Defensive Future Studies

Defensive Future Studies

Recognizing Antecedents and Consequences Developing Mental Agility of Military Leaders based on Combined Methodology of Thematic Analysis and Fuzzy DEMATEL

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Behnam Golshahi 1
Gholamali Montazer 2
1 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor of Information Technology Engineering, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/dfsr.2024.2040866.1822
Abstract
Background and Objective: Mental agility is vital for military leaders, significantly influencing their effectiveness in planning and implementing military operations. Thus, enhancing the mental agility of promising leaders is an essential responsibility of higher education in the armed forces. This research aims to identify the factors that contribute to and the outcomes that arise from improved mental agility among military leaders.
Method: This study adopts a developmental-applied approach using descriptive-contextual methods. Data were collected through both field and library research and analyzed using Thematic Analysis and Fuzzy DEMATEL with Python 3.11. The research focuses on scientific literature related to mental agility, with a questionnaire distributed to 15 selected commanders, managers, and expert professors in a military organization.
Findings: The findings indicate that emotional intelligence, social competence, personality traits, cognitive abilities, diverse experiences, adaptability, and flexibility are crucial for developing mental agility in military leaders. In turn, this mental agility fosters enhanced strategic decision-making, innovative leadership, optimal problem-solving, effective change management, improved team dynamics, and a strong commitment to continuous learning.
Conclusion: These results highlight the significance of nurturing the key factors that drive mental agility. By cultivating these skills, commanders can excel in essential areas, thereby optimizing their effectiveness on the battlefield while underscoring the need for ongoing education in military leadership.
Keywords
"Mental agility
Military leadership
Thematic analysis
Fuzzy DEMATEL"

Subjects

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Defensive Future Studies
Volume 9, Issue 34
Autumn 2024
Pages 1-30