scholarly journals Perceptions of effective relationships in an institutional care setting for older people

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Roos ◽  
Frans Du Toit
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Institutional Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Interpersonal Contact ◽  
Care Managers ◽  
Effective Relationships ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Relational Qualities

Orientation: The relocation of older people to residential facilities has implications for their relationships.Research purpose: This article reports older residents’ perceptions of effective relationships.Motivation for the study: Effective relationships protect against loneliness and depression and contribute to well-being. The facility was identified by a social worker as a showcase for effective relationships, but it was not clear what these consist of.Research approach, design and method: The World Café, a qualitative, participatory action research method, was applied to an economically deprived, urban facility caring for older people in Gauteng, South Africa. Three positively framed questions elicited perceptions from participants (nine men, ten women, aged 65–89). Visual and textual data were obtained and thematically analysed until saturation had been achieved. Themes were then subjected to deductive direct content analysis in terms of Self-Interactional Group Theory (SIGT).Main findings: Older residents perceive care managers as friendly and trustworthy and co-residents as caring. Care managers were seen as flexible, empathetic and congruent leaders and they confirmed residents. Relationships between residents were parallel-defined with relational qualities such as empathy and unconditional acceptance. Residents’ needs for privacy were honoured and they felt confirmed. Group dynamics were underpinned by caring and a stimulating environment provided opportunities for engagement.Practical/managerial implications: Relationships between managers and consumers are facilitated by flexibility, empathy, congruence and unconditional acceptance. Supportive group dynamics develop when people confirm and accept one another. A stimulating environment that encourages continuous and close interpersonal contact contributes to effective relationships.Contribution/value-add: Effective relationships should be understood on different levels.

scholarly journals Transformative consumer research: Its origins and possible enrichment of the field of consumer research in South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leona M. Ungerer
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Consumer Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Traditional Research ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Additional Approach ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Transformative Consumer Research

Orientation: This article provides a rationale for considering transformative consumer research as a research approach for investigating the relationship between consumption and consumers’ well-being in South Africa.Research purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the principles underlying transformative consumer research, including how it differs from traditional research methods and pointing out some established research areas in this field.Motivation for the study: Apart from pointing to a lack of literature, this article highlights the relevance of this approach for emerging countries by investigating the principles and practices embedded in transformative consumer research. It provides some indication of how an investigation of these areas may contribute to enhancing the relevance of consumer research to its various stakeholders.Research design, approach and method: The author used a literature review to conduct the study.Main findings: It appears that consumer research currently lacks external and internal relevance. A transformative consumer-research approach may address some of the fundamental problems in the way consumer psychologists plan and conduct their research, contributing to this lack of relevance.Practical/managerial implications: Most stages of the traditional research approach may need to be adapted for transformative research purposes. Some approaches appear particularly suited to transformative consumer research, including revelatory, incendiary, policy, participatory and coalition research. Contribution/value-add: This study’s primary contribution stems from suggesting a rather novel additional approach to enhance the relevance of consumer research in South Africa, pointing out some established practices in the field of transformative consumer research and suggesting how they may augment consumer research in South Africa.

scholarly journals The Job Demands–Resources model: Challenges for future research

2011 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelia Demerouti ◽  
Arnold B. Bakker
Keyword(s):  
Safety Climate ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
And Performance

Motivation: The motivation of this overview is to present the state of the art of Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model whilst integrating the various contributions to the special issue.Research purpose: To provide an overview of the JD–R model, which incorporates many possible working conditions and focuses on both negative and positive indicators of employee well-being. Moreover, the studies of the special issue were introduced.Research design: Qualitative and quantitative studies on the JD–R model were reviewed to enlighten the health and motivational processes suggested by the model.Main findings: Next to the confirmation of the two suggested processes of the JD–R model, the studies of the special issue showed that the model can be used to predict work-place bullying, incidences of upper respiratory track infection, work-based identity, and early retirement intentions. Moreover, whilst psychological safety climate could be considered as a hypothetical precursor of job demands and resources, compassion satisfaction moderated the health process of the model.Contribution/value-add: The findings of previous studies and the studies of the special issue were integrated in the JD–R model that can be used to predict well-being and performance at work. New avenues for future research were suggested.Practical/managerial implications: The JD–R model is a framework that can be used for organisations to improve employee health and motivation, whilst simultaneously improving various organisational outcomes.

scholarly journals Enhancing the well-being of support services staff in higher education: The power of appreciation

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurika Van Straaten ◽  
Annelize Du Plessis ◽  
S.P. Fanus Van Tonder
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Job Security ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add

