Team leadership: A study of collaborative efficacy perceptions affecting team success in Marine Corps special operations

The study examined team leadership from the perceptions of collaborative relationships in United States Marine Corps special operations teams. Data was collected from case studies of actual United States Marine Corps special operations units. The survey instruments used to determine collaborative efficacy perceptions adopted for this study are known as the Collaborative Team Leader Instrument and The One-up Manager's Team Performance Effectiveness Evaluation Survey. The objective of this study was to determine whether a team leader's perceived ability to collaborate and team members perceptions of team leaders ability to collaborate could be used to differentiate the independent variable (Effectiveness) by examining the six dependent variables representing dimensions of collaboration (Focus on the Goal, Ensure a Collaborative Climate, Build Confidence, Demonstrate Sufficient Technical Know-How, Set Priorities, and Manage Performance). MANOVA and follow-up ANOVA were performed to test for significant differences of means between the team leader's collaborative efficacy from the team leader's self-evaluation and the team member's perceptions of the team leader, as well as to test relationships involving team leader and team member continuous demographic data (Total Months in Current Assignment, Total Years in Marine Corps Special Units, and Age) for the purpose of differentiating the level of effectiveness as evaluated by the platoon commander. This study performed Pearson chi2 tests to compare categorical demographic means (Professional Military Education and Rank) between team leaders and members and the impact on the effectiveness as rated by platoon commanders. Open-ended questions in regard to team leader strengths and areas for improvement were measured from the team leader's self-perception and from team members perceptions of their team leaders. MANOVA results of team member perceptions of Focus on the Goal and Build Confidence were significant. Pearson chi 2 results for team leader Professional Military Education demographic variables were significant. Answers to open-ended research yielded fruitful information. Team members presume Ensure a Collaborative Climate needs improvement by team leaders. Recommendations for future research are provided.