Entrepreneurship and subjective well-being : Does the motivation to start-up a firm matter?
- Amoros, Jos´e Ernesto, Cristi, Oscar, Naudé, Wim
- Authors: Amoros, Jos´e Ernesto , Cristi, Oscar , Naudé, Wim
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Well-being , Necessity-driven entrepreneurship , Motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/491063 , uj:44819 , Citation: Amorós, J.E., Cristi, O. and Naudé, W., 2021. Entrepreneurship and subjective well-being: Does the motivation to start-up a firm matter?. Journal of Business Research, 127, pp.389-398. , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.11.044
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
- Authors: Amoros, Jos´e Ernesto , Cristi, Oscar , Naudé, Wim
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Well-being , Necessity-driven entrepreneurship , Motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/491063 , uj:44819 , Citation: Amorós, J.E., Cristi, O. and Naudé, W., 2021. Entrepreneurship and subjective well-being: Does the motivation to start-up a firm matter?. Journal of Business Research, 127, pp.389-398. , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.11.044
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract
- Full Text:
Relationship between manager credibility, strategic alignment and employee motivation
- Lees, Daisy, Dhanpat, Nelesh
- Authors: Lees, Daisy , Dhanpat, Nelesh
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Motivation , Credibility , Strategic fit
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/481338 , uj:43611 , Citation: Lees, D. & Dhanpat, N. 2021. Relationship between manager credibility, strategic alignment and employee motivation.
- Description: Abstract: Orientation: In today’s volatile and dynamic business environment, organisations need to continuously seek opportunities to increase their competitiveness through the human capital they employ. A sound understanding of factors that influence manager credibility, strategic alignment and employee motivation could enable organisations to proactively implement interventions that improve their competitive stance. Research purpose: This study sought to examine the relationship between manager credibility, strategic alignment and motivation. The role of strategic alignment as a mediator between manager credibility and motivation was also explored. Motivation for the study: Organisations need to have employees that are motivated and have a strategic fit. Managers play a significant role in fostering such. More so, it is essential to highlight the vital role that managers play in strategic alignment and employee motivation. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative and cross-sectional research design was used. Non-probability sampling was employed, and data were collected by using established questionnaires from a sample of N = 3112. Participants of the study are employed within various industries based in South Africa, Southern Africa and the United States of America. The data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lees, Daisy , Dhanpat, Nelesh
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Motivation , Credibility , Strategic fit
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/481338 , uj:43611 , Citation: Lees, D. & Dhanpat, N. 2021. Relationship between manager credibility, strategic alignment and employee motivation.
- Description: Abstract: Orientation: In today’s volatile and dynamic business environment, organisations need to continuously seek opportunities to increase their competitiveness through the human capital they employ. A sound understanding of factors that influence manager credibility, strategic alignment and employee motivation could enable organisations to proactively implement interventions that improve their competitive stance. Research purpose: This study sought to examine the relationship between manager credibility, strategic alignment and motivation. The role of strategic alignment as a mediator between manager credibility and motivation was also explored. Motivation for the study: Organisations need to have employees that are motivated and have a strategic fit. Managers play a significant role in fostering such. More so, it is essential to highlight the vital role that managers play in strategic alignment and employee motivation. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative and cross-sectional research design was used. Non-probability sampling was employed, and data were collected by using established questionnaires from a sample of N = 3112. Participants of the study are employed within various industries based in South Africa, Southern Africa and the United States of America. The data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics...
- Full Text:
South African female entrepreneurs’ motivational factors : differences between young and established businesses owners
- Meyer, Natanya, Krüger, Niël
- Authors: Meyer, Natanya , Krüger, Niël
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Small and medium enterprises , Motivation , Business sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/481873 , uj:43677 , Citation: Meyer, N. & Krüger, N. 2021. South African female entrepreneurs’ motivational factors : differences between young and established businesses owners.
