Navigating Career Advancement: Developing a Framework for Construction and Assessment of Processes for Evaluation of Technical Personnel for NAVSEA Warfare Centers

Abstract

This thesis explores the potential for standardizing promotion processes within Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) Warfare Centers to enhance organizational effectiveness and talent retention. The primary research question examines whether insights from academic and procedural sources can guide the development of a framework for evaluating and improving technical personnel assessment within NAVSEA. The study uses a comprehensive literature review of relevant research, government policies, and existing procedures to create a new evaluation framework. The proposed framework integrates concepts of validity, fairness, and personality alignment, offering a structured approach to assess technical personnel in a way that aligns with NAVSEA’s operational requirements. The study’s findings suggest that implementing this framework can standardize promotion practices, mitigate unintentional biases, and enhance transparency across NAVSEA centers, ultimately improving talent retention and mobility. Recommendations emphasize refining selection methods and aligning assessment tools with technical and demographic characteristics to support long-term organizational capabilities.