Dissertation Defense: Ellen Haring - An Insurgency Within: Organizational Dissent And Change In The Us Military

Dissertation Defense: Ellen Haring
An Insurgency Within: Organizational Dissent And Change In The Us Military

Tuesday, May 3rd
3:00pm - 5:00pm 
Metropolitan Building Room 5183 

Committee:
Dr. Sandy Cheldelin
Dr. Karyna Korostelina
Dr. Jim Narel-GMU Public Policy


This study documents, analyzes and assesses the internal conflict that developed when personnel policies and practices concerning the employment and assignment of servicewomen were out of sync in the U.S. military and the subsequent efforts to realign policy with practice. Specifically, this study examines why some servicewomen ultimately dissented and challenged the policy that prohibited their assignment to the ground combat units of the U.S. military. Conversely, it examines the ensuing resistance to changing existing policies to allow women to serve in combat units that existed across the institutional spectrum. Looking at this conflict holistically, it highlights inherent tensions and shortcomings in theories of conflict analysis and practical methods for resolution. Finally, it considers the role that organizational change models may contribute to conflict resolution practices and the potential shortcomings of those models.