An exploration of the organizational culture of Canadian Forces medical specialists

This research project sought to answer the question: How does the Canadian Forces culture influence Canadian Forces specialist physician engagement and retention in the Canadian Forces? A literature review in the areas of organizational culture, employee engagement and leadership enabled a comprehensive qualitative research tool to be developed. This tool was used in one-on-one interviews and a focus group with participants from Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) specialist community to gather data that was then themed for group commonality as well as for individual uniqueness. The themes surfaced in accordance with existing significant engagement and retention factors identified in the literature as well as new themes not previously identified. Significant themes were then used to produce recommendations to the CFHS senior leadership that would aid the CFHS address specialist officer engagement and retention.