Abstract
D.Comm.
The aim of my study was to attain new insights into the dynamic interactions between
the family and the workplace. Furthermore, the aim of this research project is to
contribute methodologically, theoretically, practically and scientifically to the theme of
workplace and family stress. For the purpose of my study I believe that a qualitative
as opposed to a quantitative methodology is more appropriate. Literature reviewed
on these methodologies, led me to the opinion that I would be in a position to express
myself fully, with my own worldview, which I would probably not have been able to do
with quantitative research. A contemporary qualitative research method was used to
ultimately develop my substantive model. My unit of analysis was people from an
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions provider. I made use of semistandardised
interviews to gather my data and paid attention to the considerations for
effective qualitative interviewing and preparation as pointed out by Mason (1996). I
ended up interviewing six individuals after reaching a point of saturation. This is the
point where I ascertained that the interviews could not contribute meaningfully to the
information that I had already gathered with regard to the categories. I followed the
law as laid down by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The
interviews were transcribed and I commenced with the Grounded Theory process.
Furthermore, I adhered to the guidelines for assessing the quality of my study as
indicated by Lincoln and Guba (1985) and Marshall and Rossman (1999).
The results of this Grounded Theory process enabled me in the design of my
substantive model. Three core dimensions emerged from the design process,
namely, the job, the family and the personality, which I termed the internal
environment. These dimensions formed the central part of the substantive model.
The substantive model depicted the unidirectional interactions of the core dimensions
mentioned. The model also depicts the external environment and the universe as
influencing forces on the core dimensions. Even though the external environment
and the universe were not part of the scope of the study I felt that it was necessary to
include them in the model. In essence the model described my definion of the family
setting, namely:
“The family setting is a complex, meaningful system of unidirectional interactions
between the family, the job, the personalities, the external environment and the
universe of all the individuals concerned” (as defined by the author).
In closure, I believe that the theoretical, methodological and practical, contributions
derived from this study will add significant value to further exploration of this topic.