THE EFFECTS OF INTER-GROUP COMPETITION IN QUASI-THERAPEUTIC LEADERS ON THE ADJUSTMENT OF SMALL MILITARY GROUPS.
Abstract
The study investigated the effects of two variables (inter-squad competition vs. non-competition, and quasi-therapeutic vs. non-therapeutic squad leaders) on the adjustment, interpersonal relations, and task effectiveness of military squads. The covariance control variables were the dependent variable's own pretest counterpart and a measure of trainees' perceived harassment. The major results were: (1) The competitive activity and the manner in which it was implemented by the cadre of the experimental companies significantly increased perceptions of harassment by trainees in the competitive squads. (2) When perceived harassment was statistically controlled by analysis of covariance, the adjustment and task effectiveness of the competitive squads improved significantly relative to the control squads. The improved adjustment appeared to be primarily in the task-related areas. No improvement in interpersonal relations was found for the competitive squads. (3) No reliable main effects were found for the quasi-therapeutic leader manipulation. (4) Some interactive effects of competition and quasi-therapeutic leadership were found. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0631741
Entities
People
- Doyle W. Bishop
- Fred Edward Fiedler
- James M. Alsobrook
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign