Exploring military performance motivation from an African Ubuntu perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use a Positive Psychology lens to explore the perceptions of elite military candidates about motivational strategies that assisted them to cope with the challenges of specialized military selection. Results from our quantitative and qualitative analyses confirmed the significance of the African Ubuntu philosophy linked to positive psychology constructs like Sense of Coherence, Internal Locus of Control, Self-efficacy and Hardiness as sources of coping mechanisms in high stress occupations like the specialized military. Qualitative results revealed four main themes associated with high levels of coping during military selection: Meaningfulness being the most grounded theme at 52% of the quotes referring to it: 525 out of 1066 quotations followed by adaptability at 26% of responses, positive self-concept at 15% and interconnectedness at 7%.