An investigation of a process by which a division officer can gain empathy with his men

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Authors
Briscoe, Philip
Subjects
Content analysis
division officer
empathy
pentad
understanding
Advisors
Butler, Phillip N.
Date of Issue
1979-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California: U.S. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
The ability of the division officer to empathize or "know his men" plays an important role in his establishment of an efficient and effective division. This study reviews six seminal theories of empathy and investigates a proposed process for use by the division officer to enhance his ability to "know his men." The process investigated is called the pentad. It involves performing a content analysis on interpersonal communications. The analysis should reveal which of five terms—act, scene, agent, agency, or purpose—the subordinate feels is dominant in his personal situation. This knowledge should allow the division officer to respond in an empathic manner. An analysis of forty personal interviews with detention center confinees revealed that they referenced primarily three of the terms—the act, the scene, and the agent. The study concludes that the pentad can be used by the division officer as a method of content analysis in reference to these three terms.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Management
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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