The Merging and Integration of Two General Aviation Companies: A Case Study in Effective Leadershi

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify the required leadership skill sets and qualities regarding the 2014 merger and integration of Cessna and Hawker/Beechcraft and determine the overall effectiveness and efficiency of these skill sets and qualities during and after the merger and integration of the two companies. The purposive sample gained was comprised of eleven (11) leaders employed within the companies of Cessna and Hawker/Beechcraft. The sample reflected key individuals who were identified as having great knowledge and could shed light on the merger and integration. A participant interview question form created consistent open-ended questions. Triangulation was used in a four step process (1) validate the research questions (2) create alias for participants (3) transcribe responses (4) peer review reflected summary of participants. Participants identified many leadership qualities, but five specific qualities of leaders stood out as being more important than the others: communication, trustworthiness, feedback, listening, and delegation. Recommendations given by the participants indicated employees wanted their leaders to communicate the strategic issues of the merger and integration plans. When company decisions are being made that will directly affect them, employees want to hear what is happening from the people at the top. A critical component of successful leadership is putting the right people in the right place at the right time. Successful leaders are determined to integrate diversity into all of the organizational processes of their company. Using diversity to foster engagement and improve decision-making within the work environment is essential to a leader's success.