Defining Workplace Bullying in Institutions of Higher Learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fritz NgaleIlongo
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Intellectual Stimulation ◽  
Psychological Violence ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Inductive Methods ◽  
Definition Of

This study aimed at exploring the definition of workplace bullying as psychological violence among academic staff of the National University of Lesotho. The methodology for this study was the qualitative research approach, with an overarching intention of making meaning out of respondents definition of the phenomenon of workplace bullying which they had experienced. Data for this study were collected through a semi-structured interview on 20 academic staff members of the aforementioned institution. Data analysis was done through the iterative and inductive methods of the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results of the study highlighted the following rubrics in respondents definition of workplace bullying as psychological violence: abuse of status, covert and or overt negative behaviors, premeditated intention to impose ones will and suppress that of others, devaluing others, and causing harm to the victims of bullying. Workplace bullying can thus be described as negative group dynamics which has characteristics that are diametrically opposed to those of positive psychology. Workplace bullying impacts negatively on, and compromises organizational effectiveness and efficiency, employee physical resilience, intellectual stimulation, emotional balance, family harmony, self-esteem, self-image, and self-actualization.

Forms of Workplace Bullying in Institutions of Higher Learning in the Light of the Integral Model of Workplace Bullying

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fritz Ngale Ilongo
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Integral Model ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Psychological Violence ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
National University ◽  
Inductive Methods

This study aims at exploring forms of workplace bullying as psychological violence among academic staff of the National University of Lesotho. The methodology for this study is the qualitative research approach, with an overarching intention of making meaning out of respondents definition of the phenomenon of workplace bullying which they are experiencing. Data for this study are collected through a semi-structured interview on twenty academic staff members of the aforementioned institution. Data analysis is done through the iterative and inductive methods of the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results of the study highlight the following forms of workplace bullying as psychological violence within the context of the study: staff devaluing, expatriate syndrome, authoritarian management, communication bullying, unknown politicized agenda, and economic/financial bullying. The forms of workplace bullying experienced by interviewees are person-related, management-style related, interpersonal, and job resources related, which can be ascribed to the university restructuring programme that is ongoing during the period of this study. From literature review and the findings of the study the researcher has conceived the Integral Model of Workplace Bullying as a conceptual framework for enhancing understanding of forms of workplace bullying within the context of this study.

scholarly journals An Empirical Assessment of the Implications of the Merger at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
W. W. Manona
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Comprehensive Universities ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Act 101 ◽  
Historically Disadvantaged ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive

This study investigated the implications of merger on the morale of staff at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), which is a new comprehensive university established in terms of the HigherEducation Act (101 of 1997), as amended. This study is undertaken because from the literature survey, scholars have not interrogated the implications of merger on the morale of those affected in those established comprehensive universities post amalgamation. This study employed a quantitative descriptive research approach, using statistical procedures. The target population was ninety academic and ninety non-academic staff members from the three sites of Walter Sisulu University, namely East London, Ibika and Umtata. Participants were purposefully selected from the four campuses. Questionnaires were administered to ninety academics and ninety non-academic staff personnel. The study established that indeed the merger had negative implications on WSU employees, even though these implications varied from category to category. The merger of historically disadvantaged two technikons and a university within the rural South African setting presents a complex historical heritage.The three institutions that merged to form WSU are not only historically disadvantaged, but also have vast distances among them. While the amalgamation of the three historically disadvantaged institutions remains a noble initiative, on the other hand, it has brought about inequalities, such as disproportionate salaries among employees of the three campuses, poor work performance, which can only be attributed to lack of motivation and reluctance amongst the staff members to accept new conditions of service under WSU. A substantial number of those employees, some of whom were employed before the amalgamation, terminated their service long before the merger even took place. Conclusions could be drawn that the merger brought about many challenges on WSU employees, namely staff development, human resource and management issues, job security and work environment. The study advances suggestions and recommendations to alleviate the situation.

scholarly journals Strategic priorities for cultivating commitment amongst academic staff: The militating effect of workplace spirituality

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desere Kokt ◽  
Esther P. Palmer
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Workplace Spirituality ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Management ◽  
Organisational Commitment ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Critical Competencies

