Purdue University Graduate School
Browse

THE IMPACT OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS IN THE MILITARY

Download (1.98 MB)
thesis
posted on 2024-06-14, 21:16 authored by William Samson RaymerWilliam Samson Raymer

In the dynamic landscape of modern warfare, innovation stands as a critical driver of military prowess and strategic advantage. This research initiative embarks on a comprehensive exploration. Seeking to elucidate the intricate interplay between academic research, effective leadership traits, and their combined influence on fostering innovation within the U.S. military. Through an integrated methodology that encompasses surveys and interviews, this study aims to unravel the complex mechanisms that underpin innovation and to provide insights that can enhance the U.S. military’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Innovation has emerged as an indispensable component of military success, enabling armed forces to adapt swiftly to evolving challenges. The purpose of this research is to dissect the relationships between academic research, leadership efficacy, and innovation, with the overarching goal of identifying the key factors that drive innovation within the military sphere.

The research methodologies include a thoughtful blend of approaches, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to capture a holistic understanding of the intricate connections between academic research, leadership, and innovation. A comprehensive literature review forms the cornerstone of this study. This allows for the synthesis of existing theories and empirical insights pertaining to military innovation and leadership dynamics.

Supplementing the theoretical framework, an in-depth examination will provide contextualized insights into how effective leadership and academic contributions have synergistically fueled innovation within the military domain. Surveying and conducting interviews will constitute the crucial mechanisms for gathering primary data in this research endeavor. These two principal methodologies, thoughtfully selected for this study, will elevate the insights obtained from the literature review and the existing case studies drawn from related domains. This deliberate approach facilitates an immediate and unmediated investigation into the perspectives and experiences of active-duty military personnel, spanning both officers and enlisted members.

The central drive of this research lies within surveys and interviews conducted among active-duty military personnel. This diverse participant pool encompasses officers and enlisted members, offering a cross-sectional perspective that illuminates innovation dynamics at multiple levels of the military hierarchy. The survey instrument meticulously addresses various dimensions of military innovation, including participants’ assessment of the prevailing level of innovation within their specific roles, the noticeable influence of commanders on innovative practices, leadership attributes that contribute to innovative outcomes, and the extent to which collaborations with external entities engender effective problem-solving and process enhancement.

The research project holds the promise of generating insights with real-world applicability. By combining the insights obtained from active-duty personnel, this study endeavors to construct a comprehensive narrative that explains the multifaceted aspects of military innovation. These insights have direct implications for policy formulation, potentially influencing decisions that facilitate and amplify innovative initiatives within the U.S. military.

In summary, this research project aspires to shed light on the intricate relationship between academic research, leadership efficacy, and innovation within the U.S. military. Through the perspectives of military personnel, this study aims to decode the essential elements that catalyze military innovation. The outcomes of this research are envisaged to contribute to informed decision-making, fostering an environment where academic research and effective leadership synergistically fuel innovation. This, in turn, is anticipated to strengthen the efficiency and efficacy of the U.S. military, empowering it to navigate the complexities of contemporary security challenges with resilience and ingenuity.


Keywords: Academic Research, Leadership Effectiveness, Collaboration.

History

Degree Type

  • Doctor of Philosophy

Department

  • Industrial Engineering

Campus location

  • West Lafayette

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair

Dr. Joseph Pekny

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee co-chair

Dr. Vincent Duffy

Additional Committee Member 2

Dr. James Eric Dietz

Additional Committee Member 3

Dr. Mahmudur Rahman

Usage metrics

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC