Theses and Dissertations (Human Resources Management)

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Career mobility of employees with disabilities in a Gauteng-based state-owned enterprise
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-08) Modise, Catherine Mmanare; Joubert, P. A., Prof.; Kasonkola, K., Dr.
This study noted the implications of the absence of a strategic framework to manage the career mobility of employees with disabilities in the Gauteng-based, state-owned enterprise (SOE). In response to the limited research on career mobility of employees with disabilities (EwDs), the study aimed to investigate EwDs understanding of the phenomenon, identify its enablers and inhibitors, as well as propose a strategic framework for managing it. The study is significant for the inclusion of EwDs and contributing to employers achieving employment equity targets, as required of them by the Employment Equity Act (55 of 1998). In order to achieve the study’s objectives, an exploratory design was employed by conducting individual interviews with five purposively selected participants on junior management levels. A semi-structured interview schedule was developed and piloted with two champions who represent the interests of EwDs in disability forums within the SOE. Given the prevailing circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the researcher collected the data online via Microsoft Teams (MS Teams). The data were analysed manually for emerging themes using Braun and Clarke’s six steps of data analysis. The study found that career mobility was understood by participants to include promotion (job change), succession planning and gainful employment supported by opportunities for skills transfer and reasonable accommodation. Factors identified as enablers of career mobility are training and career development, disability awareness and sensitisation, reasonable accommodation, social networks and benchmarking. Those factors perceived as inhibiting career mobility are mind-set, inaccessible training, lack of confidence and poor succession planning. Through conversations with the participants, the researcher identified critical components for the development of a strategic framework to enhance career mobility for EwDs as organisational diagnostics (input factor), enabling policies and support systems (process factors) and inclusion and career mobility evident in employment equity targets being met (outcomes) to manage career mobility of EwDs in the workplace. The main limitations of the study are that the results cannot be generalised to other settings without validation of the proposed strategic framework due to the sample size involved. It is recommended that future studies consider sensitivity regarding the prevailing circumstances around research during periods of pandemics and the use of language in the field of disability research. It is further recommended that employers consider implementing benchmarked disability awareness and sensitisation programmes to create a conducive environment for EwDs to achieve career mobility in the workplace. Lastly, employers should develop and implement programmes that will enhance mental health and well-being of EwDs and consider the establishment of empowered disability forums.
Contract of employment and its impact on the job security of domestic workers
(2013-07-19) Ntisa, Atang Azael; McFarlane, N.; Moolman, L.
When the South African authorities decided, in the 1970's, to recognize statutorily other Black workers who were engaged in other spheres of employment as employees, domestic workers were excluded from all Industrial Legislation. This resulted from the fact that domestic work, as an occupation, had been excluded from the definition of an employee. It is estimated that over one million people are engaged in this service, comprising eleven percent of overall employment in the informal sector of the South African economy. This significantly large sector of the labour market performs its work under some of the most oppressive working conditions and such exploitation is unchallenged, as it has been noted that some domestic workers do not sign contracts of employment with their employers on appointment, which can lead to insecurity in the domestic worker sector. The purpose of this research was to determine the efficiency of the contract of employment and its effect on the job security of domestic workers. Through a theoretical foundation, a number of studies have advocated that the contract of employment can be trusted to be the perfect instrument in securing jobs in the domestic sector. A survey was carried out for measuring job security. The research instruments used for data collection from 203 domestic workers, were interviews and questionnaires. The SPSS program was used to analyze the data. The results of the empirical study are presented and discussed in detail. Findings of this study revealed, that the majority of domestic workers don't have contracts of employment while a very small percentage of domestic workers do have contracts. Conclusions drawn, indicated that domestic workers who have signed contracts, enjoy reasonable conditions of employment and employment benefits than those without contracts. Recommendations based on this study are that the government encourages a very strong Trade Union Movement in the domestic sector services. The Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and/or the Department of Labour facilitates annual workshops for employers of domestic workers. The CCMA, Trade Unions and/or the Department of labour facilitate training programmes for domestic workers. The government makes it a binding norm, for every employer in the domestic sector, to conclude a contract of employment with his/her domestic worker and furnish such employee with a copy of the contract, regardless of the nature of services rendered by employee. Ongoing research on many aspects of domestic workers will enhance better conditions of employment in making the lawmakers aware of other hidden agendas that require attendance in the domestic sector.
Developing strategies to improve the technical and vocational education training system in Swaziland
(2015-01) Mdluli, Grace Sizakele; Grobler, B. R.; Joubert, P. A.
The purpose of this study was to develop strategies to improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Swaziland. It has been 68 years since the TVET education was introduced in the country, but it has slowly been coming forth, especially in providing for the needs of society and industry. For this reason, the researcher wanted to find out what could be delaying the progress of the TVET system by developing some strategies to improve this aspect of training. The fundamental research questions were based on the strategies that could be developed to improve the TVET system in Swaziland and the importance of ensuring pre-service and in-service training for special target groups. It was worth mentioning that since the TVET policy had been officially launched and implemented, different stakeholders who would be expected to fully support and understand what the policy entails would recognise its functions. The policy states that skills training should be introduced in the school system at the earlier years of starting the school system to create awareness and love for various skills at an early age. In addition, it is imperative that the country give priority to the TVET versus the academic education as it had been proved through the unemployment rate that the jobs are actually shrinking whilst the work in the market is in abundance. Hence, there was a need to strategise methods of successfully implementing the TVET policy in order to benefit the government’s efforts in the aims and objectives set in the policy The study aimed at examining the challenges faced by the country in implementing the policy so that it could effectively address the TVET education in the most positive and successful manner. The main findings form part of the important basis of the study by providing evidence of research phenomenon that it is anticipated to denote. The findings of the study were discussed according to the participants’ responses collected during focus group interviews and individual in-depth interviews. Further developments for TVET improvement of the study showed the findings portray that there is a need to improve resource efficiency strategy and the private sector/industry should provide support to TVET students, via internships, attachment of identified relevant training staff, sharing of equipment or the provision of training programmes.
