Fiscal Year	2020
Division	Research & Sponsored Programs
Department	NPS Naval Research Program
Investigator(s)	Thomas, Gail F.
Sponsor	NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary	ABSTRACT Using Social Network Analysis to Assess Turnover Among Enlisted Sailors Research has shown that an individual¿s relationship with others at work can predict the likelihood of voluntary turnover (Ballinger, Cross, & Holtom, 2016). Work relationships are valuable because they allow individuals to share information, advice, social support, and numerous other workplace resources. Further, studies have shown that the number and strengths of connections in a person¿s social network impact turnover, promotion, and performance. Our research question is: How do social networks impact retention among Navy enlisted sailors? The purpose of this study is to employ both qualitative and quantitative methods. This study consists of two parts: A) Part A of the study will employ focus groups/ and interviews at Naval Air Station Lemoore to explore relational factors that impact aviation maintenance retention. B) Part B will build on the factors we find from Part A to explore existing Navy datasets. The purpose will be to identify influence networks that determine a sailor¿s propensity to reenlist. Deliverables will include a student thesis, technical report, and presentation that will summarize the findings and recommendations. Practical implications will allow leaders to better understand the role that social networks play in retention. ABSTRACT Using Social Network Analysis to Assess Turnover Among Enlisted Sailors Research has shown that an individual¿s relationship with others at work can predict the likelihood of voluntary turnover (Ballinger, Cross, & Holtom, 2016). Work relationships are valuable because they allow individuals to share information, advice, social support, and numerous other workplace resources. Further, studies have shown that the number and strengths of connections in a person¿s social network impact turnover, promotion, and performance. Our research question is: How do social networks impact retention among Navy enlisted sailors? The purpose of this study is to employ both qualitative and quantitative methods. This study consists of two parts: A) Part A of the study will employ focus groups/ and interviews at Naval Air Station Lemoore to explore relational factors that impact aviation maintenance retention. B) Part B will build on the factors we find from Part A to explore existing Navy datasets. The purpose will be to identify influence networks that determine a sailor¿s propensity to reenlist. Deliverables will include a student thesis, technical report, and presentation that will summarize the findings and recommendations. Practical implications will allow leaders to better understand the role that social networks play in retention.
Keywords
Publications	Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data	Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal