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A comparative analysis of Michael Tomasello’s theory of humanness and the African philosophy of Ubuntu

  • Authors: Leslie, Lindsay
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Communication , Humanity , Altruism , Philosophy, African , Tomasello, Michael , Ubuntu (Philosophy)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/294463 , uj:32041
  • Description: Abstract: A number of theories on humanness exist in both the West and Africa. This dissertation presents a comparative critical analysis of different theories on humanness: altruism in Western philosophy, and ubuntu in African philosophy. Michael Tomasello holds that human cooperation is a result of the uniqueness of human communication. He proposes that human beings’ advanced cognitive abilities are what allows them to make sense of the world through the use of communication. The uniqueness of human communication has resulted in the development of humanity; the development from primal beings to the uniquely evolved beings that they currently embody. As a result of this ontogenesis, Tomasello holds that the evolution of human communication happened as a result of two factors, ecological and cultural, which have left human beings interdependent and mutualistic. Interdependence and mutualism resulted in shared activities but also shared forms of communication. Tomasello says that communication is what allows human beings to behave cooperatively, and thus also altruistically. Cooperation resulted in shared identity and harmonious relationships, the cornerstones of ubuntu. Although ubuntu is a multifaceted construct of the identification of humanness through humanness, it comprises many of the same characteristics as altruism. Crucially, this dissertation argues that although these theories are different, they present related perspectives and characteristics that are shared by human beings in ways that are unique. , M.A. (Fundamental Communication)
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A conceptual model for communication management for successful project delivery in Swaziland construction industry

  • Authors: Mavuso, Nokulunga , Agumba, Justus N.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Communication , Construction , Factors , Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/92751 , uj:20266 , Citation: Mavuso N. & Agumba, J.N. 2016. A conceptual model for communication management for successful project delivery in Swaziland construction industry.
  • Description: Abstract: This paper presents a literature discourseof existing literature on communication management to identify the variables that influence project success. Furthermore, the study proposes a conceptual model. The reviewed Iiteraturespanned a periodof nineyears from 2004 toJune 2013.Asystematics earch ingooglewas used. Fifteen articles were obtainedfrom the database.The articles were tabulated ina matrixto identify the core variables relevant to the study using content analysis.Seven communication management var iables were identified that are perceived to influence project success.These were: technology and systems, communication skills or competence,communications plan,teamwork & partnering,organizational structure,stakeholders'frame of references, and project briefing. Furthermore,a hypothesized model was proposed. The analysis is based on literature review only, hence a limitation in the study.The paper has identified critical success factors specific to communication management that influence project success. The study has further proposed a hypothesized conceptual model that is viewed as a panacea to improve communication and ultimately project success in Swaziland constructionindustry.
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Agency and deliberative communication in the classroom

  • Authors: Tavernaro-Haidarian, Leyla
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Communication , Education , Public discourse
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/405702 , uj:34079 , Citation: Tavernaro-Haidarian, L. 2020. Agency and deliberative communication in the classroom.
  • Description: Abstract: Among many challenges in the space of education in the global South, we find that curricula are often out of touch with the contextual reality of students and that classroom or lecture-hall sizes are too big to engage a critical majority. Therefore, reimagining educational processes, or aspects thereof, becomes imperative. This article proposes that cultivating relational models of communication in the classroom is particularly useful in empowering students to connect with, participate, and actively co-shape the content and process of curricula and that it does so by casting agency as the freedom to work “with” rather than “against” or independently of the status quo. It also captures and reflects on the experience of a group of students and facilitators who employed such an approach in their classroom.
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Agency and deliberative communication in the classroom

  • Authors: Tavernaro-Haidarian, Leyla
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Communication , Education , Public discourse
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/415665 , uj:35130 , Citation: Tavernaro-Haidarian, L. Agency and deliberative communication in the classroom. DOI: 10.1177/2158244020902077
  • Description: Abstract: , Among many challenges in the space of education in the global South, we find that curricula are often out of touch with the contextual reality of students and that classroom or lecture-hall sizes are too big to engage a critical majority. Therefore, reimagining educational processes, or aspects thereof, becomes imperative. This article proposes that cultivating relational models of communication in the classroom is particularly useful in empowering students to connect with, participate, and actively co-shape the content and process of curricula and that it does so by casting agency as the freedom to work “with” rather than “against” or independently of the status quo. It also captures and reflects on the experience of a group of students and facilitators who employed such an approach in their classroom.
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Agency and deliberative communication in the classroom

