FRLM Film study

The film, 12 O’Clock High, a story of the 918th Heavy Bombardment Group stationed at Royal Air Force Archbury is in a state of disarray. The B-17 flying unit has suffered repeated aerial losses to both equipment and personal during wartime missions. The unit is in dire need of leadership to turn the unit around, Brigadier General Savage, is given command of the 918th Bomber Group. Throughout the film 12 O’Clock High, Brigadier General Savages demonstrates principles from The Full-Range Leadership Model to include transactional and transformational leadership styles in his effort to address deficiencies in the group’s performance. Transactional leadership, specifically the Management By Exception-Active (MBE-A) style was the primary leadership model utilized by the general. The general relied heavily upon this style early on as it involves corrective transactions between the leader and follower. For example, upon reporting to the base, BGen Savage is waved through the checkpoint by the Military Police solider. Immediately, BGen Savage demonstrated the MBE-A style by ordering his staff driver to stop so he could immediately address the solider for his failures. Another example of MBE-A, was BGen Savage’s addressing the sergeant who was working the front desk. Before the general sought to address formal business, he immediately address the issue of why the sergeant was not maintaining proper dress and appearance as well as his failure to show proper custom and courtesies. These two examples demonstrate the MBE-A leadership style of the new commander trying to correct deficiencies within the organization.
After addressing the organizational issues with the 918th Bomber Group through corrective transactions, BGen Savage transitioned his leadership style to the transformational leadership style. The general utilized Intellectual Stimulation (IS) with Major Stovel. The major approached the general who then sought the advice of his subordinate. The two men