The Trend Toward Rationalization and the Military Profession
Abstract
The organizational trend toward increasing bureaucracy and rationality in the American military during the post-World War II period is described. The effect of this trend of the professional officer corps is examined using a symbolic interactionist approach drawing the theoretical link between structures and individuals. The danger of the dominance of 'bureaucractic-managerial' officer sterotypes in the peacetime military is raised. The performance of the officer corps is examined in the combat environment in Vietnam and in the Army's current program to improve combat effectiveness (COHORT). The major conclusion is that military leaders must be cognizant of the strong organization bias towards rationally and efficiency in peacetime and the tendency to eclipse the military profession's core values of 'Duty, Honor, Country' and leadership skills that are ultimately required in combat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 27, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA180737
Entities
People
- Robert W. Cone