Orientation: A literature search for studies on the well-being of support staff of higher education institutions (HEIs) produced very little results. Appreciation was then used to identify elements that might enhance the well-being of a selected HEI’s support staff.Research purpose: The aim was to explore the strengths of a selected HEI that might serve as driving forces for enhancing its support staff’s well-being.Motivation for the study: The lack of research on the well-being of support staff motivated the study. A need was identified to explore driving forces that might enhance their well-being.Research design, approach and method: A literature review guided by theoretical perspectives and theories on staff well-being was conducted. Subsequently, a qualitative action research design involving an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) workshop with support staff of an institution was followed.Main findings: The following strengths that might serve as driving forces for enhancing the well-being of the institution’s support services staff were identified: hard-working and dedicated support staff, positive relations among colleagues, a willingness to adapt to change,good remuneration and benefits, job security and a supportive work environment. Appreciative Inquiry was found to be well suited for identifying such strengths, as opposed to methods that focus on identifying problems or weaknesses of an organisation. As a result of this study, the relevant institution might react and build on these identified strengths towards promoting the well-being of its support staff.Practical/managerial implications: Institutions should make an effort to enhance staff well being. The results of the study could also be used to encourage HEIs to use AI to establish optimal staff well-being.Contribution/value add: The study confirmed the power of appreciation to identify the strengths that might serve as driving forces for enhancing the well-being of support staff of an HEI.

scholarly journals Factors and effects of work-related stress and burnout on the well-being of social workers in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jabulani G. Kheswa
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Value Add

Orientation:Work-related stress and burnout among social workers are on the rise because of extensive workload, job dissatisfaction and exposure to traumatic situations. Therefore, one should determine how they impact the well-being.Research purpose: This study determined the factors and effects of work-related stress and burnout on the well-being of social workers.Motivation for the study: An alarming number of social workers show no compassion towards the clients owing to burnout. Therefore, more research is needed for social workers to enhance their purpose and work engagement.Research approach/design and method: This qualitative study was designed from an interpretivist perspective. Fourteen social workers, aged 35–59 years, from two Department of Social Development and Welfare offices (Alice and King Williams Town) selected through purposive sampling participated in the study. Data were gathered by means of focus group interviews and grounded theory was applied for data analysis.Main findings: The study results confirmed that social workers attributed their work-related stress to lack of resources such as transport, computers and inadequate emotional support from their supervisors. Thus, they demonstrated impaired personal strength and poor human relations.Practical/managerial implications: To achieve commitment and optimism, there should be recruitment of new staff and salary increase for social workers.Contribution/value-add: The study results should provide coping strategies for social workers when faced with secondary traumatic stress.

scholarly journals Depressed, not depressed or unsure: Prevalence and the relation to well-being across sectors in South Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christa Welthagen ◽  
Crizelle Els
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Proactive Measures ◽  
The Relationship

Orientation: Work engagement, burnout and stress-related ill health levels of individuals, suffering from depression, who are unsure whether or not they suffer from depression, or who do not suffer from depression, have not been investigated in South Africa.Research purpose: The main objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of depression amongst employees in South African organisations and the relationship of depression with specific well-being constructs.Motivation for the study: Organisations should know about the prevalence of depression and the effects this could have on specific well-being constructs.Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional design was followed. The availability sample (n = 15 664) included participants from diverse demographics. The South African Employee Health and Wellness Survey was followed to measure constructs.Main findings: The results showed that 18.3% of the population currently receive treatment for depression, 16.7% are unsure whether or not they suffer from depression and 65% do not suffer from depression. Depression significantly affects the levels of work engagement, burnout and the occurrence of stress-related ill health symptoms.Practical/managerial implications: This study makes organisations aware of the relationship between depression and employee work-related well-being. Proactive measures to promote the work-related well-being of employees, and to support employees suffering from depression, should be considered.Contribution/value-add: This study provides insight into the prevalence of depression and well-being differences that exist between individuals, suffering from depression, who are unsure whether or not they suffer from depression, and who do not suffer from depression. 

scholarly journals Positive psychology and the training of psychologists: Students’ perspectives

2010 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tharina Guse
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: The development of positive psychology interventions have burgeoned internationally and are relevant to the professional training of psychologistsResearch purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the personal and professional impact of including positive psychology in the professional training of clinical and counselling psychologists.Motivation for the study: It is not known how students previously educated in a pathogenic paradigm experience the exposure to positive psychology, and resultant paradigm shift, as part of their professional training.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research design was implemented. Data consisted of written documents submitted by the participants and was analyzed by means of thematic analysis.Main findings: Integrating positive psychology in the professional training curriculum was valuable and enriching on both a professional and personal level. The participants reported an experience of positive emotions and increased sense of self-understanding and psychological well-being. Professionally they experienced a sense of increased self-efficacy.Practical/managerial implications: Positive psychology should be considered as part of the basic training of psychologists since it may enhance the development of trainee psychologists’ professional self, enhance aspects of psychological well-being as well as prevent stress and burnout.Contribution/value-add: This is the first South African study to explore the impact of including positive psychology principles and interventions in professional training.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on an employee assistance programme in a multinational insurance organisation: Considerations for the future

