Productive Discourse to Enhance Army Strategic Planning
Abstract
Discourse is important for Army operational activities such as strategic planning, but little is currently known about when discourse is required or the factors that predict productive discourse in the operational Army. We examined discourse in current Army doctrine and the group processes literature and then used three methods to collect information about discourse in the operational Army: focus groups, a survey, and systematic observation of groups engaged in planning. We found that the application of discourse in the operational Army is pervasive across all rank levels and different types of units. The requirement for discourse increases at higher rank levels and varies based on the job, leader, and event. We also found that productive discourse is more likely in climates that are positive, respectful, and inclusive, and less likely when the concerns of discussion participants are not addressed, when the right people are not included in the discussion, and when there are low levels of participation in the discussion. Results from the systematic observation of planning groups suggest that participation in discourse is often limited. Implications for leader training and development are discussed, and a discourse assessment measure developed from the literature review and results of the research is presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1107160
Entities
People
- Angela Karrasch
- Cary Stothart
- Chelsey Raber
- Joann Keyton
- Michelle Wisecarver
- Tim Hope