scholarly journals A structural model of job resources, organisational and individual strengths use and work engagement

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheri Botha ◽  
Karina Mostert
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
The South ◽  
Strengths Use ◽  
Organisational Support ◽  
Proactive Behaviour ◽  
Perceived Organisational Support ◽  
Individual Perspective

Orientation: Organisations will not be able to maintain a competitive advantage by merely focusing on the development of their employees’ weaknesses. Employees should also be provided with sufficient job resources and opportunities to develop and use their strengths, as this could lead to work engagement.Research purpose: To test a structural model of job resources, perceived organisational support for strengths use, proactive behaviour towards strengths use and work engagement amongst South African employees.Motivation for the study: To gain more knowledge and a better understanding of the outcomes of following an organisational and individual strength-based approach focused on the use of strengths within the South African context.Research approach, design and method: A quantitative approach with cross-sectional research design was used. An availability sample (N = 401) of employees from various occupational groups in South Africa was used. Structural equation modelling was used to test the model.Main findings: The results indicated that perceived organisational support for strengths use and employees’ proactive behaviour towards strengths use were strongly and positively associated with work engagement in the structural model.Practical/managerial implications: Knowledge of using strengths from an organisational and individual perspective could assist organisations in gaining a better understanding of the relationship with work engagement.Contribution/value-add: This study adds to the limited research on using strengths from both an organisational and individual perspective and possible outcomes within the South African context.

scholarly journals Investigating strengths and deficits to increase work engagement: A longitudinal study in the mining industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pule Mphahlele ◽  
Crizelle Els ◽  
Leon T. De Beer ◽  
Karina Mostert
Keyword(s):  
Work Engagement ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Strengths Use ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Perceived Organisational Support ◽  
Value Add

Orientation: The motivational process of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model indicates that job resources are the main predictors of work engagement. Previous research has found that the two job resources perceived organisational support (POS) for strengths use and POS for deficit correction are also positively related to work engagement. However, the causal relationships between these variables have not been investigated longitudinally.Research purpose: To determine if POS for strengths use and POS for deficit correction are significant predictors of work engagement over time.Motivation for the study: In the literature, empirical evidence on the longitudinal relationships between work engagement and specific job resources, namely POS for strengths use and POS for deficit correction, is limited.Research design, approach and method: A longitudinal design was employed in this study. The first wave elicited a total of 376 responses, while the second wave had a total sample size of 79. A web-based survey was used to measure the constructs and to gather data at both points in time. Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the hypotheses.Main findings: The results indicated that both POS for strengths use and POS for deficit correction are positively related to work engagement in the short term. However, only POS for deficit correction significantly predicted work engagement over time.Practical and managerial implications: The results provide valuable insights to organisations by providing knowledge regarding which approach influences work engagement levels of their employees in the short and long term.Contribution or value-add: The study contributes to the limited research on what job resources predict work engagement over time.

scholarly journals Job demands, job resources and work engagement of academic staff in South African higher education institutions

2006 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Rothmann ◽  
G M E Jordaan
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South African ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Organisational Support ◽  
African Higher Education ◽  
South African Higher Education

The objective of this study was to investigate the work engagement of academics in selected South African higher education institutions as well as the impact of job demands and job resources on their work engagement. Stratified random samples (N = 471) were drawn from academic staff in three higher education institutions in South Africa. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and the Job Demands-Resources Scale (JDRS) were administered. The results confirmed a two-factor structure of work engagement, consisting of vigour and dedication. Six reliable factors were extracted on the JDRS, namely organisational support, growth opportunities, social support, overload, advancement and job insecurity. Job resources (including organisational support and growth opportunities) predicted 26% of the variance in vigour and 38% of the variance in dedication. Job demands (overload) impacted on dedication of academics at low and moderate levels of organisational support.

scholarly journals Investigating the impact of a combined approach of perceived organisational support for strengths use and deficit correction on employee outcomes

