Assessment Centers Applicability to the Development and Selection of Leaders in the Acquisition Career Field
Abstract
The central issue of this paper addresses the lack of leadership in the acquisition career field and what can be done to correct it. The current environment within the Air Force poses a great leadership challenge to all officers, regardless of career field. However, the occupationalism that the service has fostered over the years has resulted in officers in the acquisition career field focusing on enhancing their managerial skills at the expense of their leadership qualities. As a result, many Program Directors are excellent managers, but lack even basic leadership skills. The lack of statutory or Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) emphasis on leadership in the process of selecting Program Directors has perpetuated the managerial occupationalism that exists today. An objective measure of leadership ability must be factored into the existing selection process to ensure that personnel selected to fill critical Program Director positions have the demonstrated leadership potential needed to lead Program Offices into the 21st century. Assessment Centers represent the most sophisticated means of assessing leadership ability and potential. The workings of these centers is discussed followed by a recommendation to establish such a center at AFMC Headquarters to provide the objective measure of leadership needed as a selection criteria and to provide acquisition personnel with much needed feedback on their leadership strengths and weaknesses. A survey of current literature on leadership, management, and issues and studies on the acquisition career field provide the support for the contentions and recommendations put forth in this report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA398448
Entities
People
- Edward M. Brolin
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College