Parents’ perspectives and experiences regarding the impact of adolescents’ use of social media on the parent-adolescent relationship
- Authors: Poswa, Prudence
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mass media and children , Parent and teenager -- Psychological aspects Parenthood -- Psychological aspects Adolescent psychotherapy Communication in families
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43290 , vital:36782
- Description: Parent-adolescent relationships are perceived to be an essential part of human relationships. They affect areas of social development and relationship formation in the adolescent’s current and future life. With today’s rapidly changing and technologically advancing world, adolescents as well as parents, increasingly spend a large amount of time engaging on social media. This may have an influence on the parent-adolescent relationship. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the impact of social media on the parent-adolescent relationship as experienced by parents. A qualitative research approach was used with a descriptive, explorative and contextual research design. Data was collected through the use of individual, semi-structured interviews. This data was analysed by following the guidelines provided by Tesch and Guba’s model was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. This study has sought to expand the knowledge base regarding the perceived impact of social media on the parent-child relationship and to offer recommendations regarding how the effective use of social media can enhance the relationship between parent and child.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Poswa, Prudence
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mass media and children , Parent and teenager -- Psychological aspects Parenthood -- Psychological aspects Adolescent psychotherapy Communication in families
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43290 , vital:36782
- Description: Parent-adolescent relationships are perceived to be an essential part of human relationships. They affect areas of social development and relationship formation in the adolescent’s current and future life. With today’s rapidly changing and technologically advancing world, adolescents as well as parents, increasingly spend a large amount of time engaging on social media. This may have an influence on the parent-adolescent relationship. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the impact of social media on the parent-adolescent relationship as experienced by parents. A qualitative research approach was used with a descriptive, explorative and contextual research design. Data was collected through the use of individual, semi-structured interviews. This data was analysed by following the guidelines provided by Tesch and Guba’s model was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. This study has sought to expand the knowledge base regarding the perceived impact of social media on the parent-child relationship and to offer recommendations regarding how the effective use of social media can enhance the relationship between parent and child.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Perceptions of a multi-disciplinary team on the effectiveness of their treatment approach at an in-patient adolescent drug treatment facility
- Bronkhorst, Willem Lukas Rudolf, Goliath, Veonna
- Authors: Bronkhorst, Willem Lukas Rudolf , Goliath, Veonna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Drug abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa , Substance abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa Teenagers -- Substance use -- South Africa Substance abuse -- Prevention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37720 , vital:34231
- Description: The problem of adolescent substance use disorder as well as the high relapse rates associated with addiction treatment has been recognised both locally and internationally. The ability to effectively implement and monitor existing treatment programs therefore becomes critical to improving treatment outcomes at addiction treatment facilities that serve adolescent clients. The Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) have a key role to play with regard to the delivery and implementation of effective adolescent addiction treatment. The main aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the functioning of the MDT at an in-patient adolescent drug treatment facility and their perceptions regarding the extent to which the nine essential key elements of effective adolescent addiction treatment aligns with their approach to program implementation. This qualitative exploratory-descriptive study employed a non-probability purposive sampling technique to recruit research participants from an adolescent drug treatment centre in Nelson Mandela Bay. Two separate focus group interviews were conducted with participants who met the study’s inclusion criteria. The first group included eight participants, with the second consisting of ten participants. Tesch’s framework for qualitative data analysis was used to analyse raw interview data; validated by an analysis conducted by an independent coder. Guba’s model was used to ensure trustworthiness throughout the research process and of the findings. Emphasis was therefore placed on the concepts of truth value, applicability, consistency, and neutrality. The findings of the study were presented in ten main themes and associated sub-themes. Ethical conduct was ensured by meeting the requirements for 1) ethical review, 2) informed consent, 3) confidentiality and anonymity, 4) the right to confidentiality and privacy of data, 5) beneficence and non-maleficence, and finally 6) exiting ethics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bronkhorst, Willem Lukas Rudolf , Goliath, Veonna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Drug abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa , Substance abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa Teenagers -- Substance use -- South Africa Substance abuse -- Prevention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37720 , vital:34231
- Description: The problem of adolescent substance use disorder as well as the high relapse rates associated with addiction treatment has been recognised both locally and internationally. The ability to effectively implement and monitor existing treatment programs therefore becomes critical to improving treatment outcomes at addiction treatment facilities that serve adolescent clients. The Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) have a key role to play with regard to the delivery and implementation of effective adolescent addiction treatment. The main aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the functioning of the MDT at an in-patient adolescent drug treatment facility and their perceptions regarding the extent to which the nine essential key elements of effective adolescent addiction treatment aligns with their approach to program implementation. This qualitative exploratory-descriptive study employed a non-probability purposive sampling technique to recruit research participants from an adolescent drug treatment centre in Nelson Mandela Bay. Two separate focus group interviews were conducted with participants who met the study’s inclusion criteria. The first group included eight participants, with the second consisting of ten participants. Tesch’s framework for qualitative data analysis was used to analyse raw interview data; validated by an analysis conducted by an independent coder. Guba’s model was used to ensure trustworthiness throughout the research process and of the findings. Emphasis was therefore placed on the concepts of truth value, applicability, consistency, and neutrality. The findings of the study were presented in ten main themes and associated sub-themes. Ethical conduct was ensured by meeting the requirements for 1) ethical review, 2) informed consent, 3) confidentiality and anonymity, 4) the right to confidentiality and privacy of data, 5) beneficence and non-maleficence, and finally 6) exiting ethics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Perceptions of the labour - management relationship in the Botswana public service bargaining council
- Authors: Mokena, Kemoneilwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Collective bargaining -- Botswana , Industrial relations -- Botswana Labor unions -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42052 , vital:36621
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to explore the interests, beliefs, attitudes and experiences of the parties to the PSBC in order to identify firstly, the significant paradigms shaping their behaviours and secondly, to evaluate the extent to which these paradigms facilitate or inhibit successful collective bargaining between the two parties as currently constituted in the PSBC. The secondary objective was to develop recommendations to the PSBC for improved relations between the parties. This study was a qualitative exploration of perceptions of labour-management relations in the Public Service Bargaining Council of Botswana. A phenomenological approach was adopted in this study to explore the parties’ perspectives, experiences of the labour-management relations from their description of the relationship. Data collection was done through interviews. An interview schedule with two sets of semi-structured questions, one for trade unions and another for public service management was used to guide data collection from participants. However, interviews were only done with the trade union party as the researcher could not interview management due the long process required for public service managers give interviews. The results of the study revealed a diverse and nuanced interrelation between politics, macroeconomic policy and culture impacting Labour-management relations in Botswana. Firstly, the results show two unique relationships affecting employment relations in the Botswana public service. The first relationship was between labour and state and the second between labour and management. The relationship between the state and labour is characterised by antagonism and subordination of labour to capital and the state in a bid to secure industrial peace and attract foreign direct investment. The labour-management relationship in the Botswana public service has been impacted or influenced the by managers who hold Paternalistic Unitarist employment views and the labour movement which exhibit a shift from pluralist to critical employment relations views. The 2011 public service strike was identified as an “anchoring event” which has transformed the labour -management relations in the Botswana public service from accommodation to antagonism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mokena, Kemoneilwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Collective bargaining -- Botswana , Industrial relations -- Botswana Labor unions -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42052 , vital:36621
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to explore the interests, beliefs, attitudes and experiences of the parties to the PSBC in order to identify firstly, the significant paradigms shaping their behaviours and secondly, to evaluate the extent to which these paradigms facilitate or inhibit successful collective bargaining between the two parties as currently constituted in the PSBC. The secondary objective was to develop recommendations to the PSBC for improved relations between the parties. This study was a qualitative exploration of perceptions of labour-management relations in the Public Service Bargaining Council of Botswana. A phenomenological approach was adopted in this study to explore the parties’ perspectives, experiences of the labour-management relations from their description of the relationship. Data collection was done through interviews. An interview schedule with two sets of semi-structured questions, one for trade unions and another for public service management was used to guide data collection from participants. However, interviews were only done with the trade union party as the researcher could not interview management due the long process required for public service managers give interviews. The results of the study revealed a diverse and nuanced interrelation between politics, macroeconomic policy and culture impacting Labour-management relations in Botswana. Firstly, the results show two unique relationships affecting employment relations in the Botswana public service. The first relationship was between labour and state and the second between labour and management. The relationship between the state and labour is characterised by antagonism and subordination of labour to capital and the state in a bid to secure industrial peace and attract foreign direct investment. The labour-management relationship in the Botswana public service has been impacted or influenced the by managers who hold Paternalistic Unitarist employment views and the labour movement which exhibit a shift from pluralist to critical employment relations views. The 2011 public service strike was identified as an “anchoring event” which has transformed the labour -management relations in the Botswana public service from accommodation to antagonism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Poverty alleviation through the implementation of local economic development in rural municipalities
- Authors: Gcaba, Fikile Cameron
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39763 , vital:35357
- Description: The main purpose of the investigation was to assess the implementation of local economic development (LED) in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Local economic development has been seen as the best means of eradicating poverty in South Africa. The South African government is committed to working with communities to find ways of meeting their socio-economic needs and improve their quality of life. This investigation assessed the participation of rural communities in small business to improve their market-related activities. Communities should be able to identify their resources to promote a more competitive business environment. The study also considered whether rural communities are have been skilled enough to participate in the economic development of South Africa. In addition, the study assessed the understanding of the people who live in the vicinity of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality of how business information is obtained and put into effect for economic development purposes. The research was conducted among the employees of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. They comprised: the local development directorate, ward councillors, municipal officials, and municipal managers. The South African government promotes LED as part of the concept of the Development State and gives financial support to rural communities through relevant institutions to improve economic development. Many of the participants were educated people with a sound knowledge of local economic development, as a means of poverty eradication. However, almost all participants found it difficult to put LED into practice. The communities are less empowered about the LED concept. Documents are written in English, despite the fact that South Africa has eleven official languages. In addition there are few professionals who are knowledgeable about the LED concept. As a result, LED programmes have been poorly implemented. There is little enthusiasm on the part of the LED directorate to strengthen the already established business association or partner with the business sector to promote active participation in the economy by local people. The Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, which is supposed to pioneer LED, has been inactive. As a result there has been very little LED in the rural King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Poverty alleviation through the implementation of local economic development in rural municipalities
- Authors: Gcaba, Fikile Cameron
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39763 , vital:35357
- Description: The main purpose of the investigation was to assess the implementation of local economic development (LED) in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Local economic development has been seen as the best means of eradicating poverty in South Africa. The South African government is committed to working with communities to find ways of meeting their socio-economic needs and improve their quality of life. This investigation assessed the participation of rural communities in small business to improve their market-related activities. Communities should be able to identify their resources to promote a more competitive business environment. The study also considered whether rural communities are have been skilled enough to participate in the economic development of South Africa. In addition, the study assessed the understanding of the people who live in the vicinity of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality of how business information is obtained and put into effect for economic development purposes. The research was conducted among the employees of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. They comprised: the local development directorate, ward councillors, municipal officials, and municipal managers. The South African government promotes LED as part of the concept of the Development State and gives financial support to rural communities through relevant institutions to improve economic development. Many of the participants were educated people with a sound knowledge of local economic development, as a means of poverty eradication. However, almost all participants found it difficult to put LED into practice. The communities are less empowered about the LED concept. Documents are written in English, despite the fact that South Africa has eleven official languages. In addition there are few professionals who are knowledgeable about the LED concept. As a result, LED programmes have been poorly implemented. There is little enthusiasm on the part of the LED directorate to strengthen the already established business association or partner with the business sector to promote active participation in the economy by local people. The Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, which is supposed to pioneer LED, has been inactive. As a result there has been very little LED in the rural King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Re-imagining the Animal in J.M. Coetzee’s The Lives of Animals
- Authors: Wattam, Mcleod Amy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Animal rights -- Philosophy , Animal welfare -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45781 , vital:38963
- Description: .M. Coetzee’s The Lives of Animals (1999) is a literary representation of, and intervention into, human-animal relations. It is an experimental literary destabilisation of the generic boundaries that underlie the systematic (mis)representation and (mis)treatment of nonhuman animals, specifically their mass commodification in contemporary societies. The text provides a critique and negotiation of anthropocentric reason and its ramifications for nonhuman animals. This study focuses on how Coetzee’s narrative problematises dominant discourses through questioning their authority and offering alternatives to anthropocentric conceptions of the animal that are based upon reason-centred and dualistic thought. The duality of human versus animal is explored alongside other dualities deconstructed in the text, such as fiction versus nonfiction, and philosophy versus literature. Coetzee’s representation of these constructs and their interconnectedness is investigated, specifically with regards to positively developing human-animal relations. Through exploring what Coetzee calls the ‘sympathetic imagination’, his alternative contribution to the field of human-animal relations will be considered. This study focuses on the space for re-imagination that Coetzee has provided with The Lives of Animals. It highlights the role literature can and ought to play in this re-imagination, and why this re-imagination is necessary for the development of human-animal relations. Posthumanism will be used as a theoretical lens throughout, as it appears to resonate closely with Coetzee’s project. Both the form and the content of the text will be analysed, highlighting their interconnected significance in Coetzee’s project and the continued relevance of interventions such as this.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Wattam, Mcleod Amy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Animal rights -- Philosophy , Animal welfare -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45781 , vital:38963
- Description: .M. Coetzee’s The Lives of Animals (1999) is a literary representation of, and intervention into, human-animal relations. It is an experimental literary destabilisation of the generic boundaries that underlie the systematic (mis)representation and (mis)treatment of nonhuman animals, specifically their mass commodification in contemporary societies. The text provides a critique and negotiation of anthropocentric reason and its ramifications for nonhuman animals. This study focuses on how Coetzee’s narrative problematises dominant discourses through questioning their authority and offering alternatives to anthropocentric conceptions of the animal that are based upon reason-centred and dualistic thought. The duality of human versus animal is explored alongside other dualities deconstructed in the text, such as fiction versus nonfiction, and philosophy versus literature. Coetzee’s representation of these constructs and their interconnectedness is investigated, specifically with regards to positively developing human-animal relations. Through exploring what Coetzee calls the ‘sympathetic imagination’, his alternative contribution to the field of human-animal relations will be considered. This study focuses on the space for re-imagination that Coetzee has provided with The Lives of Animals. It highlights the role literature can and ought to play in this re-imagination, and why this re-imagination is necessary for the development of human-animal relations. Posthumanism will be used as a theoretical lens throughout, as it appears to resonate closely with Coetzee’s project. Both the form and the content of the text will be analysed, highlighting their interconnected significance in Coetzee’s project and the continued relevance of interventions such as this.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Rehabilitation services in a district health system: managers’ perceptions
- Authors: Zinn, Richard Thebu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical rehabilitation , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Primary health care -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44280 , vital:37145
- Description: The growth of rehabilitation services in a specific district in the Eastern Cape has been of concern to the majority of the therapists working in that setting between 2012 and 2015. With the importance of primary health care as the driver of South Africa’s National Health Insurance scheme, and the need for rehabilitation services increasing, the investigation of the perceptions of managers who oversee rehabilitation services is pertinent. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe the perceptions of managers regarding rehabilitation services in a district health system and to make recommendations to the Provincial Department of Health regarding the management of rehabilitation services at a district level based on the managers’ perceptions. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual research design was used as minimal information relating to the topic was found. The complexity of perceptions, their influence on behaviour and the environment, are wellexplored using these design approaches. Purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews were used to elicit meaningful responses from managers familiar, and tasked, with the oversight of the rehabilitation service. Data analysis was performed utilising Tesch’s model of thematic synthesis. To ensure rigour within the research Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness was followed. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice were upheld in the study. A thick description was utilised when reporting the findings and a literature control was done to place the findings in the present literature on the topic. The study has provided insights and perceptions of an important layer within the district health system. These perceptions are meaningful, as they influence the manner in which policy and plans are interpreted and implemented, and decisions are made within the environment of rehabilitation services. Three major themes arose from the data analysis process, namely: The managers’ reported positive factors regarding rehabilitation services, they identified challenges affecting the implementation of rehabilitation services in the District Health System, and they provided suggestions for the improvement of rehabilitation services in the District Health System. The positive views held by those in management positions indicate that there are strong foundations on which to build the rehabilitation service, and features of the system that need to be acknowledged, continued and strengthened. The challenges experienced by this layer of management point to aspects that need to be addressed in order to improve and optimise the impact of the inclusion of rehabilitation services in Primary Health Care. The findings in this study clarify these challenges, and if these are not addressed, the goals of the progressive health care system which South Africa is trying to implement cannot be fully achieved. Furthermore, the discrepancies and gaps that exist between urban and rural, and better and poorer resourced districts are likely to widen. The limitations of the study were identified and recommendations were made for practice (management), education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Zinn, Richard Thebu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical rehabilitation , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Primary health care -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44280 , vital:37145
- Description: The growth of rehabilitation services in a specific district in the Eastern Cape has been of concern to the majority of the therapists working in that setting between 2012 and 2015. With the importance of primary health care as the driver of South Africa’s National Health Insurance scheme, and the need for rehabilitation services increasing, the investigation of the perceptions of managers who oversee rehabilitation services is pertinent. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe the perceptions of managers regarding rehabilitation services in a district health system and to make recommendations to the Provincial Department of Health regarding the management of rehabilitation services at a district level based on the managers’ perceptions. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual research design was used as minimal information relating to the topic was found. The complexity of perceptions, their influence on behaviour and the environment, are wellexplored using these design approaches. Purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews were used to elicit meaningful responses from managers familiar, and tasked, with the oversight of the rehabilitation service. Data analysis was performed utilising Tesch’s model of thematic synthesis. To ensure rigour within the research Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness was followed. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice were upheld in the study. A thick description was utilised when reporting the findings and a literature control was done to place the findings in the present literature on the topic. The study has provided insights and perceptions of an important layer within the district health system. These perceptions are meaningful, as they influence the manner in which policy and plans are interpreted and implemented, and decisions are made within the environment of rehabilitation services. Three major themes arose from the data analysis process, namely: The managers’ reported positive factors regarding rehabilitation services, they identified challenges affecting the implementation of rehabilitation services in the District Health System, and they provided suggestions for the improvement of rehabilitation services in the District Health System. The positive views held by those in management positions indicate that there are strong foundations on which to build the rehabilitation service, and features of the system that need to be acknowledged, continued and strengthened. The challenges experienced by this layer of management point to aspects that need to be addressed in order to improve and optimise the impact of the inclusion of rehabilitation services in Primary Health Care. The findings in this study clarify these challenges, and if these are not addressed, the goals of the progressive health care system which South Africa is trying to implement cannot be fully achieved. Furthermore, the discrepancies and gaps that exist between urban and rural, and better and poorer resourced districts are likely to widen. The limitations of the study were identified and recommendations were made for practice (management), education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Religio-cultural perspectives on the understanding, aetiology and treatment of epilepsy
- Authors: Masilela, Sonto Precious
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Christianity and culture , Epilepsy -- Pathophysiology Epilepsy -- Psychological aspects Epilepsy -- Treatment Epilepsy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42650 , vital:36677
- Description: The important role that religious and cultural beliefs have on perceptions of and treatment of various medical and psychological conditions cannot be ignored. Certain cultures and religions believe in supernatural forces and their ability to influence one‟s health and well-being. For example, epilepsy, which is a medical condition, has a set of symptoms that if experienced, would result in its diagnosis by a medical practitioner. However, in various African communities, these symptoms are not viewed as manifestations of a medical condition, but rather as stemming from supernatural causes, such as witchcraft or spirit possession. Kapferer (2003) asserts that the belief in witchcraft is found in different geographical locations; such as Africa, Asia, South-Pacific and the Caribbean. Igwe (2004) supplements this by stating that in Nigeria, witchcraft is common amidst all ethnic and religious backgrounds. He further states that the perceptions of people whose culture/religion incorporates witchcraft are affected by a controlling impact of witchcraft. Witchcraft is considered as an „innate power‟ that may be possessed by certain men and women (Eldam, 2003); and further believed to cause epileptic fits, excessive weight gain, death, illness, accidents, infertility and miscarriages (Igwe, 2004). Instead of medical treatments thus, many individuals seek the aid of traditional healers and religious leaders. This study therefore aims to explore the South African traditional healers‟ and Christian ministers‟ perspectives of understanding the aetiology and treatment of epilepsy. This is not only considered essential for broadening the aetiological understanding, but it is also pertinent as it can contribute to indigenisation as hopefully the knowledge can be incorporated into diagnosis and treatments. The study employed the qualitative approach and one-on-one semi-structured interviews with traditional and religious healers were done. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. The transcripts were analysed using thematic content analysis and the researcher reported on themes that were drawn from the data. The findings suggested that epilepsy is understood as manifesting behaviourally through fits, and that as much as there are biological causes, there are also spiritual causes. It was found that where the causes are believed to be spiritual, the treatment is of a spiritual nature and includes but is not limited to interventions such as prayer, traditional ceremonies and/or indications from the ancestors. The implication this understanding poses to comprehensive and integrated mental health treatment in South Africa is made through a discussion of the themes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Masilela, Sonto Precious
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Christianity and culture , Epilepsy -- Pathophysiology Epilepsy -- Psychological aspects Epilepsy -- Treatment Epilepsy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42650 , vital:36677
