A critical assessment of the performance management system and its effect on service delivery : a case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Education
- Authors: Nela, Nobelungu Diana
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance--Management Performance standards--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15133 , vital:40189
- Description: The study focused on a critical assessment of the performance management system and its impact on service delivery: a case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, South Africa. Significantly poor performance by the department is also experienced in different areas of the establishment. The theory employed is the Balanced Score Card. A Balanced Score Card is a strategic performance management tool in the form of a semi-structured report supported by tested design methods and tools that can be used by managers to keep track of execution of activities by the staff within their control. The research approach that was used in the study was a mixed method, which is a combination of the quantitative and qualitative methods. Mixed method is chosen because of its strength of drawing on both qualitative and quantitative research and minimizing the limitations of both approaches. The data collected was categorised into themes and it is from these themes and / or patterns that the main findings of the research study were formulated for the qualitative part of the research study. Quantitative data was analysed using inferential statistics and the interview guide was transcribed. Analytic induction was used as a method to analyse qualitative data. For interview guide semi – structured interview guide was used to study principal’s views and for the inferential statistics. For quantitative aspect of the questionnaire data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Three instruments were employed to collect data in the study, the questionnaire, semi-structured interview and document analysis. The research showed that the training failed to teach what successful performance is, as expected, among others. The study also indicated that EMS PMDS is not assessing employees’ performance accurately. The results showed that no discussion on ways of improving performance is made where performance has not met minimum standards. The study recommends education and adequate training of departmental employees as well as monitoring and evaluation of the process.
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- Date Issued: 2018
A longitudinal investigation into employability : student transition and experiences from tertiary education into the labour market
- Authors: Harry, Tinashe Timothy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employability Graduate students Labor market
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11053 , vital:37015
- Description: Orientation: Several policies have been formulated by the government to redress the inequalities of apartheid. However, the policies have not yielded any positive results as many graduates from Historically Disadvantaged Institutes (HDIs) continue to struggle in the open labour market as compared to graduates from Historically Advantaged Institutes (HAIs). This has been mainly attributed to the legacy of apartheid in several previous studies. As a result, most of these previously disadvantaged individuals (mostly Black Africans) struggle to make the transition from higher education into the world of work. Research Purpose: This study thus explores the journeys of these Black African students from HDIs to understand the transition and experiences from tertiary education into the labour market. Further, the research sought to understand how these transitions and experiences manifest in a context of high unemployment. Finally, the resolution tactics used by students in such a context are given attention. Research approach, design and method: A longitudinal qualitative approach was deemed appropriate for the study as the aim was to understand the changes that occurred over time. The data was collected over a two-year period. A narrative inquiry was utilized as it allowed the participants to share their perceptions without limitations. A total of 30 participants partook in the study. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling to ensure the right participants were involved in the study. The main criteria for selection to participate was that the participants had to be enrolled with a HDI. Main findings: The narratives of the participants led to the formulation of six main themes that were regarded as affecting the transitions and experiences of the Black graduates from HDIs; namely, (1) socio-economic background, (2) education system, (3) labour market experiences, (4) geographical location, (5) social capital and (6) student resolutions to the challenges of employability. A previously disadvantaged background resulted in the participants being recipients of poor education quality, no social networks or information to navigate the labour market and limited access to the labour market due to secluded residential areas. Subsequently, most participants were unable to take responsibility of enhancing their own employability. Contribution: It is not the sole responsibility of the higher education institutes to produce employable graduates, but it's a process that should also involve government, students and employers. As long as the social inequality remains an issue in the country all the efforts to improve employability and transition into the open labour market will be in vain. Furthermore, employers must work together with higher education institutes by offering programs such as internships and career expos to enhance the employability of the graduates. A Graduate Transition Model (GTM) is suggested based on the findings of this research.
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- Date Issued: 2018
An assessment of the effect of implementation of performance management system on organizational performance : a case of selected public organizations in Tanzania
- Authors: Nduye, Jacob Gabriel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Personnel management Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10573 , vital:35609
- Description: Tanzanians continue to demand improved performances and better-quality services from public organizations and the government at large. Since independence in 1961, the Tanzanian government continued to undertake a restructuring of different policies, laws and regulations in public services to improve performances and service delivery. Among the results of the restructuring was introduction of Performance Management System(PMS) across public organizations. The system meant to address and redress not only the concerns of the public on improved performances and better services, but also inculcate performance-oriented culture and accountability for results. Despite such efforts by the government, some of the problems existed before the introduction of PMS such as among others weak incentives and accountabilities, and management skills continue to impede issues of improved performance and service delivery in public organizations. It is from this context that the researcher was encouraged to research on issues of performance management system, highlighting specific areas of its effectiveness to improve performance, motivational factors, use of performance appraisal results on different decisions-making and factors for underperformances which affect organizational performances in public organizations. This study employed a mixed method research design involving both quantitative and qualitative strategies. For the qualitative strategy, data were gathered using in-depth interviews and document reviews; and for the quantitative strategy, questionnaires were used in which the relationship of different variables for the study were statistically analyzed using the SPSS Version 22. In the overall, the study evidences show a strong pressure of support at government level in terms of formulating policies, laws and regulations to back up performance management system to improve performance quality service delivery, but there is less support in public organizations levels. It became clear that many problems still make PMS effectiveness not pragmatic: Political interferences to management of public organizations, government bureaucratic procedures in amendments of outdated laws, inflexible scheme of services important for rewards and incentives and the use of manual voting system for good performances are among problems that the study identified. Furthermore, evidences have shown that a top-down management approach bottlenecks the overall implementation of performance enhancing tools for performance management system effectiveness. There is lack of workers’ participation and ownership of tools such as, strategic plans, client service charters and open performance reviews and appraisal system and the general system, and thus becoming hard to implement it in the public organizations. The study suggests practical initiatives by the government to establish highly strict quality service delivery satisfaction tracking system to allow both employees and citizens to evaluate internal and external performances of the public organizations. The findings upheld vulnerability of PMS to improve performance and service delivery, and therefore more attention and adherence to principles of performance management and laws that are biting to issues of underperformances are imperative.
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- Date Issued: 2018
An assessment of the implementation of small, medium and micro enterprise strategy : a case of Amathole Municipality
- Authors: Oyelana, Akeem Adewale
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15171 , vital:40193
- Description: The implementation of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) strategy are not well understood and have rarely been addressed all nationally. The objectives of this study are, therefore, to establish a base level of understanding in order to assess the implementation of SMME strategy used by the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) Local Economic Development (LED) managers in disseminating information; analyse the structure for implementing SMME strategy used by the ADM LED managers; examine the challenges confronting the ADM LED managers in implementing SMME strategy; examine the skills needed by the ADM LED managers to adequately formulate and implement SMME strategy; and make recommendations to the municipality on how best the implementation of SMME strategy can support growth and development in the ADM. The study used a qualitative research design that involves a systematic review of documents. Data was collected through the review and analysis of available existing documents. Data analysis included using the documentary analysis derived from the journals, and books as well as reviewing the various data analysis done in relation to an assessment of the implementation of SMME strategy: A Case of Amathole District Municipality. Findings from previous literature revealed that there are constraints faced by the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) Local Economic Development (LED) Managers in implementing SMME strategy. The study confirmed some of the operational challenges were due to incompetency among the municipal managers, and lack of clear understanding of the implementation of SMME strategy used to support grow and development of SMME in the Amathole District. This study provides effective solutions to the identified challenges and impact as well as strategies to be adopted in order to alleviate poverty and provide job opportunities to the local communities. The implications of the findings are that unless the barriers named above are resolved, poverty and unemployment will continues escalating, communities will continue receiving and experiencing poor service delivery in the ADM and thus, would undoubtedly lead to poor economic growth and development. Management of the municipality must ensure that qualified ADM Managers are permanently employed and allowed to partake in the implementation of SMME strategy and community participation should be well encouraged as well as embarking on effective implementation of SMME strategy that would create an enabling and conducive environment for the small firm enterprises.
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- Date Issued: 2018
An evaluation of state assisted human settlement development model: a case study of Duncan village and Reeston human settlement project in Buffalo city metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape.
