M. Tech. Business Administration / The purpose of the study was to investigate, evaluate and validate the state of readiness of South African National Defence Force infantry military commanders to manage disasters in southern Africa. A survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire that was completed by 122 respondents from three infantry battalions and the infantry formation headquarters across South Africa, representing a reasonable cross-section of infantry battalions leaders.

The productivity and well-being of the SANDF are dependent on the effective functioning of its individual members, positive relationships amongst various groups of members and between members and the organization. Military social work, based on occupational social work, was established in order to support the well-being of the organization. Supervisors within the South African National Defence Force play a fundamental role in the management and assistance of employees and organizational units whose performance is affected by a range of problems. These supervisors are the key role players in the identification and effective referral of 'employees whose performance is affected by problem situations. The Supervisory Training Course was developed and implemented by military social workers as a training aid to equip supervisors in appropriate ways of managing and assisting employees and organizational units. The Supervisory Training Course (a very comprehensive package) is currently presented on a small scale amongst SANDF supervisors. These supervisors are not using acquired knowledge and skills effectively regarding the management of their subordinates. This situation motivated the researcher to undertake this study. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Thesis (MMil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS is spreading through Africa in epidemic proportions. Hundreds and thousands of people are infected on a daily basis. This pandemic destroys the emotional and physical strength of individuals. In Sub-Saharan Africa there is an estimated 28,1 million people living with HIV/AIDS. The military forces of Africa are not immune to this. Growing concern has shifted the focus of HIV/AIDS to the armed forces because they generally have higher levels of HIV/AIDS than the civilian population. Within the military it is critical that HIV/AIDS be managed in a manner that retards the spread of the virus as well as the negative impact that it has. The cornerstone of combat efficiency within the SANDF is its infantry section, a group of people forming the basis for the rest of the operational force structure that is deployed within an operational area. The deployment areas are dangerous and unstable and are conducive to the spread of HIV/AIDS. When forces are deployed within the operational area, they forge a bond built on trust, loyalty and a confidence in each other's work capability. HIV/AIDS impacts on this capability and results in an environment characterised by low morals, discrimination and stigma. The important element is to make soldiers aware of the implications of HIV/AIDS, and the perceptions that exist about people living with the disease. The success lies in the correct management in terms of prevention and protection. A clear understanding of the disease is the most important element in starting an effective prevention programme. People have to understand that HIV/AIDS is not only a medical problem, but also has far-reaching social and security implications. It not only affects the infected but also their families, relatives and friends. The infection has an enormous social impact that should not be underestimated. If left unchecked, HIV/AIDS will cripple the SANDF. implications. It not only affects the infected but also their families, relatives and friends. The infection has an enormous social impact that should not be underestimated. If left unchecked, HIV/AIDS will cripple the SANDF. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: MIVNIGS word tans in Afrika deur duisende mense versprei en bereik epidemiese vlakke. Hierdie virus val die mens se fisiese en geestelike krag aan. In Afrika benede die Sahara is daar omtrent 28,1 miljoen mense wat met MIVNIGS leef. Die militêre mag van Afrika is nie imuun teen die stryd. Grootskaal se kommer is gefokus op die gewapende magte van Afrika omdat die militêr geneig is om meer MIVNIGS positiewe mense te hê as die siviele omgewing. Binne die militêr is dit krities dat MIVNIGS op so "n manier bestuur word dat die verspreiding van hierdie siekte belemmer word. Die infanterie seksie is die hoeksteen van vuurkrag effektiwieteit binne die SANW. Hierdie seksie is die fondament van die operasionele mag wat binne operasionele gebiede ontplooi word. Hierdie gebiede word gekenmerk deur gevaar en onstabiliteit wat die verspreiding van MIVNIGS vergemakiIk. Wanneer hierdie mag ontplooi word, is dit op die beginsel van vertroue in mekaar, lojaliteit en in "n geloofwaardigheid in mekaar se werksvermoë. MIVNIGS impak direk op hierdie beginsels en veroorsaak "n omgewing wat deur lae morele waardes, diskriminasie en negatiewe persepsies gekenmerk word. Dit is belangrik dat die soldaat ingelig word oor die persepsies en impak wat MIVNIGS moontlik kan hê. Die korrekte bestuur sal die mate van sukses bepaal hoe hierdie virus gehanteer kan word. "n Volle begrip sal die deurslaggewende beginsel wees in die effektiewe beheer van MIVNIGS word. Mense moet verstaan dat MIVNIGS nie net "n mediese probleem is maar dat dit ook "n verreikende effek het op die sekuriteit en sosiale dele van ons lewens. Dit impak ook op die families van die wat siek is, en die impak moet nie onderskat word nie. Die SANW sal tot sy knie gebring word sou hierdie virus onbepaald voortgaan.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / 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

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The military is a unique working environment that poses several challenges to soldiers. These include numerous ambiguities, psychological stressors, physical demands and resource challenges. In order for the military to be successful, it is important to employ individuals who will be able to thrive in this environment. The theory of work adjustment proposes correspondence between an individual and his or her work environment. The military needs individuals who will fit well into the organisation and enhance its capabilities. The objective of this study was to explore the possible relationships between emotional intelligence, locus of control, self-efficacy, sense of coherence and work adjustment within a military sample. The data was collected from a sample of 295 members of the South African National Defence Force preparing for an international deployment. The descriptive statistics included 76,6% males and 23,4% females with the majority of respondents (292) from the South African Army (99%), while the other respondents (3) were from the South African Military Health Service (1%). Quantitative research techniques were employed to test the stated hypotheses. Emotional intelligence, locus of control, self-efficacy and sense of coherence were analysed as independent variables and work adjustment as the dependant variable. The findings supported the hypotheses, and relationships between emotional intelligence, locus of control, self-efficacy and sense of coherence were established. Contributions towards theory, literature, practice, labour, policies and military commanders are made. Recommendations for future research are also presented.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is deploying locally, regionally and internationally for peacekeeping operations and tasks other than peacekeeping. It is imperative that it succeed in these missions in order for the country, region and the world to develop. However, in order for the SANDF to realize success those responsible for the task of peacekeeping have to be combat ready, and particularly perceive themselves to be combat ready, they have to measure high on psychological wellbeing and should have no psychosocial and/or psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and social dysfunction, but must have a high level of willingness to deploy. SANDF deployment in Africa is voluntary and depends on those members who are willing to deploy to extract Africa out of the mire of squalor and poverty and conflict. It is only when there is peace that development and proper governance can be achieved, hence the need to use the SANDF as a foreign policy tool to bring about peace in Africa. The aim of the study was to explore the impact of psychological wellbeing (PWB) general health (GH) and perceived combat readiness (PCR) on willingness to deploy (WD) in the SANDF. A non-experimental, exploratory study was employed this study. Participants were drawn from the Army (n=465) from the rank of private to colonel. Participants completed valid reliable instruments measuring PWB; PCR; GH; and WD. PWB was measured in terms of self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, purpose in life, environmental mastery, and personal growth. PCR was measured in terms of family support, confidence (in all its dimensions), morale, and cohesion and unit discipline. GH was measured in terms of somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and depression. WD was measured by using 12 questions with a sample question such as: “In the event of an invasion by an enemy force into the RSA, to what extent will you be willing to go into combat?” Correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Multiple regression analysis was done to determine which of the independent variables contributed most to WD of members of the SANDF The results revealed a significant positive relationship between PWB (and its dimensions, except self-acceptance and positive relations with others) and WD, and PCR (and its dimensions, except unit disciple) and WD. GH was annulled for its potential not to explain any variance in the model because almost all participants scored zero on all subscales. The multiple regression analysis was in line with correlation results showing that total PCR (strongest predictor) made a significant contribution in explaining and predicting WD. PWB made a contribution in explaining and predicting WD, but not as strong as PCR. The PCR dimensions that individually contribute significantly in explaining and predicting WD are self-confidence, horizontal cohesion and confidence in the leader. The conclusion that is drawn from this study is that total PCR and total PWB contribute to willingness to deploy.