Educators’ perceptions of operational competencies required in public schools
(Vaal University of Technology, 2012-07) Chalmers, Janet; Dhurup, M., Prof.; Surujlal, J., Prof.
An educator is more than a person who just transmits knowledge. An educator plays many different roles in the lives of learners, colleagues and their immediate community. Educators have the opportunity to influence the community, develop learners holistically, create lifelong learners and reflective thinkers. For an educator to demonstrate such competence across a range of teaching roles and contexts, a vast range of operational competencies are required. The purpose of this study was to examine secondary school educators‟ perceptions of the operational competencies required to function in public schools. The literature study explored the roles of the educator and the operational competencies needed to function in a secondary school. A quantitative survey in the form of a questionnaire was used in the study to analyse the level of agreement that educators attached to certain operational competencies. The level of agreement indicated by the educators is likely to indicate the level of importance that they attach to the operational competency. A probability sampling technique in the form of simple random sampling was used in this study. Random samples were drawn from educators in secondary public schools in the Fezile Dabi and Sedibeng districts. A sample size of 280 educators was used. Of the 280 questionnaires that were administered, 49 were not returned and 20 were incomplete, resulting in 211 usable questionnaires. The results of the survey indicated that the competency factors that educators perceived to be of importance were: communication and behaviour management, interpersonal relationships, planning and assessment, leadership skills and perseverance and organisational commitment. The level of correlation of these identified factors with teaching satisfaction was also assessed- indicating that interpersonal relationships had the highest correlation with teaching satisfaction and factors like planning and assessment, organisational commitment and communication and behaviour management had a moderate influence on teaching satisfaction. Leadership skills and perseverance do not have a great influence on teaching satisfaction. The value of the research is that it makes a useful contribution for planners in the Department of Education of South Africa by making them aware of the operational competencies required by educators in public schools. The results of the research could be used to develop the operational competencies that are not perceived by educators to be of importance and to enhance the teaching satisfaction of educators.
The effect of job satisfaction on the organisational commitment of administrators at a University in Gauteng
(2016-09) Thabane, Lerato Judith; Radebe, P. Q.; Joubert, P. A.
Administrative staff members are important human capital in higher education because they perform diverse duties that are essential to the day-to-day operations of universities. As a result, their job satisfaction and organisational commitment are imperative to universities. However, there is a paucity of research focusing on the job satisfaction and organisational commitment of administrative staff members in the South African higher education sector. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effect of overall job satisfaction on the organisational commitment of administrators at a university in Gauteng. To achieve the aforementioned objective, a quantitative survey approach was used to examine the relationship between overall job satisfaction and organisational commitment among 383 administrative staff members. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the levels of both job satisfaction and organisational commitment, results of which were significant, revealing that the administrative staff members were satisfied and committed to the university. Statistics using Spearman’s rho correlation analysis showed that there was a significantly strong correlation between job satisfaction and affective commitment; and significantly moderate correlations between job satisfaction and moral imperative and indebted obligation. However, weak correlations were found between job satisfaction and continuance commitment. Regression analysis revealed that job satisfaction contributed positively to the prediction of affective commitment, moral imperative, indebted obligation and continuance commitment. The findings suggest that managers at the university could enhance the commitment of the administrative staff members by increasing the levels of job satisfaction. The levels of job satisfaction of the administrative staff members at the university could be enhanced through job design, career advancement opportunities and the introduction of fair and transparent policies and rules. Organisational commitment could be improved through the provision of job security, equitable salaries and conducive working conditions.
The effect of selection processes on employee turnover in small and medium enterprises in Sunnyside, Pretoria
(2013-11) Okusolubo, Titilola Olusola; Grobler, B. R.; Joubert, P. A.
