Challenges for mid-level commanders in the South African National Defence Force : management model and training needs

Abstract

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) and conclusive Acts record that effective human-resource management, career-development and training practices must be cultivated to maximise human potential. The unique nature and wide range of activities of the South African National Defence Force assign exceptional demands on the management expertise of military commanders. Therefore, the importance of effective training and for the purpose of this article, effective management training for mid-level commanders is indisputable. Against this background, a new management model is presented and the resulting training needs are empirically investigated in this article. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the survey, targeted 165 mid-level commanders in the South African National Defence Force. The empirical results of the study suggested that the existing management training for mid-level commanders fails to meet expectations primarily because of the non-existence of an appropriate management model. Thus, the article present a contemporary management model as foundation for management training of mid-level commanders in the South African National Defence Force. The management model also sanctions applicable standards for the development of management skills and appropriate competencies of military commanders.