Perceptions, Experiences, and Challenges by U.S. Naval Officers from Majority and Underrepresented Groups when Responding to Critical Events from March 2020 Through March 2021

Abstract

Over 2020 and 2021, the United States experienced three events that contributed to political controversy and social unrest: the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, and the January 6 attack on the capitol. The U.S. Navy was not isolated from the effects of these events and needed to prepare its leaders to engage in difficult conversations to ensure the workforce remained physically and mentally ready in the face of similar-magnitude events. The purpose of this qualitative study is to analyze the perceptions by the majority and underrepresented groups of their superiors’ handling of difficult conversations of the three critical events: the COVID-19 pandemic, BLM protests, and the January 6 attack on the capitol, during the period of March 2020 through March 2021. This study uses a semi-structured interviewing approach utilizing a comparative, hybrid case analysis. This case analysis focuses on U.S. Navy communication about challenging external events from approximately March 2020 through March 2021. The authors recommend continuous training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), naval culture, leadership, communication, naval guidance, and boundaries to enhance the readiness level of superiors handling difficult conversations