- Authors: Mthembu,Bhekisisa Jacob
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human settlements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13764 , vital:39709
- Description: This study undertook an extensive evaluation of state assisted Human Settlement development, with specific vigor on the case study of Reeston Human Settlement project in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape. This was motivated by a number of factors such as satisfaction issues in the area of Human settlements and the issues that continue to hinder the effective delivery of houses such as availability of land, the willingness of the beneficial to relocate to the allocated houses. South Africa is in its 24 years of democratic dispensation, the human settlements continue to be the thorn in a flesh in the government effectiveness. The existing legislation on the housing development serves as the cornerstone of development, housing theories also continue to be the guiding principles under which the development can flourish if followed to the latter. It is evident that, the democratic government in the country has delivered millions of houses to the beneficiaries, thus restoring dignity to many. However, there has been significant backlog of over 2.1 million houses. This is based on the housing waiting list available with the various Local Municipalities and the respective provinces department is Human Settlements. The objectives of the study was taken into consideration in ensuring congruence with the study aim. The objectives are stated below is to evaluate the application of Human settlement programmes, policy imperatives, implementation and practice in South Africa by means of the case study of the Reeston project in the Eastern Cape. The following objectives are set for the study: To analyse the policy and institutional framework guiding the establishment of state-assisted human settlement projects in the country. To analyse the level of execution in the selected human settlement projects in the Buffalo City Metropolitan area reflected the policy and institutional framework for the establishment of state-assisted human settlements. v To ascertain the beneficiaries’ narratives about the projects (and the overarching policy/institutional framework), and what socio-cultural and/or economic factors, if any, mediate those narratives. To detail the socio-economic conditions and livelihood strategies of Reeston Human settlements residents. The study took the combined method of research, being the qualitative and quantitative research method. The choice of a research approach is guided among others by three main aspects: the research problem, the researcher’s experience and the audience at whom the research is directed. A mixed approach method has been employed for this study, because as several authors confirm, this is how to get the best out of both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. The evaluation took the analysis of the Duncan Village, looking at the transition from the informal settlements to the Reeston Housing development in the Eastern Cape Province. Respondents were visited in their places of comfort where they were able to express themselves so that the researcher can be able to retrieve more information in this regard. The findings of the research revealed the level of satisfaction, dwelling attributes, neighborhood issues, environmental issues for consideration in the housing development as a form of dwelling. The study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge as it provides solution to the provision of housing development in South Africa, especially the Duncan Village as a prime site for development for Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The study presents a new model for developing houses in the informal settlements without relocating the beneficiaries from their area of comfort. A sustainable housing development to the need of the people will be the one that is re4sponsive to the findings of this study, these are: satisfaction with the government services rendered in the area, the surroundings in the dwellings and most importantly the environmental considerations
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- Date Issued: 2018
Assessing the Contribution of SMMEs to Job creation in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Mbambo, William Bongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD ( Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13675 , vital:39690
- Description: Job creation through support to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) is one of the South African government’s priorities in the Eastern Cape Vision 2030 Provincial Development Plan, to overcome the chronic unemployment situation faced by millions of South Africans. The Eastern Cape Province is amongst one of the areas challenged by high levels of unemployment in South Africa. In order to assess whether SMMEs had the capacity to create employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape Province. This study investigate on how SMMEs plans to provide employment opportunities, also examine whether SMMEs has created any employment opportunities thus far in the Eastern Cape Province. The study used David Birch (1979 and 1981) Kerr, Wittenberg and Arrow (2013), theories to assess whether SMMEs had the capacity to create employment opportunities in the Province. The study adopted a mixed methods approach in order to assess SMMEs as a tool for employment creation in its various dimensions. The results of the study reveal that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises do not necessarily generate substantial employment. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should provide more financial support for SMMEs, organize entrepreneurship workshops, seminars and training workshops, which could improve their business operating skills as well as provide easy access to loans.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Critical assessment of the human resource capacity needs of senior management at Thaba Chweu Municipality in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Authors: Dube, Boy David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government Rural poor Senior leadership teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12172 , vital:39193
- Description: The terrain of local government is not only very complex, dynamic, and challenging, but also very unique. The quality of human resources is vital in a public institution, particularly in institutions that are meant to service communities by providing sustainable basic services. Amongst the concerns raised at a municipal level are the lack of professionalism and the required competency and capacity amongst the workforce that must perform the actual duties of servicing the local communities. This study was aimed at identifying and analysing human resource development and human resource management policies, strategies and needs in line with the current circumstances and conditions at a particular municipality. A series of challenges (that a number of community members, newspaper articles, community leaders and both the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and other spheres of government raised and complained about) prompted this study. Constant complaints are leveled against municipalities about appropriate and well qualified candidates being overlooked for employment opportunities at the expense of nepotism, cronyism and blatant corrupt activities. This study is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. In line with the quantitative method of generating and assembling information, the researcher used the judgement sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to collect quantitative data while primary data was collected via interviews. Data was obtained from 45 participants in Thaba Chweu Municipality. The findings show that the majority of respondents (in the form of percentages) spoke against the capacity of the officials. A smaller percentage spoke in favour of the availability of capacity. These respondents stated that municipal officials have the required skills and capacity to perform their duties. Furthermore, the study found that there was inconsistency in the implementation of council resolutions and interference in administrative matters. These factors compromised achieving the objectives of the municipal strategies and policies. The study recommends that the municipality ensures that the human resource management and development departments are consonant with current and modernised needs and that delegations to line functionaries are properly assigned and documented.