Orientation: Organisational commitment remains an ongoing concern for organisations, especially universities that often struggle to retain academic staff. Universities cannot operate or fulfil their mandate to society without the critical competencies of academic staff.Research purpose: This investigation focused on workplace spirituality as a militating factor in enhancing the commitment of academic staff.Motivation for the study: As organisational commitment remains a challenge for universities, this article contributes to a theoretical and empirical understanding of the militating influence of workplace spirituality. The study is underpinned by social learning theory and proposes strategic priorities to universities – informed by an empirical study conducted amongst academic staff members at a South African university.Research approach/design and method: The study employed a quantitative research approach and a structured questionnaire was administered to 285 academic staff members (ranging from junior lecturers to professors) of a South African university. The research design was a survey and, as a single university formed part of the study, regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between workplace spirituality and organisational commitment.Main findings: The empirical findings showed a strong linear relationship between workplace spirituality and organisational commitment. A regression formula was developed to statistically calculate the commitment score of individuals.Practical/managerial implications: The study proposed strategic priorities that may be useful to university management and human resource practitioners to cultivate increased commitment amongst academic staff.Contribution/value-add: The study contributed empirical evidence of the militating effect of workplace spirituality on organisational commitment, implying that workplace spirituality is a predictor for organisational commitment.

scholarly journals Management perceptions of a higher educational brand for the attraction of talented academic staf

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Musa Saurombe ◽  
E. Nicolene Barkhuizen ◽  
Nico E. Schutte
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Higher Education Management ◽  
Education Management ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Higher Educational

Orientation: Academic staff members have a crucial role in the success of higher education institutions (HEIs). Therefore, it is imperative to cultivate an appealing organisational brand that will attract them to HEIs as an employer of choice.Research purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore management perceptions on a higher educational institution as a brand for the attraction of talented academic staff.Motivation for the study: Although a substantial amount of research has been conducted on organisational branding, not much has emphasised the higher educational sector.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative research approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews to collect data from management (N = 12) of a merged South African HEI.Main findings: The findings revealed six themes that should form the core of a higher educational brand for academic staff: reputation and image, organisational culture and identity, strategic vision, corporate social responsibility and work and surrounding environment.Practical/managerial implications: The findings of the study will assist higher education management to create a compelling organisational brand and work environment to attract and retain talented academic staff members.Contribution/value-add: This research makes a valuable contribution towards creating new knowledge in the key that should form part of an appealing higher education brand that will attract and retain current and future talent.

scholarly journals How to Improve Teaching Using Blended Learning

2020 ◽  
pp. 80-90
Author(s):  
Adrian Gepp ◽  
Kuldeep Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Teaching Performance ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Definition Of

Blended learning is a buzzword these days. Millions of dollars are spent by schools, colleges, and universities to encourage their academic staff members to use blended learning for improving teaching performance and student satisfaction. There is no clear-cut definition of blended learning, and the authors feel it is just a set of tools or pedagogy that can be used in face-to-face teaching as well as online teaching. In this chapter, the authors have discussed some of the blended learning tools used and developed by the authors to improve teaching in the area of statistics and data analysis.

Internal auditing and assurance of corporate social responsibility reports and disclosures: perspectives of some internal auditors in Ghana

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 706-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Nana Yaw Simpson ◽  
Francis Aboagye-Otchere ◽  
Ruby Lovi
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Changing Roles ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This study aims to examine the nature and extent of internal auditors’ (IAs) involvement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) assurance. It also ascertains the capacity building requirements to legitimise the role of IAs as a credible form of providing CSR assurance. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was adopted, where data were collected through semi-structured interview of IAs of companies in Ghana that produce CSR reports. Findings Findings suggest that companies appreciate the fact that the internal audit function could provide independent assurance on CSR reports. However, there is limited information on the nature and scope of the assurance procedures. Moreover, most IAs seem to lack the requisite knowledge and skills needed to effectively carry out CSR assurance engagements. These evidences suggest a relatively low level of reliance being placed on CSR assurance services provided internally. Research limitations/implications Findings are purely based on the perceptions of IAs. Future studies may include the views of those who appoint IAs (i.e. management). Practical implications Findings engender discussions on the need for IAs and regulators of IAs (e.g. the Institute of Internal Auditors), particularly those in developing countries to begin to conscientise practitioners on the changing roles of the IA in the areas of CSR and CSR assurance. Originality/value This study is one of the very few studies on CSR assurance from the perspective of IAs and it also based on evidence from an African context. Also, the study provides evidence on the need for a deliberate effort to equip internal audit practitioners to provide at least some minimal assurance on CSR disclosures and reports.

scholarly journals Open-book accounting and trust: influence on buyer-supplier relationship

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 597-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Cristina Francisco de Almeida Fehr ◽  
Welington Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Data Gathering ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Information Value ◽  
Open Book ◽  
Information Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
New Research ◽  
Supplier Relationship

