Malleability and Measurement of Army Leader Attributes: Personnel Development in the U.S. Army

Abstract

Army leaders face a myriad of challenges that demand a wide range of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. Army Doctrine Reference Publication 6-22, Army Leadership, delineates the attributes and competencies that leaders should possess in the Army Leader Requirements Model (ALRM). This study supports the Armys leadership development and training efforts by examining psychological constructs associated with intellect, presence, and character attributes specified in the ALRM. One objective of this report is to review research evidence for the extent to which key constructs can be developed through training and education. Findings indicate that some constructs, such as physical fitness, creative thinking skills, and resilience, are amenable to change through training and education, whereas others, such as general mental ability, are more stable. Other constructs, such as generalized self-efficacy and expertise, may be amenable to change, but development requires substantial time and effort. A second objective of the report is to identify established measures of constructs associated with ALRM attributes. For most constructs, there are numerous measures available, consisting largely of tests and surveys. Conclusions in the report address considerations for selection of measures, designs for studying training and education interventions, and recommendations for routine data collection for use in job placement and ongoing study efforts. Findings from this review are relevant not only to leadership and to the Army but to development and assessment of personnel in a wide range of positions and organizations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2018
Accession Number
AD1054033

Entities

People

  • Geoffrey Grimm
  • Katheryn Giglio
  • Susan G. Straus
  • Tracy C. Mccausland

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Applied Psychology
  • Business Administration
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Workload
  • Doctrine
  • Educational Psychology
  • Health Services
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Research
  • Military Training
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personality
  • Psychology
  • Situational Awareness
  • Students
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.
  • Systems Analysis and Design