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Employee motivation, workplace surveillance and employee engagement among selected Zimbabwe revenue authority employees
- Authors: Tsvangirai, Fidelis Pedzisai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation Employee motivation--Zimbabwe Organizational effectiveness--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Industrial Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17384 , vital:40961
- Description: Orientation: The study is located in the micro environmental circumstances in Zimbabwe where the size of the informal sector is overtaking that of the formal sector. The country is experiencing a high labour turnover averaging at 19percent per year due to an unstable economic setting. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is experiencing an employee engagement score as low as 2.1 out of 5. This low employee engagement level and high labour turnover call for employers to find strategies not only to keep their employees motivated and engaged but also to monitor how they work. Research purpose: The study sought to examine how employee motivation mediates between workplace surveillance and employee engagement among selected employees at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). Motivation of the study: Public organisations often face the criticism that they do not deliver the quality of service expected and one in every five of their employees is disengaged from their work. ZIMRA’s mandate has a significant impact on the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the organisation needs to deliver against all odds. Currently no research exists which provides information on the mediating effect of employee motivation on the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement in Zimbabwe. Research philosophy, design and method: This study adopted the positivism research philosophy and a survey research design, which is quantitative and descriptive in nature. The study utilised the principles of structural equation modelling (SEM) in formulating the research hypotheses and in data analysis. Main findings: The findings of the study, through utilising SEM, were that a negative relationship exists between workplace surveillance and employee engagement and that employee motivation has a positive significant relationship with employee engagement. The study also found that workplace surveillance positively relates to employee motivation. The study also found that employee motivation partially mediates the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. Practical/Managerial implications: A negative relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to seek employee buy-in when implementing workplace surveillance measures. A positive relationship between employee motivation and employee engagement calls for ZIMRA management to invest much in these two variables. A positive relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation calls for ZIMRA management to put in place policies that ensure employees do not abuse work time by doing their own business. Contribution or value-add: The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the debate around the impact of employee motivation as a mediator of the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee engagement. This study agree with the vast amount of literature that the relationship between workplace surveillance and employee motivation is not always negative.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Ethnicity, conflict and the developmental state in Rwanda
- Authors: Muleya, Emmison
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1994- Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1962-1994 Rwanda -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10083 , vital:35334
- Description: Socioeconomic development is a crucial means of improving standards of living and increasing the incomes of developing countries. This study is premised upon the assumption that the concepts of the developmental state and socioeconomic development are inextricably interrelated. The concept of a developmental state has gained a significant amount of traction in both academic and non-academic circles in recent times. This study took the form of a case study of Rwanda and its developmental trajectory since the country gained independence in 1962. By adopting a historical approach, this study determined that the factors which continue to retard socioeconomic development in post-colonial and post-genocide Rwanda are rooted in a lingering colonial legacy. Although Rwanda has achieved a significant degree of socioeconomic development since 1994, the sustainability of the nascent developmental state which appears to be emerging could still be undermined by ethnic divisions. Accordingly, it was recommended on the basis of the findings of this study that the Rwandan state and its development partners should pursue transformative socioeconomic policies which ensure an equitable distribution of socioeconomic resources, in order to facilitate the creation of an enabling environment for local entrepreneurs and a reduction of dependence upon foreign aid through the effective mobilisation of domestic resources.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Examination of the capacity of Limpopo water services authorities in providing access to clean drinking water and decent sanitation
- Authors: Pilusa,Kgoshi Kgashane Lucas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal water supply Sanitation, Rural
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13932 , vital:39728