- Description: Abstract: Entrepreneurship has been pointed out as a contributing factor leading to increased job creation, sustained economic development and ultimately economic growth. However, many young businesses struggle to survive the first 3 years subsequently jeopardising the full potential they may have towards contributing to the economy. Literature suggest that motivational factors may have a contributing role towards business sustainability and that the reason people decide to start or remain in business might play a part in business survival. The purpose of this study was to determine which motivational factors female entrepreneurs deem most important and whether these factors differ between young and more established entrepreneurs within the South African context. The study made use of primary data obtained through self-administered questionnaires. A convenience sampling technique was used resulting in a final sample of 515 small to medium female business owners in South Africa. Various statistical techniques were employed to analyse the data including internal-consistency reliability, descriptive statistics, factor analysis and an independent sample t-test. Results indicated that contribution to others and independence as motivation yielded the highest means followed by self-fulfilment and having a high status in the community. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference between entrepreneurs with less than 3 years’ experience and those with more than 3 years’ experience was only observed for the self-fulfilment motivation. In more established businesses, the entrepreneurs had higher motivation to focus on self-fulfilment aspects. The study showed that South African female entrepreneurs could be considered more socially motivated and less profit-driven, this is also to some extent supported by literature.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meyer, Natanya , Krüger, Niël
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Small and medium enterprises , Motivation , Business sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/481873 , uj:43677 , Citation: Meyer, N. & Krüger, N. 2021. South African female entrepreneurs’ motivational factors : differences between young and established businesses owners.
- Description: Abstract: Entrepreneurship has been pointed out as a contributing factor leading to increased job creation, sustained economic development and ultimately economic growth. However, many young businesses struggle to survive the first 3 years subsequently jeopardising the full potential they may have towards contributing to the economy. Literature suggest that motivational factors may have a contributing role towards business sustainability and that the reason people decide to start or remain in business might play a part in business survival. The purpose of this study was to determine which motivational factors female entrepreneurs deem most important and whether these factors differ between young and more established entrepreneurs within the South African context. The study made use of primary data obtained through self-administered questionnaires. A convenience sampling technique was used resulting in a final sample of 515 small to medium female business owners in South Africa. Various statistical techniques were employed to analyse the data including internal-consistency reliability, descriptive statistics, factor analysis and an independent sample t-test. Results indicated that contribution to others and independence as motivation yielded the highest means followed by self-fulfilment and having a high status in the community. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference between entrepreneurs with less than 3 years’ experience and those with more than 3 years’ experience was only observed for the self-fulfilment motivation. In more established businesses, the entrepreneurs had higher motivation to focus on self-fulfilment aspects. The study showed that South African female entrepreneurs could be considered more socially motivated and less profit-driven, this is also to some extent supported by literature.
- Full Text:
A model to facilitate transformative learning in nursing education
- Tsimane, Tebogo A., Downing, Charlene
- Authors: Tsimane, Tebogo A. , Downing, Charlene
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Learning , Motivation , Nursing faculty
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/433032 , uj:37428 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.04.006 , Citation: Tsimane, T.A. & Downing, C. 2020. A model to facilitate transformative learning in nursing education.
- Description: Abstract: Objective: Transformative learning is a learner-centered process of learning. Learners are actively engaged through critical reflection and discourse to question assumptions and expectations. The purpose of this article is to describe a model to facilitate transformative learning in nursing education. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design for theory generation was selected in this study to describe a model to facilitate transformative learning in nursing education. Concept analysis of transformative learning was done in the first stage of the main study using Walker and Avant’s eight step approach to clarify the conceptual identification and meaning. The results of concept analysis guided data collection in the second stage. Eleven individual agenda semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurse educators to explore and describe their perceptions regarding how transformative learning can be facilitated in nursing education. Matrix building approach was used to analyse the collected data. The third stage constituted the conceptualisation of findings from the second stage using relevant literature within the elements of practice theory. The fourth stage focused on the description and evaluation of a model to facilitate transformative learning in nursing education. Findings: Four themes and nine sub-themes emerged and were conceptualised within the six elements of practice theory namely the context, agent, recipient, dynamic, process and procedure and outcome. Conclusion: The relation statements provided the basis for model description. Reliable method was used to describe and evaluate the model. The refinement of the model by experts in model development and qualitative research was made.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tsimane, Tebogo A. , Downing, Charlene
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Learning , Motivation , Nursing faculty
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/433032 , uj:37428 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.04.006 , Citation: Tsimane, T.A. & Downing, C. 2020. A model to facilitate transformative learning in nursing education.