- Description: The important role that religious and cultural beliefs have on perceptions of and treatment of various medical and psychological conditions cannot be ignored. Certain cultures and religions believe in supernatural forces and their ability to influence one‟s health and well-being. For example, epilepsy, which is a medical condition, has a set of symptoms that if experienced, would result in its diagnosis by a medical practitioner. However, in various African communities, these symptoms are not viewed as manifestations of a medical condition, but rather as stemming from supernatural causes, such as witchcraft or spirit possession. Kapferer (2003) asserts that the belief in witchcraft is found in different geographical locations; such as Africa, Asia, South-Pacific and the Caribbean. Igwe (2004) supplements this by stating that in Nigeria, witchcraft is common amidst all ethnic and religious backgrounds. He further states that the perceptions of people whose culture/religion incorporates witchcraft are affected by a controlling impact of witchcraft. Witchcraft is considered as an „innate power‟ that may be possessed by certain men and women (Eldam, 2003); and further believed to cause epileptic fits, excessive weight gain, death, illness, accidents, infertility and miscarriages (Igwe, 2004). Instead of medical treatments thus, many individuals seek the aid of traditional healers and religious leaders. This study therefore aims to explore the South African traditional healers‟ and Christian ministers‟ perspectives of understanding the aetiology and treatment of epilepsy. This is not only considered essential for broadening the aetiological understanding, but it is also pertinent as it can contribute to indigenisation as hopefully the knowledge can be incorporated into diagnosis and treatments. The study employed the qualitative approach and one-on-one semi-structured interviews with traditional and religious healers were done. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. The transcripts were analysed using thematic content analysis and the researcher reported on themes that were drawn from the data. The findings suggested that epilepsy is understood as manifesting behaviourally through fits, and that as much as there are biological causes, there are also spiritual causes. It was found that where the causes are believed to be spiritual, the treatment is of a spiritual nature and includes but is not limited to interventions such as prayer, traditional ceremonies and/or indications from the ancestors. The implication this understanding poses to comprehensive and integrated mental health treatment in South Africa is made through a discussion of the themes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Retail pharmacists’ perceptions of factors influencing the viability of practice and business in Johannesburg, Gauteng province
- Gazi, Nondumiso Sybil, Knoesen, BC
- Authors: Gazi, Nondumiso Sybil , Knoesen, BC
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Pharmaceutical services -- South Africa -- Johannesburg -- Management Pharmacy management -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39774 , vital:35454
- Description: The practice of retail pharmacy has become burdened with service limitations directly or indirectly resulting from influences across the landscape. Influences ranging from legislative bodies to financing bodies have created pressure on retail pharmacies resulting in diminishing numbers of these health establishments. Legislative amendments relating to the ownership of pharmacies, pricing and pharmacy personnel training have had a profound effect on the pharmacy landscape as it presents to date. The dual role, (medicinal procurer and pharmaceutical caregiver), required of retail pharmacists, poses ethical and practical implications. These implications may directly affect the sustainability of retail pharmacy practice. The aim of this study was to establish the ways in which the pharmacy model is changing and how that change has been perceived by retail pharmacists in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The research design was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature. The method utilised for gathering data was individual interviews with pharmacists practising as independent retail pharmacists. At least six (6) independent pharmacists who met the inclusion criteria were approached to participate in the research. Interviews continued until data saturation had been achieved. Data analysis of the transcribed interviews was performed to identify themes and sub-themes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gazi, Nondumiso Sybil , Knoesen, BC
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Pharmaceutical services -- South Africa -- Johannesburg -- Management Pharmacy management -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39774 , vital:35454
- Description: The practice of retail pharmacy has become burdened with service limitations directly or indirectly resulting from influences across the landscape. Influences ranging from legislative bodies to financing bodies have created pressure on retail pharmacies resulting in diminishing numbers of these health establishments. Legislative amendments relating to the ownership of pharmacies, pricing and pharmacy personnel training have had a profound effect on the pharmacy landscape as it presents to date. The dual role, (medicinal procurer and pharmaceutical caregiver), required of retail pharmacists, poses ethical and practical implications. These implications may directly affect the sustainability of retail pharmacy practice. The aim of this study was to establish the ways in which the pharmacy model is changing and how that change has been perceived by retail pharmacists in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The research design was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature. The method utilised for gathering data was individual interviews with pharmacists practising as independent retail pharmacists. At least six (6) independent pharmacists who met the inclusion criteria were approached to participate in the research. Interviews continued until data saturation had been achieved. Data analysis of the transcribed interviews was performed to identify themes and sub-themes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Retailers’ food waste management: challenges and potential for action in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Đào, Thị Anh Thư
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food industry and trade -- Waste minimization , Food industry and trade -- Waste disposal Refuse and refuse disposal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39359 , vital:35220
- Description: Food waste management within retailers is seen as an important solution to assist retailers in effectively managing food waste, and by doing so improving food security while limiting negative ecological consequences. Given the lack of research attention focusing on the importance of managing food waste among South African food retailers, and in particular the Eastern Cape, the primary objective of this research was to investigate retailers‟ food waste management in Port Elizabeth. Primary data was collected by conducting interviews with representatives of Port-Elizabeth-based participating stores and their individual Head Offices. This treatise reports on the findings and the conclusions drawn.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Đào, Thị Anh Thư
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Food industry and trade -- Waste minimization , Food industry and trade -- Waste disposal Refuse and refuse disposal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39359 , vital:35220
- Description: Food waste management within retailers is seen as an important solution to assist retailers in effectively managing food waste, and by doing so improving food security while limiting negative ecological consequences. Given the lack of research attention focusing on the importance of managing food waste among South African food retailers, and in particular the Eastern Cape, the primary objective of this research was to investigate retailers‟ food waste management in Port Elizabeth. Primary data was collected by conducting interviews with representatives of Port-Elizabeth-based participating stores and their individual Head Offices. This treatise reports on the findings and the conclusions drawn.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Role of performance management system in ensuring good governance in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Nompucuko, Skweyiya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Municipal government Local government Civil service
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43357 , vital:36861
- Description: There is a lack of clarity and legislative direction in terms of performance management for non-section 56 employees that is employees other than the municipal manager or officials directly accountable to the municipal manager (Government of Republic of South Africa, 2000:72). This culminated in performance management challenges such as non-cascading of performance management to lower level employees in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM, 2018). The non-cascading of performance management is consequently also as a result of the effects of poor governance, as certain groups of employees are not allowed to participate fully in performance management processes (Nielsen 2013:25). The study’s main argument is that effective performance management, which includes all employees, will result in good governance. The study investigates this argument through a case study investigation of the NMBM performance management system, using both primary and secondary data. The NMBM budget and treasury directorate was chosen to understand the NMBM performance management system. The case study analysis reveals that the NMBM performance management system promotes accountability, transparency and participation in the municipal service delivery process. However, an element of unfairness was found in that, only the executive officials can receive financial performance bonuses. The study subsequently makes recommendation to improve the NMBM’s performance management system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nompucuko, Skweyiya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Municipal government Local government Civil service
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43357 , vital:36861
- Description: There is a lack of clarity and legislative direction in terms of performance management for non-section 56 employees that is employees other than the municipal manager or officials directly accountable to the municipal manager (Government of Republic of South Africa, 2000:72). This culminated in performance management challenges such as non-cascading of performance management to lower level employees in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM, 2018). The non-cascading of performance management is consequently also as a result of the effects of poor governance, as certain groups of employees are not allowed to participate fully in performance management processes (Nielsen 2013:25). The study’s main argument is that effective performance management, which includes all employees, will result in good governance. The study investigates this argument through a case study investigation of the NMBM performance management system, using both primary and secondary data. The NMBM budget and treasury directorate was chosen to understand the NMBM performance management system. The case study analysis reveals that the NMBM performance management system promotes accountability, transparency and participation in the municipal service delivery process. However, an element of unfairness was found in that, only the executive officials can receive financial performance bonuses. The study subsequently makes recommendation to improve the NMBM’s performance management system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Student counsellors’ utilisation of the wellness questionnaire for higher education in a student counselling centre
- Authors: Smith, Bianca Simone
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Counseling psychology , College students -- Psychological aspects College students -- Mental health Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43346 , vital:36860
