Psychopathology, Authoritarian Attitudes, and Prejudice

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Schlachter ◽  
John Duckitt
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Indirect Effects ◽  
Negative Affectivity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Personality Factor ◽  
Authoritarian Personality ◽  
Dependent Personality ◽  
Multidimensional Measure ◽  
Psychological Theories ◽  
Research Findings

While psychological theories have long linked prejudice and psychopathology, research findings have been weak and inconsistent. Three possible reasons for this were remedied in this study: social desirability was controlled, the participants (N = 110; South African adults) had clinically diagnosable psychopathology, and a validated multidimensional measure of psychopathology, the MMCI-II, was used. Analyses of the Millon personality and symptom scales, and principal component factors derived from each set, with measures of authoritarian attitudes and anti-Black prejudice indicated two significant paths linking psychopathology and prejudice. First, a Compulsive-Dependent personality factor was significantly related to authoritarian attitudes, which mediated an indirect effect of this personality disorder on prejudice. Second, a Negative Affectivity symptom factor was directly associated with prejudice, and also mediated indirect effects of an Avoidant-Negativistic personality factor on prejudice. The findings are discussed in terms of authoritarian personality theory and theories linking symptoms of psychopathology and prejudice.

scholarly journals Precision, Consistency and Bias in Emerging Equity Markets

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 386-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
WS Nel ◽  
NJ le Roux .
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Value Drivers ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Inherent Risk ◽  
Optimal Value ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Research Initiatives ◽  
Individual Value

The use of multiples is a popular approach employed by analysts to perform valuations. These multiples are based on optimal value drivers, the valuation performance of which should be underpinned by empirical findings from carefully designed, unbiased research initiatives. This paper firstly investigates the risk of biasing the design of market-based studies which aim to test the valuation performance of individual value drivers. The evidence revealed that, when testing the valuation performance of value drivers, there is an inherent risk of biasing the design of a study of this kind, and therefore, its outcome. Secondly, the paper presents evidence in support of the consistency of previous research findings regarding the valuation performance of individual value drivers in the South African market over the period 2001-2010. To this end, the paper introduces a new approach for the analysis of multidimensional equity valuation research data in the form of principal component analysis (PCA)-based biplots. Thirdly, the paper provides evidence that multiples-based modeling seems to be biased to the downside, which is an important consideration for analysts who choose to adjust their valuations outside of these models.

Reading for pleasure : the influence of reading clubs in selected Bahananwa Limpopo primary schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-155
Author(s):  
Kgomotlokoa Linda Thaba-Nkadimene ◽  
Maletšema Ruth Emsley
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Cultural Theory ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Reading For Pleasure ◽  
Theory Of Reading ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
African Youth ◽  
Reading Clubs

The challenges of reading experienced by learners exerts a negative impact on reading for pleasure, and learners' outcomes. In an attempt to address such reading challenges, Reading Clubs were launched to promote reading for pleasure among South African youth. This study examines the influence of Reading Clubs on learners' attitudes to Reading for Pleasure and the outcomes thereof. The study was informed by the Top-Down Model of Reading and the Cultural Theory of reading for pleasure. Interviews were conducted in five purposively selected schools with five Sparker coaches and five teachers. The research findings reveal a positive influence of Reading Clubs on reading for pleasure and learners' outcomes. This is reflected through improved levels of reading for pleasure. This study ultimately recommends that schools learn from best practices of Reading Clubs, and that government strive to make Reading Clubs a sustainable project.

scholarly journals A first step towards service-dominant logic as a new approach to overcome challenges in business intelligence

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-231
Author(s):  
Pamela Clavier ◽  
Hugo Lotriet ◽  
Johan Van Loggerenberg
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
South African ◽  
Business Intelligence ◽  
New Approach ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Dominant Logic ◽  
Interpretive Case Study ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Banking Institution

High expectations are set for Business Intelligence (BI), yet it fails to consistently deliver accordingly: there are numerous reports of BI challenges and failures. Existing approaches to address BI challenges are largely found to be ineffective, highlighting the need for a new approach. This paper examines how BI is perceived or understood and establishes that, firstly, BI is inherently grounded in Goods-Dominant (G-D) logic and secondly, that this can be linked to the challenges that are experienced within BI. A recommendation is made for a shift to Service-Dominant (S-D) logic as a new avenue of exploration to assist in overcoming BI’s prevailing challenges. Identifying the inherent G-D logic in BI provides the first step necessary in making this shift. Research findings are based on an interpretive case study of a South African Banking institution as well as a literature review.

Development of a Uniquely South African Leadership Questionnaire

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hermann H. Spangenberg ◽  
Callie C. Theron
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Charismatic Leadership ◽  
Fit Indices ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Leadership Model ◽  
Emerging Leadership ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Unit Performance

This paper describes the development of a leadership questionnaire the aim of which is to assess the behaviours required to lead change and transformation, while at the same time managing organisational unit performance effectively. A Delphi technique was used to facilitate the identification and testing of emerging leadership dimensions and items, starting with a three-stage model of charismatic leadership, The resultant leadership model comprises four stages, measured as 21 dimensions. The research questionnaire consists of 235 items. The questionnaire was field tested by means of 360° assessment conducted amongst 189 unit managers from a diverse group of organisations. Seven hundred and fifty completed questionnaires were obtained. Unrestricted principal component analyses were performed on each of the sub-scales (dimensions) to examine the unidimensionality assumption. This procedure resulted in the formation of three additional sub-scales. Item analyses on each of the sub-scales produced highly satisfactory Cronbach Alpha values. Further confirmatory factor analyses using LISREL were conducted on each of the 24 sub-scales. A series of goodness-of-fit indices generally showed satisfactory results. Overall, results indicate that a 96-item questionnaire format consisting of 24 dimensions with four items each (selected on the basis of factor loadings) could be used with confidence. Recommendations are made for further research.

scholarly journals 'Hidden messages' emerging from Afrocentric management perspectives

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Van den Heuvel
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
South African ◽  
The Body ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Local Management ◽  
Valuable Contribution ◽  
Corporate Values ◽  
Management Discourse ◽  
Research Findings

Purpose: This paper aims to examine how 'African management' discourse has emerged in South Africa. Altogether, it has stimulated debates - sometimes in controversial ways - on 'taboo issues', e.g. relating to 'cultural diversity' and 'ethnicity'. The stimulation of such debates within organisations is probably a more valuable contribution than a static, essentialised 'African identity' that it proclaims. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper draws on a qualitative research project conducted in South Africa in 2003-2004. Its relevance lies in gaining in-depth insights into ('non-western') local management discourse. It seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge on political and cultural contexts in which South African organizations operate, and how they impact on local management perspectives, and vice versa. Findings: The research findings make clear how and under what circumstances 'African management' discourse has come about in South Africa, and how it could be interpreted. Implications: 'African management' advocates allegedly attempt to revise dominant management thinking and promote 'humane-ness' and participatory decision-making in South African organisations, in search of a contextualised management approach. Amongst others, it has produced new meanings of 'Africanness' and has opened up space for 'hidden messages', resentments and aspirations to become openly articulated. This throws another light on phenomena such as cultural diversity and ethnicity that usually tend to be 'neutralised'. This may turn out to be far healthier for blooming organisational cultures in South Africa than relentlessly hammering on prescribed 'corporate values'. Originality/Value: This paper informs the reader in detail about the emergence and evolvement of 'African management' discourse in South Africa. It is a unique attempt to develop an interpretative viewpoint on this intriguing phenomenon that offers a potentially valuable contribution in reading cultural and ethnic identities within organisations.

scholarly journals The applicability of the 'Japanese management style', to the South African context: Preliminary Research

1983 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 131-139
Author(s):  
Linda Human ◽  
Leonie Le Roux
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Management Style ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
Japanese Management ◽  
Cultural Heterogeneity ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
African Context ◽  
Research Questions

This introductory study of the applicability of the 'Japanese management style' to the South African context highlights a number of important issues relating to the study of Japanese economic progress and to the applicability of 'Japanese management methods to other contexts. It also questions the often-held assumption that the so-called 'Japanese methods' are so very different from those employed in the West.This article subsequently takes a look at the core workforce in Japan in relation to some research findings with regard to certain South African companies within which quality control circles are in use or are planned for the future. In so doing, it highlights certain problems relating not only to the delimitation of the 'Japanese' style but also its applicability to a context of cultural heterogeneity. In other words, this research questions the extent to which techniques of management which have proved successful in a relatively stable, equal, homogeneous and educated culture can be applied in a culturally and educationally heterogeneous society in which one particular group dominates the remainder.

