A framework to define and quantify leadership styles within Navy engineering units

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for the U.S. Navy's leadership styles by assessing self-perceived leadership styles in a sample of reserve Engineering Duty Officers (EDOs) and the Senior Enlisted Leaders (SELs) in these technical units. Transformational and transactional leadership styles were examined using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) Form (Avolio & Bass, 2004), while the servant leadership style was examined using the Servant Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SLSQ) (Sandling, 2021). The effect of rank and the triad leadership position had on leadership style was explored in this study. The survey was made available to all EDOs and SELs (n = 525). A total of 84 surveys were completed (a 16% return rate). Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in servant leadership between SELs and junior officers. When broken down into the factors of servant leadership this difference was seen in the conceptual skills and putting followers first factors. No statistical differences were seen across leadership triad positions, or between any other ranks for any other leadership style. The findings are discussed for their implications for leadership development in the U.S. Navy.