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Prevention of theft of official vehicles of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Gauteng ProvinceMathebula, Esewu Mxolisi 29 September 2014 (has links)
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was formed in 1994 after the
integration of different “defence forces” into one large force. The sole existence of the
SANDF is to protect the borders of the Republic of South Africa and its inhabitants.
Resources such as vehicles make it easier for the SANDF to conduct mobile patrols
and other operations to ensure that the organisation is always combat-ready.
Motor vehicle theft is a crime that affects both individual citizens and organisations in
South Africa; the SANDF is not immune to the crime. Many SANDF motor vehicles are
stolen almost every day, and in most cases, these vehicles are taken without a trace.
While there are security measures in place aimed at preventing theft of SANDF
vehicles but these methods have proven futile.
A literature review formed the basis of the study. Once the main theory and ideologies
were identified, unstructured interviews were undertaken to gather information from
various stakeholders. Observations were also conducted to determine behavioural
patterns within military bases/units with regard to the parking of SANDF vehicles, even
when the vehicles were parked in urban settings. Essentially, there is a problem
regarding the security of SANDF vehicles and also the security within military bases /
units. This study indicated that the SANDF loses vast amounts of money due to motor
vehicle theft in Gauteng Province. The findings also revealed that the current vehicle
security measures are outdated, ineffective and inadequate in preventing SANDF
vehicles from being stolen.
The recommendations are that the SANDF must invest more of its budget on vehicle
security, rather than continuing with fruitless and monetary expenditure by conducting
Board of Inquiries (BOI) or lengthy investigations in an attempt to relocate stolen
vehicles or to determine how a particular vehicle was stolen. The SANDF requires a
comprehensive system that should prevent the theft of its vehicles, as well as curbing
the misuse of vehicles which ultimately renders SANDF vehicles as easy targets. / Police Practice / M. Tech. (Policing)
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Transformation of a service organisation through participatory action researchHarrison, Elaine Sonet 11 1900 (has links)
The research aimed to pro-activeiy embark in an internal transformation process, in order to
improve efficiency of the Social Work Department of Gauteng Medical Command of the
South African Military Health Service.
Participatory action research as a qualitative research design was- used. The intervention
identification process was implemented as a problem-solving technique to direct the process
of transformation-change.
The research was conducted by a research group often social workers from the South
African National Defence Force. The results of the research were the implementation of
interventions on identified systems, namely the service delivery system and the performance
management system of the Social Work Department of Gauteng Medical Command.
The use of particpatorv action research as a process to address problems in an organisation was confirmed. The contribution of the participatory action process to process outcomes,
such as empowerment and learning, was also indicated in the findings. / Social Work / MA(SS) (Mental Health)
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Generational differences in the military : a focus on job satisfaction and emotional intelligenceMarkom, Lee-ann Verushka 02 1900 (has links)
The aim of the study was to explore the differences between generations X and Y in the military by exploring whether belonging to a particular generational cohort influences perceptions of job satisfaction and emotional intelligence (EI). Data on generational groupings, job satisfaction and EI was drawn from a convenience sample of 187 members from the Human Resources (HR) Division in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Descriptive statistics, correlations and t-tests for independent samples were used to analyse the data. Analysis revealed that job satisfaction has a significant positive relationship with EI. Furthermore, the empirical study also yielded evidence to support a difference between Gen X and Gen Y in relation to two job satisfaction facets, namely promotion and supervision. The findings, however, did not support a difference between Gen X and Gen Y in terms of overall job satisfaction and total EI. The leadership of the SANDF may be able to use the study’s findings to guide effective organisational policies and processes to maintain and retain a loyal and productive human resources pool working in cohesion despite underlying differences. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)
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Sentencing practice in military courtsNel, Michelle (Military lawyer) 01 1900 (has links)
The purpose of this study is to investigate the sentencing practice of the military
courts. Since an independent and impartial military judiciary is essential to
ensure that justice is done a further aim of this study is to investigate whether the
military courts are impartial, independent and affords the accused his fair trial
rights. The sentences imposed by military courts are investigated and concerns
regarding the imposition of these sentences are identified. Finally the appeal and
review procedures followed by the military courts are investigated with specific
reference to the military accused’s right appeal and review to a higher court as
provided for by the Constitution. The sentencing phase of a trial forms an
important part of the whole trial process. This is also true for military trials, yet no
research has been done on military sentencing practice. Because of the
potential influence of the draft Military Discipline Bill and the Law Reform
Commission’s revision of the defence legislation on sentencing, research in this
area is critical in the positive development of sentencing law in the military justice
environment. An extensive literature study is undertaken to evaluate current
military sentencing practices against civilian practices. The result of this study
identifies certain concerns regarding the independence of the military courts, the
treatment of military offenders and the appeal and review powers of the military
reviewing authority. To a large extent it is also found that many concerns are
based on the apparent rather than the existence of any real dangers to the
independence of the military courts or the rights of the military accused. This
thesis contributes to the accessibility of military law for a civilian audience,
creating a platform for the development of future military sentences. / Jurisprudence / LLD
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Ontwerp van 'n instruksionele evalueringsisteem vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag / The design of an instructional evaluation system for the South African National Defence ForceVan Niekerk, Rozetta 11 1900 (has links)
Text in Afrikaans / Die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag (SANW) beskou effektiewe opleiding as 'n noodsaaklike voorvereiste vir paraatheid. Instruksionele ontwerp - 'n benadering wat uit onderrigtegnologie ontwikkel het - word gebruik
om nuwe kursusse daar te stel wat effektiewe 'n instruksionele ontwerpprojek uitgevoer behoort teword.
