scholarly journals Conceptualising the professional identity of industrial or organisational psychologists within the South African context

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Llewellyn E. Van Zyl ◽  
Elzabe Nel ◽  
Marius W. Stander ◽  
Sebastiaan Rothmann
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
South African ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Study Data ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
African Context

Orientation: Lack in congruence amongst industrial and organisational psychologists (IOPs) as to the conceptualisation of its profession poses a significant risk as to the relevance, longevity and professional identity of the profession within the South African context.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the professional identity of IOPs within the South African context. Specifically, the aim of this study was four-fold: (1) to develop a contemporary definition for IOP, (2) to investigate IOP roles, (3) to determine how the profession should be labelled and (4) to differentiate IOP from human resource management (HRM) from IOPs’ perspectives within South Africa.Motivation for the study: IOPs do not enjoy the same benefits in stature or status as other professions such as medicine, finances and engineering in the world of work. IOPs need to justify its relevance within organisational contexts as a globally shared understanding of ‘what it is’, ‘what it does’ and ‘what makes it different from other professions’, which is non-existent. In order to enhance its perceived relevance, clarity as to IOPs professional identity is needed.Research design, approach and method: A post-positivistic qualitative content analytic and descriptive research design was employed in this study. Data from practising industrial and organisational psychology (IOP) within South Africa (N = 151) were gathered through an electronic web-based survey and were analysed through thematic content analysis.Main findings: The results indicate that IOP in South Africa seeks to optimise the potential of individuals, groups, organisations and the community by implementing scientific processes to support both individual and organisational wellness and sustainability. ‘Work Psychology’ was considered a more fitting professional designation or label than industrial and/or organisational psychology. The industrial psychologist’s major roles related to the well-being and development of employees. A clear distinction between a more dynamic, pro-active approach of IOP compared to a more transactional approach of HRM was also evident. IOP within South Africa appears to have a community development function.Practical/managerial implications: The longevity, relevance and impact of IOP as a profession requires alignment amongst practitioners as to shared common professional identity.Contribution/value-add: This study provides a contemporary understanding of the roles, functions, labels and unique value proposition of industrial and organisational psychology within the South African context.

Pathways through homelessness: the perceptions of homeless children in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-160
Author(s):  
Anna Wilshire Jones Bornman ◽  
Carol Jean Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Well Being ◽  
South African Context ◽  
Homeless Children ◽  
The South ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
African Context

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore children’s pathways through homelessness within the South African context, with particular attention paid to pathways out of homelessness. This study focusses on factors influencing children’s successful transitions out of homelessness. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative exploratory design was used, using interviews with nine children who had exited or were in the process of exiting homelessness. Interviews were conducted at a children’s shelter in Pietermaritzburg or in the children’s home environments. Interviews were analysed thematically. Findings An ecological framework was used to frame the factors influencing children’s pathways in, through and out of homelessness in the children’s narratives. These included institutions, relationships and intrapersonal strengths and resources. The study suggested that constructive relationships with shelter staff and parental figures, as well as intrapersonal strengths, were the most prominent factors in children successfully negotiating their way through their homelessness. The importance of a relationship with the paternal family within some African cultures was also a point of leverage. Research limitations/implications Implications for policy and practise include the need for systemic change, as well as greater support for shelters and shelter staff. The issue of rivalry in the shelter context and the role of the paternal family in the reintegration process require more research attention. The research is limited to homeless children in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Practical implications This study provided feedback to the shelter regarding their strategies for assisting homeless children off the streets. It further provided evidence for the importance of the work of the shelter, to strengthen advocacy efforts. This may be useful to others in similar circumstances. Social implications This study highlights the importance of macrosystemic interventions in the efforts to assist homeless children, while at the same time not ignoring the inter and intra, personal elements to enhancing their well-being. Originality/value This paper is singular in its exploration of factors influencing children’s successful transitions out of homelessness within the South African context.

Decently transgressing: expressions of female heterosexuality and the discourses of (hetero)sexual pleasure in South Africa

Sexualities ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136346072110374
Author(s):  
Letitia Smuts
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Middle Class ◽  
South African ◽  
Sexual Pleasure ◽  
Sexual Agency ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
Heterosexual Women ◽  
White Middle Class ◽  
African Context

This article explores sexual agency and pleasure among heterosexual women in South Africa. By focussing on Tupperware-style sex-toy parties, this article offers a glimpse into a ‘hidden’ world of white, middle-class women living in Johannesburg. What is revealed in this ethnographic account is that these gatherings promise women new ways of enjoying sex, while remaining within the boundaries of heteronormative notions of (hetero)sex. I use the term ‘decently transgressing’ to capture the ways in which the women in this study make sense of their (hetero)sexual selves and how they negotiate their (hetero)sexual agencies, particularly in relation to past and present heteronormative discourses within the South African context. The findings show that there are tensions between women wanting to embrace their own sexual agency and desires, yet at the same time being limited by certain heteronormative norms.