Employers invest significant time and resources in employee selection. However, the effectiveness of the selection is not routinely measured. One measure of such effectiveness is employee turnover. Often selection processes do not identify the best applicant for the organisation. Employee selection techniques often lead to employee turnover because the focus is on filling vacancies rather than finding the best candidate. The human resources selection process is important to short-term and long-term success of an organisation because employees are generally regarded as the most valued assets. Selecting the candidates that fit best has an important impact on an organisation’s success. A well-designed and implemented selection process is one that optimises the selection process. Bad selection costs organisations significant money because of the need to reinvest in the selection process and new employee training. Selection is also important in order for an organisation to keep its competitive edge. However, affirmative action, equal employment opportunity and diversity are not to be considered separate actions or initiatives in the selection process as they are part of governmental requirements. As such, the increasing attention on human resource management in small and medium enterprises is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Organisations have realised that the continuance of business will depend on the quality and management of the human resources they possess. Research has shown that positioning the right person in the right position is one of the crucial issues in organisations. If this does not happen, the organisation will not only suffer financial losses, but it may also lose its competitive edge. The dearth of research into selection as a human resource practice in SMEs with particular emphasis on their employee turnover is probably due to the fact that HR practitioners, the managers and or owners of the SMEs, often ignore personnel or human resource issues, such as recruitment and selection, training and development, participation-enhancing work designs, formal dispute resolution and employee counseling. The majority of the empirical studies on human resources management practices (HRMP) in small businesses are still in an explorative stage and mainly descriptive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the selection processes as a human resource management function on employee turnover in small and medium enterprises in Sunnyside, Pretoria. The research methodology used to conduct the study was a combination of a literature review and an empirical study. A non-probability sampling technique involving judgment and convenience sampling procedures was used. The research instrument was a five-point Likert interval scale, which had forty four items and was pretested with 10 persons who were not related to the research sample. The instrument was revised and a pilot survey of 30 questionnaires was administered to respondents one month prior to the main survey. Sections B, C and D were subjected to reliability analysis and the results indicated that the scale has a high reliability value with Cronbach’s alpha of (0.824), (0.520) and (0.910) for sections B, C and D respectively. The reliability analysis suggested that the scale of items C4, C11 and C12 should be reversed. On doing so the alpha value increased to 0.824. For the main survey, 300 questionnaires were administered of which 210 representing 84% response rate were usable for the data analysis. Furthermore, a descriptive analysis of section A was undertaken. Tables depicting frequencies and percentages were used to describe the demographic information of respondents. Inferential statistics, such as factor analysis and bivariate correlations were undertaken on items in sections B, C and D of the research instrument. The empirical investigation indicated that the effect of selection processes on employee turnover was composed of three underlying factors, namely: factors influencing selection procedures; techniques influencing selection procedures; and aspects effecting employee turnover in SMEs. The selection factors were found to be positively correlated to one another but had a negative correlation with the turnover factor. Significant statistical associations were found to be present between the factors and the size of the organisations, marital status, level of educational qualifications, ethnic classification, the extent of influence of the EEA on selection processes, the belief of what the selection process consists of and the frequency of selection process exercises conducted by the SMEs involved.
Effects of organisational citizenship behaviour, employee perception of equity and organisational commitment on intention to stay in Zimbabwean SMEs
(2015-09) Chinomona, E.; Dhurup, M.; Joubert, P. A.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the stronghold of economies and societies worldwide. In Zimbabwe, as in any other country, there is a realisation that SMEs are innovative, flexible and require low startup capital. There is an increased interest in pursuing SMEs as a poverty reduction strategy and as a roadmap to higher living standards. SMEs in Zimbabwe are divided into two sectors, namely the service and the manufacturing sector. SME manufacturers encompass almost every facet of the local economy, such as food processing, toiletry production, the garment, leather and rubber industry, metal fabrication, furniture manufacturing, construction and art. Most research that has been done on the influence of employee perception of equity (EPE), organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) on organisational commitment (OC) and turnover intention (ITS) has been on large organisations and little attention has been paid to SMEs. Studies on employee perception of equity and organisational citizenship behaviour has not filtered down to SMEs in developing countries. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the influence of OCB, EPE and OC on ITS in Zimbabwe’s SME sector. It also sought to ascertain the kind of relationships between OCB and OC, EPE with OC, OCB with ITS, EPE with ITS and finally OC with ITS. This study sought to determine whether there are any group differences with regard to SMEs employees perceptions on OCB, EPE, OC and ITS according to gender, age and industry type. A quantitative research method was used. Structured questionnaires were distributed to SMEs in five major cities. The data were collected from SME employees. The findings of this study show that there is a significantly positive influence of OCB on OC in the Zimbabwean SMEs. There is a significant strong positive influence of EPE on OC. There is also significant positive relationship between employees’ OCBs and their OC in Zimbabwe’s SME sector. There is a strong positive significant relationship of EPE with ITS and there is a strong positive relationship between employees OCBs and employees’ ITS in Zimbabwean SMEs. Finally, the results reveal that gender, marital status and industry type of the respondent influence OCBs, EPE, OC and their ITS in the Zimbabwean SMEs. Given that today’s business environments for SMEs are characterised by high levels of competition, lack of finance and uncertainty, it is recommended that SME managers should adopt good and proper management styles so that they can make good decisions. Scanning the environment is also necessary for competitive advantage not only for SMEs but also for large firms.
