Whether in case of military or civilian society, human kind has formed groups as the means of accomplishing the society's collective goal. But any group should allow a possibility of internal conflict as each constituent bears different character or p...
Whether in case of military or civilian society, human kind has formed groups as the means of accomplishing the society's collective goal. But any group should allow a possibility of internal conflict as each constituent bears different character or personal goal.
An individual joining a strict society is prone to mental stress and insecurity, and so should be the first-year cadets at Korea 3rd Military Academy. They experience what we call "an entry shock." To determine the way to properly instruct the newcomers, we have decided to make a close investigation into the "Mentoring system."
Just like the fallen leaves floating along a river, the incoming cadets shall experience the first days at the academy without clearly seeing where they are heading. Some leaves might get blocked by the rocks. Without some curious poking from passerby, those leaves might have to stay there forever. Likewise, when the cadets face difficulties and tough decisions, our informed guidance will help them approach their goal without making serious mistakes. By wisely choosing their mentor and understanding their strengths, the cadets will gain a great deal of competitive advantage to become a successful military leader.
From such objectives, we have administered a study with the cadets of Korea 3rd Military academy. We used convenience sampling to obtain the sample group. Random sampling or probability sampling was preferred, but under the circumstances we had to choose the alternative.
We rendered a survey to understand the influences of Mentoring system, especially on the cadets' mental state marked by their willingness to take part in group activities and their general satisfaction. We will further utilize the data to improve the way in which the upcoming officers are educated.
First, our study on the relationship between the Mentorship and the cadets' effectivity showed that Mentorship played a central role in motivating them to join their activity with willingness and satisfaction.
Second, as for the variables influencing their concentration on group activities, the major functions such as role-modeling, challenging, and support have proved to play higher keys compared with the minor functions like acceptance, instruction, counseling, and friendship. In other words, the cadets' efficiency as constituents of the academy has improved when they were motivated to imitate the mentors as respected role-models and further sympathize with the mentors' feelings. It is indeed a favorable sign for a newly entered cadet to have a proper model to follow. It would be even better for the group's spirit and unity if the cadet's official superior were to play the additional role as the moral exemplary. The variables of challenge and support confirmed that the presence of the mentors' assistance on difficult training or social activity strongly stimulated the cadets' loyalty through their organized activity. Such results led to a conclusion that the major functions of role-modeling, challenging, and support plays more significant role in influencing the cadets' group activities than the minor functions.
Third, having examined their effects on organizational efficacy with a focus on the various functions of mentor relationship, role-playing and challenging functions of mentorship were found to have a comparatively large influence on work satisfaction.
The role-playing function of a mentor, in fostering a relationship between existing and incoming cadets, in providing a point of direct contact with other cadets through division of labor in the barracks, training, etc., prevents alienation in military organization and demonstrates superior attentiveness to work satisfaction in comparison with other institutions.
Also, in dispensing challenging duties and advising on training and skills requisite to the military, mentorship's challenging function has a considerable influence on work satisfaction by providing constant feedback which augments the cadets' abilities and helps them acquire a taste for achievement. This fact, in conjunction with the organizational characteristics which demand the completion of academic requirements amidst dangerous individual training in dire conditions, a mentor's challenging function constitutes a significant role in the organization of the cadet life.
In conclusion, of the mentor's many functions, provision of challenges and role-playing can be considered of more significant impact on the efficacy of cadet life organization. As a result, to improve the efficiency of cadet mentor relationship, a turning point from which to reinvigorate organizational preoccupation and job satisfaction is necessary.