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Exploring the identity and "sense of identity" of organisations.

  • Authors: Van Tonder, C.L.
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Organisation identity , Organisational self-descriptions , Sense of identity
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6485 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1497
  • Description: During the past two decades a steady increase in scholarly contributions in the area of organisation identity have been observed – to the point that the phenomenon is now the subject of a sustainable discourse in several disciplines. Many theoretical and conceptual dilemmas however remain, largely as a result of the low incidence of empirical research in the area. This study reports the results of an exploratory investigation that adapted Schley and Wagenfield’s (1979) concept of identity for use in an organisational setting. Interviews were conducted with 152 top managers representing 10 companies. The results indicate that organisational responses to the question “who am I?" elicit distinctive organisational self-descriptions and some awareness of identity issues.
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Exploring sexual practices of South African soldiers to determine vulnerability to the Human Immune Deficiency Virus.

  • Authors: De Jong, A. , Visser, D.
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: HIV , Human Immune Deficiency Virus
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6424 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1281
  • Description: Although HIV occurs in all social groups in South African society, certain populations are more vulnerable to HIV through risky behaviour patterns. Of relevance to the present study, are the high risk situations that deployed soldiers are exposed to. Three issues indicated the necessity for a study of this kind to be conducted; (a) the statistics pointing to a higher incidence of HIV infections among military personnel than among the general population, (b) military personnel’s unique vulnerability profile, and (c) the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) increasing participation in international peacekeeping missions. The knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning HIV/AIDS of deployed soldiers were analysed. Results indicated that soldiers were taking sexual risks, although they had high levels of knowledge and had healthy attitudes concerning HIV/AIDS.
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Appreciating Johann Schepers.

Organisational culture and financial performance in a South African investment bank.

  • Authors: Davidson, G. , Coetzee, M. , Visser, D.
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Denison organisational culture survey , Culture trait , Financial performance , Income statement ratio analysis , Investment bank , Organisational culture , Profitability ratios
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6430 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1297
  • Description: The relationship between the organisational culture and financial performance of a South African investment bank was explored in this study. The Denison Organizational Culture Survey was used to measure the organizational culture and was administered to a sample of 327 employees. Income statement ratio analyses were used to assess the financial performance. The validity and reliability of the Denison Organizational Culture Survey was examined in a South African context for the first time. High correlations between the cultural traits suggested that the items were measuring a single trait rather than four distinguishable traits. Correlations above the 0.50 level between some subscales (team orientation, agreement, customer focus, core values and vision) and certain financial ratios were obtained. However, the results were regarded as tentative, because statistical significance was not reached for most of the correlations. The cultural trait consistency was significantly correlated with two of the four profitability ratios.
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The conceptualisation and measurement of combat readiness for peace-support operations: an exploratory study.

  • Authors: Bester, P.C. , Stanz, K.J.
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Measurement combat readiness , Peace-support operations
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1597
  • Description: The aim of this study was to conceptualise combat readiness and to construct a normative measurement instrument for use within the context of peace-support operations. The Peace-Support Operations Questionnaire (PSOQ) was developed comprising of three types of items, namely an associated component, a disassociated component, and certain generic items applicable to both components. The sample comprised 461 soldiers of the South African National Defence Force. A second-order factor analysis on the 15 sub-scores of the first-order factor analysis yielded two factors. These factors were interpreted as Military Climate and Discipline. The two factors were subjected to an item analysis and yielded reliability coefficients of 0,987 and 0,791. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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Exploring the roles and contributions of Industrial Pscyhologists in South Arrica against a multi-dimensional conceptual framework (Part 2).

  • Authors: Barnard, G. , Fourie, L.
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: Industrial Psychologists , Organisational success
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6496 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1606
  • Description: The study was undertaken to explore the professional roles and contributions of industrial psychologists in South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 23 registered psychologists to gain their views on the roles and contributions within each of the dimensions of a conceptual framework of organisational success developed earlier. A process of analytical induction, supported by thematic content analysis, revealed a range of generic roles yet specific industrial psychological contributions. The implications of the findings for the development of academic curricula, the establishment of clarity among industrial psychologists and the fostering of awareness in organisations regarding the value of these professionals are discussed.
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Work-related concerns of South Africans living with HIV and AIDS.

  • Authors: Maloon, D. , Crous, F. , Crafford, A.
  • Date: 2004
  • Subjects: HIV management , AIDS management
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6446 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1386
  • Description: Aspects relating to the management of HIV and AIDS are issues of extreme importance in South Africa at present. In light of this, a qualitative study was conducted to explore the work-related concerns of Black South Africans living with HIV and AIDS. Semi-structured interviews with 22 participants revealed that work-related concerns cannot be understood outside of general financial constraints and relationship issues. Additional categories emerging from the study are: coming to terms with HIV, fear of disclosure, job-related barriers and coping mechanisms. The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations made.
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Leierskapstyl en die lerende organisasie.

