Team of advisors: the social science of advice in homeland and national security

Abstract

Homeland security and national security events of the 21st century require a fresh look at an important and often ignored facet of leadership that can be simply referred to as advice. Public leaders at all levels of government face increasing demands to make good decisions under the pressure and urgency of crisis circumstances. Advisors can provide the necessary guidance and support for executive decision makers. This thesis examines the relationship between advisors who support executive decision makers in the homeland security enterprise and national security domain, and the factors that influence effectiveness in the advice process. First, this thesis examines the viewpoints of current academic social science research. Second, a case study methodology is used to explore the experiences of practitioners who serve as both executive decision makers and advisors. Finally, the case-study analysis incorporates contemporary social science research to produce recommendations that can assist both public leaders and advisors in understanding the factors that lead to effectiveness.