Leadership Self-Efficacy: Measuring the Effects of Leadership Training at Squadron Officer School

Abstract

This study used a measure of change in perceived self-efficacy as a method for evaluating the effectiveness of the leadership training conducted at the Air Force's Squadron Officer School (SOS), Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. A self-assessment survey was developed to measure the change in perceived self- efficacy related to leadership behaviors of the students when they compare themselves to their idea of an ideal leader/manager. Dr. Gary A Yukl's (1989) taxonomy of leadership skills was used as the leadership model in the development of the survey instrument. A statistical analysis was done to determine which of Yukl's skills showed the greatest amount of change as a result of attending SOS. Results indicate SOS had a positive impact on students in eight of eleven skills defined by Yukl's (1989) taxonomy. When the eleven skills were condensed into four broad categories described by Yukl (1989), there was significant improvement in three; giving and seeking information, making decisions, and influencing people. Building relationships, did not show a statistically significant improvement. Regrouping the skills to coincide with Henry Mintzberg's (1980) ten managerial roles, the leader role showed significant improvement, while the managerial roles exhibited an insignificant change.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA246624

Entities

People

  • Gilbert W. Jennings

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Correlation Analysis
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Science
  • Databases
  • Information Processing
  • Information Science
  • Instructors
  • Knowledge Management
  • Leadership Training
  • Military Education
  • Military Training
  • Psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Students
  • Surveys
  • Training

Readers

  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Organizational Psychology.