scholarly journals Confirmatory factor analysis of the Multi-dimensional Emotional Empathy Scale in the South African context

2010 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantal Olckers ◽  
Michiel A. Buys ◽  
Stephanie Grobler
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
South African ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
The South ◽  
Emotional Empathy ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Empathy Scale ◽  
African Perspective

Orientation: Empathy is a core competency in aiding individuals to address the challenges of social living. An indicator of emotional intelligence, it is useful in a globalising and cosmopolitan world. Moreover, managing staff, stakeholders and conflict in many social settings relies on communicative skills, of which empathy forms a large part. Empathy plays a pivotal role in negotiating, persuading and influencing behaviour. The skill of being able to empathise thus enables the possessor to attune to the needs of clients and employees and provides opportunities to become responsive to these needs.Research purpose: This study attempted to determine the construct validity of the Multi-dimensional Emotional Empathy Scale within the South African context.Motivation for the study: In South Africa, a large number of psychometrical instruments have been adopted directly from abroad. Studies determining the construct validity of several of these imported instruments, however, have shown that these instruments are not suited for use in the South African context.Research design, approach and method: The study was based on a quantitative research method with a survey design. A convenience sample of 212 respondents completed the Multi-dimensional Emotional Empathy Scale. The constructs explored were Suffering, Positive Sharing, Responsive Crying, Emotional Attention, a Feel for Others and Emotional Contagion. The statistical procedure used was a confirmatory factor analysis.Main findings: The study showed that, from a South African perspective, the Multi-dimensional Emotional Empathy Scale lacks sufficient construct validity.Practical/managerial implications: Further refinement of the model would provide valuable information that would aid people to be more appreciative of individual contributions, to meet client needs and to understand the motivations of others.Contribution/value-add: From a South African perspective, the findings of this study are significant in that the data indicate potential for measuring emotional empathy in the workplace. Research into emotional empathy in South Africa, however, is limited and additional studies could deepen the case for the Scale’s applicability and validity.

scholarly journals Self-perceived employability among undergraduate students at a South African university

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doret Botha
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
The Self ◽  
The South ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Employability ◽  
Managerial Implications

Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since 2008. The youth is regarded as the most at-risk group in the South African labour market and unemployment amongst the youth is considered one of the most critical socio-economic problems in South Africa. Increasing one’s employability is essential to securing employment and enhancing one’s well-being.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a scarcity of published research on the self-perceived employability amongst undergraduate students at higher education institutions in South Africa.Research approach/design and method: The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative-based cross-sectional survey design was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the students who were included in the survey. Data were collected through a web-based survey, using a standardised coded questionnaire that consisted of a five-point Likert-type scale.Main findings: The results indicated that the respondents were relatively confident about their internal employability, but they were less confident about their opportunities in the external labour market.Practical/managerial implications: Understanding one’s employability and the accompanied issues creates awareness of one’s potential, skills and knowledge to become a successful citizen and employee.Contribution/value-add: The study shed light on the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university and consequently contributes to the existing literature on employability in the South African context.

scholarly journals Accounting practitioners’ views on the proposed “Micro GAAP”: A South African perspective

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hentie A. Van Wyk ◽  
Cobus Rossouw
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
The South ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Accounting Practitioners ◽  
African Perspective

Even though the IFRS for SMEs does provide some relief in respect of the financial reporting burden for non-public entities, there still seems to be a need for an even lower level of financial reporting. In recent years South Africa embarked upon the development of a financial reporting framework for non-public entities and various versions of this so-called micro GAAP have been issued. However, the Accounting Practices Board raised some concerns about the then proposed micro GAAP. This article highlights the South African accounting practitioners’ views from different professional bodies on micro GAAP. They generally believe that micro GAAP will represent fair presentation and that the financial statements prepared under micro GAAP can still be regarded as general purpose financial statements. Furthermore, the majority of accounting practitioners believe that there is a definite need for a third tier of financial reporting in South Africa and indicated their preference of which entities may apply micro GAAP. Legal backing of micro GAAP is also considered appropriate by the practitioners.

