Enhancing Communication Competences for Military Leaders Through Equine-Based Learning

• Autorzy: Marta Nowakowska
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Purpose: The study explores the potential of equine-based learning training as a novel approach to enhance communication competencies among military leaders based on practical work with future leaders.

Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted on 79 cadets from military academies in Poland, and an international group that included cadets from few European countries. The research took place between May 2021 and June 2022. The article provides an overview of the methodology which combined self-assessment questionnaires, interviews, participant observation, and analysis of personal diaries. The chosen methods aimed to capture both quantitative and qualitative data, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of equine-based learning as a training process.

Findings: The study's results indicate the significant role played by the innovative training method of equine-based learning in improving communication competence. Effective communication is crucial for leaders in military organizations for several reasons: clear and concise communication is essential for conveying information, instructions, and expectations to a subordinate; effective communication is vital for building and maintaining strong relationships with subordinates and is crucial for resolving conflicts and addressing issues within the military organization.

Research limitations/implications: The research begins a more extensive study oriented towards leadership in organizations. The proposed training method - equine-based learning - demonstrated its usefulness in improving communication competence in a sample of military cadets. It is necessary to conduct similar research with the guidelines in the article on a more extensive research sample and extend the method to other managerial competencies.

Practical implications: The research suggests that there is scope to expand training for future leaders in military organizations. As one of the most critical competencies for military and civilian leaders, communication competencies are often taught traditionally without effectiveness. Enhancing communication competencies through equine-based learning achieves success, as evidenced by the research presented in the article.

Originality/value The publication refers to the method of training with horses. Equine-based learning has been used primarily in veterinary science, agricultural science and psychology. This article publishes the research results using this method to improve social skills.(original abstract)

Słowa kluczowe

EN

Leadership; Army; Interpersonal communication; Solving problems

PL

Przywództwo; Wojsko; Komunikowanie interpersonalne; Rozwiązywanie problemów

• Czasopismo: Zeszyty Naukowe. Organizacja i Zarządzanie / Politechnika Śląska
• Rocznik: 2023
• Numer: z. 188 Współczesne zarządzanie = Contemporary management
• Strony: 383--397

Twórcy

autor

Marta Nowakowska

• Wroclaw University of Science and Technology

Bibliografia

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Identyfikatory

DOI

10.29119/1641-3466.2023.188.22