- Description: Abstract: Objective: Transformative learning is a learner-centered process of learning. Learners are actively engaged through critical reflection and discourse to question assumptions and expectations. The purpose of this article is to describe a model to facilitate transformative learning in nursing education. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design for theory generation was selected in this study to describe a model to facilitate transformative learning in nursing education. Concept analysis of transformative learning was done in the first stage of the main study using Walker and Avant’s eight step approach to clarify the conceptual identification and meaning. The results of concept analysis guided data collection in the second stage. Eleven individual agenda semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurse educators to explore and describe their perceptions regarding how transformative learning can be facilitated in nursing education. Matrix building approach was used to analyse the collected data. The third stage constituted the conceptualisation of findings from the second stage using relevant literature within the elements of practice theory. The fourth stage focused on the description and evaluation of a model to facilitate transformative learning in nursing education. Findings: Four themes and nine sub-themes emerged and were conceptualised within the six elements of practice theory namely the context, agent, recipient, dynamic, process and procedure and outcome. Conclusion: The relation statements provided the basis for model description. Reliable method was used to describe and evaluate the model. The refinement of the model by experts in model development and qualitative research was made.
- Full Text:
Attitudinal and motivational variations between Malawian and Nigerian immigrants with regard to the acquisition of IsiZulu and towards its speakers in Johannesburg
- Mtumane, Zilibele, Mzoma, Shoaib
- Authors: Mtumane, Zilibele , Mzoma, Shoaib
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Attitudes , Motivation , Malawian and Nigerian
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/455375 , uj:40302 , Citation: Mtumane, Z. & Mzoma, S. 2020. Attitudinal and motivational variations between Malawian and Nigerian immigrants with regard to the acquisition of IsiZulu and towards its speakers in Johannesburg.
- Description: Abstract: This paper aims to explore, compare and analyse Malawian and Nigerian immigrants’ attitudes and motivation regarding the acquisition of isiZulu and towards its speakers in Johannesburg. The two central objectives of the article were, first; to determine the types of attitudes and motivations held by each of the two groupings towards isiZulu and its speakers. Second; to establish the underlying reasons for the differences between the two. Being investigative and exploratory in nature, the study adopted a phenomenological qualitative research approach, in order to get to the bottom of the problem. The data collected from one-on-one interview method were thematically analysed. Participants’ attitudes were inferred from their responses and reactions to various language learning situations, such as the tendency of the Zulus...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mtumane, Zilibele , Mzoma, Shoaib
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Attitudes , Motivation , Malawian and Nigerian
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/455375 , uj:40302 , Citation: Mtumane, Z. & Mzoma, S. 2020. Attitudinal and motivational variations between Malawian and Nigerian immigrants with regard to the acquisition of IsiZulu and towards its speakers in Johannesburg.
- Description: Abstract: This paper aims to explore, compare and analyse Malawian and Nigerian immigrants’ attitudes and motivation regarding the acquisition of isiZulu and towards its speakers in Johannesburg. The two central objectives of the article were, first; to determine the types of attitudes and motivations held by each of the two groupings towards isiZulu and its speakers. Second; to establish the underlying reasons for the differences between the two. Being investigative and exploratory in nature, the study adopted a phenomenological qualitative research approach, in order to get to the bottom of the problem. The data collected from one-on-one interview method were thematically analysed. Participants’ attitudes were inferred from their responses and reactions to various language learning situations, such as the tendency of the Zulus...
- Full Text:
Factors influencing motivation of nurse leaders in a private hospital group in Gauteng, South Africa : a quantitative study
- Breed, Maria, Downing, Charlene, Ally, Hafisa
- Authors: Breed, Maria , Downing, Charlene , Ally, Hafisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Motivation , Leadership , Unit managers
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/412176 , uj:34672 , Citation: Breed, M., Downing, C. & Ally, H., 2020, ‘Factors influencing motivation of nurse leaders in a private hospital group in Gauteng, South Africa: A quantitative study’, Curationis 43(1), a2011. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/curationis. v43i1.2011 , ISSN: (Online) 2223-6279
- Description: Abstract: Background: Nurse leadership is about aligning employees to a vision. This happens with buy-in, motivation and communication. When conducive environments are created by organisations, the motivation of nurse leaders will be enhanced, which will have a positive outcome on the organisation. Highly motivated nurse leaders accomplish more and are more productive. Nurse leadership is an essential source of support, mentorship and role modelling. These attributes tend to be more evident when nurse leaders are motivated. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence the motivation of nurse leaders. Method: A quantitative, descriptive design and stratified sampling was used. Participants comprised unit managers (n = 49) from five hospitals in a private hospital group in South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire, namely, the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale, was used to collect the data. Data were analysed using the IBM SPSS 22.0 program. Results: The results indicated that the nurse leaders in this study were intrinsically motivated. Their motivation was influenced by support, relatedness, autonomy and competence. No relationships were found between motivation and age, years in a management position, gender, qualifications and staff-reporting structure. Conclusion: By implication, to understand what motivates nurse leaders and to keep them motivated, recommendations were proposed to nursing and human resources management. It is expected that the implementation of the recommendations will have a positive influence on patient outcomes, organisational success and the motivation and satisfaction of nurse leaders.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Breed, Maria , Downing, Charlene , Ally, Hafisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Motivation , Leadership , Unit managers