scholarly journals The comparability of the constructs of the 16PF in the South African context

1999 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Abrahams ◽  
K. F. Mauer
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
South African Context ◽  
Considerable Influence ◽  
The South ◽  
African Context ◽  
Labour Legislation

The primary aims of the study were to determine whether the scores of the 16PF (SA92) are comparable in a crosscultural setting in South Africa, and also to investigate the influence of the gender of the research participants on the scores of the 16PF (SA92). The sample consisted of 983 students who were enrolled at different universities at the time of the field work. The statistical methods involved the application of descriptive statistics as well as methods to determine the comparability of the constructs. The results showed that although race exercised a considerable influence on the findings, this was not necessarily the case as far as gender was concerned. The presence of problems relating to the construct comparability of the test were also identified, as significant differences in means were found between the different race groups. Some of the implications of persisting with the use of the 16PF (SA92) in the South African context are outlined against the background of recently promulgated labour legislation. Opsomming Die primere doelstellings met die onderhawige studie was om die toepaslikheid van die 16PF (SA92) in Suid Afrikaanse konteks met sy diversiteit van kultuurgroepe te evalueer. Die invloed van die geslag van die navorsingsdeelnembers op die resultate is ook nagevors. Die deelnemergroep het bestaan uit 983 studente wat ten tye van die veldwerk aan verskillende universiteite gestudeer het. Benewens normale beskrywende statistiek, is daar ook gebruik gemaak van metodes om konstrukvergelykbaarheid te evalueer. Die bevindings het daarop gedui dat alhoewel ras 'n belangrike invloede op die toetsfaktore uitoefen, dit nie die geval is in soverre dit geslag betref nie. Die teenwoordigheid van probleme het ook ten opsigte van konstrukvergelykbaarheid na vore getree, aangesien betekenis voile verskille tussen gemiddeldes gevind is. Sommige van die implikasies van die volgehoue gebruik van die 16PF (SA92) in Suid Afrika word ook in die lig van die resente arbeidswetgewing bespreek.

Theological Education and Missional Formation in the South African Context

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-191
Author(s):  
Jerry Pillay
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Theological Education ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
African Context ◽  
Missional Formation

This article looks at theological education and missional formation in the South African context. It examines the understanding of theology and mission and connects it with theological education. It then proceeds to explore some of the essential elements that should constitute theological education in the South African context. The aim is to show that theological education in South Africa is in need of transformation.

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.

THE EVOLUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT DEBATES: CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES FROM SOUTH AFRICA

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (04) ◽  
pp. 375-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
FRANCOIS RETIEF
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
South African ◽  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
International Association ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
African Context

This paper explores the evolution of environmental assessment (EA) debates over the last decade within the South African context as reflected in the proceedings of the annual International Association for Impact Assessment, South African chapter (IAIAsa) conferences between 1997 and 2008. Retrospective analysis is important to ensure that the profession avoids unlearning key lessons, keeps and gains perspective, builds the knowledge base and plans for the future. The analysis involved a review of 472 papers presented at these conferences. The results suggest that debates have shifted away from concerns with quality and application of environmental assessment towards serious questions about effectiveness and the value that environmental assessment is adding. It is clear that the profession is currently going through a period of intense introspection, questioning the need for and contribution of EA.

scholarly journals Validation of the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire in a group of Black teachers: The SABPA study

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariette Vosloo ◽  
Johan Potgieter ◽  
Michael Temane ◽  
Suria Ellis ◽  
Tumi Khumalo
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Black Teachers ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychometric Instrument ◽  
African Context ◽  
Total Scale Score

Orientation: Recent literature has emphasised the important role that self-regulation plays in the mental health of individuals. The lack of a validated psychometric instrument to accurately measure self-regulation amongst Black South Africans however limits its potential impact within the challenging South African context.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) when used in a South African context, specifically focusing on Black South Africans.Motivation for the study: By commenting on the ability of the SSRQ to accurately capture the construct of self-regulation amongst Black educators, the current article serves to address and alleviate the lacunae in our understanding of self-regulation as a potentially protective factor.Research design, approach and method: The study was of a quantitative nature, and made use of a cross-sectional design and purposively selected study sample. Participants were urbanised Black teachers (N = 200) who completed the SSRQ and other measures of self-regulation and psychological well-being.Main findings: The reliability of the SSRQ total scale score proved satisfactory. Factor analysis produced five robust sub-constructs that were theoretically interpretable. Significant correlations between the SSRQ and other measures of self-regulation and psychological well-being also indicated good criterion-related validity.Practical/managerial implications: The availability of a reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of self-regulation in the South African context will enable both researchers and practitioners to better understand and utilise self-regulation in the enhancement of individual well-being.Contribution/value-add: The SSRQ’s ability to accurately measure self-regulation will contribute to our understanding of its role as preventive strength in the South African context. Refinement of item content will serve to further strengthen the SSRQ’s factor structure, and improve its validity for use within the Black South African population.