Försvarsmakten som organisation är inne i en spännande fas där den är i full fart med att ställas om till ett yrkesförsvar, med anställda soldater. I en nyutkommen studie från Försvarshögskolan observeras en problematik i samspelet mellan officerare och soldater i den nya organisationen. Ett begrepp som används flitigt inom den militära professionen är tillit, vilket blir utgångspunkten i arbetet för att analysera problematiken från studien. Syftet med arbetet är att kartlägga om det finns förutsättningar för att skapa tillit från soldaten till officeren i dagens svenska yrkesförsvar. I arbetet sammanfattas fyra situationer i studien för att skapa en övergripande bild av problematiken. Vidare analyseras studien utifrån de faktorer som skapar tillit enligt teorier från den svenska och den kanadensiska försvarshögskolorna. Analysen struktureras upp utifrån de faktorer som skapar tillit ur den svenska teorin, faktorerna från den kanadensiska teorin förstärker och för analysarbetet vidare. Ur det tillitsperspektiv som används i arbetet visar resultatet på att skapandet av tillit hämmas inom alla faktorer enligt den svenska teorin. De förutsättningar som hämmar är: en oklar syn på hur officeren skall behandla soldaters erfarenhet, plutonchefens allt mer administrativa tjänst samt personalomsättningar. En slutsats är om dessa förutsättningar ändras, ges bättre möjligheter att skapa tillit. / The Swedish Armed Forces as an organization are undergoing an exciting phase where the conversion to a professional military, with employed soldiers, is in full swing. In a recent study the Swedish National Defence College observed a problem in the interaction between officers and soldiers in the new organization. A term that is widely used in the military profession is trust, which forms the starting point in this paper to analyze the problem from the study. The purpose of this paper is to identify whether there are preconditions for building trust from the soldier to the officer in today’s Swedish professional military. In the paper the aforementioned study is summarized into four situations to provide a comprehensive overview of the problem. The study is analyzed out of the factors that create trust according to the theories from the Swedish and Canadian defence colleges. The analysis is structured by the factors from Swedish theory, while the factors from Canadian theory reinforce and develop the analysis further. From the trust perspective used in this paper, the result shows that the creation of trust is impeded in all factors of the Swedish theory. The conditions that inhibit trust are: an imperfect view of how the officer deals with soldier’s experience, the platoon commander’s increased administrative services and personnel turnovers. One conclusion is that if these preconditions are changed, there will be better opportunities to build trust.

The purpose of this study was to examine the life satisfaction of the wives of naval non-commissioned officers living in an isolated military suburb. As little is known about this phenomenon an exploratory design was used. A sample group of 81 wives was selected by means of stratified random sampling. Measuring instruments used were the Heimler Scale of Social Functioning and a needs assessment. The results of the study indicated that although a small majority of the wives experience their lives as satisfactory they have a great deal of frustration. The two largest areas of low satisfaction was work and finances. It seems that these wives have sufficient support systems. The lack of transport seems to be a problem for these wives. The needs assessment identified a great interest in, and a need for certain courses, hobbies, aerobic classes and a daycare centre. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science (Mental Health))

This dissertation is an exploratory study aimed at empirically identifying and examining manifestations of communication barriers in the South African National Defence Force. A convergence model of communication is presented, describing the stages involved when individuals share the same information. The convergence model of communication delineates the relationship among the physical, psychological, and social aspects of communication. Two complementary theorems deduced by Kincaid (1988) from the convergence principle and the basic cybernetic process involved in information processing are applied in the analyses. The theorems specify the conditions under which intercultural communication will lead to convergence between members of different cultures involved. An empirically testable model was developed to collect information about possible communication barriers. The barriers are an indication of the restrictions on communication in the system and therefore indicate the possibility of restricting cultural convergence. / Communication / M.A. (Communication)

Theme of our thesis is in generally not much mapped issues, regarding education and prepares people and especially pupils of elementary schools in Slovak Republic. Theme I chose because of my long experience with issues relating to the protection of human health and life associated with the provision of the first aid and solutions incidents as medical paramedic, voluntary fire brigade and civil protection units. The aim of this thesis is to identify and assess expert opinion on civil protection and crisis management of education and teachers' preparedness to deal with emergencies and the need to introduce a separate subject civil protection in elementary schools Slovak Republic. Another aim is to analyze teachers interested in establishing a separate school subject civil protection in elementary schools Slovak Republic. Based on research in the practical part we set other goals: create a draft manual educationally education program on civil population protection for upper elementary schools and its subsequent implementation in the selected elementary school in Dojč. A handbook could serve for the preparation of pupils for self-defense and mutual assistance in the development of emergencies. Research was realized using qualitative and quantitative, analytical and synthetic, inductive-deductive methods, in the form of semi-structured interviews with experts in civil protection of the population and statistical survey among teachers in elementary schools in Slovak Republic. Researches question ?It is considered important to establish a separate subject of civilian protection in elementary schools of Slovak Republic?? Was it answered and statistical verificated. The result of statistical investigation was positive; this means that teachers are agreed on the necessity of establishment an independent subject of civil protection. On-backed talks, we have concluded that the instruction relating to the protection of civilian populations is inadequate. Teachers haven't got any sources to draw from and also their knowledge are not satisfactory. We believe that the practical ignorance and inaction after the unusual event in its first phase could have fatal consequences.