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/412176 , uj:34672 , Citation: Breed, M., Downing, C. & Ally, H., 2020, ‘Factors influencing motivation of nurse leaders in a private hospital group in Gauteng, South Africa: A quantitative study’, Curationis 43(1), a2011. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/curationis. v43i1.2011 , ISSN: (Online) 2223-6279
- Description: Abstract: Background: Nurse leadership is about aligning employees to a vision. This happens with buy-in, motivation and communication. When conducive environments are created by organisations, the motivation of nurse leaders will be enhanced, which will have a positive outcome on the organisation. Highly motivated nurse leaders accomplish more and are more productive. Nurse leadership is an essential source of support, mentorship and role modelling. These attributes tend to be more evident when nurse leaders are motivated. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence the motivation of nurse leaders. Method: A quantitative, descriptive design and stratified sampling was used. Participants comprised unit managers (n = 49) from five hospitals in a private hospital group in South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire, namely, the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale, was used to collect the data. Data were analysed using the IBM SPSS 22.0 program. Results: The results indicated that the nurse leaders in this study were intrinsically motivated. Their motivation was influenced by support, relatedness, autonomy and competence. No relationships were found between motivation and age, years in a management position, gender, qualifications and staff-reporting structure. Conclusion: By implication, to understand what motivates nurse leaders and to keep them motivated, recommendations were proposed to nursing and human resources management. It is expected that the implementation of the recommendations will have a positive influence on patient outcomes, organisational success and the motivation and satisfaction of nurse leaders.
- Full Text:
Peer tutors’ views on their role in motivating learners to learn mathematics
- Roberts, Abigail K., Spangenberg, Erica D.
- Authors: Roberts, Abigail K. , Spangenberg, Erica D.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mathematics , Motivation , Peer tutor
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/453493 , uj:40038 , ISSN: (Online) 2223-7895 , Citation: Roberts, A.K., & Spangenberg, E.D. (2020). Peer tutors’ views on their role in motivating learners to learn mathematics. Pythagoras, 41(1), a520. https://doi.org/10.4102/ pythagoras.v41i1.520
- Description: Abstract: Many learners are unmotivated to learn mathematics due to a lack of attention, irrelevance of mathematics, low self-confidence and dissatisfaction. However, peer tutoring can afford learners opportunities to engage with other individuals who have overcome similar challenges in the learning of mathematics and who can motivate them to become increasingly mindful of the task at hand at their own pace in a one-on-one relationship. This article reports on Grade 12 peer tutors’ views on their role in motivating Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners to learn mathematics in relation to the four categories of learner motivation, namely attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction (ARCS). The four categories adapted from the ARCS model of motivation were used as a lens to view and analyse the data using theoretical thematic analysis. This qualitative article utilised pre- and post-interviews as data collection instruments. Ten of the best-performing Grade 12 learners at an ex-model C school in Gauteng province in South Africa were purposively selected to participate in the research. The findings revealed that peer tutors view their role to motivate learners to learn mathematics peculiar to seven positions, which can inform future research on intervention strategies to improve mathematics performance. This article introduces research on an adapted use of the ARCS model of motivation in motivating learners to learn mathematics, which is a novel way of bringing new perspectives to research on motivation in mathematics at secondary school level.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Roberts, Abigail K. , Spangenberg, Erica D.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mathematics , Motivation , Peer tutor
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/453493 , uj:40038 , ISSN: (Online) 2223-7895 , Citation: Roberts, A.K., & Spangenberg, E.D. (2020). Peer tutors’ views on their role in motivating learners to learn mathematics. Pythagoras, 41(1), a520. https://doi.org/10.4102/ pythagoras.v41i1.520
- Description: Abstract: Many learners are unmotivated to learn mathematics due to a lack of attention, irrelevance of mathematics, low self-confidence and dissatisfaction. However, peer tutoring can afford learners opportunities to engage with other individuals who have overcome similar challenges in the learning of mathematics and who can motivate them to become increasingly mindful of the task at hand at their own pace in a one-on-one relationship. This article reports on Grade 12 peer tutors’ views on their role in motivating Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners to learn mathematics in relation to the four categories of learner motivation, namely attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction (ARCS). The four categories adapted from the ARCS model of motivation were used as a lens to view and analyse the data using theoretical thematic analysis. This qualitative article utilised pre- and post-interviews as data collection instruments. Ten of the best-performing Grade 12 learners at an ex-model C school in Gauteng province in South Africa were purposively selected to participate in the research. The findings revealed that peer tutors view their role to motivate learners to learn mathematics peculiar to seven positions, which can inform future research on intervention strategies to improve mathematics performance. This article introduces research on an adapted use of the ARCS model of motivation in motivating learners to learn mathematics, which is a novel way of bringing new perspectives to research on motivation in mathematics at secondary school level.
