Abstract
This research investigates the applicability of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) leadership development (LD) to corporate organizational development (OD). Despite significant investment in LD, many corporate programs do not meet expectations, highlighting the need for effective models. The USMC LD approach, emphasizing personal and subordinate leadership skills development, mission accomplishment, and team welfare, presents a unique model for exploration. This study examines the integration of USMC leadership components-traits, principles, and core values-into corporate leadership roles and evaluates the perception of USMC veterans on their applicability in corporate settings. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys of 125 participants and ten qualitative interviews to capture a comprehensive view of the USMC LD's potential in corporate OD. The findings suggest that USMC LD is not only applicable but also potentially beneficial in enhancing corporate leadership practices, indicating a need for further exploration in this area.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Organizational change; Corporations--Leadership; United States--Marine Corps--Leadership; Veterans—United States
Date of Award
2024
School Affiliation
Graziadio Business School
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Masters
Faculty Advisor
Christopher G. Worley
Recommended Citation
Gowin, Paul D., "From command posts to corporations: applying United States Marine Corps leadership development to corporate organization development" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1455.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1455