An empirical study into the impact of the executive development programme on individual level within a paramilitary organisation in South Africa

Abstract

The objective of this research study was to determine the impact that the Executive Development Programme (EDP) had on employees of a paramilitary organisation in South Africa, who had successfully completed the programme. A stratified sample was used from the Limpopo, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces. A random sample was used for the Head Office Divisions. The participants were divided into groups, namely those who had successfully completed the EDP (n = 45) and a control group (n = 30). Questionnaires with a factorial approach and acceptable psychometric properties were used. The factors best defining executive capacity were extracted from the candidate questionnaire relating to organisation, intra- and interpersonal aspects. Similar factors were extracted from the supervisor and sub-ordinate questionnaires, with additional aspects namely management portfolios and functions. The results revealed that the EDP had a positive impact on individual level. Statistical and practical significant differences were also determined between groups, and recommendations were made accordingly.