The feasibility and potential desirability of incorporating organization development techniques into the Marine Corps' leadership training program

Abstract

Numerous social and political changes of the past two decades have affected the quality and quantity of personnel assets available to the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has been subject to an increasing number of society-born problems and internally-generated conflicts. New and increased demands have been placed upon Marine Corps leadership to: 1) assimilate today's young marine into the corps' values and culture; 2) remedy negative incidents that erode existing assets and threaten vitally-needed political support; and 3) maintain combat effectiveness. The Marine Corps has instituted a variety of human resource management programs to correct the dysfunctions of personnel unrest. The primary thrust of these programs is the leadership training program. Although it has met with initial success, disciplinary problems and personnel conflicts continue to plague the Corps. In order to improve the program's effectiveness, this thesis investigates the potential desirability an feasibility of incorporating organizational development (OD) methods into the program. The thesis examines the tenents of OD and internal Marine Corps factors which could support or hinder the introduction of OD concepts. The thesis concludes that OD methods would be feasible if they were designed for the unique needs of the Corps and initially concentrated on improving channels of communication and resolving local unit conflicts. The thesis continues with a discussion of recommendations for future action.