Perceptions by Army Junior Noncommissioned Officers and Their Spouses of the Impact of Leader Power and Behavior on Their Family Well-Being

摘要

This paper investigates the perceptions of soldiers and spouses of the impact that leader power and behavior have on their family well-being. The perceptions are based on interviews conducted in June 1987 of 23 respondents. A qualitative analysis of interview responses is performed using Blau's structural exchange theory to provide an understanding of soldier and spouse perceptions. The analysis draws upon leadership theory, as well as research in the sociology of work and family, including military families. The analysis is organized into components from Blau's theory, and incorporates vignettes of respondent statements to exemplify the utility of the theory. The discussion includes a synopsis of the main points learned from applying Blau's theory to the social exchange relationships among leaders, soldiers, and families, as well as a typology of soldier and spouse perceptions of their leaders' behavior, and its impact on family well-being. Among conclusions presented, leader power and behavior is perceived to have a positive impact on family well-being when there is reciprocity in exchange between leaders and soldiers or spouses, when soldier and spouse expectations are fulfilled, and when leaders use reward power or show consideration. Conversely, a negative impact on family well-being is perceived when there is a lack of reciprocity in exchange, when expectations are not fulfilled, and when leaders use coercive power or show a lack of consideration toward soldiers or spouses. Keywords: Military leadership, Family members, Families(Human), Theses, Labor relations. (kt)