How effective are we? A phenomenological inquiry on the performance of ROTC advanced officers

Abstract

The main thrust of this qualitative – phenomenological study was to assess and measure the performance of the ROTC advanced officers in handling cadets. Specifically, it sought to determine the challenges experienced by ROTC advanced officers in handling ROTC cadets, their coping mechanisms, leadership training approaches and the perceived ways to improve their performance. This study was conducted within the university, since its primary participants are the ROTC advanced officers that directly handle the UM Bansalan College ROTC cadets. Focus group discussion was used and the data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman framework. Data revealed that the experiences of ROTC officers in handling cadets were not always borne with good experiences since they experience stress, low morale and pressure. However, the ROTC advanced officers cope with those challenges by establishing a sense of motivation, patience/self-control, and persistence. They also apply varied leadership training approaches such as modeling, military/disciplinary approach, coercion, communication, practical and standard based leadership approach, and chain of command. In addition, developing the leadership performance of ROTC advanced officers should be one of the primary goals of the organization, thus, they perceived improving personal attitude and discipline, teamwork, submission to authority, and the provision of facilities and equipment are the ways to improve the performance of ROTC advanced officers.