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the role of open-book accounting (OBA) and trust on buyer–supplier relationship satisfaction. The objective of this paper is to analyze how OBA and trust influence satisfaction on the relationship between suppliers and buyers in the Brazilian automotive sector’s supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe research has been developed based on a qualitative strategy, characterized as explanatory. Data gathering has been conducted through document analysis and semi-structured interview, and content analysis has been used for discourse analysis.FindingsResults show that OBA is unilateral, imposed by the auto manufacturer, representing a selective information process, as suppliers try to protect their information value as far as possible. Trust is partial and cooperation is not spontaneous, both driven by the search for benefits. OBA may yield a positive or a negative outcome with regard to the social and the economic overall satisfaction of suppliers, depending on how the information is used by auto manufacturer.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this article is to provide an understanding of the difficulties of applying the OBA in companies and of the factors that may influence its operation and performance, impacting on satisfaction and continuity of relationships. The paper also contributes with the proposal of a clearer and more objective definition of OBA. Being the intention that new research in this area can be developed from a delimited, clear and objective definition of OBA, allowing better understanding on the subject and comparison among research studies.

scholarly journals Safeguarding information as an asset: Do we need a redefinition in the knowledge economy and beyond?

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeniji K. Adesemowo ◽  
Rossouw Von Solms ◽  
Reinhard A. Botha
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Knowledge Economy ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Information Risk ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Information Assets ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Definition Of Information

Background: With the evolution of data, via information into knowledge and beyond, intangible information assets (seen as an integral part of IT assets in this article) increasingly come to fore. A contemporary issue facing organisations in the knowledge economy and beyond is how best to safeguard and derive optimum value from their evolving information assets. A well-known fact is that risk exists because there is the possibility of threats to an asset. Likewise, no assets equals no risk. Although a large body of work is addressing threat models, the nature of the assets of the knowledge economy and beyond has not been well researched.Objectives: To investigate the definition of information assets across a number of financial, risk and information technology standards, frameworks and regulations, in order to ascertain whether a coherent definition exists across the board. If there is none (or limited), then propose a workable definition that is apt for the knowledge economy and beyond.Method: Qualitative thematic content analysis and a comparative study based on four main themes (Assets, Types of Asset, Information, and Information Assets). This then serves as a basis for argumentation schemes that lead to a proposed re-definition. The qualitative research approach assists us to address the concern of the incoherent definition of information and information assets across the board.Results: Contrary to expectations, the research study found the current definition to be incoherent. When the asset to be controlled is not properly defined and understood, it stands the risk of not being identified properly. This implies that the effectiveness, efficiency, reliability of internal control, and compliance with the applicable legislation and regulations would not be appropriate. This article highlights the need for a fundamental shift in how information assets (valuable, but unvalued organisational intangible assets) are being viewed and treated, especially with regard to information risk and internal controls.Conclusion: This article has identified a major defect in most standards, frameworks, and regulations dealing with regard to the safeguarding and management of information assets (and IT assets). It has established from the review carried out that information assets have not been properly defined across the board. Beyond this significant finding, it was further shown that the principle of risk (assessment) across the board requires the identification of the asset that needs to be controlled. A starting point, then, is a coherent definition (as proposed) for the information asset in itself. Therefore, proper definition across the board might assists in proper identification that could result in appropriate control and graceful handling of the end-of-life disposal.Keywords: infonomics; information asset; information risk; internal control; reputation loss

scholarly journals Bullying at work: A comprehensive definition and consequences based on an empirical study

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambreen Anjum ◽  
Kausar Yasmeen ◽  
Kashifa Yasmeen
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Negative Behaviors ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Depth Interviews

This paper determines a comprehensive definition of workplace bullying and explores its job-related consequences. In the present study multi- methods approach was used which consist of questionnaire and in depth interviews. Interview was used in order to investigate perception and experience of workplace bullying and questionnaire to explore the consequences of workplace bullying. Results show bullying  involves negative behaviors e.g. harassing, socially excluding someone and/or negatively effecting someone’s work tasks ,which occurs frequently and continues for period of time and victim is not only unable to control these acts but also suffer in severe health and job related consequences.

scholarly journals Tinjauan Yuridis Terhadap Pendaftaran Dan Penerbitan Sertipikat Tanah Bengkok

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 439
Author(s):  
Lailatul Jannah ◽  
Mega Tri Herawati ◽  
Istiana Rachmawati
Keyword(s):  
Asset Management ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Research Results ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Village Government ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Village

Bengkok land is village property in the form of village land. This bent land is widely known as village treasury land or village property. The definition of bent land itself is not explicitly regulated in statutory regulations. The definition of crooked land is implicitly regulated by statutory regulations. Based on the explanation of Article 72 of Law Number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages (hereinafter referred to as the Village Law), it is stated that bent land is the result of business. The provisions in Law Number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages indicate that Village Treasury Land or village assets which include bent land are certified in the name of the Village Government. In addition, the Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Number 1 of 2016 concerning Village Asset Management, regulates the same thing as Law Number 6 of 2014 concerning Villages. This research approach uses a statutory approach (statute approach) and a conceptual approach (conceptual approach). Based on the research results, which crooked land that is starting to lose its existence is certified in the name of the Village Government

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