Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Cindy Petersen

Second Advisor

Karen Bolton

Third Advisor

George Sziraki

Abstract

ABSTRACT How Political Intelligence Sets Exemplary Mid-level Military Women Leaders Apart by Rita Yvette Ovete Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory phenomenological study was to identify and describe the political intelligence strategies that mid-level military women use as they respond to leadership challenges based on Reffo and Wark’s (2014) five facets of political intelligence (futurity, power, empathy with purpose, trust, and versatility). A secondary purpose of the study was to explore how mid-level military women explain their use of political intelligence strategies to support their career success and tenure while navigating leadership challenges. Methodology: This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of mid-level military women leaders. Purposeful convenience sampling was used to identify 12 participants who met the study’s criteria. The semi-structured, open-ended interview protocol was developed by a thematic research team of two peer researchers and a faculty advisor. Data collected from the interviews and artifacts were analyzed to identify themes related to the study’s research questions. Findings: The research found that mid-level military women leaders demonstrate political intelligence by building trust, anticipating change, and establishing collaborative processes. Those leaders use strategic foresight, systems thinking, ethical influence, collaboration, purposeful empathy, transparency, consistency, and versatility to adapt to changing political conditions. Mid-level military women leaders sustain organizational unity, lead with integrity, and succeed for their units despite political challenges. Conclusions: Six conclusions were drawn based on the findings and supported by the literature. These exemplary mid-level military women leaders utilize long-term planning and strong organizational vision. They use strategies to influence, including emotional intelligence and relational awareness. They understand that their career success and tenure are predicated on the strength of the teams that they build. Recommendations: The military must invest in more and more intentional leadership development for mid-level military women leaders. The development of these leaders should include topics specific to political and emotional intelligence. Training and mentorship should focus on influence strategies beyond the use of authority.

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