Does Peer Influence Play a Part in the Decision-Making Process with Regards to Retention and Turnover of Personnel in the Irish Naval Service?

Abstract

People live in an environment whereby the influence of those around them shapes their outlook on life and has a direct impact on their decision making. As an enlisted person in the Naval Service, the sphere of influence changes with age and experience, ranging from the training staff and immediate colleagues on enlistment, through to charismatic peers and on to family, partners and offspring as private life begins to out influence professional life. This research examines these influences and examines how they have affected the decision-making processes of a specific focus group with respect to their careers. This ranged from the decision they made with regards to their initial branches, through to changing branches and ultimately into terminating their careers in the Naval Service.  

A qualitative approach was undertaken in the form of semi-structured interviews. The choice of qualitative methodology was guided by the aim to capture the nuanced perspectives and experiences of individuals navigating their careers within the Naval Service. In total six interviews took place. The interviewees included two subject matter experts, two serving personnel and two former members of the Naval Service. The gender balance was maintained throughout the research with male and female respondents equally represented.  

The research findings were split into deductive and inductive analysis and illuminated several key areas and opportunities for improvement regarding the management of personnel within the Naval Service. This includes training in critical thinking for personnel, better informing personnel of the options and opportunities available to them in a non-biased manner, and the utility of a civilian career guidance counsellor in the formation.