What is one reason commanders might want to customize their DEOCS?

Customizing the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) allows commanders to tailor the assessment to specific needs and contexts of their unit, ensuring that the data collected is relevant and actionable. One significant reason for customization is to gather data that can inform a community needs assessment. This approach enables leaders to identify unique challenges and opportunities within their specific geographic or organizational context, which may not be fully addressed by a standard survey.

For example, commanders might wish to address local issues such as community integration, work-life balance, or resource availability that are specific to their area. By customizing the survey to include questions that target these areas, commanders can gain valuable insights that lead to targeted interventions and improvements in the organizational climate.

A focus on standardization across all units would limit the ability to address unique needs, and reducing the number of participants may compromise the diversity and richness of the data collected. Increasing survey costs is counterproductive to the goal of maximizing the utility and applicability of the assessment.