Problems with the factor analysis of items: solutions based on item response theory and item parcelling.

  • Authors: De Bruin, G.P.
  • Date: 2004
  • Subjects: Factor analysis , Unidimensional scales , Non-linear relations , Rasch rating scale model , Locus of control inventory
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6570 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2870
  • Description: The factor analysis of items often produces spurious results in the sense that unidimensional scales appear multi-dimensional. This may be ascribed to failure in meeting the assumptions of linearity and normality on which factor analysis is based. Item response theory is explicitly designed for the modelling of the non-linear relations between ordinal variables and provides a strong alternative to the factor analysis of items. Items may also be combined in parcels that are more likely to satisfy the assumptions of factor analysis than do the items. The use of the Rasch rating scale model and the factor analysis of parcels is illustrated with data obtained with the Locus of Control Inventory. The results of these analyses are compared with the results obtained through the factor analysis of items. It is shown that the Rasch rating scale model and the factoring of parcels produce superior results to the factor analysis of items. Recommendations for the analysis of scales are made.
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Personality and Cognitive Ability as Predictors of the Job Performance of Insurance Sale People

  • Authors: La Grange, L , Roodt, Gert
  • Date: 2001
  • Subjects: Job performance , Cognitive ability , Customer contact styles quesstionaire , Personality , Customer Contact Competency Inventory , Verbal evaluation test
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/122
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to determine whether personality and a measure of cognitive ability (’verbal reasoning ability’) would significantly predict the job performance (’managerial ratings’) of sales people in a large South African insurance company. The Customer Contact Styles Questionnaire (CCSQ 5.2) and the Verbal Evaluation Test (VCC 3) were administered to 170 broker consultants, and their managers rated their job performance on the Customer Contact Competency Inventory (CCCI). By making use of multiple regression analysis it was found that certain personality dimensions significantly predict job performance, and that ’verbal reasoning ability’ did not have any significant predictive power. These findings, the implications thereof and suggestions for possible further research are discussed.
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A theoretical model for developing core capabilities from an intellectual capital perspective (Part 2).

  • Authors: Ungerer, M. , Uys, J.S.
  • Date: 2005
  • Subjects: Theoretical model , Core capabilities
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6519 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2718
  • Description: One of the basic assumptions associated with the theoretical model as described in this article is that an organization (a system) can acquire capabilities through intentional strategic and operational initiatives. This intentional capability-building process also implies that the organisation intends to use these capabilities in a constructive way to increase competitive advantage for the firm.
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An evaluation of the 360 degree project management competency questionnaire.

  • Authors: Theron, D. , Roodt, G.
  • Date: 2001
  • Subjects: 360 Degree Project Management Competency , T-tests
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1057
  • Description: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate a 360º project management competency questionnaire relevant to a chemical engineering environment. The competency questionnaire was developed using the input of the employees who took part in the appraisal. The secondary purpose of this study was to determine if significant differences existed between the multi-rater competency evaluations of different rater groups. Eighty technically qualified employees within a technology development environment were each evaluated by a number of raters, including themselves, their managers, customers and peers. In the case of both the Importance and the Performance Scales, single factors were extracted with internal reliabilities of 0,943 and 0,941 respectively. No significant differences were obtained on paired t-tests between the various rater groups. These findings and their implications are further discussed.
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Executive coaching experiences: a systems psychodynamic perspective.

  • Authors: Cilliers, F.V.N.
  • Date: 2005
  • Subjects: Learning coaching model , Coaching
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5663 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2907
  • Description: The Integrated Executive Experiential Learning Coaching model was applied in an information technology organisation. The aim of the research was to analyse and interpret the experiences of seven executives in the form of written essays from the systems psychodynamic perspective. The manifesting themes were, experiential learning facilitates the working through of defences; interdependency facilitates taking responsibility for the self; flight reactions inhibit owning and learning; transcending defences is needed to authorise the self in role; the difficulty of moving from the paranoid-schizoid to the depressive position and valuing all parts of the self; and containment facilitates self-authorisation. Recommendations towards more effective executive coaching are presented.
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The construction of a normative scale of locus of control.

  • Authors: Schepers, J.M.
  • Date: 2005
  • Subjects: Normative scale , Locus of control , Social learning theory , Attribution theory
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6362 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1106
  • Description: The primary objective of the study was to construct a normative scale of locus of control for use with students and adults. A corollary of the study was to establish the personality, interest and cognitive correlates of locus of control. Conceptually the instrument is based on attribution theory and on social learning theory. The first edition of the Locus of Control Inventory (LCI) was applied to 356 first-year university students during 1994. A factor analysis of the 65 items of the inventory yielded three factors. The factors were interpreted as Autonomy, Internal Control and External Control. Three scales, corresponding to the three factors, were constructed, and yielded reliability coefficients of 0,80; 0,77 and 0,81 respectively. Following this the cognitive, interest and personality correlates of the LCI were determined. The implications of the findings are discussed.
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Exploring the social construction of life roles of career-oriented women.

