Correction

This researcher will use a qualitative methodology for this research to exploring the effectiveness of leadership within the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the potential impact of such leadership has on communication and training of the multi-generational and diverse culture groups. Qualitative methods will allow the researcher to design a creative synthesis utilizing the qualitative style. Using qualitative analysis, the research can describe how much each generation’s attitudes, work ethics, and values exist (Bansal & Corley, 2012). Because of this reasons, this research relies on qualitative methodology and case study design. Case study research entails a detailed and thorough study of a single unit for comprehending a more extensive class of similar units. A single case study can act as the foundation of important explanations. Qualitative research methods is most appropriate since the research will seek to answer a question by methodically using a distinct set of actions through a literature review, data collection, and obtaining information through interviews of the opinions and perceptions about their experience of a specific population (Creswell, 2014; Mack, Woodsong, MacQueen, Guest, & Namey, 2005). Lastly this method is appropriate for the research since it also allows the researcher to inquire how and why from the participants. Collecting data on generational differences in the military, potential conflicts, and the consequential challenges for the military leaders are part of the study.

The population of this research will comprise of military Officers, Non-Commission Officers, and Enlisted Soldiers of different culture and age groups. According to Yilmaz (2013), purposive sampling in qualitative research plays a significant role when it comes to the selection of unique condition or specific individuals for a research. Researchers that utilize this concept produce valuable information and a detailed comprehension of the phenomenon in question. Purposive sampling is most suitable when the researcher is interested in a group of individuals with specific characteristics.

Using data collection, analysis, and face-to-face semi-structured interviews will allow the researcher to collect information about real life experiences of the military leaders and their subordinates in the work setting. A secondary source of material is also crucial for this research as it provides the researcher with additional information that adds credibility and strength to the findings. The secondary source of material should include the current human resource strategies used in the military and other civilian organizations as well as the standard operating procedures that the military leaders use in the management of multigenerational workforces. This additional source of material will come a long way in assisting with the comprehension of the phenomenon. The interviews carried out in this stage should be exhaustive and ensure that the researcher reaches the targeted data.

Most of the qualitative design methodologies include a specific protocol that involves data representation and collection (Nolen & Talbert, 2011). In this qualitative research, the semi-structured interview will be the primary data collection instrument. The interview protocol acted as a consistent guide to all the interviews in the research. Typically, data collection, analysis, and face-to-face interactions are the most appropriate when carrying out qualitative interviews since they provide a connection with the targeted participant. The data collection procedures should not be routine and the experienced interviewers ought to take advantage of unexpected opportunities during the interaction and engage the participant with other questions or concerns. However, it is prudent for the interviewer to note that he or she should not influence the discussion and make it biased (Marshall, Cardon, Poddar, & Fontenot, 2013). The semi-structured interviews should allow negative, positive, and mixed reactions from the participant. In addition, the participants should clarify the questions during the interview process in order to allow them to give credible responses. When utilizing interviews as a source of data collection, standardization of the process is essential as it develops consistency and it is applicable to the interviewee’s linguistic, cultural and educational levels (Fassinger & Morrow). The use of interview protocol makes sure that all the investigative areas are covered.

For a researcher to conduct a successful interview, he or she must choose the most appropriate approach and carefully plan for all the factors involved in the process (Doody & Noonan, 2013). The data collection approaches become an issue when large amounts of data result in assorted information. Studies show that researchers who rely only on interviews as their source of information run the risk of obtaining inadequate and biased outcomes. To validate this study and eliminate every form of biases, the interviewer should be aware of all the potential biases and set them aside in order to allow him or her to view the studied phenomenon from a fresh or neutral perspective. Yu (2014) argues that when a researcher approaches a study in this manner, his or her academic rigor is bound to increase throughout the research project. The interviews, in this case, will take approximately 30 minutes to ensure that the researcher covers all questions and concerns related to the interview. Participants for this process should be those that experience or have experienced the phenomena in question. The interviews should take place in a venue suitable and chosen by the participant. One of the main disadvantages of this data collection technique is that it is expensive, time-consuming, and is prone to biases. Interviews can also be intrusive towards the participants and therefore, force them to give out false information. The total number of military personnel expected to participate in this exercise is 10. Two of them will be the military Officers, Three, Senior Non-Commission Officers, and the remaining seven will be lower level Non-Commission Officer and service members.

Interview Questions for the Military Leaders

1. What is your age?

1. 17 to 36 years

2. 37 to 52 years

3. Age 53 or older

1. What Is Your Ethnicity?

1. African American

2. Asian

3. Hispanic

4. Pacific Islander

5. White

1. How long have you been a military leader?

1. 5 to 10 years

2. 10 to 15 years

3. 15 to 20 years

4. 20 years or more

1. What are your cultural beliefs about age and gender?

2. Do you recognize some differences in cultural practices among the troops?

3. In your opinion do the cultures of the troop members affect the way they respond to your leadership? If yes how?

4. Have you encountered any dilemmas in your leadership as a result of cultural differences? If yes how?

1. Have you encountered any conflict with the troop members due to cultural differences? If yes how?

1. Do you think age gaps affect your leadership in the military?

2. How do you deal with age and cultural differences as a leader?

Interview Questions for the Troop Members

1. What is your age?

1. 17 to 36 years

2. 37 to 52 years

3. Age 53 or older

1. What Is Your Ethnicity?

1. African American

2. Asian

3. Hispanic

4. Pacific Islander

5. White

1. iii. How long have you been in military?

1. 1 to 5 years

2. 5 to 10 years

3. 10 to 20 years

4. 20 or more years

1. I trust that my organization’s leadership will treat me fairly.

1. 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Agree 4 = Strongly Agree

1. Leaders in my organization work well together as a team.

1. 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Agree 4 = Strongly Agree

1. Members are encouraged to perform to their fullest potential, regardless of their background.

1. 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Agree 4 = Strongly Agree

1. Leaders in my organization communicate well with each other.

1. 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Agree 4 = Strongly Agree

1. I trust that my organization’s leadership will represent my best interests.

1. 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Agree 4 = Strongly Agree

1. What is your overall approval rating of the Leadership job performance?

1. 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Agree 4 = Strongly Agree

1. The leader communicates the organization vision and strategies and helps their team to better understand how they contribute to the achievement of Company goals?

1. 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Agree 4 = Strongly Agree?