- Description: This study analysed the capacity of Limpopo Water Services Authorities in providing access to clean drinking water and decent sanitation. The study raised issues of the state of access to clean drinkable water and decent sanitation through the prism of the municipality and the community. Arguably, the provision of water and sanitation services collapsed, at the level of local government, during the Jacob Zuma administration, because of the escalation of violent service delivery protests due to poor administration and management. It was discovered that all Water Services Authorities owe the Department of Water Affairs exorbitant amounts of money, well into the range of millions of Rands. This prompted the Water Boards to issue threats that they would limit the provision of bulk water. Such austerity measures compromised citizens who regularly pay for the services provided; hence, it sparked violent protests. One of the major drawbacks of the current institutional arrangements arose from the overlapping mandates of the Department of Water Affairs, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water Services Authorities, Local Municipalities and the Department of Human Settlements. Consequently, the structural design of the intergovernmental system should enforce synergy between all water and sanitation units. The reports produced by all units must be scrutinised, debated and followed through. The study was anchored in a qualitative research design, grounded in the descriptive approach. Interviews were conducted to acquire information from politicians, administrators and community members. It was discovered that there were no skilled personnel in Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers and, as such, institutional capacity was in disarray. More importantly, during the interviews conducted for this study, it surfaced that financial mismanagement in all municipalities is conspicuously unacceptable, especially unauthorised, irregular and fruitless expenditures. These situations prevailed under the supervision of the well-established oversight institutions that were tasked to enhance the monitoring and evaluation for good governance, such as The Auditor General of South Africa, the Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector. Professionalism and quality performance remain at a low point, with no improvement in service provision. Therefore, radical enforcement of monitoring and evaluation through Auditor General of South Africa, Human Rights Commission and Public Protector, amongst others, is critical to any attempt to disrupt the status v quo. In addition, the appointment of the heads of these oversight institutions must be removed from the Presidency and be made by the Chief Justice. The encounters confronting Water Services Authorities and Water Service Providers are complex and may not be resolved by the government alone, without the participation of the private sector and other actors such as Civil Society Organisations, the business community and public entities. Therefore, an area for further research could be an examination of attempts to introduce effective integrated water and sanitation governance structures, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, under robust public scrutiny in order to inform immediate and long-term interventions.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Macro-prudential banking regulation, interest rate spread and the conduct of monetary policy in South Africa
- Authors: Shayanewako,Varaidzo Batsirai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Monetary policy Economic stabilization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D.Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14093 , vital:39843
- Description: The joint implementation of macro-prudential regulatory and monetary policies is necessary for modern banking systems not only to achieve optimal interest rate spread but to cushion the economy against the catastrophic effects of systemic risk. Therefore, the understanding of the interconnection between macroprudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy, supported with empirical evidence, enables economies to build health and sound financial systems and achieve desirable growth rates. Thus, this study utilises the Vector Error Correction (VEC) mechanism to empirically investigate the interconnection between macro-prudential regulation, interest rate spread and monetary policy in South Africa. Quarterly time series data for the period from 1994 to 2016 was employed with the New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (NKDSGE) model as the framework for analysis. The findings of this study suggest that a negative relationship exists between interest rate spread, macro-prudential regulation and monetary policy in South Africa. Moreover, the systems equation provided evidence that a short run causality running from macroprudential regulation to monetary policy is prevalent in South Africa. The empirical model of the study was found to be desirable as evidence of no serial correlation, no ARCH effect and non-normality in residuals was detected. Evidence from this study further suggest that interest rate spread has a dampening effect on monetary policy, but in the long-run this effect seems reversible in South Africa. As a result, this study recommends that caution should be taken on the appropriate selection of measures of macro-prudential regulation and its tool-kit as it can be used to disguise the symptoms of a lax monetary policy. This implies that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) should sternly supervise and regulate the extension of credit by commercial banks in line with its inflation targeting monetary policy rule in order to achieve financial stability and ensure optimal interest rate spread that can stimulate the economy to growth.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Non-farm enterprises and rural development in South Africa : a case of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Dapira, Clarah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development--South Africa--Eastern Cape--Case studies Rural development--South Africa South Africa--Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15463 , vital:40410
- Description: There is growing recognition that the limited success in rural development policies in many developing countries, including South Africa, is mainly a result of the failure to conceptualize such interventions beyond agriculture and incorporate non-farm enterprises into the mix. Non-farm enterprises are increasingly viewed as having the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development. However, it is an area that remains poorly documented and dimly understood as it has received limited scholarly attention in recent years. The study was carried out in the rural areas of Port St John’s Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was premised on the assumption that non-farm enterprises have the potential to become one of the drivers of rural development in terms of employment creation, income generation and diversification of the rural economy. The thesis demonstrates that the hope that non-farm enterprises can add value to the rural economy in terms of creating the much needed employment opportunities is still a goal to be realised. Nevertheless, the income generated by these enterprises is contributing immensely to household welfare, especially improving accessibility to food by poor households. The study recommends the implementation of tailor made capacity building and training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of rural artisans. This is an area that requires state-mediated intervention to augment the rural economy in order to redress the uneven development of the past.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Psychological capital, psychological empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour among nurses in public hospitals in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Chamisa, Shingirayi Florence
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational behavior--South Africa Nurses--Employment--South Africa--Eastern Cape Organizational effectiveness--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Industrial Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15441 , vital:40408
