RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF- DISCIPLINE AND SELF- ESTEEM (A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED CADETS OF NIGERIA DEFENCE ACADEMY, KADUNA)

CHAPTER 1----INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The concept of self-discipline and self-esteem are consistent with character traits required for exceptional leadership. They constitute significant factors for exhibiting an illustrious and successful relationship in formal and informal environments and for the accomplishment of task or projects. In a formal organization such as the military institution governed by laws which are essential to instill leadership qualities for a successful military career, self-discipline and self-esteem are pivotal to produce military leaders who will not abide by the laws but also exhibit exemplary behavior. The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, is one of Nigeria’s Military university. The institution runs degree programs and conducts military trainings for the production of cadet officers for the Nigerian army. These sets of officers are expected to maintain the highest level of discipline and self- esteem in the performance of their constitutional duties. The duration of training in the institution consist 4 years of studies and 1 year of military trainings. The institution was established in 1964 to train the officer corps of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force. According to the definition proffered by Smith and Mackie (2007) self-esteem, is the positive or negative evaluations of the self, It is what we think about the self. It reflects the individuals overall subjective emotional evaluation of their own self-worth.      It is the attitude expressed towards oneself. On the other hand, self-discipline is the exercise of the character of restraint, perseverance, thoughtfulness, ability to succeed in the face of Challenges. It is the ability to implement decisions, exercise self-discipline and diligence to achieve results. Self-discipline enables an individual to forego present pleasure for something more durable and satisfying. It is that trait that prevents an individual from unhealthy excessive activity which could lead to negative consequences. The exercise of self-discipline is the display of inner strength and power which is fundamental for overcoming daily activities. It is not a restrictive lifestyle neither is it difficult to attain; as may be conceived by some people. It is the trait which prevents an individual from indecision and procrastination. It is the willpower to take control of one’s destiny, take actions and remain resolute. Self-discipline leads to moderation, patience, tolerance, understanding and considerate. It is the ability to withstand external influences. The study seeks to appraise the relationship between self-discipline and self-esteem. (A case study of selected cadets of Nigeria Defense Academy Kaduna).

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The challenge of nation building, development and growth depends on the institution, regulation and leadership upon which the nation is founded and operates upon. The Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) Kaduna, constitute as one fundamental institution upon which the nation produces its leaders. Therefore, it is imperative for the institution to produce leaders with exceptional qualities with the capacity to lead the country rightly to foster development, growth and enhanced capacity. The Nigerian military institution is built on strong leadership principles which must be transferred from one generation to another. Self-discipline and self-esteem constitute fundamental qualities which is believed would enhance the production of exceptional leadership qualities in the officers of the Nigerian defence academy. Smith and Mackie (2007) posit that self-esteem is the positive or negative evaluations of the self; It is what we think about the self. It reflects the individuals overall subjective emotional evaluation of their own self-worth.    It is the attitude expressed towards oneself. On the other hand, self-discipline is the exercise of the character of restraint, perseverance, thoughtfulness, ability to succeed in the face of Challenges. It is the ability to implement decisions, exercise self-discipline and diligence to achieve results. Self-discipline enables an individual to forego present pleasure for something more durable and satisfying. It is that trait that prevents an individual from unhealthy excessive activity which could lead to negative consequences. The exercise of self-discipline is the display of inner strength and power which is fundamental for overcoming daily activities. Therefore, the problem confronting the study is to investigate the relationship between self-discipline and self-esteem. (A case study of selected cadets of Nigeria defence academy Kaduna).

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main study objective is to investigate the relationship between self-discipline and self-esteem. (A case study of selected cadets of Nigeria defence academy Kaduna); While the specific objectives of the study include;

1. To determine the attributes of self- discipline.
2. To appraise where the ability to self-discipline comes from.
3.  To determine the relationship between self-discipline and self-esteem.

1.3      RESEARCH QUESTIONS

           i.        What are the attributes of self- discipline?

          ii.        Where does the ability to self-discipline comes from?

        iii.        What is the relationship between self-discipline and self-esteem?

1.4      RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Ho1: There is no significant relationship between self-discipline and self-esteem.

1.5     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study seeks to provide an evaluative appraisal upon which to access the quality of leaders been raise in the country as in the Nigerian defence academy. This will facilitate the development of enhanced curriculum to bridge the gap where deficiencies exist in the training of leaders in the country. It shall also be useful to government policy makers.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on the appraisal of the relationship between self-discipline and self-esteem among selected cadets of Nigeria defence academy Kaduna.

 1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study was confronted with logistic and geographical constraint.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

SELF DISCIPLINE DEFINED

Self-discipline is the exercise of the character of restraint, perseverance, thoughtfulness, ability to succeed in the face of Challenges. It is the ability to implement decisions, exercise self-discipline and diligence to achieve results. Self-discipline enables an individual to forego present pleasure for something more durable and satisfying. It is that trait that prevents an individual from unhealthy excessive activity which could lead to negative consequences. The exercise of self-discipline is the display of inner strength and power which is fundamental for overcoming daily activities.

SELF ESTEEM DEFINED

Self-esteem is the positive or negative evaluations of the self; It is what we think about the self. It reflects the individuals overall subjective emotional evaluation of their own self-worth.    It is the attitude expressed towards oneself.

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