scholarly journals Postsecular democracy and the reign of God: Reading Habermas and Moltmann in South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wessel Bentley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
African Culture ◽  
The South ◽  
History And Memory ◽  
Culture History ◽  
Participatory Citizenship ◽  
African Perspective ◽  
Political Model ◽  
Reign Of God

Governed by a liberal constitution, the South African democratic project is progressively finding its own identity. Being a democracy in Africa has unique challenges, as this system of governance needs to be contextualised by integrating African culture, history and memory into a political model which will promote sustainable participatory citizenship. This article engages, from a South African perspective, Habermas’ model of a postsecular democracy and Moltmann’s understanding of ‘Reich Gottes’ in Ethics of Hope. This article proposes an integrated relationship between responsible citizenship (Habermas’ postsecular democracy) and a Christian social conscience (Moltmann’s ‘Reign of God’)1for the South African context.Postsekulêre demokrasie en die koninkryk van God: in gesprek met Habermas en Moltmann vanuit ’n Suid-Afrikaanse perspektief. Die Suid-Afrikaanse demokrasie wat gegrond is op ’n liberale grondwet, is geleidelik besig om ’n eie identiteit te vind. Demokrasie in Afrika ervaar unieke uitdagings en moet derhalwe gekontekstualiseer word deur die Afrikakultuur, geskiedenis en geheue in ’n politieke model te inkorporeer wat beoog om houdbare en deelnemende burgerskap te bevorder. Hierdie artikel tree vanuit ’n Suid Afrikaanse perspektief in gesprek met Habermas se model oor postsekulêre demokrasie sowel as met Moltmann se verstaan van ‘Reich Gottes’ in Ethics of Hope. ’n Geïntegreerde verhouding tussen verantwoordelike burgerskap (Habermas se postsekulêre demokrasie) en ’n Christelike sosiale gewete (Moltmann se ‘Koninkryk van God‘) binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks word derhalwe deur hierdie artikel ondersteun.

scholarly journals A South African perspective on mutual legal assistance and extradition in a globalized world

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Murdoch Watney
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
South African ◽  
International Criminal ◽  
Legal Assistance ◽  
The South ◽  
Mutual Legal Assistance ◽  
African Perspective ◽  
Criminal Conduct ◽  
Globalized World

This contribution focuses on the modalities of mutual legal assistance and extradition from a South African perspective. The question is posed whether South Africa has succeeded to establish the required framework as a fully fledged member of the international community to make a positive contribution in the fields of mutual legal assistance and extradition subsequent to its international political isolation during the apartheid era. Although the international community derives substantial benefit from a borderless global world, it has as a result also to deal with the negative impact of globalization on international crime. Physical and/or electronic crimes are increasingly committed across borders and may be described as borderless, but law enforcement (combating, investigation and prosecution of crime) is still very much confined to the borders of a state. Criminal networks have taken advantage of the opportunities resulting from the dramatic changes in world politics, business, technology, communications and the explosion in international travel and effectively utilize these opportunities to avoid and hamper law enforcement investigations. As a sovereign state has control over its own territory it also implies that states should not interfere with each other’s domestic affairs. The correct and acceptable procedure would be for a state (requesting state) to apply to another state (requested state) for co-operation in the form of mutual legal assistance regarding the gathering of evidence and/or extradition of the perpetrator. Co-operation between states are governed by public international law between the requesting and requested state and the domestic law of the requested state. The South African legislature has increasingly provided for extraterritorial jurisdiction of South African courts in respect of organized crime and terrorism. It does however appear that existing criminal justice responses are experiencing challenges to meet the demands of sophisticated international criminal conduct. Mutual legal assistance and extradition provisions may show that the world is becoming smaller for fugitives and criminals, but the processes are far from expeditious and seamless. An overview of the South African law pertaining to mutual legal assistance and extradition indicates that the South African legislative framework and policies as well as international treaties make sufficient provision to render international assistance in respect of mutual legal assistance and extradition. The role of the courts in upholding the rule of law and protecting the constitutionally enshrined bill of rights, is indicative of the important function that the judiciary fulfills in this regard. It is important that extradition is not only seen as the function of the executive as it also involves the judiciary. It appears that South Africa has displayed the necessary commitment to normalize its international position since 1994 and to fulfill its obligations in a globalized world by reaching across borders in an attempt to address international criminal conduct.