- Description: Students face a variety of stressors, such as personal, career and/or academic/learning concerns and often seek counselling from student counselling centres at their respective Higher Education institutions. Wellness counselling is aimed at assisting clients to prevent illnesses from developing and to create and maintain healthy lifestyle choices. A wellness counselling model includes a step-by-step approach and one step is to conduct a wellness assessment. Several wellness assessments exist but it was found that the assessments were not applicable for the SA student population, and so the Wellness Questionnaire for Higher Education (WQHE) was developed. As the WQHE is a relatively new assessment, there is not much research that has been conducted, specifically there is no research based on the counselling process following the administration of the assessment. Therefore, this study seeks to explore and describe how counsellors administered and utilised the WQHE as part of the counselling process. The research sample consisted of nine participants who administered the WQHE with their clients. Purposive sampling was the non-probability strategy employed, therefore participants were invited to attend an individual semi-structured interview. The implications of the findings are that the WQHE is a useful and viable assessment to assist clients resolve their difficulties and improve their functioning. The WQHE can be administered to clients who present with a variety of presenting problems. The WQHE can be used effectively alongside a variety of counselling theories/frameworks and other psychometric or self-assessments. The administration of the WQHE in itself was found to be useful as it educated and empowered the clients to understand their wellness levels and to provide them with a holistic view of themselves. Furthermore, the clients felt educated to understand their wellness levels and broaden their understanding of the wellness dimensions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Smith, Bianca Simone
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Counseling psychology , College students -- Psychological aspects College students -- Mental health Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43346 , vital:36860
- Description: Students face a variety of stressors, such as personal, career and/or academic/learning concerns and often seek counselling from student counselling centres at their respective Higher Education institutions. Wellness counselling is aimed at assisting clients to prevent illnesses from developing and to create and maintain healthy lifestyle choices. A wellness counselling model includes a step-by-step approach and one step is to conduct a wellness assessment. Several wellness assessments exist but it was found that the assessments were not applicable for the SA student population, and so the Wellness Questionnaire for Higher Education (WQHE) was developed. As the WQHE is a relatively new assessment, there is not much research that has been conducted, specifically there is no research based on the counselling process following the administration of the assessment. Therefore, this study seeks to explore and describe how counsellors administered and utilised the WQHE as part of the counselling process. The research sample consisted of nine participants who administered the WQHE with their clients. Purposive sampling was the non-probability strategy employed, therefore participants were invited to attend an individual semi-structured interview. The implications of the findings are that the WQHE is a useful and viable assessment to assist clients resolve their difficulties and improve their functioning. The WQHE can be administered to clients who present with a variety of presenting problems. The WQHE can be used effectively alongside a variety of counselling theories/frameworks and other psychometric or self-assessments. The administration of the WQHE in itself was found to be useful as it educated and empowered the clients to understand their wellness levels and to provide them with a holistic view of themselves. Furthermore, the clients felt educated to understand their wellness levels and broaden their understanding of the wellness dimensions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Student perceptions of online infidelity
- Authors: Bands, Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Adultery , Online dating Sex -- Social aspects Sex -- Psychological aspects , College students -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42096 , vital:36625
- Description: There has been a large amount of research on infidelity and its effects on relationships. However, a new phenomenon, that of online infidelity, has emerged and with it comes some confusion as to what exactly constitutes an act of infidelity while exploring the limits of cyberspace. While some research has been done internationally on the perceptions of online infidelity, studies conducted in South Africa are lacking. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe student perceptions of online infidelity. Social Constructionism was used as the theoretical framework for the study. A qualitative approach was used and the study was exploratory and descriptive in design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with the sample size of the study being twelve. Thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke, was used in order to analyse the obtained data. Two main themes emerged, namely Defining Online Infidelity, and Reasons Surrounding Perceptions of Online Infidelity. The findings of the present study will provide a better understanding of perceptions of online infidelity within the South African context, and can be used for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bands, Luke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Adultery , Online dating Sex -- Social aspects Sex -- Psychological aspects , College students -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42096 , vital:36625
- Description: There has been a large amount of research on infidelity and its effects on relationships. However, a new phenomenon, that of online infidelity, has emerged and with it comes some confusion as to what exactly constitutes an act of infidelity while exploring the limits of cyberspace. While some research has been done internationally on the perceptions of online infidelity, studies conducted in South Africa are lacking. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe student perceptions of online infidelity. Social Constructionism was used as the theoretical framework for the study. A qualitative approach was used and the study was exploratory and descriptive in design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with the sample size of the study being twelve. Thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke, was used in order to analyse the obtained data. Two main themes emerged, namely Defining Online Infidelity, and Reasons Surrounding Perceptions of Online Infidelity. The findings of the present study will provide a better understanding of perceptions of online infidelity within the South African context, and can be used for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Students’ experiences and perceptions of racial prejudice and discrimination on social networking sites
- Authors: Van Graan, Christelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Online social networks--Psychological aspects , Internet users -- Psychology Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects Racism -- Psychological aspects Social psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44158 , vital:37119
- Description: The present study set out to enhance the understanding of racial prejudice and discrimination on social networking websites or ‘sites’ from the perspective of university students. The research focused on discovering the perceived determinant factors of online racial prejudice and discrimination, as well as the impact social networking sites have on such behaviour. A qualitative research design was selected, which utilised the grounded theory method to explore and describe the experiences and perceptions of the eight participants recruited by means of purposive sampling. The aim of the study was achieved through individual semi-structured interviews and a concept definition questionnaire as data collection tools. The findings were compared to major extant theories and literature to determine whether existing explanations for the occurrence of this online behaviour is sufficient to account for this phenomenon. Using an iterative process of thematic analysis, the findings revealed several perceived factors that contribute to this behaviour. It was found that social networking site users, in all their psychological, psychosocial and cognitive attributes, are the primary source for this behaviour. Moreover, online racial prejudice and discrimination is initiated by the use of these platforms and their facilitative features, which has a perceived negative impact on social and racial relations. Grounded in the research data, an explanatory theory was formulated of individuals’ perceived behaviour on social networking sites, specifically pertaining to racial prejudice and discrimination, as well as to how this negatively manifests and causes racial division in society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Van Graan, Christelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Online social networks--Psychological aspects , Internet users -- Psychology Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects Racism -- Psychological aspects Social psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44158 , vital:37119
- Description: The present study set out to enhance the understanding of racial prejudice and discrimination on social networking websites or ‘sites’ from the perspective of university students. The research focused on discovering the perceived determinant factors of online racial prejudice and discrimination, as well as the impact social networking sites have on such behaviour. A qualitative research design was selected, which utilised the grounded theory method to explore and describe the experiences and perceptions of the eight participants recruited by means of purposive sampling. The aim of the study was achieved through individual semi-structured interviews and a concept definition questionnaire as data collection tools. The findings were compared to major extant theories and literature to determine whether existing explanations for the occurrence of this online behaviour is sufficient to account for this phenomenon. Using an iterative process of thematic analysis, the findings revealed several perceived factors that contribute to this behaviour. It was found that social networking site users, in all their psychological, psychosocial and cognitive attributes, are the primary source for this behaviour. Moreover, online racial prejudice and discrimination is initiated by the use of these platforms and their facilitative features, which has a perceived negative impact on social and racial relations. Grounded in the research data, an explanatory theory was formulated of individuals’ perceived behaviour on social networking sites, specifically pertaining to racial prejudice and discrimination, as well as to how this negatively manifests and causes racial division in society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Systematic review of rural health development research in South Africa
