Abstract
This study aims to investigate the reason for the short employment period of Combat Information Center Operators (CIC-operators) on the five Danish frigates in the 2nd squadron.
The study is based on the social constructivist paradigm as well as with an inductive approach to the research design. This means that the study has not selected theories in advance, but has instead approached the project's problem with a pilot study aimed at providing a foundation for the selection of theories and the subsequent development of interview guides for the qualitative interviews.
The theories used in the study are Herzberg's two-factor theory and Ryan & Deci’s self determination theory. The theories are applied to combine the empirical data to clarify what motivates and demotivates the CIC-operators. Among Herzberg's hygiene factors and motivational factors, the following topics have been addressed: management's attitude, salary, interpersonal relationships, working conditions, personal factors, and recognition. In self-determination theory, the three basic needs of autonomy and competence have been addressed. The need for belongingness is addressed in Herzberg’s factor of interpersonal relationships.
The project concludes that the reasons for CIC-operators leaving their positions are due to their inability to see any civilian competence value, as well as not seeing the development opportunities that the job of CIC-operator provides them. Additionally, CIC-operators experience significant demotivation when working in base ports, as there is no combat information specific work for them and there is no work planning provided. Furthermore, the salary gives rise to demotivation when CIC-operators have a feeling that they work more than other unskilled constable groups while their salary is the same.