Generational differences in the military : a focus on job satisfaction and emotional intelligence

Abstract

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.