Identity negotiation of newly recruited soldiers in the Ghana Armed Forces

Abstract

This thesis examined how recruits negotiate their identity in the Ghana Armed Forces and the identities they assumed through the process. The study employed the qualitative approach of enquiry. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample 4 participants for an in-depth interview. Drawing on the Identity Negotiation and Organisational Behaviour theory, the study analysed how recruits negotiate their identity and how the military service facilitates recruit’s identity negotiation by administering a policy-based training programme meant for that purpose. The means through which recruits negotiate their identity are through individual Identity Negotiation and Institution induced Identity Negotiation. Additionally, recruit’s identity negotiation is influenced by the form of interaction that takes place between them and the instructors as well as their colleagues at training. Exchange Interaction and Cooperation Interaction enhance this influence. These interactions are in the form of assurances given to them on how life in the military is better than that outside it. Two major identities were found to be assumed by recruits through the identity negotiation process, which are Military Identity and Trade Identity. The study recommends that training policies and programmes are well structured in order to produce highly disciplined and purposeful soldiers who would contribute positively to the protection of the territorial integrity of the State.