CIAO DATE: 04/05

Officer Career Management in a Peacetime Democracy

Abstract

I have been asked to present brief comments on the subject of officer career management in a peacetime democracy. As I have spent much of my 30-year military career involved either directly or indirectly in the management of officers in a democracy (mostly in peace, but also in war), I am very happy to be able to share my thoughts and experience with you today.

As one delves into the area of management it is clear that there is a cultural impact on the very nature of management, be it in government, the private sector, or in non-profit organisations and institutions. Cultural norms and traditions find their way into management practices, and therefore reflect the broader society. Having worked with armed forces across Europe, in Asia and in the Middle East, I am mindful of such differences, and of the fact that every nation employs officer career management practices that reflect its national character.

Full Text (PDF, 14 pages, 103 KB)