Effects of supervisors’ leadership styles on job satisfaction in the logistics industry
(Vaal University of Technology, 2017) Tsepetsi, Tshepo Kingsley; Joubert, P. A., Dr.; Dhurup, M., Prof.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of supervisors‟ leadership styles (transformational, transactional and passive-avoidance) on job satisfaction in the logistics industry. This study advocates the way in which employees perceive their supervisors‟ leadership styles and their influence on job satisfaction. The fact is that employees play an indispensable role in the realisation of an organisation’s goals and therefore it would be more crucial for an organisation to have employees who are willing to go beyond what is required of them. In this study, a quantitative research method was used to investigate a sample size of 201 employees working in logistics departments in organisations situated in Southern Gauteng. In choosing a sampling method, convenience sampling method was used mainly because respondents were readily accessible and available to the researcher and also willing to participate in the study. Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and the results of the correlation analysis revealed that transformational, transactional, and passive-avoidance leadership styles are significantly and positively related to job satisfaction. Based on the findings of the empirical survey, it was revealed that a positive association was found between transformational leadership and job satisfaction. A negative correlation was found between transactional, passive-avoidance and job satisfaction. Furthermore, the regression analysis showed that a transformational leadership style positively influences job satisfaction. Therefore, it was recommended that, to address negative correlations between transactional leadership styles on job satisfaction, supervisors/managers elicit desired performance from subordinates by motivating them externally. This can be done by rewarding subordinates for behaving in the expected manner and punishing them if they deviate. It was also recommended that to address negative correlation between passive-avoidance leadership style and job satisfaction supervisors/managers ought to give subordinates autonomy to make their own decisions and be able to solve work-related problems independently. It is further recommended that since passive-avoidance leadership style is associated with unproductiveness, supervisors/managers avoid the use of such a leadership style. The study concludes by recommending that a newer style of leadership such as authentic leadership can be introduced in order to influence employee job satisfaction positively. Servant leadership style can also be applied as this may influence job satisfaction positively. The findings and recommendations of this study are important for supervisors/managers employed in the logistics industry since they provide insight regarding the styles of leadership that are more effective in influencing employee job satisfaction positively. The implications for future research offer several opportunities in the area of leadership and job satisfaction. The study used a quantitative research design whereas the use of a mixed method approach may provide more meaningful results. Since the sample size was restricted, the study could also be expanded to include employees from other departments, such as finances, human resource and marketing.
Emotional intelligence, flourishing and satisfaction with life among government employees in the Sedibeng Region
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-11) Kumalo, Thokozani Vangile; Mafini, C., Prof.; Van Zyl, Y., Dr.
Employees play a vital role to ensure that organisations attain their objectives and goals. Government employees are, therefore, more valuable than ever because they contribute to the attainment of goals by the public sector and the promoting of service delivery. The study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI), flourishing and satisfaction with life (SWL) among government employees in the Sedibeng region. The study employed a quantitative research approach and a non-probability purposive sampling method to achieve its empirical objectives. The sample for this study comprised of 600 employees at a selected government organisation in the Sedibeng region that completed a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to analyse and explain empirical data from the main survey conducted for this study. Correlation analysis was used to determine the association between the EI factors (regulation of emotion - ROE, others‘ emotion appraisal - OEA, self-emotion appraisal - SEA and use of emotion - UOE) and flourishing; the EI factors (ROE, OEA, SEA and UOE) and SWL and between flourishing and SWL. Weak to moderate positive associations were reported between the constructs. In addition, the study applied regression analysis to predict the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The results of the regression analysis indicated that the EI factors ROE, SEA and UOE predicted flourishing. Moreover, the EI factors ROE, SEA and UOE also predicted SWL. However, the EI factor OEA neither predicted flourishing nor SWL. It was further indicated that flourishing predicted SWL and that SWL predicted flourishing. The study‘s contributions to the public sector organisation contribute to the knowledge that EI, flourishing and SWL can assist employees in goal attainment, which will result in employees contributing to the organisation‘s overall goals and strategies. Additionally, employees that are recognised and valued within an organisation are more likely to be productive. The study contributes to the continuously evolving subject of employees‘ subjective well-being in HRM within the government organisation. The study advances academic and managerial understanding of the factors that will be affected by the EI of the employees in the government organisation. It further provides managerial guidance for the government organisation and how the employees‘ EI, flourishing and SWL can be enhanced to improve the productivity within the organisation to contribute to service delivery. Lastly, the study‘s results contribute to the existing literature on the EI dimensions (ROE, OEA, SEA and UOE), flourishing and SWL.
Emotional intelligence, resilience and happiness among police offices in the Sedibeng west district
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020-11-09) Makateng, Agnes Remaketse; Mafini, C., Prof.; Van Zyl, Y., Dr
Law enforcement departments require staff members that are psychologically stable when facing stressful, unpleasant and undesirable situations during work activities. The literature indicates that law enforcers are exposed to dangerous and unpredictable situations; hence, emotional intelligence, resilience and happiness are important to them. Although the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI), resilience and happiness are considered essential, previous research based on these constructs within the law enforcement departments is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between EI, resilience and happiness among police officers in the Sedibeng West District in the Gauteng province, South Africa. The study followed a quantitative research approach and a probability sampling method to achieve its empirical objectives. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 400 police officers within the Sedibeng West District. 330 responses were received, which resulted in a response rate of 82.5 percent for the main study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data to determine the levels of EI, resilience and happiness among police officers and the results were positive. Correlation analysis was undertaken to investigate the existence of an association between the constructs. The results indicated a weak positive association between the self-emotion appraisal (SEA) dimension of EI and resilience recovery, and a positive association between the SEA dimension and resilience control. A weak positive association between the use of emotion (UOE) dimension of EI and resilience recovery was revealed and a positive association between UOE and resilience control as well. A significant weak positive association was indicated for the EI dimension other’s emotion appraisal (OEA) and resilience recovery, and a positive association between OEA and resilience control was also revealed. A significant weak positive association between the regulation of emotion (ROE) dimension of EI and resilience recovery, and a moderate positive association between ROE and resilience control was reported. Lastly, a moderate positive association between resilience recovery and happiness was reported and a positive, however, weak association between resilience control and happiness was reported. Regression analysis was undertaken to determine the predictive relationships between the constructs. The results showed no predictive relationship between SEA and resilience recovery and resilience control; between OEA and resilience recovery and resilience control; and between UOE and resilience recovery and resilience control. A significant predictive relationship between ROE and resilience recovery and resilience control was revealed. Lastly, a predictive relationship existed between both resilience dimensions (resilience recovery and resilience control) and happiness. The study recommends that law enforcement departments should develop police officers’ EI, resilience and happiness by promoting subjective well-being (SWB) programs. Programs focusing on EI may be implemented to enhance knowledge on how to regulate and manage emotions. Mental health clinics and debriefing sessions should be held to provide police officers with moral support. Finally, an action-oriented approach to assist police officers with their coping strategies and behavioural treatment is also recommended. The study also recommends that the involvement of Human Resources Development (HRD) within police departments should serve to support the wellness and development of police officers.