  • Authors: Tavernaro-Haidarian, Leyla
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Communication , Education , Public discourse
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425982 , uj:36492 , Tavernaro-Haidarian, L.: Agency and deliberative communication in the classroom.
  • Description: Abstract: Among many challenges in the space of education in the global South, we find that curricula are often out of touch with the contextual reality of students and that classroom or lecture-hall sizes are too big to engage a critical majority. Therefore, reimagining educational processes, or aspects thereof, becomes imperative. This article proposes that cultivating relational models of communication in the classroom is particularly useful in empowering students to connect with, participate, and actively co-shape the content and process of curricula and that it does so by casting agency as the freedom to work “with” rather than “against” or independently of the status quo. It also captures and reflects on the experience of a group of students and facilitators who employed such an approach in their classroom.
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Communication and social structure in a rural Ciskei community : a network analysis

Construction digitalisation tools in South African construction industry : an added advantage

  • Authors: Tanga, O. T. , Aigbavboa, C. O. , Akinradewo, O. I. , Thwala, D. W. , Onyia, M.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Construction Industry , Communication , Information and Communication Technology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479951 , uj:43431 , DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/1107/1/012230 , Citation: Tanga, O.T. et al. 2021. Construction digitalisation tools in South African construction industry : an added advantage.
  • Description: Abstract: The execution of the building project requires the assembling and accumulation of works at a large scale for it to become a reality. This involves the exchange of a large amount of data from one party to another. The development of information and communication technology (ICT) has therefore enhanced an active and proficient way of exchanging data among professionals. This research work set out to assess the benefits of using ICT tools by construction organisations in South Africa. A quantitative research technique was used through a well-structured questionnaire to collect data from construction professionals. They include construction project managers, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, construction managers, industrial, mechanical and electrical engineers. Standard deviation (SD) and mean item score (MIS) were used to analyse the retrieved data. The findings indicated that the most eminent benefits of ICT tools to construction organisations are effective communication management, competitive advantage and time-saving. This study recommended that construction organisations should provide lessons on different ICT tools uses to address each problem that will rise during the construction cycle and reap the full benefit of ICT such as improved productivity, increased speed, and diversification.
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Effects of culture on project management contributing to the success of managing culturally diverse engineering teams in a global environment

Examining the link between the antecedents of relationship commitment and loyalty within the road transport industry of South Africa

Experiences of language barriers by homoeopathy student interns providing health services at the University of Johannesburg

  • Authors: Blackwell, Lorna , Gower, Neil T. , Patel, Reshma
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Communication , Healthcare delivery , Healthcare process
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479842 , uj:43418 , ISSN: (Online) 2071-9736 , Citation: Blackwell, L., Gower, N.T. & Patel, R., 2021, ‘Experiences of language barriers by homoeopathy student interns providing health services at the University of Johannesburg’, Health SA Gesondheid 26(0), a1491. https://doi.org/10.4102/ hsag.v26i0.1491
  • Description: Abstract: Background: South Africa is a multilingual society, and therefore, the likelihood of healthcare providers (HCPs), including students training to be HCPs, encountering language barriers with patients is high. Aim: To explore and describe the experiences of homoeopathy student interns regarding language barriers in the delivery of health services and to provide guidance towards overcoming language barriers in homoeopathic practice at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Setting: The interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in English and at a private location that was convenient for the participants in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Methods: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach. Ten individual interviews were conducted with registered homoeopathy student interns (HSIs) from the UJ. The central question: ‘What has your experience been regarding language barriers between you and your patients at the UJ Homoeopathy clinics?’ was asked and responses were recorded and transcribed for later analysis. The interview results were presented to a focus group for discussion to validate findings that arose from the analysis and to provide an opportunity to add any insight, comment or recommendations that were not expressed in individual interviews and verification of emergent themes. Results: Participants described how language barriers create challenges in understanding between patients and HSIs. Descriptions of the experiences of the intrapersonal and interpersonal effects that are associated with language barriers were provided. Participants also described the influence of language barriers on the various aspects of the health service process. Finally, participants described the mitigation of language barriers through various strategies. Conclusion: Participants reported their experiences of language barriers as challenging. Language barriers were found to adversely affect the various aspects of the health service process as well as the practitioner’s personal feelings and the patient–practitioner relationship. Language acquisition and awareness modules introduced early on in the syllabus is a proposed solution to the mitigation of language barriers.
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Exploring leadership as catalyst for unlocking social capital in the survival of a state-owned company

