Indirect leadership under severe stress: a qualitative inquiry into the 2004 Kosovo riots

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a theoretical understanding of indirect leadership in a severely stressful peacekeeping context, focusing on the perspective of subordinates. Peacekeeping missions in recent decades have led to increased exposure to acute danger.

Design/methodology/approach

Retrospective in‐depth interviews were carried out with 17 Norwegian officers and soldiers, who were involved in the handling of a violent riot in Kosovo during a peacekeeping mission. The interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Findings

A model emerged with three categories: Situational Characteristics, Organizational Characteristics, and the Commander's Intent. A related core category was labelled Subordinates' Appraisal or Sensemaking. During the climax of the riot, a strict following of the ordinary chain of command was impractical. Local initiatives at lower organizational levels were needed, but these, in turn, required competence and a trustful organizational environment.

Research limitations/implications

Not representative of the entire population. Given the male‐dominated military context under consideration, there could be no meaningful analysis of possible gender‐related differences. The results related to a general model of indirect leadership and specific stress. Organizational theory‐related additions and limitations are suggested.

Practical implications

The proposed model may be a practical tool for management education.

Originality/value

The study's identification of key aspects of indirect leadership in severely stressful contexts is a useful addition to the literature.

Citation

Larsson, G., Haerem, T., Sjöberg, M., Alvinius, A. and Bakken, B. (2007), "Indirect leadership under severe stress: a qualitative inquiry into the 2004 Kosovo riots", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 23-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/19348830710860138