Information Resource Management: An Analysis of the Importance of Critical Skills as Perceived by Air Force Communications and Information Commanders

摘要

This study explores what Information Resource Management skills are required in the Communications Information career field as perceived by the Air Force commanders. The following questions were addressed: (1) What are the skills commanders perceive as most important to the IRM mission; (2) Of those skills, where do the commanders perceive their organization's members' weaknesses; (3) What are the primary sources of training for commanders in the career field; and (4) What expectations do commanders have for the training of their organizations. The results of skill importance concurred with current literature, including that pertaining to junior Air Force officers. The interpersonal skill category was concluded most important, followed by managerial and then technical. Results of ideal training sources for the career field are presented, advocating a revision to current Air Force technical courses. Notable commander comments referring to skill importance and areas of weakness, as well as viable training sources are provided.