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Between the Dockyard and the Deep Blue Sea: Retention and Personnel Economics in the Royal Navy

Author

Listed:
  • Glaser, Darrell J.

    (U.S. Naval Academy)

  • Rahman, Ahmed S.

    (Lehigh University)

Abstract

This paper tackles some issues in personnel economics using the career profiles of British naval officers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We ask how promotions, payouts, positions, and peers affect worker retention. Random variation in task assignments and job promotions allows us to explore factors that affect retention of personnel. We develop a number of key insights. Firm-specific human capital accumulation bolsters retention, while technological changes can undo some of this effect. Other challenges to worker retention include lack of promotion opportunities, and "exit contagion" from exits of former peers. Modernizing organizations may need to enhance promotion opportunities and reorganize certain tasks, or else face loss of skilled personnel.

Suggested Citation

  • Glaser, Darrell J. & Rahman, Ahmed S., 2021. "Between the Dockyard and the Deep Blue Sea: Retention and Personnel Economics in the Royal Navy," IZA Discussion Papers 14037, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14037
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. J. Glaser, Darrell & S. Rahman, Ahmed, 2011. "Human Capital and Technological Transition: Insights from the U.S. Navy," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 71(3), pages 704-729, September.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    personnel economics; human capital; job mobility; promotion tournaments; technological change; military personnel; naval history; peer effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J6 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • N31 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913

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