12 O Clock High Leadership Analysis

Introduction

"12 O'Clock High," a 1949 film directed by Henry King, is a classic war movie that not only entertains but also provides valuable insights into the dynamics of leadership. Set during World War II, the film follows the story of Brigadier General Frank Savage, played by Gregory Peck, as he takes over a struggling bomber unit and transforms it into a highly effective and efficient fighting force. This essay will analyze the leadership styles and strategies depicted in the film, and how they align with contemporary leadership theories. Through an examination of the characters and their actions, this essay aims to demonstrate the importance of effective leadership in achieving organizational success.

Body

The film presents a variety of leadership styles and strategies, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. One of the main themes of the movie is the contrast between the authoritarian leadership style of General Savage and the more democratic approach of his predecessor, Colonel Davenport. General Savage initially adopts a strict and autocratic leadership style, imposing discipline and demanding perfection from his men. This is evident in his first speech to the unit, where he tells them, "I will demand everything from you, and I will demand it now." This approach initially creates resentment and resistance among the men, but ultimately leads to a significant improvement in their performance.

This authoritarian leadership style aligns with the theory of transactional leadership, which emphasizes clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations. According to Bass and Avolio (1994), transactional leaders use contingent rewards and punishments to motivate their followers, and are focused on achieving specific goals. General Savage's approach can be seen as an effective way of instilling discipline and accountability in the unit, and driving them towards a common objective. However, this style also has its drawbacks, as it can lead to high levels of stress and burnout among the followers, and stifle creativity and innovation.

In contrast, Colonel Davenport's leadership style is more participative and democratic, as he seeks input and consensus from his men before making decisions. This aligns with the theory of transformational leadership, which emphasizes inspiration, motivation, and empowerment of followers. According to Burns (1978), transformational leaders are able to inspire and motivate their followers to exceed their own self-interest for the good of the organization. While Colonel Davenport's approach may have fostered a more positive and supportive environment, it also led to a lack of discipline and direction within the unit, ultimately resulting in poor performance.

The film also highlights the importance of situational leadership, as General Savage recognizes the need to adapt his leadership style to the specific challenges faced by the unit. As the unit's performance improves, General Savage gradually becomes more supportive and empathetic towards his men, demonstrating a more transformational leadership style. This aligns with the theory of situational leadership, which emphasizes the need for leaders to adjust their style based on the readiness and willingness of their followers. According to Hersey and Blanchard (1988), effective leaders are able to diagnose the needs of their followers and provide the appropriate leadership style to meet those needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "12 O'Clock High" provides valuable insights into the dynamics of leadership, and the importance of effective leadership in achieving organizational success. The film illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of different leadership styles and strategies, and the need for leaders to adapt their approach based on the specific challenges and circumstances they face. By analyzing the characters and their actions, we can gain a better understanding of contemporary leadership theories and how they can be applied in real-world situations. Overall, the film serves as a reminder of the critical role that leadership plays in driving organizational performance, and the need for leaders to continually evolve and adapt to meet the needs of their followers.