The Leadership Behaviors of Senior Engineering Officers in the Royal Air Force

摘要

When the environment (both internal and external) is dynamic, turbulent and in constant flux, leader behavior is most important.18 For example, when there is significant technical and intellectual complexity, participation and consultation will be helpful and appropriate. Supportive leadership behavior will be most important (perhaps vital) with difficult tasks, especially when personnel are put in "harm's way". Moreover, as leadership is a dynamic process between the leader and the led, the serviceman, woman or recruit of today may require a subtly different approach in the way that he or she is led, if the maximum use is to be made of them as a human resource.rnThe British armed forces have traditionally been able to rely on the fact that the subordinate was going to do what he or she was told, because the order came from someone senior; this is no longer an acceptable assumption. Recruits and service personnel are now more "questioning" and, therefore, will be more willing to respond to leadership styles that involve them in a decision-making process that explains the rationale behind decisions. In this respect, the importance of facilitation to military leadership cannot be overlooked.