- Full Text:
The psychology and technology mix : exploring the design of a gamified solution using persuasive technology
- Authors: Mabuto, Wadzanai
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gamification , Motivation , Student engagement
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403450 , uj:33810 , Citation: Mabuto, W. 2019. The psychology and technology mix : exploring the design of a gamified solution using persuasive technology.
- Description: Abstract: As the world stands at the brink of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, educators have had to reconsider their teaching practises and the impact thereof. Technological advancement, however, cannot progress without taking into account the human element of the intended end users. This paper uses a case study approach to explore how educators can apply persuasive technology frameworks in designing gamified solutions in order to increase student motivation to work consistently and to assist them with taking ownership of their learning process. We use the example of a gamified solution which was developed for students enrolled in a financial management module at the University of Johannesburg. The gamified solution introduces a new approach to creating an environment that is conducive to students being motivated to work consistently during the semester. Through the use of choice architecture, this gamified solution nudges the students to make right decisions for themselves without infringing on their freedom of choice. This paper also highlights the importance of applying multidisciplinary perspectives into intervention development. In particular, the gamified solution discussed in this paper, incorporates principles from: behavioural economics, persuasive technology theories, and educational psychology. Broadly, this paper tackles the question on how innovations within the context of the fourth industrial revolution can be used to re-engineer the delivery of tertiary education towards student-centred approaches.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mabuto, Wadzanai
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gamification , Motivation , Student engagement
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403450 , uj:33810 , Citation: Mabuto, W. 2019. The psychology and technology mix : exploring the design of a gamified solution using persuasive technology.
- Description: Abstract: As the world stands at the brink of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, educators have had to reconsider their teaching practises and the impact thereof. Technological advancement, however, cannot progress without taking into account the human element of the intended end users. This paper uses a case study approach to explore how educators can apply persuasive technology frameworks in designing gamified solutions in order to increase student motivation to work consistently and to assist them with taking ownership of their learning process. We use the example of a gamified solution which was developed for students enrolled in a financial management module at the University of Johannesburg. The gamified solution introduces a new approach to creating an environment that is conducive to students being motivated to work consistently during the semester. Through the use of choice architecture, this gamified solution nudges the students to make right decisions for themselves without infringing on their freedom of choice. This paper also highlights the importance of applying multidisciplinary perspectives into intervention development. In particular, the gamified solution discussed in this paper, incorporates principles from: behavioural economics, persuasive technology theories, and educational psychology. Broadly, this paper tackles the question on how innovations within the context of the fourth industrial revolution can be used to re-engineer the delivery of tertiary education towards student-centred approaches.