scholarly journals The validation of a measure of organisational energy in the South African context

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Derman ◽  
Nicolene Barkhuizen ◽  
Karel Stanz
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
African Context

Orientation: Previous research has highlighted the need to examine the relationship between people and organisations. This perspective facilitates the study of organisational energy.Research purpose: The purpose of this research was to validate a measure of organisational energy in the South African context and to investigate whether there are differences in organisational energy as perceived by employees based on their demographic characteristics and lifestyle variables.Motivation for the study: Managing energy in organisations is important as it drives motivation, powers teamwork, fosters creativity and gives organisations a competitive edge (Schiuma, Mason & Kennerley, 2007). Limited empirical research currently exists on the phenomenon of energy in organisations.Research design/approach method: The researchers used a cross-sectional survey design, with a convenience sample (N = 520) of employees in a South African financial institution. The researchers administered the EnergyScapes Profile.Main findings: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a one-factor structure for the EnergyScapes Profile. The scale, labelled organisational energy, showed acceptable internal consistency. The researchers found statistically significant differences in the organisational energy levels of employees based on age, tenure, geographical region, relaxation, hypertension and diabetes, depression or psychosis.Practical/managerial implications: The research provides valuable insight for practicing managers about understanding the concept of organisational energy and encourages leaders to question the energy of their employees.Contribution/value-add: The insight the researchers gained by studying the concept of organisational energy contributed in a unique way and showed the importance of considering organisations as dynamic and interactive with the people that work for them.

scholarly journals Disaster management and humanitarian logistics – A South African perspective

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilna L. Bean ◽  
Nadia M. Viljoen ◽  
Hans W. Ittmann ◽  
Elza Kekana
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The South ◽  
Management Context ◽  
African Perspective ◽  
The Impact

Disasters are becoming an unavoidable part of everyday life throughout the world, including South Africa. Even though South Africa is not a country affected by large-scale disasters such as earthquakes, the impact of disasters in South Africa is aggravated significantly by the vulnerability of people living in informal settlements. Humanitarian logistics, as a ‘new’ sub-field in the supply chain management context, has developed significantly recently to assist in disaster situations. This paper provides an overview of the South African humanitarian logistics context. Even though humanitarian logistics plays a critical role in the aftermath of disasters, it extends far beyond events that can typically be classified as ‘disasters’. Therefore the implication of the South African humanitarian logistics context on future research and collaboration opportunities in South African humanitarian logistics is also discussed. Finally, two recent case studies in the South African humanitarian logistics environment are discussed.

Sexual Harassment: The South African Perspective

2005 ◽  
Vol 7 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 229-251
Author(s):  
Sandra Govender
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Harassment ◽  
South African ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
The South ◽  
Positive Duty ◽  
African Perspective ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Law

Sexual harassment is not a new phenomenon in South Africa but until recently nothing significant was done to address it. The problem is currently being addressed through legislation aimed at prevention and eradication. Sexual harassment in the employment environment is an area of great concern. With the advent of new legislation a positive duty has been placed on employers to take steps to combat the problem. Cases have already been brought before the South African courts in terms of the new legislation and the courts have shown no hesitation in implementing the law. Recent decisions have spelt victory for victims of sexual harassment whilst sending out a clear message to perpetrators and employers. The approach adopted by the courts is a laudable one. The scene has been set in South Africa for the eradication of sexual harassment. The last step is the creation of a culture of non-victimisation. Employers have a crucial role to play as far as their employees are concerned. New legislation does address this issue but awareness is necessary to enable individuals to exercise their rights without fear of victimisation. This is of paramount importance if the various pieces of legislation are to achieve their objectives.

scholarly journals Graduate unemployment in South Africa: Perspectives from the banking sector

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faith Oluwajodu ◽  
Derick Blaauw ◽  
Lorraine Greyling ◽  
Ewert P.J. Kleynhans
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
The South ◽  
Problems And Solutions ◽  
African Context ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Graduate Unemployment

Orientation: South Africa is experiencing growth in its graduate labour force, but graduateunemployment is rising with the overall unemployment rate. Graduate unemployment isproblematic, because it wastes scarce human capital, which is detrimental to the economy inthe long run.Research purpose: This study explores the perceived causes of graduate unemployment fromthe perspective of the South African banking sector.Motivation for the study: Researchers have conducted various studies on graduateunemployment in South Africa and across the globe, but few studies have beenconducted on the causes of graduate unemployment. There appear to be some gaps in theliterature; therefore, other problems and solutions to graduate unemployment have to beexploredResearch approach, design and method: The researchers followed a survey design. Questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used as research instruments to identify theperceived causes of graduate unemployment in the banking sector of South Africa. Researchparticipants were unemployed graduates, recently employed graduates and graduaterecruitment managers in the banking sector.Main findings: The study shows that several factors are perceived to be the causes of graduateunemployment in the South African banking sector. These include: skills, institution attendedby graduate and differences in expectations from employers and graduates.Practical/managerial application: The findings have implications for educational institutionsand companies that are encouraged to consider possible solutions to resolving the causes ofgraduate unemployment.Contribution/value-add: This study is one of the first papers to investigate the causes ofgraduate unemployment in the South African banking sector. It provides a rich platform forfurther studies and replication in other sectors, especially within the African context.

scholarly journals Examining the construct validity of the Basic Traits Inventory and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory in the South African context

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha A. Metzer ◽  
Gideon P. De Bruin ◽  
Byron G. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
South African ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Personality Inventory ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Personality Measures ◽  
The South ◽  
Oblique Rotation ◽  
Convenience Sample

Orientation: As there has recently been a need for researchers to consider shorter personality measures, we compared the construct validity of a longer and a shorter personality measure in the South African context.Research purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine the discriminant and convergent validity of two personality measures that measure the big five personality factors: the longer Basic Traits Inventory (BTI) and the shorter Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI).Motivation for the study: Researchers have indicated a need for shorter personality measures, such as the TIPI, to assess personality dimensions. This study assessed the validity of the shorter measure in comparison with the BTI, which is considered cross-culturally valid in the South African context.Research approach, design and method: This study used a quantitative research design. Both personality measures were administered manually to a convenience sample of student participants (n = 662), and data were analysed through factor analysis utilising oblique rotation for all items.Main findings: The main findings indicate that, although the construct validity of both measures was satisfactory, the TIPI yielded unsatisfactory reliability.Practical/managerial implications: The BTI is a more reliable measure than the TIPI, which should only be used when time is limited.Contribution/value-add: In addition to providing insight into how the length of an assessment impacts on the reliability of a measure, this study further reinforces the use of the basic traits inventory as a measure that reliably measures personality in South Africa.

scholarly journals A confirmatory factor analytical study of a servant leadership measure in South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bright Mahembe ◽  
Amos S. Engelbrecht
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Servant Leadership ◽  
South African ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Teacher Development ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Team Effectiveness ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

Orientation: Servant leadership is a value-based leadership practice that plays a critical role in team effectiveness and organisational success.Research purpose: The goal of the study was to validate the Servant Leadership Questionnaire(SLQ), which Barbuto and Wheeler developed, on a South African sample.Motivation for the study: The literature is replete with evidence of the role of follower focused leadership practices in improving team effectiveness, employee engagement and organisational success. We need to complement these efforts with psychometrically sound measuring instruments.Research design, approach and method: The authors drew a convenience sample of 288 school teachers from schools in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. They used the SLQ that Barbuto and Wheeler developed to measure servant leadership.Main findings: The authors found high levels of reliability for the sub-scales of the latent variables. They found good fit with the data for the measurement model of the five latent servant leadership dimensions (altruistic calling, persuasive mapping, emotional healing, wisdom and organisational stewardship) through confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). They obtained reasonable fit for the first- and second-order servant leadership CFA. The authors concluded that the SLQ shows reasonable fit.Practical/managerial implications: The SLQ showed evidence of reliability and construct validity. It can contribute to the scientific selection and development of education leaders in South African schools.Contribution/value add: Servant leadership incorporates a service ethic that fosters participatory management, teacher development and team building. The department of education should increase team effectiveness in schools by selecting and developing servant leadership.

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