Personal Values vs Institutional Expectations
A soldier's job is to follow orders and uphold regulations, but their personal life may involve a different set of values that can create conflict. In this article, I will discuss how soldiers navigate relational decision making when their values clash with institutional expectations.
Examples Of Conflicting Values
One example of conflicting values could be a soldier who wants to prioritize family time while also being expected to put their career above all else. Another example might be a soldier who has religious beliefs that conflict with military doctrine. When these conflicts arise, it can be difficult for soldiers to determine which path they should take.
Coping Strategies
There are several coping strategies that soldiers can use to navigate these situations. One strategy might be to seek out support from fellow soldiers or mental health professionals who can help them work through their feelings. Another approach might be to try to find a compromise between their personal values and institutional expectations.
If a soldier feels guilty about missing important family events due to their service commitment, they could try scheduling more days off in advance so they can attend those events.
Impact On Morale And Performance
These types of conflicts can have a significant impact on morale and performance. Soldiers who feel torn between two sets of values may struggle to focus on their jobs and may experience stress-related symptoms such as anxiety or depression. This can lead to decreased productivity and missed deadlines, potentially putting the mission at risk.
Support Systems
It is essential for the military to provide adequate support systems for soldiers facing these challenges. This might include counseling services, flexible scheduling options, or policies that allow for greater autonomy in decision making. By providing this support, the military can ensure that its members are able to perform at their best while still maintaining a sense of balance in their lives.
How do soldiers navigate relational decision-making when personal values conflict with institutional expectations?
Decision making is an integral part of everyday life that requires individuals to consider multiple factors before arriving at a conclusion. For soldiers, this process can become complicated due to conflicting demands from their personal values and institutional expectations. In such circumstances, it becomes challenging for them to prioritize one aspect over another. The following section will provide insights into how soldiers navigate through this dilemma by examining the various factors that influence their decisions.