- Full Text:
Motivation for solitude : a cross-cultural examination of adolescents from collectivist and individualist cultures in South Africa
- Van Zyl, Casper J.J., Dankaert, Esmarilda, Guse, Tharina
- Authors: Van Zyl, Casper J.J. , Dankaert, Esmarilda , Guse, Tharina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Motivation , Solitude , Cross-cultural
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/260603 , uj:27445 , Citation: Van Zyl, C.J.J., Dankaert, E. & Guse, T. 2018. Motivation for solitude : a cross-cultural examination of adolescents from collectivist and individualist cultures in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Solitude during adolescence is a potentially double edged sword. Involuntary (non-self-determined solitude) is associated with loneliness, which is known to predict many forms of psychological ill-being. In contrast, freely chosen (self-determined solitude) is associated with healthy developmental outcomes. It is possible that cultural attitudes towards solitude could influence the way adolescents think about and engage in solitude. The present study examined whether South African adolescents from individualist and collectivist cultures differ in their motivations for solitude, using the Motivation for Solitude Scale (MSS-SF). Respondents included 426 adolescents from collectivist and 266 from individualist cultures, between 14 and 18 years of age (mean age = 15.7). For valid cross-cultural comparisons, measurement equivalence was established using invariance and differential item functioning analysis. Results for the measurement invariance analysis (MI) marginally failed to support scalar invariance. Given criticism that MI is overly restrictive, Rasch analysis was used to test for uniform DIF, which supported invariance. Next, Bayesian analysis was used to investigate group differences. There was no difference between the cultural groups for non-self-determined solitude, but, adolescents from individualist cultures were less likely to engage in self-determined solitude. Results support the cross-cultural application of the MSS-SF, and point to a possible cultural bias against self-determined solitude in individualist cultures, despite its potential benefits.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Zyl, Casper J.J. , Dankaert, Esmarilda , Guse, Tharina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Motivation , Solitude , Cross-cultural
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/260603 , uj:27445 , Citation: Van Zyl, C.J.J., Dankaert, E. & Guse, T. 2018. Motivation for solitude : a cross-cultural examination of adolescents from collectivist and individualist cultures in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Solitude during adolescence is a potentially double edged sword. Involuntary (non-self-determined solitude) is associated with loneliness, which is known to predict many forms of psychological ill-being. In contrast, freely chosen (self-determined solitude) is associated with healthy developmental outcomes. It is possible that cultural attitudes towards solitude could influence the way adolescents think about and engage in solitude. The present study examined whether South African adolescents from individualist and collectivist cultures differ in their motivations for solitude, using the Motivation for Solitude Scale (MSS-SF). Respondents included 426 adolescents from collectivist and 266 from individualist cultures, between 14 and 18 years of age (mean age = 15.7). For valid cross-cultural comparisons, measurement equivalence was established using invariance and differential item functioning analysis. Results for the measurement invariance analysis (MI) marginally failed to support scalar invariance. Given criticism that MI is overly restrictive, Rasch analysis was used to test for uniform DIF, which supported invariance. Next, Bayesian analysis was used to investigate group differences. There was no difference between the cultural groups for non-self-determined solitude, but, adolescents from individualist cultures were less likely to engage in self-determined solitude. Results support the cross-cultural application of the MSS-SF, and point to a possible cultural bias against self-determined solitude in individualist cultures, despite its potential benefits.
- Full Text:
The effect of human capital investment and motivation on miners’ productivity at a South African Platinum mine
- Makhubedu, Lucky Boy Tebogo, Nwobodo-Anyadiegwu, Eveth Nkeiruka, Mbohwa, Charles
- Authors: Makhubedu, Lucky Boy Tebogo , Nwobodo-Anyadiegwu, Eveth Nkeiruka , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Human Capital Investment , Motivation , Productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/244500 , uj:25283 , Citation: Makhubedu, L.B.T., Nwobodo-Anyadiegwu, E. & Mbohwa, C. 2017. The effect of human capital investment and motivation on miners’ productivity at a South African Platinum mine.
- Description: Abstract: Human capital investment and employee motivation are mechanisms that mining companies can use to enhance labour performance, improve organizational productivity, optimise profitability, and achieve long-term competitive advantage. This paper investigates the effects of human capital investment and motivation on mineworkers’ labour productivity at a South African Platinum mine. This study adopted a quantitative research strategy. A structured questionnaire was used to survey (n = 292) miners. SPSS version 23.0 was performed to measure the relationship between miners’ perception of subsets of human capital investment and motivation versus identified key production variables from two distinctive reefs – the Upper Ground (UG2) Reef and Merensky reef. The statistical findings corroborated the two hypotheses tested.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makhubedu, Lucky Boy Tebogo , Nwobodo-Anyadiegwu, Eveth Nkeiruka , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Human Capital Investment , Motivation , Productivity
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/244500 , uj:25283 , Citation: Makhubedu, L.B.T., Nwobodo-Anyadiegwu, E. & Mbohwa, C. 2017. The effect of human capital investment and motivation on miners’ productivity at a South African Platinum mine.
