OUTSOURCING DEFENCE HOUSING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE DEFENCE HOUSING AUSTRALIA AND THE CANADIAN FORCES HOUSING AGENCY INITIATIVES

One institution where job satisfaction is viewed as a major contributor to the morale of workers is the Defence forces (Armed Forces). At the center of carrying out its constitutional mandate of defending the state, is its critically important human resource base. It is worth noting that having the requisite number of well-trained Defence personnel is essential, but the ultimate achievement of organizational goals is only assured when personnel are motivated and satisfied with their jobs. Thus, an employee who is satisfied with his/her work may show higher commitment towards the achievement of organizational goals and generally will not readily change jobs (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2001). Housing, as a motivator, has been identified as an important component of the Ministry of Defence?s (MoD) estate, with direct effects on the welfare of most personnel and their families. Moreover, effective operation and management of military housing is believed to be critical in stemming attrition of military personnel (Center for Defence Studies, 2011). Cognizant of the above, Defence forces have traditionally, by policy or custom, provided housing (barracks) for their personnel in return for their preparedness to make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation. Furthermore, the positive correlation between motivated military personnel and operational effectiveness necessitates the provision of housing in a way consistent with operational effectiveness (Center for Defence Studies, 2011).