Perceptions of Leadership in a USAREUR Brigade
Abstract
A model of leadership, with accompanying surveys, was developed through interviews with leaders and troops in a USAREUR battalion. The developed surveys (one for leaders and one for troops) were administered to 513 troops and 237 leaders (team to platoon leaders) selected from 15 companies. Responses on the five-point scales were grouped according to whether they were less than the midpoint (i.e., 3), on the midpoint, or greater than the midpoint. Responses less than the midpoint were treated as perceived deficiencies in leadership while responses above the midpoint were considered positive perceptions of leadership. Perceptions of leadership were positive, except concerning use of rewards. Squad level leaders were less positive than platoon level leaders concerning leaders' interpersonal skills, suggesting that lower level leaders have different views of equitable troop handling than do higher level leaders. Also leaders in their position over 18 months and troops overseas more than 24 months have more negative perceptions of leadership, suggesting cynicism with leadership grows with contact. Headquarters company personnel perceived more deficiencies in leadership than personnel from other types of units, perhaps because of the dual chain of command and responsibilities in headquarters units. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA125603
Entities
People
- Bruce S. Sterling
- Dwight Carnes
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences