Development and Preliminary Validation of the Strategic Thinking Mindset Test (STMT)
Abstract
Senior Army leaders face complex problems. These problems lack a right answer, they feature interdependent variables, stakeholders with conflicting goals, and actors that adapt to any action taken. The Army needs to do everything possible to prepare Army leaders to meet these challenges of complexity. The Army must manage talent and develop strategic thinkers early and efficiently by providing the experiences, education, and opportunities for feedback that are necessary for skill development. This report describes the initial research on the strategic thinking mindset, a concept that can help the Army efficiently manage talent among its tactical leaders. The strategic thinking mindset is made up of three intellectual characteristics foundational to strategic thinking: flexibility, humility, and inclusiveness. A scenario-based assessment tool was developed to measure each of these characteristics in Company-grade officers. The Strategic Thinking Mindset Test (STMT) consists of 12 scoreable items useful for assessment, self-reflection, and group discussion. A pilot test of the STMT indicated evidence of construct validity and discriminant validity. Further research is needed to establish test-retest reliability and criterion-related validity, as well as study other methods for assessment and developing strategic thinking early in the leader development path. See also ARI Research Product 2018-02.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1044580
Entities
People
- William S. Weyhrauch
Organizations
- Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area