Suchergebnisse

This study examined Emirati youths' intention to pursue a military career post-national service with a modified Theory of Planned Behavior model which assumes that the likelihood of performing a behavior is determined by the strength of intention to perform that behavior and intention is determined by attitude towards the behavior; subjective norms concerning the behavior; and self-efficacy. Interviews and surveys were conducted with 238 Emirati male youths and parents. It found that younger less educated youths were more interested in pursuing a military career; believing that it would lead to beneficial outcomes, than their older counterparts. Most parents approved of their sons pursuing a military career and the latter's awareness of this opinion could increase the likelihood of youths taking up a military career. Finally, although younger less educated youths showed increased interest over time in pursuing a military career post-national service, they were more likely to change their mind about their career choice. In contrast, older and more educated youths were more resolute about their career intentions and more likely to carry out their decisions but most were not interested in a military career. The findings could be used to meet the human resource challenges faced by the UAE Armed Forces in recruiting Emirati military personnel.

Compulsory national service for male citizens presents the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces with an opportunity to recruit future military officers. Research showed that parental attitudes towards the military, manifested through their communication with youths, are likely to influence youths' decision on a military career. Hence this study examined the attitudes of Emirati parents on the UAE military and national service; particularly parental perceptions of the military work environment; support of a military career for their children; and concerns about national service. Surveys, individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 59 Emirati parents. It found that most participants held the positive view that the military work environment helps attainment of professional goals but were uncertain about personal goals and workplace conditions. Also, more participants were supportive of a military career for sons than daughters. It also identified the basis for parental confidence about enlistment as patriotism and development of positive character traits but main concerns were the exposure to harsh training conditions and threat to life during enlistment. Recommendations were provided for better engagement by the UAE military with Emirati parents and the community.

Compulsory national service for male citizens presents the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces with an opportunity to recruit future military officers. Research showed that parental attitudes towards the military, manifested through their communication with youths, are likely to influence youths' decision on a military career. Hence this study examined the attitudes of Emirati parents on the UAE military and national service; particularly parental perceptions of the military work environment; support of a military career for their children; and concerns about national service. Surveys, individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 59 Emirati parents. It found that most participants held the positive view that the military work environment helps attainment of professional goals but were uncertain about personal goals and workplace conditions. Also, more participants were supportive of a military career for sons than daughters. It also identified the basis for parental confidence about enlistment as patriotism and development of positive character traits but main concerns were the exposure to harsh training conditions and threat to life during enlistment. Recommendations were provided for better engagement by the UAE military with Emirati parents and the community.