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Crizelle Els ◽  
Karina Mostert ◽  
Marianne Van Woerkom
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Combined Approach ◽  
Strengths Use ◽  
Organisational Support ◽  
Perceived Organisational Support ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: The positive psychology paradigm suggests a balanced focus on employee strengths and deficits. However, an overemphasis on strengths has raised questions regarding the value of a focus on strengths use, deficit improvement or a combined approach with a balanced focus on both.Research purpose: The primary objective was to examine whether perceived organisational support (POS) for strengths use, POS for deficit improvement or a combined approach would be the strongest predictor of work engagement, learning, job satisfaction and turnover intention.Motivation for the study: In the literature, there is little empirical evidence to support an approach where both employees’ strengths are used and their deficits improved.Research design, approach and method: This study was conducted among 266 teachers from four public schools in the Western Cape. A cross-sectional survey design was used.Main findings: The results suggest that both strengths use and deficit improvement are important predictors of work engagement, learning, job satisfaction and turnover intention. Learning was higher and turnover intention lower for individuals experiencing a combined approach compared to those believing that their school did not support them in either using their strengths or improving their deficits. Furthermore, a combined approach was associated with higher job satisfaction than a strengths-based approach, and a deficit-based approach was shown to be associated with higher levels of work engagement and lower turnover intentions compared to an environment where neither employees’ strengths nor deficits were addressed.Practical or managerial implications: The results urge organisations to invest an equal amount of resources in their employees’ strengths and deficits, as opposed to neglecting either one. Such a combined approach may be associated with increased work engagement, learning and job satisfaction and lower turnover intention.Contribution: This study provides empirical evidence that supports a combined approach where both employees’ strengths are used and their deficits developed.

scholarly journals The moderating role of perceived organisational support in the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention across sectors in South Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena-Mari Van Schalkwyk ◽  
Crizelle Els ◽  
Ian Rothmann
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Role Clarity ◽  
The South ◽  
Organisational Support ◽  
African Context ◽  
Perceived Organisational Support ◽  
The Relationship

Orientation: Because workplace bullying has detrimental consequences on the profitability, work quality and turnover intention of organisations, this phenomenon should be addressed. Perceived Organisational Support (POS) was explored since factors such as role clarity, job information, participation in decision-making, colleague support and supervisory relationships might act as buffers against workplace bullying, subsequently influencing the turnover intention of the organisation.Research purpose: To investigate the role of POS as moderator in the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention across sectors in South Africa.Motivation for the study: Workplace bullying is a worldwide concern and it is unclear whether perceived organisational support moderates the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention.Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey approach with a quantitative research design was used (N = 13 911). The South African Employee Health and Wellness Survey (SAEHWS) was administered to explore the experiences of bullying behaviour, POS and turnover intention.Main findings: Bullying by superiors is more prevalent than bullying by colleagues. A positive relationship exists between workplace bullying and turnover intention. Role clarity, participation in decision-making and supervisory relationship moderates the relationship between bullying by superiors and turnover intention.Practical/managerial implications: This study creates an awareness of the prevalence of workplace bullying in the South African context so that sufficient counteraction can be encouraged.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the limited research regarding workplace bullying in the South African context by quantifying the relationships between workplace bullying POS and turnover intention.

scholarly journals Managing employee well-being: A qualitative study exploring job and personal resources of at-risk employees

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecile Gauche ◽  
Leon T. De Beer ◽  
Lizelle Brink
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
South African ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
African Context ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: Job and personal resources influence the well-being of employees. Currently, limited information exists in literature surrounding the experience of these resources in employees identified as at-risk of burnout.Research purpose: To investigate the experience of job and personal resources from the perspectives of employees identified as at-risk of burnout.Motivation for the study: Empirical evidence on the integrative role and influence of job and personal resources on the well-being of employees in the South African context is currently limited. Attaining a better understanding of the manner in which at-risk employees experience resources can empower organisations to actively work towards creating an environment that allows for optimal employee well-being.Research design, approach and method: A phenomenological approach was taken to conduct the study in a South African-based financial services organisation. A combination of purposive and convenience sampling was used, and 26 employees agreed to participate. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and data analysis was performed through the use of thematic analysis.Main findings: Employees identified as at-risk of burnout acknowledged both job and personal resources as factors influencing their well-being. Participants in this study elaborated on received job resources as well as lacking job resources. Information was also shared by participants on personal resources through describing used personal resources as well as lacking personal resources.Practical/managerial implications: Knowledge gained from the study will contribute to empower organisations to better understand the impact of resources on the well-being of employees, and allow organisations to adapt workplace resources to ensure adequate and appropriate resources to facilitate optimal employee well-being.Contribution: This study contributes to the limited research available in the South African context regarding the experience of job and personal resources from the perspective of at-risk employees. The study may also enable organisations to create a workplace that is more supportive and empowering with appropriate resources to deliver on expected demands.