- Description: The current task environment in the South African public hospitals has reconfirmed the importance of researching on the psychological environment and its influence on individual employee performance. The motivation of this study is to examine the relationship between psychological capital and psychological empowerment on the one hand and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other hand among nurses within selected public hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This contributes to the theoretical conceptual knowledge on how performance can be enhanced through the appropriate provision of psychological resources in the workplace and the promotion of competence, efficiency and sustainability of organisations. Survey questionnaires were used to collect data. Inferential analysis from SPSS was carried out to understand the antecedents and consequences of organisation citizenship behaviour. An overall model of the study was also identified through AMOS using structural equation modeling. Findings from the selected South African public hospitals indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and psychological empowerment on the one hand and organisational citizenship behaviour on the other hand among nurses within the selected public hospitals. The results validate certain aspects of the Conservative frame work and the Job Demands Resources Model. The study recommends that hospital managers and supervisors should determine the social networks in their hospitals as a strategy to promote performance and organisational citizenship behaviour. Individual employees who are located at the fringes of the network must be recognised and empowered. This allows for the comparison evaluation of both individual and organisational characteristics on organisational citizenship behaviour and the promotion of slack resources which are important in maintaining a steady organisational performance which further widens organisational capacity.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Rural-urban migration and its impact on rural development in Nigeria
- Authors: Abizu, Odion Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development Rural-urban migration -- Nigeria Rural poor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13815 , vital:39714
- Description: This thesis focuses on the developmental impact of rural-urban migration in Nigeria. While, recognising the negative impact of rural-urban migration, the study argues that in order to benefit internal migrants as well as rural development, there must be a paradigm shift to focus on how the benefits of migration on development can be achieved. It is proposed that rural-urban migration occurs as a response to economic, education, health, social and environmental factors. The challenges confronting rural areas are urban bias development paradigm pursued by the successive governments resulting in rural underdevelopment that exacerbates the rural urban disparity. And the neglect of agriculture in rural areas resulting from the discovery of oil in Nigeria. The study revealed that flawed policies adopted by successive Nigerian governments led to joblessness, entrenched social inequality and opportunities. One of the outcomes of these short-sighted policies was rural underdevelopment, which accelerated rural-urban migration in Nigeria. However, the study also demonstrates that the income flows from the migrants to the various rural households has contributed to improvement in the living standard of the households. The fragmentary approaches to rural development that is currently the case in Nigeria would not generate the required level of development and growth needed in the rural communities to improve the living standard. Thus, there is need for a policy framework in Nigeria, which would encourage the private sector to play a vital role in contributing their part in the provision of infrastructural facilities in the rural communities. Although this thesis is a case study of the impact of rural-urban migration on rural development in Nigeria, it can serve to appreciate the role migration can play in promoting development both in rural and urban areas in Nigeria and other Saharan Africa countries.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The effects of collective bargaining on wages at University of Fort Hare 2007-2016
- Authors: Olusola, Olasupo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wages Collective bargaining -- South Africa Labor unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9962 , vital:35208
- Description: Collective bargaining is essential in labour relations because of its significant role on wages thereby structuring cordial labour-management relations. The essence of labour unions in South African higher education institutions such as National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) with specific reference to University of Fort Hare, is to ensure the good wages and conditions of service for their members through the instrumentality of collective bargaining between the Union and University management. The end result which is the bargaining agreement may improve on staff pay and encourage more cordial labour-management relations in South African higher institutions and specifically at University of Fort Hare which is the case study. This study was motivated by claims and evidences which show that University of Fort Hare’s staff is the least paid in South African higher education sector over the years due to unsustainability status of the University in the time past. Both the organized labour union and management at the University of Fort Hare entered into agreement that led to sacrificial forfeiture of salary increase by staff over the period of unsustainability of the University to avoid it from being closed down. This state has made the staff to suffer so many imbalances in their wages compared to what is obtainable in other universities in South Africa. This lingering situation has compelled NEHAWU to consistently engage the University management in bargaining in a bid to improve the wages of their members. The study made use of mixed research method which reveals that collective bargaining has effects on wages at University of Fort Hare. 307 participating staff were randomly selected from the following ÜFH Campuses; Bisho, Alice and East London.The questionnaire measured the effects of collective bargaining on wages at the University. In-depth Interviews were conducted among the staff at UFH. It involves the University management, NEHAWU officialsand top officers from the University Human Resources Department. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was utilized to analyze data collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to interpret the data. Tables and graphs; confidence interval and p-value was utilized to demonstrate the characteristics of information collected from the participants. The research questions were tested by Pearson correlation and T. Test. The reliability of different instruments that were used in this study was tested by Cronbach alpha coefficients and also computed to determine the validity of question. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between collective bargaining and wages at UFH. Recommendations were made in favour of transparency, time bound bargaining, mutual trust, proper communication and accountability among the negotiating parties at UFH for more successful bargaining that will further improve on staff pay at the University.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and poverty reduction in Zimbabwe : the role of Official Development Assistance (ODA)
