scholarly journals Perceptions of administrative staff on career advancement realities at a South African university

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-88
Author(s):  
Barney Erasmus
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Career Advancement ◽  
Career Guidance ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
University Management ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Promotion Policies ◽  
University Services

The necessary training and development to equip staff to fill critical positions accounts for a substantial percentage of the annual budget of universities. This article reports on perceptions on career advancement among administrative staff at a South African university. This study extends the existing body of knowledge concerning the barriers to career advancement at universities. Qualitative research approach was adopted, with the sample consisting of 14 middle-ranking members of the administrative staff, who had been identified for possible senior management posts. Empirical results identified barriers which limit career advancement, namely that there has been a shift from a collegial to a managerial governance model; and that a perceived silo mentality has led to increasing politicisation of the workplace. Furthermore, a lack of managerial skill means that training opportunities and departmental goals are not well communicated to staff members; and inadequate career guidance, retention strategies and opportunities for promotion are all responsible for reducing prospects of career advancement. However, the participants indicated that they had not lost hope and would continue to perform to the best of their ability and even go beyond what was expected of them. Managers should, however, not lose sight of the possibility that morale and productivity will suffer, if talented employees become dissatisfied, and that future leaders may resign, with a consequent failure to achieve departmental goals. The results of this study may serve as a wake-up call to university management: strategies aimed at the retention of administrative staff and at promotion policies need to be revised because the staff that make up this cohort perform essential university services.

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 Perceptions of sacrifice, workplace friendship and career concerns as explanatory mechanisms of employees’ organisational commitment

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinde Coetzee ◽  
Nadia Ferreira ◽  
Ingrid Potgieter
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Career Concerns ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
Normative Commitment ◽  
Organisational Commitment ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Workplace Friendship

Orientation: Employees’ psychological attachment to their organisation remains an important topic of inquiry for organisations concerned about improving their talent management practices for the purpose of retaining valuable human capital.Research purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the constructs of job-embedded sacrifice, workplace friendship and career concerns as potential underlying explanatory mechanisms of employees’ affective, continuance and normative commitment towards the organisation. Organisational attachment theory was utilised as theoretical framework to study the relations among the variables.Motivation for the study: The notion of job-embedded sacrifice, workplace friendship, career concerns as explanatory mechanisms of employees’ affective, continuance and normative commitment in the South African higher education context is under-researched, and especially from the perspective of organisational attachment theory.Research approach/design and method: A non-probability convenience sample (N = 200) of academic and administrative staff members employed in a South African higher educational institution participated in the study. A cross-sectional, quantitative research design approach was followed. Multiple regression analysis was performed.Main findings: Person–job sacrifice positively predicted affective, continuance and normative commitment. Perceptions of friendship opportunity accounted for the variance in affective commitment. High levels of work–life adjustment career concerns accounted for higher levels of affective and normative commitment.Practical/managerial implications: Addressing the underlying psychological needs espoused by employees’ perceptions of person–job sacrifice, friendship opportunity and work–life adjustment concerns are important to consider in human resource talent management practices. The constructs speak to employees’ sense of employment security which influences their organisational commitment.Contribution/value-add: The study extends organisational attachment theory by offering insight into the role of person–job sacrifice, friendship opportunity in the workplace and work–life adjustment concerns in explaining employees’ organisational commitment. The new insights inform human resource retention practices for academic and administrative staff members in the higher education environment.

scholarly journals Perceptions of factors that affect employability amongst a sample of final-year students at a rural South African university

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinashe Harry ◽  
Willie T. Chinyamurindi ◽  
Themba Mjoli
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
South African ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Career Guidance ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Exploratory Research

Orientation: The unemployment rate within the South African context is on the rise. Given this, there is a need to understand factors influencing employability amongst a sample of final-year students in preparation for their transit into the labour market. Research purpose: The overall objective of this research was to explore final-year students’ perceptions of factors that affect employability. This was amongst a sample of students that were enrolled at a rural university in South Africa. Motivation for the study: Within graduate employability studies, calls have been made to understand the factors around employability especially within a context of high unemployment. This study allows for an understanding of the journey from higher education into the labour market for previously disadvantaged individuals. Research approach/design and method: An interpretivist, qualitative research approach using an exploratory research design was adopted to explore student perceptions and concerns of employability. Focus-group interviews were used as a data gathering technique amongst 30 final-year students about to exit the university system. Data were recorded, transcribed and processed, and narrative analysis used. Main findings: Through the analysis, a set of six factors were perceived to influence employability: (1) poor socio-economic status, (2) a poor education system, (3) curriculum issues, (4) the choice of higher education institution and (5) social connections to which the student belongs to. Practical/managerial implications: Through the identified factors, career counsellors can better understand their clients and those issues that shape their lived experiences. The findings can also assist the provision of better career guidance services. Contribution/value-add: This study provides an understanding of the complex issues facing potential graduates through lived experiences. It provides an understanding of student perceptions towards employability, which policymakers should consider when addressing the issue of unemployment in the country.

Regional Development through Continual Improvement of Higher Education in Latín American Countries Case Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-101
Author(s):  
Jaime Rodrigo Moreno Vallejo ◽  
Fajardo Romo ◽  
Gabriel Frank
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Regional Development ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Balanced Score Card ◽  
University Management ◽  
Social Mission ◽  
Quality Of Higher Education ◽  
Latin American Countries

Abstract Aiming to promote the social mission of higher education and their integration in Latin American countries, this research has a qualitative focus and it has the objective to study the normative context and the main theoretical references for the assurance of the quality of higher education for Colombia and Ecuador, examines how the continuous improvement of higher education contributes to regional development; and proposes methodological strategies that contribute to the purpose for the regional development, in a systemic, objective, measurable and achievable in time way, like are the process management and the balanced score card for University Management Strategies and to built a public policy for Latin American Universities.

PERCEPTIONS OF SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES: A CASE IN THE LEPELLE-NKUMPI MUNICIPAL AREA

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-89
Author(s):  
Matshidiso Kanjere
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Young People ◽  
South African ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
South Africans ◽  
African Youth ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
The Government

The South African youth faces multiple challenges that range from illiteracy, drug and alcohol abuse, crime and HIV/AIDS, to unemployment. These challenges and many other ills in society have led to interventions by government, and private and other civil societies. The government has established and initiated a number of programmes that aim at building capacity and helping the youth to cope with these multiple challenges. Some of the programmes are aimed at building leadership capacity among the impoverished youth in rural communities. A lot of money is being invested in these programmes, which are meant to develop young South Africans. However, there are some young people who do not participate in these programmes. They are also not in the formal education system, self-employed or employed elsewhere. And they are despondent. The government, private sector and non-governmental organisations are trying hard to bring these youths and others into the developmental arena, so that they can be active participants in the economy of the country in the near future. However, little research has been conducted to assess the broad impact of the various programmes in the country. The contribution that these programmes are making toward improving the livelihoods of young people has to be determined on a larger scale. Nevertheless, this article reports on an investigation that was conducted on a smaller scale, at the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality. The aim of the research was to explore the perceptions young South Africans have of the leadership development programmes that they have participated in. A mixed research approach was used to collect data and the key findings indicated that knowledge accumulated through participation in the programmes does not always translate into practical applications. However, the programmes were deemed to be valuable in instilling a positive life-view. The study recommends that support systems be established in the rural areas to assist young people with life challenges.

Zmiana modelu zarządzania i nadzoru nad jakością kształcenia w szkolnictwie wyższym. Perspektywa doświadczeń Republiki Federalnej Niemiec

2020 ◽  
pp. 137-149
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Szewior
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Education ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Management ◽  
Strategic Partner ◽  
Higher Education Reforms ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Desk Research

The author focuses on the manner and effects of German higher education reforms that have changed the model of university management. The point of reference is the quality of education and its role, how universities ensure it, and how it is verified through evaluation and accreditation. These elements divide the article into two parts: a part about quality and a part about evaluation and accreditation. The analysis includes the impact of global processes and Europeanization. The research approach is characteristic for public policies, sciences of management and quality. The theories used in this article: the theory of systems and neo-institutionalism, as well as perspectives: the university as an active strategic partner, entrepreneurial university, the third role of universities. The publication is based on desk research and on the analysis of processes.

Reflection on Learner-Led Study Abroad Events in a SAC from Three Perspectives: A Learner, an Administrative Staff Member, and an Advisor

Relay Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 66-79
Author(s):  
Mizuki Shibata ◽  
Chihiro Hayashi ◽  
Yuri Imamura
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Support System ◽  
Staff Member ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
Multiple Reflections ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Staff Members

This paper reports on a case study of learner-led study-abroad events in the language learning space at a Japanese University. We present multiple reflections on the events from different perspectives: the event organizer (student), an administrative staff member, and a learning advisor working at the center. We also introduce the support system that a group of administrative staff members and learning advisors are in charge of helping learners to hold their events. Moreover, throughout our reflections, several factors that made the learner-led study-abroad events sustainable and successful are demonstrated.

Fatigue-management strategies among women with endometriosis in South Africa: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
pp. 008124632110201
Author(s):  
Zamafiso Nombulelo Sibande ◽  
Rizwana Roomaney
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Psychosocial Intervention ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Secondary Symptom ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Fatigue Management ◽  
Insight Into

Fatigue is a common, secondary symptom of endometriosis that has not been qualitatively explored. We conducted individual, face-to-face interviews with 25 women in South Africa about their experiences of endometriosis-related fatigue. Participants were recruited at a public hospital in Cape Town and through several South African endometriosis organizations. Interviews were conducted in English and Afrikaans and ranged from 30 min to 1 hr 16 min in duration. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. We found that both the experience of fatigue and fatigue-management strategies were highly personalized. Participants reported using a variety of cognitive strategies, such as planning, pacing, and pushing through their fatigue to reduce the levels of fatigue. Participants also employed physical strategies such as rest, dietary changes, using supplements, and exercise. We found that while participants often tried fatigue-management strategies suggested to them by others, they struggled to maintain these strategies even when they were successful. There are currently no interventions aimed at reducing endometriosis-related fatigue. The findings of this study provide insight into the management of fatigue in women with endometriosis and may be used to develop a psychosocial intervention for fatigue among women with the disease.

scholarly journals Exploring entrepreneurial culture and its socio-cultural determinants: in case of Woldia University graduating students

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abriham Ebabu Engidaw
Keyword(s):  
Target Population ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Management ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Entrepreneurial Culture ◽  
Graduating Students

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore entrepreneurial intention and its determinants: in the case of Woldia University graduating students. To achieve its objectives, the study employed a descriptive and explanatory research design, and in the study, a cross-sectional study was conducted through a mixed research approach. The target population of the study was 223 regular first-degree 2018 graduating students of Woldia University, Management Department, and their instructors in the study area. The sample size was 143 respondents. The study result showed that majority of the respondents did not plan to start their own knowledge-based business. This was essentially due to the lack of competence in transforming ideas in to practice and commercializing it to create their own business. Correspondingly, prodigious attention should be given to have an entrepreneurial orientation in the contents and methods of teaching at all levels of education systems primary, secondary, and higher educational institutions and use different awareness-raising mechanisms in the country.

scholarly journals Measurement properties of the construct of the code of ethics content: The South African experience

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercy Mpinganjira ◽  
Mornay Roberts-Lombard ◽  
Goran Svensson ◽  
Greg Wood
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Codes Of Ethics ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sampling Frame

Background: Many organisations develop codes of ethics to help guide business conduct. However, not much is known about the contents of codes of ethics. Objectives: This article aims at investigating the code of ethics content construct and its measurement properties using a sample of firms from South Africa. Method: The study followed a quantitative research approach. The sampling frame consisted of the top 500 companies in South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered using the telephone survey method. The respondents consisted of company secretaries and heads or managers responsible for ethics in the respective companies. At the end of the data collection period, a total of 222 usable responses were obtained. Results: The findings show that South African top companies have comprehensive codes of ethics as evidenced by the high mean values obtained from all of the content items under investigation. The findings also support the notion that the code of ethics content construct is multidimensional. Seven different dimensions were confirmed in the analysis. The measurement model of the ethics content construct was found to be valid as evidenced by the goodness-of-fit measure and measures of validity. Conclusion: The study shows that the code of ethics construct is multi-dimensional in nature. The framework provided in this study can also be used in developing, evaluating and strengthening existing codes where such need arises. This study contributes to theory on business ethics and presents the first tested measurement model of the code of ethics construct in South Africa.

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