Reconciling Personal Beliefs with Institutional Norms
Some institutions have strict rules about certain behaviors, such as drug use, alcohol consumption, political affiliation, religious practice, etc., while some people have different views on these issues from their employers.
If an employee is expected to drink alcohol at work but they believe it conflicts with their religious values, how can they reconcile this difference between personal beliefs and institutional norms? In this essay, I will discuss the ways service members can balance conflicting personal beliefs and institutional norms through self-advocacy, open communication, and adjustment.
Self-advocacy involves understanding oneself and one's needs well enough to communicate those needs effectively to others. It also means being assertive when defending one's rights without becoming aggressive or confrontational. Service members should take time to reflect on what their core values are and why they matter to them before deciding whether they want to challenge an institutional norm that conflicts with them. They must then determine how best to express those beliefs in a way that does not alienate colleagues or supervisors.
Open communication means having honest and respectful dialogue with coworkers, supervisors, and commanders about differences of opinion. When there are disagreements, each party should listen actively to understand the other person's perspective and seek common ground where possible. This approach fosters trust, mutual respect, and cooperation within teams.
Service members may need to adjust their behavior to fit into the institutional culture.
If the military requires all personnel to wear uniforms during working hours even though someone has a religious objection to wearing them outside of worship times, they could choose to modify their appearance by covering up parts of the uniform. Alternatively, they could work with leadership to find a compromise solution that meets everyone's needs.
Reconciling personal beliefs with institutional norms requires self-awareness, effective communication, and flexibility. By advocating for themselves while remaining open to compromise, service members can balance conflicting values while still contributing meaningfully to the organization's mission.
How do service members reconcile personal beliefs with institutional norms that may conflict with them?
The reconciliation of personal beliefs with institutional norms is a complex process for all individuals, but it can be particularly challenging for military personnel due to the unique demands and expectations placed upon them by their roles. While some service members may have no issues aligning themselves with the values and principles of their organization, others may find that there are certain areas where they feel that these norms clash with their own ethical or moral code.