The Effects of Network-Centric Warfare on Micromanagement, Centralized Control, and Decentralized Execution in Combat

As technology increases in combat, different players in combat are linked, flattening the traditional military command structure. This creates new challenges that affect the decision making process potentially increasing micromanagement from senior leaders and challenges the Air Force doctrinal tenet of "centralized control and decentralized execution". Leavitt and Whistler presented their theory that technology will centralize organizations and remove or reduce mid-level management. Gregory's theory X highlighted the traits of micromanagers. Twenty eight Active Duty Air Force Airmen who fly, fight and win using network-centric warfare (NCW) technology in combat were interviewed in this qualitative ethnographic study. The major themes uncovered by this study are; NCW technology is indeed changing the shape of the military hierarchical structure, subordinates believe senior leaders should have access to NCW technology but for awareness only, senior leaders need additional training to lead in NCW environments and NCW increases micromanagement. Findings are combat aircraft lacking current technology will play lesser roles in combat, senior leadership should adhere to strict checklists prior to making real-time tactical level decision, professional military education curriculums should include combat in NCW environments and leaders need immediate feedback from subordinates if micromanagement traits are being displayed.