Date of Award

3-11-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Joseph R. Wirthlin, PhD.

Abstract

Since the seminal work investigating the relationship between typical and maximum performance by Sackett, Zedeck, and Fogli in 1988, there has been a marked increase in research in this area. Although much research has furthered the relationship between typical and maximum performance, none have attempted to identify which leadership effectiveness criteria are considered most important to an individual’s maximum performance, or assessment of one’s potential. Thus, this empirical study seeks to identify the leadership effectiveness criteria under maximum performance conditions as it relates to entry and middle level managers. Using an exploratory factor analysis, the results suggest an interesting comparison of leadership criteria between entry and middle management engaged in maximum performance. For entry level managers, personality, effort, and attitude emerged as the most important factors for entry level managers suggesting that “leadership of self” is the pathway to being an effective leader. However, for middle level managers, trust, accommodation, and adaptability were considered essential leadership effectiveness criteria indicating “leadership of team” is an appropriate framework at this level.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GRD-ENV-11-M02

DTIC Accession Number

ADA540277

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