of D&I is required, particularly when it comes to distinguishing between both terms. Going forward, this research has proposed several recommendations which include the launch of a D&I awareness campaign, the rollout of the Voice of the Employee initiative, and the expansion of the Office of the Gender Equality and Diversity Advisor.