Die fokus van die studie het vervolgens verskuif na die talle veranderinge wat sedert die ontstaan van die SANW op 26 April 1994, na die eerste ten voile demokratiese verkiesing in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika. ingetree het. In vergelyking met sy voorganger het die SANW nuwe en meer uitgebreide sekondere rolle, wat hoer eise aan opleiding stel en evaluering ook meer kompleks maak. Dit bevestig inderdaad die behoefte aan 'n evalueringstelsel
wat volgens sisteembeginsels bedryf word. Teen die agtergrond van die voorgaande is oorgegaan tot die ontwerp van 'n oorkoepelende instruksionele evalueringsisteem vir die SANW. Aangesien die suksesvolle implementering en funksionering van die sisteem grootliks beinvloed sal word deur die wyse waarop die instruksionele evalueerder sy taak volvoer, is daar ten slotte ook aandag geskenk aan die ontwerp van 'n instruksionele evalueerderskursus. opleiding moontlik maak. Om effektiwiteit te beoordeel, word evaluering vereis en derhalwe behoort instruksionele evaluering 'n integrale komponent van die instruksionele ontwerpgebeure te
vorm. Die SANW beskik nog nie oor toereikende kundigheid om hierdie komponent tot sy reg te laat kom nie en die doel van die studie was om hierdie leemte aan te vul. Daar is eerstens gepoog om, deur middel van 'n literatuurstudie, die didakties-wetenskaplike basis te bepaal waarop evaluering binne 'n sisteembenadering
tot opleiding behoort te berus. Daarna is die aard en rol van instruksionele evaluering in die instruksionele
ontwerpsisteem binne 'n militere opleidingsmilieu verken, ten einde te kon bepaal wat die funksies van instruksionele evaluering behels en welke evalueringstake in die verskillende fases van 'n instruksionele ontwerpprojek uitgevoer behoort te word. Die fokus van die studie het vervolgens verskuif na die talle veranderinge wat sedert die ontstaan van die SANW op 26 April 1994, na die eerste ten volle demokratiese verkiesing in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, ingetree het. In vergelyking met sy voorganger het die SANW nuwe en meer uitgebreide sekondere rolle, wat hoer eise aan opleiding stel en evaluering ook meer kompleks maak. Dit
bevestig inderdaad die behoefte aan 'n evalueringstelsel wat volgens sisteembeginsels bedryf word. Teen die agtergrond van die voorgaande is oorgegaan tot die ontwerp van 'n oorkoepelende instruksionele evalueringsisteem vir die SANW. Aangesien die suksesvolle implementering en funksionering van die sisteem grootliks beinvloed sal word deur die wyse waarop die instruksionele evalueerder sy taak volvoer, is daar ten slotte ook aandag geskenk aan die ontwerp van 'n instruksionele evalueerderskursus. / The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) regards effective training as an essential prerequisite for preparedness. Instructional design - an approach that has developed from instructional technology - is used to
establish new courses that facilitate effective training. Evaluation is essential for assessing effectiveness and therefore instructional evaluation should form an integral part of the learning events. The SANDF does not as yet have the expertise to do justice to this component, and the aim of this study was to fill this gap. Firstly, it was attempted to determine, by means of a literature study, the didactic scientific foundation on which evaluation within a systems approach towards training should rest. The nature and role of instructional evaluation in the instructional design system within a military training milieu was subsequently investigated. This was done to
determine what the functions of instructional evaluation comprise and what evaluation tasks should be carried out in the different phases of an instructional design project. The focus of the study then shifted to the numerous
changes that took place since the inception of the SANDF on 26 April 1994, after the first democratic election in the Republic of South Africa. Compared to its predecessor the SANDF has new and more extensive secondary roles that demand higher standards of training and make evaluation a more complicated task This indeed
confirms the need for an evaluation system that is practised according to system principles. Against the background of the afore-mentioned, the design of an overall instructional evaluation system for the SANDF was proceeded with. As the successful implementation and functioning of the system is, to a large extent, influenced by the way in which the instructional evaluator carries out this task, attention was finally given to the design of a
course for instructional evaluators. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didaktiek)
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The influence of participatory development on the communication patterns of the parachute packing section of the SANDFGovender, Saravani January 2000 (has links)
The study was undertaken to ascertain whether participatory development (PD and) by
implication, the Person Centred Approach (PCA) had an impact on change in the
communication patterns in the parachute packing section in the SANDF.