Employee empowerment, career satisfaction and intention to stay of employees in a printing organisation in Pretoria
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-07) Mqokozo, Adelaide Zandile; Joubert, P. A., Prof.
This study aimed at investigating a relationship between employee empowerment, career satisfaction and intention to stay of employees in a printing organisation in Pretoria, South Africa. One of the crucial tasks of government is to build a public service that is capable of meeting the needs of South African citizens. Government will not be able to improve public service delivery without working together with the public servants, who are the major role-players in ensuring that the above is achieved successfully. The study was intended to investigate the relationship between employee empowerment and career satisfaction with a view to retain the employees of the Government Printing Works. This study followed a quantitative research approach, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the constructs. The questionnaire consisted of four sections. Section A solicited information on participants’ demographic profile. Section B contained questions on Employee empowerment, Section C on career satisfaction and Section D on intention to stay. The results of the correlation analysis in this study revealed that there is a significant moderate positive relationship between employee empowerment and career satisfaction. The results also revealed a weak positive relationship between employee empowerment and intention to stay. Based on the findings, a number of recommendations were made to help improve employee empowerment, career satisfaction and increase the intention to stay of employees. It was therefore recommended that conditions which may lead to employees feeling powerless should be identified and removed and certain powers should be delegated to employees to enable work decisions to be taken quicker and encourage innovativeness of employees. Since the study results highlighted an existence of a strong relationship between career satisfaction and intention to stay, it is necessary to increase career satisfaction in order to increase intention to stay. In order to improve career satisfaction among employees, it was therefore recommended that Government Printing Works should avail opportunities for growth and more responsibility for employees by providing them with jobs that will not only challenge them but give them a sense of reward and fulfilment at the same time. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing increased understanding of employee empowerment, career satisfaction and intention to stay of employees in the government sector, specifically in the unexplored territory of government printing. The study also suggests future research opportunities on its constructs, specifically in the printing and public sectors. It is recommended that future research incorporate more than one organisation in the printing sector and more than one government department. Since this study made use of a quantitative research design, future research on these constructs could take on a qualitative or mixed methods approach to gain a deeper understanding of the constructs and their relationships.
Employees' adherence to the Occupational Health and Safety Act in the steel manufacturing sector
(2016-09) Mojapelo, Jerry; Dhurup, M.
Industrial accidents have proved to be more prevalent and costly than anticipated especially in developing countries including South Africa. Occupational accidents have direct and indirect cost implications for an organisation as well as society. Governments in many countries have tried to implement legislation to try and curb the scourge of industrial accidents. The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the level of employee adherence to the Occupational, Health and Safety Act (OHSA) 85 of 1993 in the steel manufacturing sector. This research provided an overview of various factors that influences employee’s level of understanding and adherence to the OHSA. This included factors such as information and training in health and safety; employee safety perception, employee safety awareness, employee safety adherence, employee behaviour with regard to health and safety, the role of the union in health and safety issues, accident reporting mechanism, and employee’s perceptions of the influence of rewards on health and safety. A structured questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions was developed and disseminated in order to gather relevant data. Given the scale of the research, a quantitative research method was implemented. The population for the study strictly consisted of employees working in the steel manufacturing sector. A purposive sampling technique was selected. Statistical Package for Social Sciences 22.0 (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. The sample size of (n) =165 employees was involved in the study. The response rate for the total was (98.5%). Descriptive, frequency, correlation, regression and means analysis was employed in this study. The results of the study indicated that majority of the employees were aware and adhered with the requirements of the OHSA with the organisation. It was suggested that strong stake holder partnerships between unions, employers and employees be formulated. The state should reinforce the Department of Labour inspectorate by giving it more powers to be able to execute its task meritoriously and efficiently. It further suggested that the state must rapidly focus on recruiting and training more health and safety labour inspectors to ensure appropriate enforcement of health and safety regulations. Lastly it is advisable to create and engrave a health and safety culture within the organisation that focuses on highly on employee involvement and mutual trust. The proposed recommendation for the study, limitations and the conclusion of the study were outlined in Chapter 5.
Employees' job satisfaction, organisational commitment and intention to stay at an international hotel in Lesotho
(2016-01) Peete, Mankhabe Blandinah; Joubert, P.
