Analysis of Naval Organizations within Maritime National Interests: The Case of Colombia.

This thesis examines the Colombian Maritime Authority and the Colombian Coast Guard Service using relevant constructs from strategic management and organizational theory. The research uses the Nuechterlein matrix concepts in basic national interests combined with the results of a survey to analyze the maritime mentality of Colombia. The thesis applies a Dynamic Systems Model and finds that common parameters are used in maritime organizations to manage maritime activities. The study draws on comparative analysis of the contexts and organizational designs of foreign maritime organizations. Results indicate that Colombia does not include maritime national interests in its priorities of national interests. Survey results suggest that Colombias management of maritime activities has only partially developed due to the complexity of the Nation-States political and cultural environment. The study also identifies overlapping functions and redundant efforts within the two Colombian organizations. It explores the possibility and likely consequences of restructuring the two organizations, given Colombian maritime national interests and thus provides alternatives to maximize the management of maritime activities. Recommendations for further research are included.