- Authors: Chivanga, Shylet Yvonne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Economic development projects--Zimbabwe Sustainable development--Zimbabwe Poverty--Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Development Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15605 , vital:40483
- Description: This study sought to analyse the role of official development assistance (ODA) from international developmental partnerships in reducing poverty in accordance with the aims of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Zimbabwe. A qualitative research methodology was used and interview guides were developed in order to put open-ended questions to the participants in one-on-one face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. The data which was collected was subjected to thematic analysis. Among the findings which emerged was that the implementation of interventions to meet MDGs and reduce poverty in Zimbabwe had been hindered by both internal and external factors. Internal factors included corruption, underinvestment in industry, an untaxed underground economy, and political instability, the inconsistent implementation of policies, a weak judiciary, and excessive dependence upon ODA. Conversely, external factors included ODA which failed to enable the root causes of poverty to be tackled, attempting to remedy the symptoms of poverty rather than the real causes, the misuse of hegemonic economic and political power by foreign developmental partners, the inequitable distribution of ODA, ODA which entailed conditionalities, and soured relations with foreign donors. From the findings it was concluded that the most effective means of reducing poverty effectively in Zimbabwe lay in investing in developing internal sources of revenue. ODA should be used only to supplement interventions to reduce poverty in a sustainable manner and promote inclusive economic growth in the interests of equity. In order to generate the ODA which is needed to begin the process of economic recovery, Zimbabwe needs to re-engage with foreign developmental partners in a manner which ensures that partnerships are mutually beneficial. The injustices of the past should not be used to account for the failure to meet the MDGs and the deepening poverty in Zimbabwe, as they are not the consequences of the white minority rule of the past, but rather of present-day political ineptitude. Consequently, it is imperative that Zimbabwe should concentrate its efforts on developing the means to raise revenue for development and limit its dependence upon ODA. Holding onto the past by blaming the targeted sanctions, white minority rule, and colonialism will not enable the poverty in which many Zimbabweans in the post-independence era are mired to be meaningfully reduced through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which have superceded the MDGs to be achieved by 2030.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The moderating role of occupational self-efficacy and organisational justice in the relationship between perceived job insecurity and counterproductive work behaviour among bank employees in Nigeria
- Authors: Oluwole, Olugbenga Joseph
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Job security Self-efficacy Bank employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12665 , vital:39297
- Description: The unstable global economy and the drive by every organisation to remain in business and be competitive has led to many organisational downsizing, which in turn poses concerns towards identifying behaviours of the survivors’. These behaviours constitute the components of employees’ job performance which include task performance, organisational citizenship behaviour and counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). One of the major behavioural concerns facing organisations globally, in particular in Nigeria, is CWB, which previous studies identified as an attitudinal reaction of perceived job insecurity. Very few empirical studies in Nigeria have attempted to examine the relationship as well as the variables that can moderate the negative effect of job insecurity-CWB. This study, therefore, explores the moderating effects of occupational self-efficacy (OSE) and organisational justice on the job insecurity–CWB relationship among bank employees in Nigeria. Four theories provided the framework for the study, while a descriptive research design which utilized a cross-sectional survey was used. The multi-stage sampling procedure and purposive technique were employed to select the two participating banking organisations from the 22 licensed commercial banks in Nigeria. Using the convenience sampling technique, a total of 380 Nigerian bank employees who gave their personal consent participated through a structured questionnaire. The reliability coefficient of all the instruments are as follows: counterproductive work behaviour (α = .92), perceived job insecurity (α = .65), occupational self-efficacy (α = .82), organisational justice (α = .93) were used for data collection. The sample was taken from branches of the two selected banking organisations that cut across Lagos State, Nigeria, a cosmopolitan and Nigeria business hub. Six hypotheses were tested using descriptive statistics, zero-order correlation and hierarchical multiple regression at 0.05 level of significance. A significant positive relationship existed between: job insecurity and CWB (r = .14); job insecurity and sabotage (r = .23), job insecurity and withdrawal (r = .14) and job insecurity and abuse (r = .20) of sub-dimensions of CWB. Also, a significant relationship existed between OSE and CWB (r = .12); OSE and withdrawal (r = .27) and OSE and abuse (r = .12) of the sub-dimensions of CWB. And lastly, a significant positive relationship existed between organisational justice and CWB (r = .11); distributive justice and CWB (r = .13), procedural justice and CWB (r = .17); organisational justice and withdrawal (r = .35), and a negative relationship between organisational justice and production deviance (r = -.12) of the sub-dimensions of CWB. Also, a significant positive relationship existed on distributive justice and withdrawal behaviour (r = .22) and distributive justice and abuse (r = .12); procedural justice and sabotage (r = .17); procedural justice and withdrawal (r = .44); Interactional justice and withdrawal (r = .29) and a significant negative relationship existed on interactional justice and sabotage. Furthermore, there were significant moderator effects of OSE on job insecurity- CWB relationship (β = .11, p<.05); significant moderator effects of OSE on job insecurity-abuse behaviour (β = .13, p<.05) of sub-dimension of CWB. Also, there was significant moderator effects of organisational justice in job insecurity-CWB relationship (β = -.10, p<.05), interaction effect of procedural justice in job insecurity-withdrawal behaviour relationship (β = .24, p<.01) and interaction effect of interactional justice in job insecurity-abuse behaviour relationship (β = -.39, p<.001). And lastly, there was no significant joint moderator effects of OSE and organisational justice in job insecurity and CWB relationship (β = .00, ns), while there was significant moderator effect of joint OSE and organisational justice on job insecurity – sabotage relationshi0p (β = .17, p<.01) and job insecurity – withdrawal behaviour (β = .14, p<.01) The findings of this study pointed to the significance of employees’ cognitive sense as important and stable resources which organisational practitioners need to take into consideration during organisational change approach. Also, the banking organisation must clearly state the procedure and implementations of downsizing policies.
