Identifying the Difference between Military and Civilian Leadership Styles and Its Effect on Army Acquisition Organizations Over the Past Twenty Years
Abstract
The placement of either military or civilian personnel in positions of leadership over acquisition organizations presents a potential challenge to organizations faced with leadership styles that may or may not be conducive to the effectiveness of the type of organization being led. The difference between a military culture and a civilian culture may present itself in ways that result in very different leadership styles. The objective of this research paper is to identify the differences between military and civilian leadership styles and its effect on Army acquisition organizations over the past twenty years. Data was collected through a literature search to identify leadership characteristics for both military and civilian leaders, those characteristics were then compared, and both shared and unique characteristics were identified. The unique characteristics were then compared to the types of leadership traits found to be beneficial as well as traits found to be detrimental to leading acquisition organizations. It was found that military and civilian leaders share many characteristics, both observed and self-assessed, as well as some differences. In the end, the most important trait was to have a contingency, or situational type of leadership style that enables leaders to adapt to the organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1143835
Entities
People
- Mahmoud D. Ahmad
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal