Dispositional traits, motivation, and perfomance strategies of South African National Defence Force soldiers : developing a descriptive psychological perfomance model

Abstract

The individual’s ability to cope and thrive in a demanding military environment is of crucial importance as mission success might be dependent thereon. Literature from the military and sport environments indicates numerous psychological characteristics that can lead to combat readiness and individual performance enhancement in strenuous environments. A comprehensive investigation of performance psychology characteristics as displayed by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel would pave the way for development of applications that could potentially enhance individual and organisational functioning. Data collection was conducted through the administration of standardised assessments measuring dispositional traits, motivation, and performance strategies. The quantitative research process involved the use of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis methods and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) through structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings are presented through a comparison of the performance-related psychological characteristics of the SANDF with applicable samples, as well as a comparison of the performance-related psychological characteristics between airborne- and non-airborne-qualified military personnel. Through applied CFA and SEM, two separate descriptive psychological models were developed. These models are inclusive of specific psychological characteristics that are categorised as potential enhancers or inhibitors of performance. The developed models are discussed in conjunction with relevant literature which provides theoretical substantiation for the findings. Suggestions are proposed for future research areas that could be built on the current study’s results and findings. The current study’s findings highlight the practical applications of applied training and interventions that could potentially hold significant performance-enhancing benefits for individual functioning and the SANDF as an organisation.