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Empowering Leadership in the Military: Pros and Cons

Author

Listed:
  • João Teixeira

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
    Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
    Portuguese Air Force Academy, Centro de Investigação da Academia da Força Aérea, Instituto Universitário Militar, 2715-021 Sintra, Portugal)

  • Leonor Pais

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
    Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Nuno Rebelo dos Santos

    (Research Centre in Education and Psychology (CIEP-UÉ), School of Social Sciences, Universidade de Évora, 7000-812 Évora, Portugal)

  • Bruno de Sousa

    (Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
    Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

The military serves as a vital bridge between strategic goals and societal values. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the potential and limitations of Empowering Leadership (EL) in the armed forces. Considering the current post-pandemic context and the geopolitical shifts in a volatile, uncertain, fragile, and complex world, we look at how EL can boost adaptability. We started by addressing military organization structure and evolution, followed by the EL concept and its impact on organizational performance. We discussed its benefits, progress, and role in modern military environments. The analysis points out EL benefits, despite the challenges posed by the military’s strict hierarchy, which can limit EL’s effectiveness, but concluded that this style can be effective when aligned with Mission Command. We analyze EL’s nuances in military settings, presenting three propositions and stating their potential, challenges, and limitations. This study offers insights into leadership dynamics in the military, highlighting the delicate balance between empowerment and traditional structures.

Suggested Citation

  • João Teixeira & Leonor Pais & Nuno Rebelo dos Santos & Bruno de Sousa, 2024. "Empowering Leadership in the Military: Pros and Cons," Merits, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmerit:v:4:y:2024:i:4:p:26-369:d:1505320
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Viktorija Šimanauskienė & Vidmantė Giedraitytė & Olga Navickienė, 2021. "The Role of Military Leadership in Shaping Innovative Personnel Behaviour: The Case of the Lithuanian Armed Forces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-17, August.
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