  • Authors: Franks, K.M. , Schurink, W.J. , Fourie, L.
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Women in organisations , Women employees , Career orientated women
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1599
  • Description: The ever-growing number of women in the contemporary workforce is presenting numerous challenges to organisations, employees and their families. The aim of this study was therefore twofold, namely, to explore how 21st century career-oriented women attach meaning to their different life roles, as well as how they visualise integrating these over the next decade. A modernist qualitative methodology and grounded theory were applied. Rich, interesting data was obtained from which four themes were inferred implying career-oriented women still placing importance on the traditional mother role. The article concludes with indicating key implications of the findings and recommendations.
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Value disciplines: measuring customer preferences.

  • Authors: Dannhauser, Z. , Roodt, G.
  • Date: 2001
  • Subjects: Customer services , Psychometrical properties
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1054
  • Description: According to the World Competitiveness Report: 1999, South Africa ranks poorly in terms of delivering customer services (Garelli, 1999). In order to assist South African organisations to identify their customers' value preferences, three scales collectively called the Customer Preference Questionnaire (CPQ) were developed. The purpose was to assess the three value disciplines as conceptualised by Treacy and Wiersema (1993; 1995a; 1995b) by empirically evaluating the CPQ and determining the psychometrical properties of the various identified scales. A combined sample (N = 436), consisting of undergraduate (N = 281) and post-graduate (N = 155) students in the field of human resource management, were asked to assess the university from a customer's point of view. All three scales were subjected to factor analysis and iterative item analysis. The three scales yielded acceptable alpha coefficients, indicating that customers' preferences could be measured reliably. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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Developing a predictive model of subjective organizational culture.

  • Authors: Strydom, A. , Roodt, G.
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Organisational culture , Predictive model , Job satisfaction , Personality variables
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6391 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1133
  • Description: The objective of this theory development study was to propose a predictive model of subjectively perceived organisational culture with biographic variables, job satisfaction and personality variables as predictors. A countrywide sample of convenience drawn from a population of nurses (N = 3456) of a private healthcare service provider in South Africa yielded 713 completed questionnaires (response rate = 21%) that were obtained in multiple sessions. Goal directedness, a dimension of organisational culture, was significantly positively related to all three measures of satisfaction (imposed personal demands, extrinsic satisfaction and intrinsic satisfaction), while internal climate was significantly negatively related to the three satisfaction dimensions. Other significant findings are reported on.
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Locus of control in relation to flow.

  • Authors: Taylor, C.M. , Schepers, J.M. , Crous, F.
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Flow , Locus of control , Attribution theory , Autonomy , Internet control
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6400 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1168
  • Description: The principal objective of the study was to examine the relationship between locus of control and optimal experience (flow) in carrying out work and/or study activities. Two questionnaires measuring the aforementioned constructs were administered to a group of first and second-year Human Resource Management students (n=168) between the ages of 16 and 30. The results suggest that more frequent experience of flow is positively correlated with Autonomy and Internal Locus of Control. Limitations, lines of future research, implications and further contributions are discussed.
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Construction of a computerised information-processing test battery.

  • Authors: Schepers, J.M.
  • Date: 2002
  • Subjects: Computerised information processing test battery
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1095
  • Description: The primary goal of the study was to construct a computerised information-processing test battery to measure choice reaction time for up to and including six bits of information, to measure discrimination reaction time with regard to colour patterns and form patterns, to measure rate of information processing with regard to perceptual stimuli and conceptual reasoning, and to develop a suitable scoring system for the respective tests. The battery of tests was applied to 58 pilots. In order to develop an appropriate scoring system for each of the tests, the various scores (trials)were intercorrelated, and where necessary, subjected to factor analysis.
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Perceptions of organisational commitment, job satisfaction and turnover intentions in a post merger tertiary institution.

  • Authors: Martin, A. , Roodt, G.
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Merger , Transformation , Environment , Restructuring , Workplace
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1130
  • Description: A merger can be considered both a phenomenological and significant life event for an organisation and its employees, and how people cope with and respond to a merger has a direct impact on the institutional performance in the short to medium term. It is within this context that post-merger perceptions of a tertiary institution were investigated. A predictive model (determined the “best” of 15 predefined models) of turnover intentions was developed for employees of a South African tertiary institution (having undergone its own recent merging process). A systematic model-building process was carried out incorporating various techniques, among others structural equation modelling and step-wise linear regression. The final predictive model explained 47% of the variance in turnover intentions. Contrary to expectations, commitment does not correlate more strongly than satisfaction does with turnover intentions.
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