A preliminary study: perceived transformational leadership and work engagement within the South African army

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Dibley ◽  
Rian Viviers ◽  
Llewellyn Ellardus van Zyl
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
South African ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire ◽  
The South ◽  
Multifactor Leadership ◽  
Individual Consideration ◽  
Transformational Leadership Style ◽  
The Relationship

The objective of the study is to determine the relationship between the perceived transformational leadership styles of officers (as perceived by their followers) and their followers’ levels of work engagement. Followers (n=307) were identified in units of the South African Army. They completed the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) (Form 5X) for their specific leaders. Correlational analyses indicate significant correlations between the transformational leadership style of officers and their followers’ work engagement. A small amount of the variance in the work engagement outcomes can be predicted by transformational leadership. The findings suggest that there is a relationship between idealised influence (attributed) and vigour and dedication. Furthermore, individualised consideration was shown to relate to absorption within the South African sample. Idealised influence was found to predict some variance in vigour and dedication and individual consideration to predict some variance in absorption.

scholarly journals A psychometric analysis of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale in the South African police service

2003 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Storm ◽  
S. Rothmann
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
The South ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Police Service ◽  
Utrecht Work Engagement Scale ◽  
South African Police Service ◽  
South African Police ◽  
Engagement Scale

The objectives of this research were to validate the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) for the South African Police Service (SAPS) and to determine its construct equivalence and bias in different race groups. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Stratified random samples (N = 2396) were taken of police members of nine provinces in South Africa. The UWES and a biographical questionnaire were administered. Structural equation modelling confirmed a 3-factor model of work engagement, consisting of Vigour, Dedication and Absorption. These three factors have acceptable internal consistencies. Exploratory factor analysis with target rotations showed equivalence of the three factors for different race groups in the SAPS. No evidence was found for uniform or non-uniform bias of the items of the UWES for different race groups. Opsomming Die doelstellings van hierdie navorsing was om die Utrecht- werksbegeesteringskaal (UWES) te valideer vir die Suid- Afrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPD) en die konstrukekwivalensie daarvan vir verskillende rassegroepe te bepaal. ’n Dwarssnee opname-ontwerp is gebruik. Gestratifiseerde ewekansige steekproewe (N = 2396) is van polisielede uit nege provinsies geneem. Die UWES en ’n biografiese vraelys is afgeneem. Strukturele vergelykingsmodellering het ’n 3-faktormodel, bestaande uit Energie, Toewyding en Absorpsie, aangetoon. Hierdie drie faktore het aanvaarbare interne konsekwentheid getoon. Eksploratiewe faktoranalise met teikenrotasies het konstrukekwivalensie vir die drie faktore vir verskillende rassegroepe in die SAPD getoon. Bewyse is nie gevind vir uniforme of nie-uniforme sydigheid van die items van die UWES vir verskillende rassegroepe nie.

scholarly journals Job and personal resources as mediators in the relationship between iron-ore mineworkers’ job demands and work engagement

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Kotzé ◽  
Petrus Nel
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Iron Ore ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
The Relationship

Orientation: Mining companies are major sources of employment in South Africa. Withstanding the challenges that the mining industry faces, maintaining work engagement of employees is essential to success in this context.Research purpose: To investigate the mediating effect of job and personal resources (in parallel and serial) in the relationship between the job demands and work engagement of employees at two iron-ore mines in a remote South African locale.Motivation for the study: Most South African research on work engagement in the mining industry focuses on the role of job resources. There is a lack of research investigating the influence of both job and personal resources in the relationship between job demands and mineworkers’ work engagement.Research approach/design and method: Data were collected using questionnaires from 238 employees working for two open-pit iron-ore mines. Three mediating relationships were investigated using variance-based structural equation modelling.Main findings: The results indicate that job and personal resources (in parallel) partially mediated the relationship between job demands and work engagement, with personal resources having a stronger effect than job resources. In addition, job and personal resources (in serial) partially mediated the relationship between job demands and work engagement but not as strongly as personal resources (in parallel).Practical/managerial implications: Despite job demands, mineworkers’ work engagement can be increased by investing in interventions and a work environment that enhances job and personal resources (such as mindfulness and psychological capital).Contribution/value add: The study bridges a specific gap in the literature by exploring the role of both job and personal resources (i.e., mindfulness and psychological capital) in the relationship between mineworkers’ job demands and work engagement. No previous studies explored these variables in combination in the South African mining industry.

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