- Description: Abstract: Human capital investment and employee motivation are mechanisms that mining companies can use to enhance labour performance, improve organizational productivity, optimise profitability, and achieve long-term competitive advantage. This paper investigates the effects of human capital investment and motivation on mineworkers’ labour productivity at a South African Platinum mine. This study adopted a quantitative research strategy. A structured questionnaire was used to survey (n = 292) miners. SPSS version 23.0 was performed to measure the relationship between miners’ perception of subsets of human capital investment and motivation versus identified key production variables from two distinctive reefs – the Upper Ground (UG2) Reef and Merensky reef. The statistical findings corroborated the two hypotheses tested.
- Full Text:
Leadership challenges associated with the management of Generation Y employees : a proposed theoretical model
- Hewitt, L. M. M., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Hewitt, L. M. M. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Management , Leadership , Generation Y , Gen-Yers , Motivation , Entrepreneurial orientation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5861 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7958
- Description: This paper acknowledges that Generation Y (Gen-Yers), who have grown up in a world of convenience and easy access to information, are more complex to lead and to understand than generations before them. Gen-Yers have entered the labour market at a time when the current labour force is aging in the world and in South Africa. Gen-Yers are working with forty to sixty-year-olds and in some cases supervising employees old enough to be their parents. If unhappy with work circumstances Gen-Yers change careers fast, thus creating frustration for employers struggling to retain and recruit talented high-performers. According to the report for the Future of Small Business Management (2007) issued by the Institute for the Future (IFTF) based in California which has forecasted emerging trends affecting the global marketplace for 40 years, Gen-Yers, will emerge as the most entrepreneurial generation ever in the next decade. These highly independent individuals will rather be small business owners or freelancers and will choose not to work for large corporations. What are the leadership challenges facing South African companies when they engage with Gen-Yers? Firstly, this paper explores the concept Gen-Yers, as discussed in the theory. Secondly the paper further explores possible conflicting areas between current leadership practices and Gen-Yers. The paper concludes by supporting the value that Gen-Yers can bring to companies and suggests some practices that can be adopted by leadership to engage and motivate them and at the same time ensure that their companies stay ahead of competitors by keeping Gen-Yers motivated to stay in their employment. A theoretical model is suggested for testing Gen-Yers tenure of employment relationship.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hewitt, L. M. M. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Management , Leadership , Generation Y , Gen-Yers , Motivation , Entrepreneurial orientation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5861 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7958
- Description: This paper acknowledges that Generation Y (Gen-Yers), who have grown up in a world of convenience and easy access to information, are more complex to lead and to understand than generations before them. Gen-Yers have entered the labour market at a time when the current labour force is aging in the world and in South Africa. Gen-Yers are working with forty to sixty-year-olds and in some cases supervising employees old enough to be their parents. If unhappy with work circumstances Gen-Yers change careers fast, thus creating frustration for employers struggling to retain and recruit talented high-performers. According to the report for the Future of Small Business Management (2007) issued by the Institute for the Future (IFTF) based in California which has forecasted emerging trends affecting the global marketplace for 40 years, Gen-Yers, will emerge as the most entrepreneurial generation ever in the next decade. These highly independent individuals will rather be small business owners or freelancers and will choose not to work for large corporations. What are the leadership challenges facing South African companies when they engage with Gen-Yers? Firstly, this paper explores the concept Gen-Yers, as discussed in the theory. Secondly the paper further explores possible conflicting areas between current leadership practices and Gen-Yers. The paper concludes by supporting the value that Gen-Yers can bring to companies and suggests some practices that can be adopted by leadership to engage and motivate them and at the same time ensure that their companies stay ahead of competitors by keeping Gen-Yers motivated to stay in their employment. A theoretical model is suggested for testing Gen-Yers tenure of employment relationship.