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Veldsman ◽  
Ninette Van Aarde
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Employee Assistance ◽  
External Context ◽  
Assistance Programme ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Education And Awareness ◽  
Value Add ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to an increased focus on the effectiveness of employee assistance programmes (EAPs).Research purpose: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the value, utilisation and scope of an EAP within the South African insurance sector.Motivation for the study: Higher levels of stress and anxiety experienced by employees because of COVID-19 has necessitated the need to better understand the reasons for EAPs utilisation and its effectiveness within organisations.Research approach/design and method: The study provided an overview of employee well-being and an overview of the origins and evolution of EAPs. The study utilised thematic analysis to analyse 1002 cases with a sample of n = 907, pre-and post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.Main findings: The utilisation of EAPs increased because of COVID-19, yet the reasons for accessing these programmes remained largely consistent before and during COVID-19. At a sub-theme level, the priority of themes differed across the time periods influenced by external context and circumstance.Practical/managerial implications: The study found a need to clearly define employee well-being and reposition the role of EAPs within the organisation. Organisations need to broaden the scope of EAPs and through continuous education and awareness create an environment where employees feel like they can safely access these services.Contribution/value-add: The study contributes towards the current literature on employee well-being and providing a perspective on the relevance, value and utilisation of EAPs before and during a pandemic.

scholarly journals Home Alone or Not? A Mixed Methods Study of Different Perceptions of Social Isolation between Care Managers and Older Housebound Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Older Person ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Care Manager ◽  
Care Managers

Purpose: This paper aims to discuss whether the level of social isolation and loneliness as assessed by care managers corresponds to the level of social isolation and loneliness as perceived by the older persons whose care needs are being assessed. Design/methodology/approach: This mixed methods study followed up the assessment of 40 older people by 20 care managers with a focus on the accuracy of the care manager’s assessment on the level of social isolation experienced by the service user. In order for this to be achieved structured interviews were conducted with both the older person and the care manager assessing their needs, with a specific focus on the assessment of loneliness and social isolation. Following these initial interviews two focus groups were then undertaken with the care manager to discuss the findings and unpack the assessment process. Findings: The key issues were that the true level of social isolation and loneliness was under assessed by the care manager completing the assessment. That the care manager’s assessment was predominantly focused on the physical well-being of the older person and heavily influenced by the assessment paperwork. Originality/value: This provides lessons for professionals about the lack of effectiveness of their assessment of social isolation and loneliness in older people, and the potential impact this has on the older person’s quality of life.

scholarly journals Sense of coherence and job characteristics in predicting burnout in a South African sample

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire S. Johnston ◽  
Gideon P. De Bruin ◽  
Madelyn Geldenhuys ◽  
Christina Györkös ◽  
Koorosh Massoudi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Job Characteristics ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Protective Function ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Curvilinear Relationships

Orientation: Research that considers the effects of individual characteristics and job characteristics jointly in burnout is necessary, especially when one considers the possibility of curvilinear relationships between job characteristics and burnout.Research purpose: This study examines the contribution of sense of coherence (SOC) and job characteristics to predicting burnout by considering direct and moderating effects.Motivation for this study: Understanding the relationships of individual and job characteristics with burnout is necessary for preventing burnout. It also informs the design of interventions.Research design, approach and method: The participants were 632 working adults (57% female) in South Africa. The measures included the Job Content Questionnaire, the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The authors analysed the data using hierarchical multiple regression with the enter method.Main findings: Job characteristics and SOC show the expected direct effects on burnout. SOC has a direct negative effect on burnout. Job demands and supervisor social support show nonlinear relationships with burnout. SOC moderates the effect of demands on burnout and has a protective function so that the demands-burnout relationship differs for those with high and low SOC.Practical/managerial implications: The types of effects, the shape of the stressor-strain relationship and the different contributions of individual and job characteristics have implications for designing interventions.Contribution/value add: SOC functions differently when combined with demands, control and support. These different effects suggest that it is not merely the presence or absence of a job characteristic that is important for well-being outcomes but how people respond to its presence or absence.

scholarly journals Interrogating the Relevance of Home and Community-Based Services in Addressing Old Age Challenges in Lagos State, Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bola Amaike
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Informal Care ◽  
Institutional Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Care Recipients ◽  
Lagos State ◽  
Community Based Services

The article examines the relevance of informal care in addressing old age challenges in Lagos State. Although informal care is an integral aspect of caregiving in Nigeria, it has received little or no attention because of dearth of policy thrust and framework. Older people in Nigeria receive informal care which helps to promote optimal ageing and socio-economic well-being. A total of 1,321 retired older men and women in Lagos State, who were care recipients, were asked to assess the nature and sources of old age care as well as their preferences for old age care. The findings indicate that older people preferred informal care to institutional care because the former promotes autonomy, independence and respect from caregivers. This article is based on older people’s subjective assessment of home and community-based services which serves as a useful guide to researchers and social gerontologists in addressing old age challenges in Lagos State, Nigeria.

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