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- Date Issued: 2018
The role of the church in social development : the case of selected churches in Nairobi, Kenya
- Authors: Mutunga, Daniel Kioko
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Perception Social action Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12599 , vital:39291
- Description: The church as a unique society was founded by Jesus Christ who also set a pattern for its operations. Primary to the core responsibilities of the church, according to Scripture, is to reconcile creation to the Creator by transforming society to regain its lost nature. The Christian Church in Kenya was established by missionaries from different parts of the world about three centuries ago. It has since grown and spread to almost all the parts of the country, but all the major denominations have vibrant congregations in Nairobi. A quick categorisation of the church in Kenya would be into the Mainline and the Pentecostal churches. This study set out to investigate the perception the church in Nairobi holds on in its involvement in social action, whether the church thinks social action is part of its ministry, and what kind of engagements in social action the church in Nairobi is currently having. The study employed a qualitative approach and an exploratory design. Using the questionnaire and interview methods, data was collected from thirty two (32) church leaders (including pastors) sampled to be representative of the Mainline and the Pentecostal groups of churches. The data was transcribed, coded, categorised and interpreted following the themes which emerged in relation to the study objectives and the nature of the responses. The results of the study show that the church holds different perceptions on its responsibility and involvement with regard to social action. The findings show two extremes: those who see social action as core to the mission of the church and those who think social action is the responsibility of the government or of non-governmental agencies. Generally most churches do not plan or budget for social actions. The few that are engaged in in it the budgets are far too low compared to the other church activities and the plans are unstructured and sporadic Active engagement in social action by the church in Nairobi is therefore, by and large, unplanned and episodic. However, the few who are already engaged in social action have witnessed great success in community transformation. The study concludes that the church has not fully understood its ministry and this could be the reason why social action is not part of its agenda. This further explains the sporadic and truncated nature of social action in the church in Nairobi. The study recommends a review of the curriculum in seminaries and the retraining of practising pastors to embrace holistic ministry. This will address the current misconceptions, address the current dichotomy of sacred-secular in church ministry, and hence increase organised participation of the church in social action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Water resources management and its impact on small scale farming :the case of Lesotho
- Authors: Malinga, Wayne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water resources development -- Lesotho Water-supply -- Lesotho Farms, Small -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9089 , vital:34256
- Description: This study is premised on the assumption that empowering the small-scale farmers in securing property rights and enforcement of these rights are the prime movers of agricultural development. Logically, it follows that by empowering small-scale farmers and giving them access to resources such as credits, subsidies and extension services the state can play a mediating role in transforming the agricultural land scape in Lesotho. Unless farmers are empowered the water resources in Lesotho will continue to serve the interest of the rent-seeking elite. Given the nature of the issues under investigation, the mixed research methodology (the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods) was used as a method of inquiry in order to get a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of water resources management and its subsequent impact on small scale farming in the rural areas of Lesotho. Both methods played a complimentary role by capitalising on both their strengths and weaknesses so as to provide various dynamics and linkages between the two variables of water resources management and small scale farming. The material condition of small scale farmers is intrinsically associated with the active state mediation in agriculture. Yet, the adopted Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach is still to materialise. This thesis, thus, argues that there is a need for a more holistic integrated water resources management framework that is livelihoods based and re-emphasises the need for conserving the ecosystem. Therefore, implementing a more holistic integrated water resources management approach is critical and vital in improving agricultural production and subsequently the livelihoods of small scale farmers and households. Although this thesis used Lesotho as the case study, it is hoped that the findings may provide tentative answers for other Sub-Saharan countries on how to properly and efficiently manage water resources so as to boost agricultural production amongst small scale farmers in order to improve human conditions and promote sustainable development in the rural areas.
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- Date Issued: 2018