Factors involved in subjective career success of soldiers in the South African National Defence Force : an exploratory study
Date
2012-03
Authors
Ditsela, Nondlela Jeanette
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since the 1970s, economic recession, industrial restructuring, technological
changes, and intensified global competition has changed the nature of work.
Consequently, employees have changed, many organisations are changing and
jobs are minimized to keep up with global demands. However, military
organisations and jobs seem to be lagging behind. Although the military is
recruiting young generations, many of its jobs are still traditional military jobs that
pose heavy demands and dangerous circumstances on the soldiers, hence, the
purpose of this particular study. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship
between subjective career success (SCS), work circumstances (WC) and
personality factors (PF) of soldiers in the South African National Defence Force
(SANDF). The existence of the relationship between the variables was explored
through a non-experimental controlled inquiry. The variables under study were
defined as follows: subjective career success is characterised by increase in the
level of skills, increase in self-esteem, increased autonomy and responsibility in
the position the person holds, and working with interesting colleagues; WC is
defined as working conditions in which physical, mental, and emotional activities
are directed towards accomplishing a specific task. Work circumstances
encompass job demands, job characteristics, salary, and job security of soldiers;
and PF includes locus of control in the workplace, self-efficacy and assertive
behaviour in the workplace.
A sample of 57 participants was selected from officers (Second Lieutenant –
Captain and equivalent rank) studying at the South African Military Academy (here
referred to as SAMA), Faculty of Military Sciences, Stellenbosch University.
Another sample of 113 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) (Leading-Seamen –
Chief Petty Officers) was selected from SAS SALDANHA (South African Naval
Gymnasium). In total, a sample of 170 was drawn for this research.
Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between independent
variables and dependent variable; and multiple regression analysis was used to
determine factors that explain SCS of soldiers in the SANDF. The results showed a significant partial relationship between job characteristics
and SCS. Furthermore, a significant correlation emerged between salary
satisfaction and satisfaction with job security. Insignificant relationship emerged
between job demands and SCS. Insignificant results also emerged in the
relationship between locus of control, self-efficacy and assertive behaviour (PF)
and SCS respectively. As a result, it was concluded that WC have a partial
relationship with SCS; and PF does not have any relationship with SCS. However,
the results of the multiple regressions analysis provided that only job security
satisfaction, salary satisfaction, locus of control and self-efficacy explain SCS,
concluding that WC and PF in this research partially explain SCS of soldiers.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming
Description
Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
Keywords
South African National Defence Force -- Officials and employees, Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Theses -- Industrial psychology, Subjective career success, Work environment, Soldiers -- Psychology -- South Africa