by Elliott Jaques, S. Clement, C. Rigby and T. Owen Jacobs
U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
Research Report 1420
January 1986
This report deals with the changing nature and increasing complexity at the various GO/SES levels. A general theory of organizational structure is proposed which would facilitate leader development and provide information and decision systems support for executives. A program of action is posited based on findings from interview data which lays out major systematic leadership requirements for a hierarchy of levels of work. Higher level work (structured within a joint, com- bined, and unified command) is characterized as requiring an international perspective and collegiality. Professional development and competency requirements at the top-most levels are consistent with a time horizon of 20 years or more.