The study was conducted in a military setting where hierarchical authoritarian structures
exist. PCA and PD are used as theoretical frameworks for the study which resulted in
changes in the communication patterns at the section. Change occured at two levels
viz:
Changes in communication amongst the participants which led to teamwork,
cooperation and the avoidance of conflict.
Changes in communication between management (the Officer Commanding)
and the parachute packing section which lead to regular contact with the
participants to address their problems.
The study further highlighted the importance of learning from the community in order to
avoid misinterpretation which could lead to conflict and dissatisfaction / M. A. (Social Science (Mental Health))
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The formation of SANDF : integration experiences of former Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei defence force membersMatloa, Abbey Oupa 02 1900 (has links)
Before entering into a democratic dispensation, South African military and defence systems were constituted by seven disparate armed forces. The transformation of South Africa from a separatist state introduced renewed efforts and challenges to integrate what was once a divided military corps and society. In 1994, the formation of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was born out of the effort to integrate various statutory and non-statutory armed forces in South Africa, including forces from former TBVC states. Through a phenomenological inquiry, integration experiences of former TBVC Armed Force members into the new SANDF structure are investigated. The study aimed to find out from the former TBVC force members how they were affected by the integration process and what their perception with regards to the effectiveness of the integration process on enhancing representation on all rank levels in the new SANDF was. The findings from in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 such members indicate that transformation of South Africa’s military outfit into an integrated system is not exactly an epitome of a new and different yet cohesive and unified structure. The notion of ‘integration’ is as such cast as essentially a problematic one where inequalities still reflect in how former statutory and non-statutory force members are treated particularly with regards to promotion opportunities. In addition, there are perceived lingering vestiges of a previous separatist system such as the use of Afrikaans language as a medium of instruction and communication, previous SADF policies which helps produce the idea of integration as more a process of absorption instead. Despite this problematisation of integration processes in shaping how the new SANDF outfit is currently experienced by members, there are perceived benefits from the change brought about by ‘integration’ of forces. Some benefits are as tangible as individual career advancement, while others tend to reflect impacts at systemic level of family where members indirectly profit from the reorganisation and call for adjustment to new settings and structures that followed integration / Research / M.A. (Research Consultation)
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Peace support in Africa : potential contribution and roles of the South African NavyThiart, Theunis Johannes Daniel 12 1900 (has links)
Bibliography / Thesis (MPhil (Military Science. Security Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African Navy (SAN) was created after the First World War as an indigenous naval capability for South Africa was deemed necessary. Its roles and responsibilities through the years have depended on both the requirements of the state, and the political realities of the time. Possible future roles in peace support would therefore depend on political requirements as well as the capabilities and composition of the SAN. To date, the SAN has only contributed to peace support by way of the patrols carried out by the SAN Operations Boat Squadron on Lake Tanganyika, and assistance from the Maritime Reaction Squadron in VIP protection duties in Burundi. The seemingly minor nature of this contribution is disconcerting, because the contributions of the SANDF in present (ongoing) peace support are very highly rated by the South African Government. To enhance its visibility, the SAN should preferably play a more visible role in peace support in Africa, and generally in assisting in the maintenance of good order at sea around the African coastline.
The potential contributions to or during peace support activities should therefore not only be seen as the direct support which the SAN can give to land forces carrying out peace support in a specific country, but also the support the SAN can give to maintaining good order in the corresponding, and other African, maritime zones. Potential contributions and roles of the SAN in particular therefore need to be interrogated more comprehensively to foster a deeper understanding of this unexplored field of study within the peace support environment, and that of Africa in particular.
To determine the possible contributions and roles of the SAN, the traditional roles and the doctrines of navies (specifically those involved in peace support operations) were investigated. It was found that the roles emanating from the traditional roles for navies were assimilated into navies. doctrines, roles and tasks. Possible roles and missions for the SAN are reflected in the SAN Maritime Doctrine. Regional expectations have added more roles and missions like the sharing of training, assets, expertise, information, the requirement of maintaining maritime security and the maintenance of good order at sea.
The assets available in the SAN (and the future assets) seem to be adequate to carry out possible peace support activities. However, the potential roles and contributions of the SAN to peace support will be limited by the scope of future budgets and the shortages of skills, equipment and capacity. The foreseen budgets available will not allow participation in activities beyond those being undertaken at present. Unless more funding is received, the potential roles and contributions of the SAN towards peace support activities in Africa will probably not extend beyond some lake patrols and VIP protection. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Suid Afrikaanse Vloot (SAV) het na die Eerste Wêreld Oorlog tot stand gekom omrede so 'n inheemse vloot as broodnodig vir Suid Afrika beskou was. Die SAV se rol en verantwoordelikhede was deur die geskiedenis gerig deur die behoeftes van die regering van die dag en van die politieke oorwegings van die oomblik. Toekomstige verantwoordelikhede vir vredesteun sal insgelyks afhang van politieke oorwegings, sowel as die aard van, en bates beskikbaar vir, die SAV. Tot dusver was die SAV bydrae aan vredesteun beperk tot patrollies deur die SAV Operasionele Booteskader op die Tanganjika meer in Burundi, en bystand deur die Maritieme Reaksie Eskader met BBP werk in Burundi. Hierdie geringe bydraes is onstellend omrede vredesteun pogings belangrik geag word deur die Suid Afrikaanse regering. Die SAV sal dus 'n groter rol in vredesteun in Afrika moet speel, en veral in die instandhouding van goeie orde op see, ten einde beter sigbaarheid te bewerkstellig.
Die potensiële SAV bydraes aan vredesteun aktiwiteite moet dus nie slegs gesien word in die direkte SAV steun aan landmagte betrokke by vredesteun in een of ander land nie, maar ook in die bydrae tot die instandhouding van goeie orde in die ooreenkomstige maritieme omgewings in Afrika. Potensiële SAV bydraes moet daarom in diepte ontleed word ten einde 'n beter insig te vekry in die maritieme streke (veral in Afrika) waar tot dusver maar min navorsing gedoen is.
Om hierdie potensiële bydraes te bepaal, is die tradisionele rol en doktrines van vlote (veral die wat betrokke is by vredesteun) ondersoek. Daar is bevind dat die huidige doktrines, rol en take van vlote voortgevloei het uit die tradisionele rol van vlote. Moontlike rolle en bydraes van die SAV is reeds beskikbaar in die SAV Maritieme Doktrine (2006). Verdere moontlike bydraes spruit voort uit die verwagtinge van die verskillende streke in Afrika soos die deelname in Suid Afrikaanse opleiding, kundigheid en informasie, en die behoefte aan instandhouding van maritieme veiligheid en goeie orde op see. Die huidige en toekomstige bates van die SAV (insluitende skepe, eenhede en personeel) blyk voldoende te wees om by te dra tot moontlike vredesteun aktiwitiete. Die moontlike bydraes sal egter beperk word deur ontoereikende toekomstige begrotings en tekortkominge met betrekking tot kundigheid, toerusting en kapasiteit. Trouens, die huidige en toekomstige begrotings is ontoereikend vir verdere vredesteun bydraes buiten dit wat tot dusver gelewer word. Sonder 'n toename in die begroting sal die vredesteun pogings van die SAV beperk bly tot patrollies deur die SAV Operasionele Booteskader op die Tanganjika Meer, en bystand deur die Maritieme Reaksie Eskader in BBP werk.
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Managing the South African National Defence Force towards productivity : a human resource management perspectiveKahn, Sinval Benjamin 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The end of apartheid, April 1994 brought the dawn of a new era and the integration of the seven armed
forces into the South Afiican National Defence Force. For the first time in the history of South Afiica,
former enemies are not only colleagues, but work together to guard the sovereignty of the state and defend
the country against foreign invasion. The eradication of discriminatory policies and practices established
an environment conducive to the implementation of affirmative action and equal employment opportunities.
It also instituted special training and development programmes to accommodate historically disadvantaged
employees. The effectiveness of these programmes will determine the extent to which disadvantaged
employees will contribute to increased productivity and the effectiveness of the South Afiican National
Defence Force.
Organisational transformation needs to be externally and internally visible. On 27 April 1994, the South
Afiican National Defence Force started a process of change and some of the changes soon affected were
m:
• language policy, including the use of English as the official medium of communication;
• appointing a Secretary of Defence as the accounting officer;
• organisational culture, structure and design; and
• uniform and rank insignia.
This research (1994 to 2001), however, found that the South Afiican National Defence Force is still
grappling with the challenge of being productive amist the impediments created by the integration of seven
former enemy forces. In addition, the former South Afiican Defence Force entered into the amalgamation
as two groups, one with a long history of military experience, the other allowed into the former force much
later, still subject to various discriminatory constraints. The dissertation focuses on human resource variables to find solutions. Productivity is defined as the input of resources (material, capital, technological
and human) and the output of greater qualitative and quantitative consumable goods and services. It
improves the factors of production and benefits all stakeholders (government, entrepreneurs, management
and employees). Increased productivity is achieved by a motivated workforce, whose competencies,
abilities, skills and advanced technology are used to increase performance. However also, management
needs to capitalise on employees' competencies, skills and abilities to optimally utilise them and appoint the
most competent employees to the most appropriate positions. Management also needs to accept
responsibility for achieving increased productivity and reaching organisational goals and objectives since
they manage, command and control organisational resources.
The South African National Defence Force can achieve increased productivity by the optimal utilisation of
its resources. It now has sophisticated armament, equipment and technology. The South African National
Defence Force however also needs competent and professional employees to maximise the use of existing
armament, equipment and technology. The diverse workforce should be trained, developed, motivated and
optimally utilised to increase their performance and enhance productivity.
Professional leaders and managers are needed to manage the resources of the South African National
Defence Force during the transformation period and the twenty-first century. Effective leadership results
in effective human resource management, which is needed to manage, motivate, train and develop the
diverse workforce to be effective, creative and productive, and to achieve increased performance and
productivity. This will enable the South African National Defence Force to accomplish increased
productivity and to exceed the military professionalism of the former South African Defence Force. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die einde van apartheid, April 1994 was die begin van 'n nuwe era en die integrasie van die sewe magte
het gelei tot die totstandkoming van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag. Vir die eerste keer in die
Suid-Afiikaanse geskiedenis is die voormalige vyande nie net kollegas nie, maar mede-beskermers van die
soewereiniteit van die staat, en hulle beskerm die Republiek van Suid-Afrika teen enige vreemde inval of
bedreiging teen die land. Die afskaffing van diskrimenerende beleid en gebruike het 'n omgewing geskep
vir die implementering van regstellende aksie en gelyke werksgeleenthede. Dit het ook spesiale opleiding en
ontwikkelingsprogramme ingestel om die histories benadeelde werkers te akkommodeer. Die
effektiwiteit van hierdie programme sal bepaal tot watter mate die benadeelde werkers sal bydra tot
verhoogde produktiwiteit en effektiwiteit van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag.
Die bewyse van organisatoriese transformasie moet ekstern en intern sigbaar wees. Die Suid-Afrikaanse
Nasionale Weermag het reeds begin met die proses van verandering op 27 April 1994, en die veranderinge
wat gou aangebring is, was in:
• kommunikasietaal en die aanvaarding van Engels as voertaal;
• die aanstel van 'n Sekretaris van Verdediging as rekenpligtige beampte;
• organisatoriese kultuur en strukture; en
• uniform en ranginsignia.
Hierdie navorsing (1994 tot 2001) het egter gevind dat die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag steeds
worstel met die uitdaging van produktiwiteit te midde van die hindernisse wat uit die integrasie van sewe
voormalige vyandelike magte onstaan het. Daarbenewens het die voormalige Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag
die samesmelting ingegaan as twee groepe, een met 'n lang geskiedenis van militere ondervinding, die ander
veel later toegelaat tot die voormalige mag en steeds onderwerp aan verskeie diskriminerende beperkinge. Die proefskrif fokus op menslike hulpbron veranderlikes om oplossings te kry. Produktiwiteit word
gedefinieer as die inset van hulpbronne (materiaal, kapitaal, tegnologie en menslik) en die uitset van beter
kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe produkte en dienste. Produktiwiteit verbeter die faktore van produksie en
bevoordeel alle rolspelers (die staat, bestuurders and werkers). Verhoogde produktiwiteit kan slegs verkry
word deur 'n gemotiveerde werksmag, wat hul vaardighede en gevorderde tegnologie gebruik om uitset
te verhoog. Om verhoogde produktiwiteit te bereik moet bestuurders kapitaliseer op werkers se
vaardighede en hulle optimaal benut. As gevolg van die feit dat leiers en bestuurders organisatoriese bronne
bestuur, beheer en kontroleer, aanvaar hulle ook verantwoordelikheid vir die behaling van verhoogde
produktiwiteit en organisatoriese doelwitte.
