An exploratory study In challenges faced by intelligence leaders and practitioners from goal and structural conflicts

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the challenges faced by the leadership/management and practitioners of intelligence organizations that cause goal and structural conflicts within intelligence organizations. The study included in-depth interviews with 14 participants from the intelligence community (IC) to solicit the views of persons that work in the intelligence environment. This paper theorizes that conflict within intelligence organizations impedes the proper intelligence product from being created and advanced to decision-makers and this is counter to the purpose of intelligence, which is to provide predictive insights for action by decision-makers to effect appropriate policy. The conflict arises from an incompatibility of goals between the leadership/management and the practitioners of intelligence.