- Full Text:
Strategies to improve the level of employee motivation in the fast food outlets in Cape Town, South Africa
- Ukandu, Nnenna E., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Ukandu, Nnenna E. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Motivation , Work environment , Working conditions , Organizational commitment , Job satisfaction , Employee performance , Employee recognition , Employee promotion , Fast food workers
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5782 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7789
- Description: Motivation increases the level of performances of employees and also increases their commitment in the workplace. This implies that motivating workers is very important. The fast food workers are unique and have their individual needs, potentials, values and goals. Job satisfaction leads to job motivation. Therefore, when workers are satisfied, they tend to be motivated to work. The study points out the strategies that could be used to improve the level of motivation of the fast food workers and also discusses the causes of low employee motivation within the organization. This will also assist the management of the fast food industries in improving the performances of their employees. A case study approach was used for the survey because only the fast food industries were involved. Information was obtained from both the operational workers, administration, cashiers and the managers. A total of 200 closed-ended questionnaires and open-ended semi-interview questions were distributed and 123 employees responded which gave a response rate of 62.5%. Research proved that the rate of personal growth of the employee’s in their workplace was not satisfactory with a rate of 56.1% respondents. Also, the flexible time plan was not satisfactory to the workers because they were being given a flexible time sometimes especially when their workplace is very busy. In addition, the employee’s were not given the privilege of making decision in their workplace especially in the areas that concerns them. However, the researcher recommended that the fast food workers should be empowered in different ways, to give them opportunities to share their views. Also, the skills should be developed through coaching and feedback system. The study includes only the fast food workers that have at least six (6) months experience. This is to obtain a reliable and valid result.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ukandu, Nnenna E. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Motivation , Work environment , Working conditions , Organizational commitment , Job satisfaction , Employee performance , Employee recognition , Employee promotion , Fast food workers
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5782 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7789
- Description: Motivation increases the level of performances of employees and also increases their commitment in the workplace. This implies that motivating workers is very important. The fast food workers are unique and have their individual needs, potentials, values and goals. Job satisfaction leads to job motivation. Therefore, when workers are satisfied, they tend to be motivated to work. The study points out the strategies that could be used to improve the level of motivation of the fast food workers and also discusses the causes of low employee motivation within the organization. This will also assist the management of the fast food industries in improving the performances of their employees. A case study approach was used for the survey because only the fast food industries were involved. Information was obtained from both the operational workers, administration, cashiers and the managers. A total of 200 closed-ended questionnaires and open-ended semi-interview questions were distributed and 123 employees responded which gave a response rate of 62.5%. Research proved that the rate of personal growth of the employee’s in their workplace was not satisfactory with a rate of 56.1% respondents. Also, the flexible time plan was not satisfactory to the workers because they were being given a flexible time sometimes especially when their workplace is very busy. In addition, the employee’s were not given the privilege of making decision in their workplace especially in the areas that concerns them. However, the researcher recommended that the fast food workers should be empowered in different ways, to give them opportunities to share their views. Also, the skills should be developed through coaching and feedback system. The study includes only the fast food workers that have at least six (6) months experience. This is to obtain a reliable and valid result.
- Full Text:
Herzberg! Can we trust you in Africa?
- Authors: Marnewick, Carl
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Information technology , Project management , Motivation , Herzberg’s two-factor theory
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5824 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7841
- Description: Information technology (IT) projects are implemented through individual team members. These projects are fairly long in duration, especially enterprise resource planning projects. The problem that IT project managers face is how to motivate the team members, particularly in an African context where a team consists of various cultures and races. This paper presents results of a quantitative research study in which team members were asked to rank their motivating factors on a scale of 1 to 12 based on Herzberg’s two-factor theory. The reason for using this theory is that, it was found to still be applicable after 50 years of its establishment. The purpose was to determine whether Herzberg’s two-factor theory is applicable in an African context and if so, what unique factors could motivate IT team members in Africa. The research indicates that race, age and gender are not indicators and that there is a general tendency that the motivating factors of Herzberg can be used to motivate team members. The implication is that IT project managers can use Herzberg’s two-factor theory to motivate individual team members. The research also adds to the current body of knowledge that Africans are not motivated by hygiene factors.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Marnewick, Carl
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Information technology , Project management , Motivation , Herzberg’s two-factor theory
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5824 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7841
- Description: Information technology (IT) projects are implemented through individual team members. These projects are fairly long in duration, especially enterprise resource planning projects. The problem that IT project managers face is how to motivate the team members, particularly in an African context where a team consists of various cultures and races. This paper presents results of a quantitative research study in which team members were asked to rank their motivating factors on a scale of 1 to 12 based on Herzberg’s two-factor theory. The reason for using this theory is that, it was found to still be applicable after 50 years of its establishment. The purpose was to determine whether Herzberg’s two-factor theory is applicable in an African context and if so, what unique factors could motivate IT team members in Africa. The research indicates that race, age and gender are not indicators and that there is a general tendency that the motivating factors of Herzberg can be used to motivate team members. The implication is that IT project managers can use Herzberg’s two-factor theory to motivate individual team members. The research also adds to the current body of knowledge that Africans are not motivated by hygiene factors.
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »