scholarly journals Resistance to change, work engagement and psychological capital of academics in an open distance learning work environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna C. Diedericks ◽  
Frans Cilliers ◽  
Adéle Bezuidenhout

Orientation: In the present knowledge economy, the external environment is rapidly evolving and organisations are increasingly demanding much more from their employees. Psychological capital (PsyCap) and work engagement (WE), seen as positive human resource strengths and psychological capacities, can be developed and effectively managed for enhanced work performance. Employees’ resistance to change (RTC) is a key barrier to organisational change.Research purpose: To investigate the interrelationships between PsyCap, WE and RTC of open distance learning (ODL) academics.Motivation for the study: Little empirical research has investigated the application of positive work and organisational psychological functioning of ODL academics. Universities can use the study results to develop strategies which may enable institutions and individuals to flourish through positive well-being despite change.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative survey including a probability sample of 208 (N = 208) academics was utilised. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.Main findings: The results reveal a meaningful positive relationship between the positive psychological constructs of PsyCap and WE, and a meaningful negative relationship between the psychodynamic construct RTC, and the positive psychological constructs of PsyCap and WE. Structural equation modelling indicated an adequate fit of conceptual structural model.Practical/managerial implications: Results suggest that reduced RTC and increased positive psychological behaviour could contribute to a positive organisation and individual well-being in a changing work environment.Contribution/value-add: This study adds to the body of knowledge and insights into positive work and organisational functioning of academics in a changing ODL work environment.

Author(s):  
Itumeleng P. Khumalo ◽  
Ufuoma P. Ejoke ◽  
Kwaku Oppong Asante ◽  
Janvier Rugira

The study investigated the factor structure of the 15-item social well-being scale in an African context. Social well-being is categorised into five dimensions: social integration, social contribution, social coherence, social actualisation and social acceptance. Data were collected from 402 participants in South Africa (50% male, average age of 21 years). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) were conducted in Mplus (version 8.1), on the 15-item measure. Results showed advantages of ESEM’s flexibility, through which an unstable emic four factor solution emerged. For such complex multidimensional psychological constructs measured in novel contexts, ESEM is best suited for exploring factorial validity. Although the present study’s findings should have implication for theory, future studies should further explore social well-being measurement using the long- and short-form instruments in diverse African samples.


2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amos S. Engelbrecht ◽  
Gardielle Heine ◽  
Bright Mahembe

Orientation: Work engagement is increasingly becoming an important outcome for organisational success. A trusting and ethical relationship between leaders and followers is likely to positively contribute to the work engagement of employees.Research purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between ethical leadership and trust in the leader and the effect these constructs have on the work engagement of employees.Motivation for the study: The study on the role of ethical leadership practices on employee engagement was motivated by the need to create an engaged workforce and a trusting work environment.Research approach, design and method: Data was collected using an electronic web-based questionnaire comprising three scales, namely the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES),Leader Trust Scale (LTS) and the Leadership of Ethics Scale (LES). In total, 204 completed questionnaires were returned. Data was analysed by means of item and confirmatory factor analysis conducted via structural equation modelling (SEM).Main findings: High levels of reliability were found for all the measurement scales used. The results from the structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated positive relationships between trust in the leader and work engagement, between ethical leadership and work engagement and between ethical leadership and trust in the leader.Practical/managerial implications: The findings emphasise the role played by ethical leadership behaviour of managers in promoting work engagement through the creation of employee relationships anchored on trust. Future studies should develop the theoretical model further by identifying other variables that influence work engagement.Contribution/value-add: Organisations today still face the challenge of developing an effective strategy for achieving work engagement. The ethical leadership style of managers is likely to create an ethical and trusting work climate conducive to the work engagement of employees.This is likely to enhance productivity as well as employee creativity and innovation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 240-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma Smeda ◽  
Mohd Fairuz Shiratuddin ◽  
Kok Wai Wong

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that may impact on the acceptance of the e-book amongst mathematics and statistics (MAS) students at higher education institutions in Libya. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model has been developed based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). The factors divided into three groups: intrinsic variables represent the first group of factors that are related to the user or the potential users itself, such as Self-Efficacy and Resistance to Change. Second, extrinsic variables include all the factors that reflect the characteristics of the e-book and the infrastructure for universities, which are Mobility (M), Facilities (F) and Library Service Quality (LS). TAM constructs from Perceived Ease Of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Attitude (AU) and Behaviour Intention (BI) represent the last group. Data relating to the constructs were collected through a self-administered survey in 2014. The developed model was measured and tested by structural equation modelling using AMOS (22.0). Findings The result confirmed that the structural model fits the data well. According to the results, TAM constructs have a significant impact on the acceptance of e-book among MAS students at universities in Libya. In addition, the intrinsic variables play the important role to predict students’ BI. Although the extrinsic variables were less important, Facilities was the strong factor in this group. Originality/value The adoption of e-book amongst higher education students in Libya is still quite low. Hence, identifying the factors that may contribute to e-book adoption is crucial. The contribution of this paper is to determine the factors that effect on the acceptance of e-book amongst MAS students at higher education institutions in Libya.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Kotze

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a model of the relationships between personal resources (Psychological Capital (PsyCap)) and satisfaction with job resources, and their effect on work engagement and burnout. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from a convenience sample of 407 full-time employees from various public and private sector organisations, using a questionnaire consisting of PsyCap (PCQ-24), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scales, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and a questionnaire measuring job resources (Parker and Hyett, 2011). The data were analysed using variance-based structural equation modelling (SmartPLS 3). Findings The influence of employees’ satisfaction with job resources on both dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion and cynicism) was negative and statistically significant. Satisfaction with job resources had a statistically significant positive influence on both dimensions of work engagement (vigour and dedication). PsyCap had a statistically significant positive influence on satisfaction with job resources. Satisfaction with job resources partially mediated the influence of PsyCap on emotional exhaustion and cynicism, and partially on vigour and dedication. Research limitations/implications As this was an exploratory study, it used a convenience sample and a variance-based approach to structural equation modelling (SmartPLS). It is suggested that future researchers replicate the model in different contexts to corroborate the proposed relationships using larger samples, probability-based sampling and a covariance-based approach to structural equation modelling. Practical implications Management must realise that employees’ satisfaction with job resources plays a central role in their work engagement and burnout levels. Workplace practices that reflect respect and care for the employee and the development of employees’ personal resources (i.e. PsyCap) will improve work engagement and reduce burnout. Originality/value This paper fills a gap in the literature by explaining how personal resources (PsyCap) and job resources (the organisation’s perceived respect for the employee and employer care) influence work engagement and burnout via mediation paths.


2021 ◽  
pp. 097215092110303
Author(s):  
Abhishek Kumar ◽  
Mamta Mohapatra ◽  
Swati Dhir

The objective of the study is to empirically examine the various components of subjective well-being (SWB) and its role in the association between personality and contextual performance (CP). To validate the proposed model, Indian executives from various organizations were surveyed with a survey method. The sample response from 809 respondents has been analysed with the assistance of the partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. The results from the study establish SWB as a mediator between personality and CP. A positive association is observed with specific components of personality factors and SWB and CP. Organizations can also learn from the study that increasing the SWB of employees is one of the important parameters for their CP.


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