Improving the Air Force Squadron Command Selection Process

Abstract

This work presents an improved methodology for assessing and selecting Air Force squadron commanders, and subsequently paring them with the organizations they are best suited to lead. It argues that while leadership, environmental factors, and organizational culture are each important aspects of organizational effectiveness, it is the often-overlooked interaction between these three facets that has just as great an influence on an organizations success or failure. Additionally, these interactions influence leadership performance, from exemplary to toxic. It is these interactions and influences among and between the leader, environment and organization that play just as great a role in leadership performance as individual personality traits, education or life experiences. Understanding the leaders key role in organizational effectiveness, and given that the choice in squadron commander selection is the most variable of the three components, this study seeks to provide a recommended process that will improve upon the current paradigm of squadron command selection in the Air Force. The ultimate goal is a more informed process for pairing those most suitable commander candidates with possible units by utilizing predictive analytics and the Person-Environment Fit Theory to aid in selection.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 19, 2017
Accession Number
AD1041989

Entities

People

  • Terence Taylor

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Computer Science
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Military Education
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personality
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Students
  • Training
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Theoretical Analysis.