Abstract
This study aimed to develop a structural model describing the impact of leadership styles, commitment, and communication styles on soldiers’ engagement across varied military operational environments. After scientific validation and reliability tests, questionnaires were used as data-gathering tools. Data for this descriptive-correlational and causal-comparative research design were gathered from the 307 active-duty soldiers from the Philippine Army infantry units in Mindanao and Visayas regions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Pearson-product moment correlation, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling. Results revealed that higher subordinate participation in decision-making and improved task-welfare tradeoffs have increased leadership effectiveness. Leadership and communication styles and commitment have significant relationships with soldiers’ engagement. The higher the levels of confidence and decisive leadership, clear and consistent communication, and a balanced approach toward leadership styles, the better the soldiers’ engagement in the Philippine Army. This translates to increased operational efficiency and readiness. Confidence and decisiveness, general communication, and transformational and transactional leadership are the best predictors of soldiers’ engagement. Moreover, structural model 3 is the best-fit model that is anchored on leadership styles, commitment levels, and communication styles. This model is called as Micarandayo’s Model of Soldiers’ Engagement in the Philippine Army.