scholarly journals The validation of a workplace incivility scale within the South African banking industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Smidt ◽  
Leon T. De Beer ◽  
Lizelle Brink ◽  
Michael P. Leiter
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Banking Industry ◽  
Workplace Incivility ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
African Context ◽  
Negative Predictor

Orientation: Workplace incivility holds consequences for both individuals and organisations. Managers are becoming increasingly aware of this phenomenon. Currently, there is no workplace incivility scale validated for use within the South African context. Research purpose: To investigate the reliability and validity of the adapted workplace incivility scale by Leiter and colleagues for use within South Africa. Motivation for the study: As it is currently difficult to measure workplace incivility within the South African context because of the lack of a valid and reliable scale, it is necessary to validate such a scale.Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional research approach was used for the study. Convenience sampling (N = 345) was used within the South African banking industry. Specifically, the factor structure, convergent validity, discriminant validity and predictive validity were investigated in order to establish the overall validity of the scale. Main findings: The results confirmed that the scale showed a three-factor structure as bestfitting with acceptable reliability coefficients. Furthermore, discriminant validity could be shown between workplace incivility and workplace bullying, that is, supporting that these two constructs are not the same phenomenon. In terms of relationships, colleague incivility did not significantly predict any of the outcome variables and instigated incivility only being a negative predictor of job satisfaction and a borderline statistically significant negative predictor of work engagement. However, supervisor incivility predicted all the outcomes negatively. Practical/Managerial implications: Based on the results, workplace incivility should be addressed because of the harmful effects it can have, not only on employees but also on organisations. It is therefore necessary for managers to create awareness of workplace incivility in order to ensure that it does not integrate within the organisational culture and affect individual and organisational performance. Contribution/Value-add: The study contributes to the limited research available in South Africa regarding workplace incivility by providing a scale that is valid and reliable.

scholarly journals Being on top of your game at the bottom of the pyramid

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pravina D. Oodith ◽  
Sanjana Brijball Parumasur
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
South African ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Bottom Of The Pyramid ◽  
Collaborative Effort ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
African Context

This paper analysed the viability of Prahalad’s Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) proposition within the South Africa context as a mechanism to eradicate/minimize poverty by ensuring a joint collaborative effort by government, NGOs, large domestic firms, multinational corporations (MNCs) as well as the poverty stricken citizens themselves. It conceptualized the BOP proposition and, having reviewed statistics on the extent of poverty globally and in South African in particular, confirmed that the BOP is a lucrative market in the South African context. From the paper, it is evident that the BOP proposition, if effectively implemented, has the potential to reduce poverty in South Africa and increase the profits of MNCs. It then reviewed Prahalad’s twelve Principles of Innovation and strategically divided these into six differentiation and six low-cost strategies. The paper concludes by articulating creative strategies (based on Prahalad’s 12 principles of innovation) for active participation and competitive advantage at the bottom of the pyramid, which are vividly presented in a model for strategic partners especially multinational corporations (MNCs) to adopt when expanding their scale of operations to incorporate the BOP market.

scholarly journals Comparing the Application of The Islamic Law of Succession and Administration of Estates in Singapore with South Africa

Obiter ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-135
Author(s):  
Muneer Abduroaf
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
South African Context ◽  
The South ◽  
Muslim Population ◽  
International Obligations ◽  
African Context ◽  
Law Of Succession ◽  
Liability Claims

This article investigates how the Islamic law of succession and administration of estates is applied in Singapore and South Africa with regard to the “Islamic will”. This kind of will includes a provision where the testator or testatrix states that his or her estate must be distributed in terms of the Islamic law of succession. This requires an Islamic law expert or an Islamic organisation to draft an Islamic distribution certificate stating who the beneficiaries of the person are. The distribution certificate is drafted after the testator or testatrix has died. An Islamic distribution certificate within the Singaporean context is specifically compared with one in the South African context. This article looks at whether features found in the Singaporean model can be applied to the South African context. An overview of the Muslim population in Singapore and South Africa is presented by way of introduction. This is followed by an examination of the constitutional and international obligations of the two countries in light of their equality provisions, and a comparative analysis of the Islamic law of succession and administration of estates in the two countries. The focus areas looked at are liability claims, testate succession claims and intestate succession claims. A brief analysis of the findings and concluding remarks are made at the end of the article.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document