- Authors: van Rooyen, Rize Dorothea
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rural health services -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa Health -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44112 , vital:37112
- Description: The challenges presented by the contextual realities of rurality on the South African rural health care system are important to the understanding of the poor health outcomes of these populations. Nonetheless, much research has been done on South African rural health. The vast amount of information, studies and policies regarding South African rural health, and its development made it ideal to be studied by systematic review. This systematic review through its adaption of a mixed methods approach, reviewed a sample of the South African rural health development research outputs between 2013 and 2018, in addition to practitioner-led research and policies. Twelve key systematic review steps were developed to assist in executing the research. In addition, a complete research protocol was part of the systematic review steps. The review protocol indicated the strategies utilised in the scoping searches, data collection and synthesis processes of the review. The findings of this research consisted of three synthesis processes. The first synthesis consisted of the presentation of the qualitative findings and the interpretation thereof. The second synthesis process compared the key themes extracted from the data outputs to those extracted from the grey literature, and the third synthesis integrated the quantitative and qualitative findings into a single review. The review found that although research and practice were aligned to an extent, there were important areas of research, which had been largely overlooked. These included areas such as participation of advocacy, training and education as well as rural-proofing. It further showed that academic research in the field of rural health development relied heavily on participant dependent research methods thereby limiting the exposure of researchers to the phenomena being studied. This review’s methodology and protocol could serve as a guideline for future researchers. The prioritisation of rural health needs and the inclusion of rurality as a variable in South African healthcare policy and strategy is essential in health development research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: van Rooyen, Rize Dorothea
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rural health services -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa Health -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44112 , vital:37112
- Description: The challenges presented by the contextual realities of rurality on the South African rural health care system are important to the understanding of the poor health outcomes of these populations. Nonetheless, much research has been done on South African rural health. The vast amount of information, studies and policies regarding South African rural health, and its development made it ideal to be studied by systematic review. This systematic review through its adaption of a mixed methods approach, reviewed a sample of the South African rural health development research outputs between 2013 and 2018, in addition to practitioner-led research and policies. Twelve key systematic review steps were developed to assist in executing the research. In addition, a complete research protocol was part of the systematic review steps. The review protocol indicated the strategies utilised in the scoping searches, data collection and synthesis processes of the review. The findings of this research consisted of three synthesis processes. The first synthesis consisted of the presentation of the qualitative findings and the interpretation thereof. The second synthesis process compared the key themes extracted from the data outputs to those extracted from the grey literature, and the third synthesis integrated the quantitative and qualitative findings into a single review. The review found that although research and practice were aligned to an extent, there were important areas of research, which had been largely overlooked. These included areas such as participation of advocacy, training and education as well as rural-proofing. It further showed that academic research in the field of rural health development relied heavily on participant dependent research methods thereby limiting the exposure of researchers to the phenomena being studied. This review’s methodology and protocol could serve as a guideline for future researchers. The prioritisation of rural health needs and the inclusion of rurality as a variable in South African healthcare policy and strategy is essential in health development research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The barriers experienced by South African businesswomen in corporate executive leadership
- Authors: Magxwalisa, Sithisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Executives -- South Africa Leadership -- Women -- South Africa Leadership -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40779 , vital:36236
- Description: This study explored the barriers experienced by women holding executive positions in the corporate environment. Over the years there has been a rise in women entering executive leadership positions of corporate organisations. However, the existence of research in this area is minimal, particularly with regard to the barriers that exist for women in executive positions. Past research has focused mainly on the barriers that thwart the career advancement of women in the corporate sector. This study is presented as a multiple case study that incorporates a combination of investigative and descriptive approaches used to describe the experiences of South African women executives in the corporate sector. These case participants were selected and analytically filtered using non-probability, purposive sampling. Data in the form of primary and secondary data was collected and analysed using document study and thematic document analysis of relevant sources that have been published. The findings of this study are not generalizable as they are limited to the subjective experiences of the selected case participants. For the purpose of this study, these case participants experiences were categorised into psychosocial- and organisational-related barriers to women executives in corporate. Being the first of its nature, this study is specifically based on the experiences of South African women executives in the corporate sector as opposed to barriers to the career advancement of women and the “glass ceiling” hypothesis. The barriers identified in this study are based on the experiences of the selected case participants and include work-life balance and work-life role conflict, the underrepresentation and isolation of women in executive leadership, gender prejudice and discrimination, and institutional bias against women executives in the workplace. The concluding remarks in this study suggests that the experience of barriers for women in the workplace continue to exist beyond the glass ceiling. According to the case participants consulted in this study, gender barriers are not limited to women seeking opportunities for career advancement. However, recommendations that respond to these barriers have been provided and include advocating against gender discrimination in the workplace, educating people on gender-related issues as well as implementing government-provided policies in organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Magxwalisa, Sithisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Executives -- South Africa Leadership -- Women -- South Africa Leadership -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40779 , vital:36236
- Description: This study explored the barriers experienced by women holding executive positions in the corporate environment. Over the years there has been a rise in women entering executive leadership positions of corporate organisations. However, the existence of research in this area is minimal, particularly with regard to the barriers that exist for women in executive positions. Past research has focused mainly on the barriers that thwart the career advancement of women in the corporate sector. This study is presented as a multiple case study that incorporates a combination of investigative and descriptive approaches used to describe the experiences of South African women executives in the corporate sector. These case participants were selected and analytically filtered using non-probability, purposive sampling. Data in the form of primary and secondary data was collected and analysed using document study and thematic document analysis of relevant sources that have been published. The findings of this study are not generalizable as they are limited to the subjective experiences of the selected case participants. For the purpose of this study, these case participants experiences were categorised into psychosocial- and organisational-related barriers to women executives in corporate. Being the first of its nature, this study is specifically based on the experiences of South African women executives in the corporate sector as opposed to barriers to the career advancement of women and the “glass ceiling” hypothesis. The barriers identified in this study are based on the experiences of the selected case participants and include work-life balance and work-life role conflict, the underrepresentation and isolation of women in executive leadership, gender prejudice and discrimination, and institutional bias against women executives in the workplace. The concluding remarks in this study suggests that the experience of barriers for women in the workplace continue to exist beyond the glass ceiling. According to the case participants consulted in this study, gender barriers are not limited to women seeking opportunities for career advancement. However, recommendations that respond to these barriers have been provided and include advocating against gender discrimination in the workplace, educating people on gender-related issues as well as implementing government-provided policies in organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The evolution and future of total rewards as a remuneration strategy
- Authors: Ducie, Yvonne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Compensation management , Performance awards Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42207 , vital:36635
- Description: A total rewards framework plays a pivotal role in the attraction, engagement and retention of employees. The study firstly traces the history of reward and the factors that have led to the notion of a total rewards model. The study then sought to discover whether the current approach was optimal and therefore a desired strategy for the workplace of the future. Through the literary review, coupled with qualitative research with participants from well-known sizeable organisations, the research indicates that, whilst a competitive salary and benefits package is an essential factor in the employee cycle, and that pay does play a big role in the attraction of employees; once employed it is the non-financial factors that are paramount to the engagement and retention of employees. Insofar as employees believe their package is competitive and/or reflective of their contribution, they have the potential to be engaged. For that potential to be realised, it is the little things that matter to the employees that then come into force. Workplace culture, flexibility, career development, transparency, an alignment between the employee, the brand and the values of the organisation, are all vital in the engagement and retention of employees. In order for these factors to remain valued by employees, communication is essential. Manager interaction remains at the forefront of the employees’ experience at work. A positive interaction whereby coaching, development and the achievement of the little things that really matter, allow for a more productive and engaged employee, which ultimately improves the profitability and/or success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ducie, Yvonne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Compensation management , Performance awards Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42207 , vital:36635
- Description: A total rewards framework plays a pivotal role in the attraction, engagement and retention of employees. The study firstly traces the history of reward and the factors that have led to the notion of a total rewards model. The study then sought to discover whether the current approach was optimal and therefore a desired strategy for the workplace of the future. Through the literary review, coupled with qualitative research with participants from well-known sizeable organisations, the research indicates that, whilst a competitive salary and benefits package is an essential factor in the employee cycle, and that pay does play a big role in the attraction of employees; once employed it is the non-financial factors that are paramount to the engagement and retention of employees. Insofar as employees believe their package is competitive and/or reflective of their contribution, they have the potential to be engaged. For that potential to be realised, it is the little things that matter to the employees that then come into force. Workplace culture, flexibility, career development, transparency, an alignment between the employee, the brand and the values of the organisation, are all vital in the engagement and retention of employees. In order for these factors to remain valued by employees, communication is essential. Manager interaction remains at the forefront of the employees’ experience at work. A positive interaction whereby coaching, development and the achievement of the little things that really matter, allow for a more productive and engaged employee, which ultimately improves the profitability and/or success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The experiences of African men who have sex with men and women (MSMW): of navigating sexual identities within the presence of homophobia in KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Msweli, Sakhile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender identity -- Cross-cultural studies -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Gender identity -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Bisexuality|xPsychological aspects Homophobia -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Homosexuality -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41930 , vital:36610
- Description: Research on sexual minority experiences has traditionally documented harrowing accounts of homophobia, harassment, and discrimination. While sexual minority’s experiences are typically imbued with physical, mental and emotional consequences, men who have sex with men and women or, MSMW may be subject to a unique homophobic experience due to their sexual identity Hence, research shows that these men may have to devise strategies to insulate themselves from discrimination and possible physical harm. This study explored how MSMW navigate their sexual identities in the presence of homophobia. The study adopted a social constructionist perspective as a theoretical lens to study these sexual navigations. A qualitative research methodology was utilised. Six male participants from KwaZulu-Natal were sampled using a combination of convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study suggest that MSMW experience forms of homophobic attitudes across different spheres of their lives. As a result, these men may draw from normative gender performances present within their communities, conceal their sexual identity by presenting themselves in heteronormative ways, and limiting disclosure of their sexuality to those closest to them, regardless of the emotional burden they may consequently carry. The findings of the study further point out that more research is needed to further understand sexual minorities’ navigation of their sexual identities in contexts that are not accepting and the social and psychological implications that this has on them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Msweli, Sakhile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender identity -- Cross-cultural studies -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Gender identity -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Bisexuality|xPsychological aspects Homophobia -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Homosexuality -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41930 , vital:36610
- Description: Research on sexual minority experiences has traditionally documented harrowing accounts of homophobia, harassment, and discrimination. While sexual minority’s experiences are typically imbued with physical, mental and emotional consequences, men who have sex with men and women or, MSMW may be subject to a unique homophobic experience due to their sexual identity Hence, research shows that these men may have to devise strategies to insulate themselves from discrimination and possible physical harm. This study explored how MSMW navigate their sexual identities in the presence of homophobia. The study adopted a social constructionist perspective as a theoretical lens to study these sexual navigations. A qualitative research methodology was utilised. Six male participants from KwaZulu-Natal were sampled using a combination of convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study suggest that MSMW experience forms of homophobic attitudes across different spheres of their lives. As a result, these men may draw from normative gender performances present within their communities, conceal their sexual identity by presenting themselves in heteronormative ways, and limiting disclosure of their sexuality to those closest to them, regardless of the emotional burden they may consequently carry. The findings of the study further point out that more research is needed to further understand sexual minorities’ navigation of their sexual identities in contexts that are not accepting and the social and psychological implications that this has on them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The influence of institutionalised regulations on the emotional wellbeing of non-traditional gender identifying tertiary graduates
- Authors: Lubbe, Maritza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender nonconformity , Transgender people -- Identity Transgender people Transgender youth -- Identity Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40544 , vital:36181
- Description: Trans* experiences have been and are currently still understood within systems that are inherently heteronormatively inclined and which has produced a system that is ideologically driven by the gender binary. Consequently, societies are not designed to accommodate everyone equally, thus forcing non-traditional gender identifying individuals to grapple and adapt to this sometimes seemingly ignorant world. This grappling and adaptation takes various different forms for different people, and thus it is expected that this would elicit a variety of different consequences for emotional wellbeing. One of the formal institutions that has shown sluggish transformation in terms of gender-based transformation is tertiary educational institutions. Here traditional binaries are rooted everywhere from application form information to bathroom use on campus. This study explored the influence living and working in higher educational institutions have had on the emotional wellbeing of Trans* individuals, who have graduated. Along with an acknowledgement of the inherent complexity of gender identity, Trans* in the context of this study can be understood as shorthand used to refer to individuals who identify as transgender, transsexual, and/or gender non-conforming. This exploration was embarked upon through a qualitative research enquiry into the lived realities of Trans* graduates. Instead of a focus on current Trans* students, this study drew on its sample through gender organisations to recruit participants who are recent graduates and openly identify as Trans*. It was deemed appropriate given that graduates may be able to reflect on their overall tertiary experience. Findings indicated that Trans* graduates experienced significantly lowered levels of emotional wellbeing, which tapped into various components of mental health, while they attended these institutions. These included a negative impact on self-esteem, as well as high levels of depression and other mental health concerns. Themes of exclusion and access to transformational power were also uncovered. It was found that intersections of race and gender also influenced participant’s experiences. It was additionally found that Trans* graduates did not exclusively experience the impact of tertiary education systems as impairing, but rather there was also an acknowledgement of the existing efforts and the potential for these spaces to become more inclusive. This study contributes to a growing body of evidence on Trans* experiences, by highlighting the plight of Trans* individuals within tertiary educational institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lubbe, Maritza
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender nonconformity , Transgender people -- Identity Transgender people Transgender youth -- Identity Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40544 , vital:36181
- Description: Trans* experiences have been and are currently still understood within systems that are inherently heteronormatively inclined and which has produced a system that is ideologically driven by the gender binary. Consequently, societies are not designed to accommodate everyone equally, thus forcing non-traditional gender identifying individuals to grapple and adapt to this sometimes seemingly ignorant world. This grappling and adaptation takes various different forms for different people, and thus it is expected that this would elicit a variety of different consequences for emotional wellbeing. One of the formal institutions that has shown sluggish transformation in terms of gender-based transformation is tertiary educational institutions. Here traditional binaries are rooted everywhere from application form information to bathroom use on campus. This study explored the influence living and working in higher educational institutions have had on the emotional wellbeing of Trans* individuals, who have graduated. Along with an acknowledgement of the inherent complexity of gender identity, Trans* in the context of this study can be understood as shorthand used to refer to individuals who identify as transgender, transsexual, and/or gender non-conforming. This exploration was embarked upon through a qualitative research enquiry into the lived realities of Trans* graduates. Instead of a focus on current Trans* students, this study drew on its sample through gender organisations to recruit participants who are recent graduates and openly identify as Trans*. It was deemed appropriate given that graduates may be able to reflect on their overall tertiary experience. Findings indicated that Trans* graduates experienced significantly lowered levels of emotional wellbeing, which tapped into various components of mental health, while they attended these institutions. These included a negative impact on self-esteem, as well as high levels of depression and other mental health concerns. Themes of exclusion and access to transformational power were also uncovered. It was found that intersections of race and gender also influenced participant’s experiences. It was additionally found that Trans* graduates did not exclusively experience the impact of tertiary education systems as impairing, but rather there was also an acknowledgement of the existing efforts and the potential for these spaces to become more inclusive. This study contributes to a growing body of evidence on Trans* experiences, by highlighting the plight of Trans* individuals within tertiary educational institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The informal economy as a catalyst for development in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality
- Authors: Manzana, Noludwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40933 , vital:36271
- Description: In South Africa, the informal economy is expected to play a significant role, mainly because informal employment is relatively high in comparison to formal employment. The South African economy is characterised by a sluggish pace of job creation in the formal sector and a high rate of unemployment. The literature reveals that in recent years, small towns in South Africa have become key hubs for service delivery and the economic activity involved in the receipt and processing thereof. As such, these towns are viewed as essential to the implementation of the developmental local goals of South Africa’s government. In relation to this view, the established strand relates to the small-town growth and development potential with the core theme of local economic development. Raymond Mhlaba informal trading has become an economic alternative for some community members. In order to ensure the optimal efficiency of informal businesses there is a need to understand the needs of informal traders and the contributions made by the informal sector in their lives. There is a tremendous potential within the informal business sector for it to become a major role player in sustaining the livelihoods of many people, but the efficiency of these informal businesses needs to be improved by removing some of the constraints which hinder their effective functioning. These constraints include crime, transport, municipal services and financial support with the assistance from Local Eco-nomic Development (LED) to enhance a competitive, increasing sustainable growth and to ensure that growth within a local area is inclusive. This research therefore assesses the role of the informal economy as a catalyst for development in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. In addition, the findings will be useful for local municipalities within the district to fully comprehend the views of municipal legislations and informal traders with regard to policies and practices, as well as their impact on enabling the development of local municipalities through the informal economy. Lastly, the research findings will also enrich the knowledge base on informal trading in local municipalities and may be useful information regarding the development of a more sustainable regulatory approach to informal economy in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manzana, Noludwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40933 , vital:36271
- Description: In South Africa, the informal economy is expected to play a significant role, mainly because informal employment is relatively high in comparison to formal employment. The South African economy is characterised by a sluggish pace of job creation in the formal sector and a high rate of unemployment. The literature reveals that in recent years, small towns in South Africa have become key hubs for service delivery and the economic activity involved in the receipt and processing thereof. As such, these towns are viewed as essential to the implementation of the developmental local goals of South Africa’s government. In relation to this view, the established strand relates to the small-town growth and development potential with the core theme of local economic development. Raymond Mhlaba informal trading has become an economic alternative for some community members. In order to ensure the optimal efficiency of informal businesses there is a need to understand the needs of informal traders and the contributions made by the informal sector in their lives. There is a tremendous potential within the informal business sector for it to become a major role player in sustaining the livelihoods of many people, but the efficiency of these informal businesses needs to be improved by removing some of the constraints which hinder their effective functioning. These constraints include crime, transport, municipal services and financial support with the assistance from Local Eco-nomic Development (LED) to enhance a competitive, increasing sustainable growth and to ensure that growth within a local area is inclusive. This research therefore assesses the role of the informal economy as a catalyst for development in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. In addition, the findings will be useful for local municipalities within the district to fully comprehend the views of municipal legislations and informal traders with regard to policies and practices, as well as their impact on enabling the development of local municipalities through the informal economy. Lastly, the research findings will also enrich the knowledge base on informal trading in local municipalities and may be useful information regarding the development of a more sustainable regulatory approach to informal economy in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The living and learning experiences of Nelson Mandela University students residing in off-campus residence accommodation
- Authors: Mzileni, Pedro Mihlali
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Student housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Learning Learning, Psychology of Motivation in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41697 , vital:36573
- Description: This research study investigated the living and learning experiences of Nelson Mandela University students who reside in off-campus student accommodation. The university is located in the suburb of Summerstrand in the city of Port Elizabeth (PE) and it is one of the large universities in South Africa with a student population of 27 311 students by 2017. With only 3285 beds in its on-campus residence system, the university can only cater for 12% of students on site. The rest of the student population, which is the majority, resides in offcampus residences and private accommodation. The off-campus accommodation system of the university consists of accredited and nonaccredited off-campus residences. The non-accredited residences are privately owned houses that are based in the upper-income area of Summerstrand whilst the accredited residences are big properties that are also privately owned but are administratively managed by the university and they are based in the low-income area of North End. The study used Tinto’s Theory of Student Integration to frame the investigation and it found that PE resembles elements of an apartheid city that is divided along class and gender patterns. This spatial structure of the city affects the governance and administrative systems of the university, such as commuting, and they affect the materiality of student’s learning experiences. This criticality brings a different understanding of ‘studentification’ when it occurs in a developing country’s context wherein the different demographics of students shape how it becomes visible in a university city that is engulfed which socio-political problems of violence and crime. This brings diverse traditions of studying higher education in a post-apartheid setting where student accommodation is viewed as a need emanating from student vulnerability within the context of enrolment massifications, infrastructure limitations, and the privatization of living structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mzileni, Pedro Mihlali
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Student housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Learning Learning, Psychology of Motivation in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41697 , vital:36573
- Description: This research study investigated the living and learning experiences of Nelson Mandela University students who reside in off-campus student accommodation. The university is located in the suburb of Summerstrand in the city of Port Elizabeth (PE) and it is one of the large universities in South Africa with a student population of 27 311 students by 2017. With only 3285 beds in its on-campus residence system, the university can only cater for 12% of students on site. The rest of the student population, which is the majority, resides in offcampus residences and private accommodation. The off-campus accommodation system of the university consists of accredited and nonaccredited off-campus residences. The non-accredited residences are privately owned houses that are based in the upper-income area of Summerstrand whilst the accredited residences are big properties that are also privately owned but are administratively managed by the university and they are based in the low-income area of North End. The study used Tinto’s Theory of Student Integration to frame the investigation and it found that PE resembles elements of an apartheid city that is divided along class and gender patterns. This spatial structure of the city affects the governance and administrative systems of the university, such as commuting, and they affect the materiality of student’s learning experiences. This criticality brings a different understanding of ‘studentification’ when it occurs in a developing country’s context wherein the different demographics of students shape how it becomes visible in a university city that is engulfed which socio-political problems of violence and crime. This brings diverse traditions of studying higher education in a post-apartheid setting where student accommodation is viewed as a need emanating from student vulnerability within the context of enrolment massifications, infrastructure limitations, and the privatization of living structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019