Newcomer engagement and performance strategies in a high-risk occupational context

Abstract

Basic combat training is a mentally and physically demanding period for new military personnel. Successful integration of soldiers into the military culture and specific job roles is critical for the success of the organization. The present study examined how job engagement at the start of basic training relates to physical performance and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) at the end of this high-stress training process. In addition, we examined the performance strategies that may explain why engaged soldiers perform well. Data were collected from 1,857 soldiers at different points during the 10-week basic combat training period. Engagement was assessed prior to unit assignment (Time 1); performance strategies were assessed at 6 weeks (Time 2), and performance outcomes (Army Physical Fitness Test [APFT] scores and self-reported OCB) were assessed at 9 weeks (Time 3). Job engagement was associated with higher APFT scores and OCB. Performance strategies of emotional control and goal setting were significant mediators of the relationships between engagement and APFT scores and OCB. Specifically, we found evidence for a three-path model in which job engagement was related to use of goal setting, which was related to emotional control. which was ultimately related to APFT scores and OCB. The results of the study suggest that encouraging initial job engagement may improve both physical performance and OCB in a training environment. Interventions could focus on boosting job engagement prior to and at the start of initial training, and encouraging goal setting and emotional control as tools to enhance training performance.