scholarly journals Corporate culture: The perceptions of personnel managers in South Africa

1987 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 235-242
Author(s):  
J. Viljoen
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Labour Relations ◽  
Perceived Performance ◽  
Culture Strength ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Managerial Employees

In this paper some core dimensions along which corporate culture can be analysed are identified. It is argued that, for large scale studies of corporate culture, personnel managers are the most appropriate sampling base. Using a mailed questionnaire a sample of 199 South African companies was surveyed in order to isolate their cultural attributes as perceived by the personnel manager. The research findings revealed: (i) a strong association between strategic management style and perceived culture strength; (ii) greater perceived performance potential and better labour relations amongst strong culture companies, and (iii) significant differences in perceived culture strength between managerial and non-managerial employees. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Critically examining language bias in the South African adaptation of the WAIS-III

2006 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl D Foxcroft ◽  
Susan Aston
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
South African ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Language Test ◽  
Language Bias ◽  
South Africans ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Wechsler Adult Intelligence ◽  
Guidelines And Standards

In response to the growing demand for a test of cognitive ability for South African adults, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) adapted the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, third edition (WAIS-III) for Englishspeaking South Africans. The standardisation sample included both first and second language English speakers who were either educated largely in English or Afrikaans. The purpose of this article is to critically examine the adaptation process undertaken by the HSRC when standardising the WAIS-III for English-speaking South Africans by deliberating whether sufficient attention was paid to establishing if the measure was equivalent for various groups of English first and second language test-takers. In performing this critical examination, international test adaptation guidelines and standards, psychometric conventions, and national and international research findings were contemplated. The general conclusion reached was that the equivalence of the WAIS-III across diverse language groups has not been unequivocally established and there are indications that some bias may exist for English second language test-takers, especially if they are black or Afrikaans-speaking. Based on these conclusions, recommendations are made regarding the way forward.

The Development of Pragmatic Competence

1996 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 103-120
Author(s):  
Gabriele Kasper
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Pragmatic Competence ◽  
Interlanguage Pragmatics ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Pragmatic Development ◽  
Psychological Theories ◽  
Research Findings

Unlike other areas of second language study, which are primarily concerned with acquisitional patterns of interlanguage knowledge over time, most studies in inter-language pragmatics have focused on second language use rather than second language learning. The aim of this talk is to profile interlanguage pragmatics as an area of inquiry in second language acquisition research, by reviewing existing studies with a focus on learning, examining research findings in interlanguage pragmatics that shed light on some basic questions in SLA, exploring cognitive and social-psychological theories that might offer explanations of different aspeas of pragmatic development, and proposing a research agenda for the study of interlanguage pragmatics with a developmental perspective that will tie it more closely to other areas of SLA.

scholarly journals Interpreting Food Security Research Findings With Rural South African Communities

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Angela McIntyre ◽  
Sheryl L Hendriks
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
South African ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Adult Obesity ◽  
Cultural Conditions ◽  
Security Research ◽  
Security Challenges ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Childhood Stunting

INTRODUCTION: The presence of concurrent childhood stunting and adult obesity observed in poor, rural, former homeland communities in South Africa appears to be explained by nutrition transition, but the factors shaping rural food security are still poorly understood. Localized constraints and capabilities are often overlooked by food security policies, strategies and programs. Grounding food security data in local contexts is often a missing step in the diagnosis of food insecurity.AIMS: This qualitative study aimed to engage members of poor rural communities in generating a more grounded, localized understanding of food insecurity.METHOD: Members of South Africa’s poorest rural communities were asked to validate and interpret food production, consumption and nutrition data from a three-year, multidisciplinary food security study, with the aid of graphic presentations to overcome literacy barriers.RESULTS: Interpretations of food security research findings by communities revealed unique local experiences and understandings of food insecurity.CONCLUSION: Engaging people in the joint diagnosis of their food security challenges generates information on the environmental, economic and cultural conditions that shape experiences of hunger and influence nutrition outcomes, which are not always captured by conventional food security analyses. More inclusive and participatory research could support the design of more effective food security interventions in marginalized rural communities.

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