Analyzing the "Dark Side": Can "Dark Side" Trait Theory Prove Helpful in Leadership Development

Abstract

Dark side trait theory is a leadership theory that postulates people possess certain personality traits that can impair individual and organizational performance if left unmanaged. Proper management of these traits involves self-awareness and self-regulation. This paper applies dark side trait theory to two different operational commanders who served during the War in the Pacific, namely Admirals Raymond Spruance and William Halsey, to show the value of this theory in leader development. It explains dark side traits specific to each leader, their level of ability in regulating these traits, and how their ability in regulating these traits affected their operational performance. In the end, this paper concludes that dark side trait theory can be useful to leader development and therefore should be considered for inclusion in future versions of the Chief of Naval Operations Navy Leader Development Framework.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 19, 2018
Accession Number
AD1069236

Entities

People

  • Matthew B. Kohlmann

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Applied Psychology
  • Department Of Defense
  • Human Behavior
  • Judgment
  • Landing Forces
  • Leadership
  • Military Operations
  • Naval Operations
  • Navy
  • New York
  • Personality
  • Psychology
  • Regulations
  • Second World War
  • Ships
  • Task Forces
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.