Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African Air Force (SAAF) is loosing pilots at an alarming rate and if not addressed with a matter of urgency will become the most critical problems facing the Air Force in the future. This study analyses the problem in comparison to other Air Forces, and how airline hiring and lack of Air Force leadership are contributing to the current situation. Employee retention is a problem inherent in most organisations. The study also examines the reasons that motivate employees to leave any organisation and what world-class organisations are doing to reduce employee turnover. This is used as a logical starting point towards finding a long-term solution as to how the Air Force can retain its pilots. This solution includes increasing pay, dealing with quality of life issues and by examining job and career issues. The paper concludes that the implementation of a multi-faceted solution will allow the Air Force and other organisations to retain its essential core of pilots/employees in spite of increased competition from other employers. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag (SALM) verloor tans sy vlieëniers teen 'n hewige tempo, en as hierdie toestand nie dadelik en met erns aangespreek word nie, sal dit seer sekerlik die mees kritiese probleem word wat die SALM in die toekoms in die gesig sal staar. Hierdie geskryf staan te doel om die probleem te analiseer vergelyke te trek met ander Lugmagte, asook hoe lugredery aanstellings en die te kort aan Lugmag leierskap die huidige situasie vererger. Werknemer retensie is 'n inherente probleem in meeste organisasies. Hierdie studie ondersoek verder, die redes wat werknemers motiveer om 'n betrokke organisasie te verlaat, asook wat wêreldklas organisasies tans doen om werknemer omset te verminder. Dit word dan as 'n logiese vertrekpunt gebruik om 'n langtermyn oplossing te vind waarmee die SALM sy vlieëniers sal kan behou. Die oplossing sluit in verhoogde en meer kompeterende salaris pakkette, beter hanteering van kwessies met betrekking tot die standaard van lewensgehalte asook die ondersoek na beter werksomstanighede en loopbaan moontlikhede. Die geskryf sluit af met die gevolgtrekking dat slegs die implementering van 'n multi-faset oplossing die SALM, en ander organisasies, in staat sal stel om sy/hulle essensiële kern van vlieëniers/werknemers te behou, ten spyte van verhoogde kompetisie van ander werkgewers.

The recent emphasis on Affirmative Action policies in South African corporations has illuminated the issue of cultural diversity in organizations and the difficulties arising from this transition and change. One such difficulty is the problem of intercultural communication where miscommunication can have life-threatening consequences. This problem is particularly critical in the operational environment of the passenger aircraft flight deck where small group factors, as well as intercultural issues must be taken into account. In this thesis the problem of intercultural communication in such contexts as a consequence of Affirmative Action is examined. The data for this thesis comprises the communication of five culturally diverse flight crews. A multi-method was used for the gathering and analysis of this data. This involved the use of video-taped flight simulator sessions, and personal interviews with each crew member. The subjects themselves were involved in identifying key communication problems from the video and interpretation of the data. Three levels of analysis were used in the interpretation of the findings - the individual, the group and the organization. The factors which affected communication at each level in the small, culturally diverse group are highlighted. Furthermore, factors which influence the climate in which communication takes place are also considered. The implications for Affirmative Action are discussed.