An Analysis of Leadership Opportunities, Experiences and Influences at the United States Naval Academy from the Perspective of Midshipmen

Abstract

This thesis explores the leadership opportunities available to midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, from the perspective of the midshipmen. The purpose was to identify which leadership opportunities, experiences and influences are viewed as nightly beneficial to their development as leaders. The research was primarily qualitative in nature, using focus groups with 12 cohorts of midshipmen. Additionally, a quantitative analysis was conducted to compare and contrast toe results. The results of this study indicate that the midshipmen primarily learn leadership from other midshipmen, role models, formal leadership positions they fulfill (specifically small unit leadership positions), gender relations and the classroom environment. This thesis presents recommendations to highlight and expand additional leadership positions, experiences or opportunities for midshipmen leadership development. Recommendations for improvements in leadership instruction are also provided.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA435782

Entities

People

  • Ghislaine W. Stonaker
  • Kristopher W. Stonaker

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Families (Human)
  • Group Dynamics
  • Group Processes (Social Psychology)
  • Human Behavior
  • Instructions
  • Instructors
  • Leadership
  • Organizational Structure
  • Psychological Phenomena And Processes
  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Students
  • United States
  • United States Military Academy
  • United States Naval Academy

Readers

  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.