Factor Analysis of Leadership Measures from a Training Program

摘要

This paper reports an effort to identify the implicit dimensions of leadership being evaluated by the training staff as part of an Army officer training program. This was accomplished by factor analysis of the measures being used by the school staff. The sample population was 244 newly commissioned officers attending Officer Basic Course for Engineers. Training consisted of a nine-week course, teaching basic technical, managerial, and leadership knowledge and skills. Most officers were reserve 2d lieutenants on active duty only for the training period. They attended classes for approximately 8 hours a day 5 days a week. Although this study is preliminary, three broad leadership factors were identified. A two factor solution resulted in loss of variance accounted for. Pending more definitive analysis, these factors were cognitive/verbal leadership skills, leadership behavioral style, and leadership performance. Further research is under way to verify this structure in other similar training programs, to improve the measurement qualities of the variables, and, finally, to study the relationship between the identified factors and performance in a variety of leadership positions.