Die Suid-Afikaanse Nasionale Weermag kan verhoogde produktiwiteit bereik deur die optimale benutting
van hulpbronne. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag beskik oor nuwe wapentuig, toerusting en
tegnologie. Die Suid-Afikaanse Nasionale Weermag benodig egter ook professionele werkers om die
huidige wapentuig en tegnologie ten volle te benut. Daarom moet die veelsydige werksmag opgelei,
ontwikkel, gemotiveer en optimaal benut word sodat hulle produktiwiteit kan verhoog.
Professionele leiers en bestuurders word daadwerklik benodig om die hulpbronne van die Suid-Afikaanse
Nasionale Weermag gedurende die transformasieproses en die een-en-twintigste eeu te bestuur. Effektiewe
leierskap het effektiewe menlike hulpbronstuur tot gevolg wat benodig word om 'n veelsydige werksmag
te bestuur, motiveer en ontwikkel, sodat hulle effektief, kreaktief en produktief kan wees. Die veelsydige
werksmag kan bydra tot verhoogde produktiwiteit en kan die militere professionalisme van die vorige Suid-
Afiikaanse Weermag oortref.
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The mentoring of officers commanding in the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS): a military social work perspectiveRadebe, Chrystal 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (M Social Work (Social Work))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / An exploratory research design together with a quantitative research approach were
chosen to determine whether military social workers possess the necessary
knowledge, skills and values to mentor Officers Commanding (OCs) in the South
African Military Health Service (SAMHS). The motivation for this study was based on
questions the researcher asked as to whether there was a link between the methods
in social work intervention processes, supervision and mentoring processes. During
the preliminary investigation, the researcher found that no prior research under this
specific subject was undertaken. The researcher also determined from her role as
consultant to Officers Commanding in the SAMHS, that whereas military social
workers received supervision upon joining the South African National Defence Force
(SANDF), OCs, received no formal mentoring. It was also found that although a
mentoring policy in the Department of Defence (DOD) existed, no evidence existed
that a mentoring programme was implemented in the SAMHS. The goal of the study
is therefore to provide military social workers with a framework of a mentoring
process for Officers Commanding in the SAMHS.
The literature study firstly focused on describing the military social work environment
in which the military social worker is employed, as well as theoretical frameworks that
guide the military social worker’s task. Although more than one theoretical framework
was discussed, the main focus was on the systems theory and ecological
perspective. The work environment of the OC was also included, as well as the
challenges of their functions, tasks and roles in the SAMHS. Primarily, the literature
study explored the knowledge, skills and values of the military social worker and the
mentoring process.
The sample that was selected for this study was 46 military social workers that
represented all the chief military social workers in specialist posts and those with a
higher ranking from Captain to Colonel. A quantitative investigation was undertaken
by means of a questionnaire which was completed in groups in the respective
provinces.
The results of the investigation largely confirmed the findings of the literature study
namely that military social workers do fit the requirements to mentor. These
requirements to mentor were evident in the results of the knowledge, skills and
values of military social workers and their understanding of the parallels between the methods in social work, supervision and the mentoring process. The results gave an
indication of the knowledge, skills and values of military social workers to mentor
Officers Commanding in the SAMHS, and the framework of the mentoring process
and how it relates to the casework, group work and supervision processes in social
work.
The recommendations demonstrated that a central body should be identified to coordinate
and plan a mentoring programme in the SAMHS. The recommendations
also include that the Directorate Social Work should provide clear guidelines on how
military social workers should implement the DOD Mentoring policy, and ensure that
military social workers are trained in staff development methods and its processes.
The recommendations included further research: both quantitative and qualitative
research by means of questionnaires and interviews with OCs, as well as monitoring
and evaluation of the mentoring process. This information will benefit military social
workers in their training as mentors. In implementing these recommendations,
military social workers will be able to contribute significantly to the development of
Officers Commanding in the SAMHS and the profession of social work.
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