The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between employees’ job satisfaction (JS), organisational commitment (OC) and intention to stay (ITS) at an international hotel in Lesotho. Employees’ productivity is largely related to their level of job satisfaction. Lumley, Coetzee, Tladinyane and Ferreira (2011:101) are of the view that since job satisfaction involves employees’ motions, it influences an organisation’s well-being with regard to job productivity, employee turnover, absenteeism and life satisfaction Therefore, it is important for an organisation to study the relationships between JS, OC and ITS. A survey questionnaire was devised to collect the information for job satisfaction, organisational commitment and intention to stay from each employee. Two hundred and twenty employees responded to the survey. This study used a quantitative research paradigm and a descriptive research method. Random sampling was deemed appropriate for this study, these choices are motived for in the main study. Participants were asked to complete three test instruments, namely, a Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), an Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) and an Intention to Stay Questionnaire (ITSQ). After analysing the data, the researcher found that there is a relatively strong correlation between job satisfaction, organisational commitment and intention to stay. Generally, higher levels of job satisfaction will lead to higher levels of organisational commitment which in turn will lead to employees staying at organisations. The results indicate that all three variables: JS‚ OC‚ and ITS have positive and significant inter-relationships. Findings and recommendations of this study are important to the management as they indicate the need to develop strategies to deal with the needs of those employees who exhibit low level of organisational commitment. The findings of this study provide valuable insights that can enable the management to create a satisfied and committed workforce
Employees' perceptions of corporate social responsibility and the relationship with organizational commitment and intention to stay in a telecommunications company
(2015-04) Ndjama, J. D. Ngo; Joubert, P. A.; Dhurup, M.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of employees of their organisation’s CSR activities and their effects on employees’ organisational commitment and intentions to stay. This study advocates that the way employees perceive their organisation’s CSR practices influences the types of attachment they have towards their organisation and reinforces their intentions to stay in their current organisation. The fact that employees play a central role in the realisation of an organisation’s goals makes it critical for any organisation to have employees who are willing to go beyond what is required of them and who are willing to stay in the organisation at least until the completion of their duties or contracts. In this study, a quantitative research paradigm and a descriptive research method were used to investigate a sample size of 350 employees working in one of the telecommunication organisations in Cameroon. In order to minimise the study bias, simple random sampling was used to ensure that the sample accurately reflects the larger population (N=670). Data was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and the results of the correlation analysis revealed that all four CSR dimensions are significantly and positively related to organisational commitment variables as well as to employees’ intentions to stay. CSR also showed strong predictive relationships with the various facets of organisational commitment. Organisational commitment in turn also showed strong predictive relationships with intention to stay within an organisation. Findings and recommendations of this study are important to employers as it provides crucial information regarding the types of activities organisations could engage in, and for employees to consider them as socially responsible. Such involvement in CSR activities can improve employees’ organisational commitment and reinforce their intentions to stay in their current organisation.
Employees' perceptions of the effects of retrenchment on job stress and organisational commitment in a mining company
(Vaal University of Technology, 2016-11) Seteni, Landiswa Pilvia; Joubert, P. A., Dr.; Dhurup, M., Prof.
In the decade before 2005, South African organisations have had to cope with an ever-increasing rate of local and global changes. There have been considerable and ongoing socio-political changes, resulting from new Government regulations. Most organisations have experienced some type of downturn, whether due to external business factors or poor internal performance. A typical response to organisational decline is retrenchment. Retrenchment is attributed to cyclical downturns, market losses or other economic factors, which oblige the employer to reduce the labour force numbers. Though there are so many ways of responding to organisational failure, this study focused only on retrenchment. A number of psychologists and human sciences researchers have studied the results of job loss due to retrenchment. Retrenchment brings loss of skills, loss of morale and commitment, as well as physical and mental health degradation, including stress that results in employees withdrawing physically and emotionally. The main purpose of this study was to outline the employees’ perceptions of the effects of retrenchment on job stress and organisational commitment in a mining company. The research methodology used in this study is a combination of a literature review and an empirical study. The probability sampling technique, which entails using simple random sampling, was used to select the sample of the study. The primary data were collected using a questionnaire. The measuring instrument contained 43 items. The measuring instrument was pilot-tested with 50 respondents three weeks before the main survey; the questionnaire was self-administered to the participants. For the main survey, data from 294 respondents were collected and analysed. Participants in the study involved surface employees, including management, administrators, engineers and artisans. Data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the various sections of the measuring instrument were computed to establish construct validity. Content validity was ascertained by pre-testing the questionnaire with the employees in the mine in question. Correlations were used to establish convergent validity of the constructs. Convergent validity was assessed to measure the degree of linear association of variables using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Discriminant validity was achieved by using regression analysis to show items loaded onto different factors in various sections which had more than one factor. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics on the demographic information of respondents. The results were also interpreted through correlation and regression analysis. The results showed that the effects of retrenchment did not have a negative impact on job stress (time stress and anxiety). This may be due to the mine in question planning and consulting with the employees prior to the retrenchment process. The results also showed that job stress (time stress and anxiety) is negatively associated with organisational commitment. Subsequent to these findings, it is recommended that employees (survivors) be updated on their future in the company in question. This could be done through regular workshops and counselling of employees. In order to motivate and engage employees, and thereby contribute to employee commitment, it was also recommended that organisations create open, supportive and fair organisational and team cultures, and ensure jobs are clearly aligned with organisational goals and have appropriate levels of autonomy, support and career development. Given that job satisfaction plays a huge role in organisational commitment, it was further recommended that managers need to actively improve their organisation’s job satisfaction to employees in order to achieve a higher level of organisational commitment. The study concludes by recommending that communication between employees and management should take place on a regular basis which can serve as a fundamental tool to retrenchment in the following manner:  Survivors will feel more committed to the organisation when the basis of retrenchment addresses the circumstances in the external environment, rather than the enrichment of shareholders or top management.  Communicating a clear vision of how retrenchment will benefit stakeholders, increases commitment since survivors can see a clear future for the organisation.  When survivors are treated with dignity and respect, they will feel more committed to the organisation because they feel appreciated.
