Introduction

Leadership and the significance of formalized organizational structures

“…We drew on relevant and well-established literature about Crazy Horse and Custer (Ambrose, 2003; Cozzens, 2018; Fredriksen, 2001; Lookingbill, 2015; Marshall, 2005; McCoy, 2012; Penn, 2004) as “raw material” for our case study (Please see Appendix 1). A wide range of biographies and history literature has been published about Crazy Horse (Ambrose, 2003; Bray, 2008 etc.).…”

“…Crazy Horse (Lakota language: Tasunke Witko), a famous war chief of the Native American Lakota, was born between 1838 and 1842 (Hall, 2018; McCoy, 2012). In his youth, he went on a vision quest which inspired him to become a “Heyoka” (Marshall, 2005, p. 16), a Lakota warrior serving his people and the community (Bray, 2008; Lookingbill, 2015). Crazy Horse has since become one of the most renowned and respected leaders among the Lakota.…”

“…In June 1876, during the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn, Crazy Horse contributed significantly to the defeat of General Custer’s 7th US Cavalry Regiment (Ambrose, 2003). Under the leadership of Crazy Horse and other leaders, the combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes caused the biggest defeat of the US Army in the history of the Indian wars (Lookingbill, 2015). This victory was particularly significant considering the US Army’s highly-advanced technological equipment (Dunlay, 1987; Lookingbill, 2015).…”

“…Under the leadership of Crazy Horse and other leaders, the combined forces of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes caused the biggest defeat of the US Army in the history of the Indian wars (Lookingbill, 2015). This victory was particularly significant considering the US Army’s highly-advanced technological equipment (Dunlay, 1987; Lookingbill, 2015). Crazy Horse fought to gain even further victorious battles against the US-military, including famous military leaders such as General George Crook and Captain William Fetterman (Ambrose, 2003; Hardorff, 1998).…”

“…The circumstances surrounding Crazy Horse’s death are still obscure and controversial today (Magoc and Berstein, 2015). Historians are still debating whether he fell victim to a politically motivated murder (Lookingbill, 2015).…”