Impact of induction on employee perceptions of health and safety at ArcelorMittal
(2015-02) Samosamo, Mothusi George; Marais, C.; Joubert, P. A.
Workplace health and safety is a global concern. South African companies are bound by the stipulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) (85 of 1993), which regulates employer and employee duties to identify and eliminate hazards, thereby controlling and minimising the risk to health and safety within the working environment. Employees are regarded as the strength of ArcelorMittal. The on-board programme of this employer is designed specifically to support the integration of new employees into ArcelorMittal’s environment and enable them to maximise their contribution to the performance of their team, implementation of a business plan and strategy and realisation of the group’s objectives. This study investigates the perceptions that ArcelorMittal (Vanderbijlpark) employees uphold regarding the effectiveness of the health and safety induction they received. The iron division was identified purposefully for selection of the target population because of its high rate of health and safety incidents. Simple random sampling was used within a quantitative research design to select 317 respondents out of 634 employees. Accordingly, questionnaires were distributed within the demarcated division and a total of 160 questionnaires were completed and returned. The collected data were statistically analysed and presented. The results indicated that the majority of employees perceive the health and safety induction they received to be effective. Respondents also indicated that ArcelorMittal was effective in providing them with the support they need towards their health and safety. Hence, it is recommended that the zero tolerance approach towards safety hazards be reinforced on a continuous basis within the work context of this leading steel manufacturer.
The influence of entrepreneurial-related programmes on student intentions to venture into new business creation
(Vaal University of Technology, 2015-08) Matsheke, Onica Thandi; Joubert, P. A., Dr.; Dhurup, M., Prof.
Whilst entrepreneurial education has received a fair amount of attention both locally and internationally, there is, surprisingly, still no universally accepted curriculum dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs at universities which adequately exposes students to an environment that encourages new venture creation. Furthermore, disparities continue to exist in the quality of entrepreneurship education programmes on offer within higher education institutions in South Africa, particularly in curriculum design, delivery methods and forms of assessment. Moreover, an entrepreneurial culture in South Africa has not yet reached the desired national level in comparison to entrepreneurship in other developed nations. This study examines the influence of entrepreneurial-related programmes on students’ intentions to venture into new business creation. This study is located within a quantitative descriptive research paradigm, which permits the testing of relationships among the various constructs through a structured questionnaire. The sample was drawn from final year students of the Faculty of Management Sciences at a university who were studying various business-related programmes in which modules on entrepreneurship were compulsory. Variables included in the study focused on the entrepreneurial content of the curriculum, attitude towards entrepreneurship, intentions towards entrepreneurship and general self-efficacy. Data provided by 263 respondents was analysed using correlation and regression analyses. The results revealed a weak predictive relationship between the entrepreneurial content of the curriculum and the attitude of students to venture into new business creation. In addition, students’ attitudes towards entrepreneurship showed low levels of prediction of students’ intentions towards entrepreneurship. Finally, the results showed that students’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy did not appear to influence their attitude towards entrepreneurship. A possible reason for these results may be the notion that not enough enthusiasm is generated in students because the modules in entrepreneurship, whilst compulsory, are not offered as majors in the curriculum, unlike in dedicated entrepreneurship programmes. The major challenge in entrepreneurship programmes is the appropriateness of the content of the curriculum in developing student’s attitude towards entrepreneurship. Students who are not exposed to the content of the curriculum that allows the commercial use of entrepreneurial knowledge demonstrate a weak attitude towards entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial content of the curriculum should be enhanced with improved teaching delivery modes that enable students to gain hands-on experience by seeing, touching and ‘feeling’ the business world. Contents of the curriculum should be designed to include learning outcomes which are for entrepreneurship rather than about entrepreneurship. An entrepreneurial content of the curriculum which is developed for entrepreneurship deals with real entrepreneurial activity and produces students who have a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship. In order to enhance the status of entrepreneurship, curriculum developers should include various aspects of entrepreneurship in all years of the students’ study programme. In order for entrepreneurship to be given ‘life’, provision should be made to support incubation start-ups at the university level with practical training. The feasibility of offering a practical, hands-on entrepreneurship programme should be explored.
The influence of organisational commitment and job satisfaction on employee corporate social responsibility participation in a financial institution in Gauteng
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020-09) Nkumane, Mthobisi Roderick; Dhurup, M., Prof.; Joubert, P., Prof.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become as an important topic as it has ramifications for practitioners. Corporate social responsibility can change employees’ approaches, demands and behaviours. Organisations can build a sound relation with its employees by promoting CSR in the organisation and inspiring employees to partake in these activities. The primary objective of the study is to explore the relationship between organisational commitment, job satisfaction as well as explore the relationship between job satisfaction and CSR among employees in a financial institution in Gauteng. A quantitative research approach method was used to achieve the primary objective. A structured questionnaire was issued to 250 respondents. Furthermore, composite means and factor analysis were performed to determine the level of organisational commitment, job satisfaction and corporate social responsibility of employees and to establish the underlying factors of the constructs respectively. Additionally, correlation analysis was conducted to establish the strength and direction of the relationship between the factors. Finally, a regression analysis was performed to confirm the predictive relationship between the study constructs. The findings of this study showed a positive correlation between affective commitment, normative commitment and continuance commitment and JS, and also showed a positive correlation between JS and CSR. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the more committed the financial institution employees, the more they are satisfied with their job in the institution. Furthermore, JS contributed positively to CSR, which implied that the more satisfied the employees of the financial institution, the more they feel being part of the CSR activities of the financial institution.
The influence of organisational justice on organisational citizenship behaviour of employees at a railway company in Johannesburg, Gauteng
(Vaal University of Technology, 2021) Kgomo, Moratuwa; Dhurup, M., Prof.; Joubert, P. A., Prof.
In South Africa, rail transport is an important element to support economic development and this service is provided by the railway company as the focus of this study. Similar to other companies, the selected railway company depends on its employees as a crucial resource to execute duties aimed at the realisation of its objectives. For the company to remain successful, its employees must have positive behaviours and attitudes and have the ability to work in a fair and just environment. Organisational justice, as an indicator of a fair and just work environment, and organisational citizenship behaviour, influence work-related behaviours and attitudes and are critical for the smooth operation of any organisation. Currently, the railway company seems to have a high number of reported incidents relating to organisational citizenship behaviour including misconduct, disciplinary, criminal and/or civil action. This might be an outcome of employee perceptions of organisational justice. This study examines the relationship between organisational justice and organisational citizenship behaviour for the first time in the rail industry in South Africa. Drawing on the Social Exchange Theory, the primary aim of this study is to investigate employees’ perceptions of organisational justice and their effects on organisational citizenship behaviour in a railway company in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The study adopted a deductive research approach and a quantitative method was used to collect data. Utilising a structured questionnaire, respondents were solicited to provide their demographic variables and their responses to four different measurement scales, namely procedural justice, distributive justice, interactional justice and organisational citizenship behaviour using a seven-point Likert scale ranging from 1=strongly disagree to 7=strongly agree. Using convenience sampling, questionnaires were distributed to 400 identified employees of the railway company in Johannesburg, Gauteng. A total of 378 questionnaires were returned and this constituted the sample size of the study. The Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was used to find the strength of relationships with the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. To assess the employees' perceptions of organisational justice, their levels of organisational citizenship behaviour and the relationship between the constructs, descriptive statistical analysis, correlation and regression analysis were used. Based on the findings, the results of the correlation analysis revealed no significant relationships between all three dimensions of organisational justice (procedural justice, distributive justice, interactional justice) and organisational citizenship behaviour. Regression analysis also resulted in no predictive relationships between organisational justice and organisational citizenship behaviour. Evidence indicates that the fairness of distribution, procedures and interactions are not the key contributors in affecting the level of organisational citizenship behaviour of employees at the railway company. The study makes various recommendations including that management should treat employees fairly and equally and apply fair decision-making processes with fair outcomes. Additionally, to improve, increase and keep the standard of OCB, an organisational policy on organisational justice should be in place, which must constantly be updated. Research on OJ and OCB is still limited, particularly in the field of rail transport, as this study is the first and only study that has been conducted in South Africa. This represents an opportunity for academics and labour relations practitioners to further engage in research on antecedents and outcomes of organisational behaviour in the railway industry.
The influence of person-environment fit, person-organisation fit and person-job fit on career satisfaction and intention to leave among university academics
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020) Sebolaoa, Refiloe Engelina; Joubert, P. A., Prof.; Dhurup, M., Prof.
The face of South African (SA) universities’ academic environment has changed over the past decade, primarily propelled by transformation issues, new policies and practices, which also required academics to have certain skills and attributes. Recruiting and retaining key academics in the public higher education (HE) are not once-off events; they are ongoing processes that involve analysing the needs, culture and practices of the organisation and identifying individuals whose skills and personalities better meet those organisational needs. Given the rapid restructuring and transformation of SA public HE, recruiting and retaining of essential talent has been a huge challenge experienced by higher education institutions (HEIs). Research relating to how HEIs could better attract and retain key talent has, however, been scarce; as such, this study aims to fill the existing gap in the literature. Against this background, this study aimed at exploring the influence of person-environment fit (PEF), person-organisation fit (POF) and person-job fit (PJF) on career satisfaction (CS) and the influence of CS on intention to leave (ITL) among university academics. Embedded within a positivist paradigm, the study followed a quantitative research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to measure study constructs. In addition to the soliciting information on the demographic variables, respondents were requested to complete five different measuring scales, namely the general environment fit scale (GEFS), organisational culture profile (OCP), the knowledge, skills and ability profile (KSAP), the career satisfaction scale (CSS) and the intention to leave scale (ITLS). A total of 550 questionnaires were distributed to the identified sample of university academics and from that distribution only 202 questionnaires were used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics techniques as well as correlation and regression analysis were used to evaluate academics’ perceptions and relationships between study constructs. Findings revealed the existence of strong positive associations between the three fit constructs and CS and a negative association between CS and ITL. The findings also propose that the HEI could use fit dimensions to increase the level of academics’ CS and reduce their proclivity to leave the HEI. Academics’ CS can be enhanced by the implementation of a career advancement policy that will ensure that academics are provided with fair and equal training and development opportunities and are promoted based on their individual performances. To constantly reduce the propensity to leave the institution, the HEI could continuously satisfy career goals of academics through the provision of career progression opportunities.

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