  • Authors: Titus, Shirleen , Hoole, Crystal
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Trust , Communication , Decision-making
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/482189 , uj:43717 , ISSN: (Online) 2078-5976 , Citation: Titus, S., & Hoole, C. (2021). Exploring leadership as catalyst for unlocking social capital in the survival of a state-owned company. South African Journal of Business Management, 52(1), a2448. https://doi.org/10.4102/ sajbm.v52i1.2448
  • Description: Abstract: Purpose: Social capital (SC) has been studied in economics, politics and organisations. Understanding SC can help the leadership of state-owned companies (SOC) foster quality relationships with multiple stakeholders. By 2019 the cost of corrupt relationships had reached R1 trillion in South Africa. The study develops and validates a model for SC underpinned by cooperative behaviours required by leadership from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. No literature exists when evaluating SC from a multiple stakeholder perspective in an SOC. The leadership of SOCs desperately needs to turn around current ineffective performance through mutually cooperative behaviours. SC found in quality relationships can contribute to SOC effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach: A sequential exploratory qualitative approach. Phase 1 collected data through focus groups and interviews for a deeper understanding and to develop a model. In phase 2 a Delphi survey determined the level of consensus by experts and reach validation. Responses were solicited by using purposive sampling from five stakeholder perspectives. Adapted grounded theory and qualitative content analysis provided the foundation for the strategy of enquiry. Findings/results: Multiple stakeholders want qualities such as trust to be present in their relationships with the SOC for SC to have value impact. Practical implications: The validated model of behaviours to adopt will significantly help the SOC leadership, who are the main catalyst for the success of the SOC. Originality/value: This study addresses a gap in literature and contributes to the scientific body of knowledge applicable to an SOC.
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Guidelines for stakeholder engagement in systematic reviews of environmental management

  • Authors: Haddaway, N. R. , Kohl, C. , Rebelo da Silva, N. , Schiemann, J. , Spök, A. , Stewart, R. , Sweet, J. B. , Wilhelm, R.
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Stakeholders , Communication , Dissemination
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242148 , uj:24969 , Citation: Haddaway N.R. et al. 2017. Guidelines for stakeholder engagement in systematic reviews of environmental management.
  • Description: Abstract: People have a stake in conservation and environmental management both for their own interests and the sake of the environment itself. Environmental decision-making has changed somewhat in recent decades to account for unintentional impacts on human wellbeing. The involvement of stakeholders in environmental projects has been recognised as critical for ensuring their success and equally for the syntheses of evidence of what works, where, and for whom, providing key benefits and challenges. As a result of increased interest in systematic reviews of complex management issues, there is a need for guidance in best practices for stakeholder engagement. Here, we propose a framework for stakeholder engagement in systematic reviews/systematic maps, highlighting recommendations and advice that are critical for effective, efficient and meaningful engagement of stakeholders. The discussion herein aims to provide a toolbox of stakeholder engagement activities, whilst also recommending approaches from stakeholder engagement research that may prove to be particularly useful for systematic reviews and systematic maps.
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Investigating the linkage between trust, empathy, communication, brand associations and brand reputation in Africa : a Botswana perspective

  • Authors: Ledikwe, A. , Roberts-Lombard, M.
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Trust , Empathy , Communication
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/288507 , uj:31281 , Citation: Ledikwe, A. & Roberts-Lombard, M. 2018. Investigating the linkage between trust, empathy, communication, brand associations and brand reputation in Africa : a Botswana perspective.
  • Description: Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between trust, empathy, communication, brand associations and brand reputation of selected small and medium enterprise (SME) brands in a developing economy of Botswana. The population was defined as all retail customers of SME brands operating within the metropolitan city of Gaborone in Botswana. A stratified-convenience sampling approach was followed and a self-administered questionnaire was disseminated amongst 450 customers at the service points of SMEs. The Structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure was used to analyse the hypothesised relationships in this study. The findings conclude that trust, empathy and communication exerted a positive and significant influence on brand associations, whilst brand associations had a direct impact on brand reputation. In addition, brand commitment significantly mediated the influence of brand associations on brand reputation. It is therefore important for SMEs in the apparel industry of Botswana to cultivate the levels of trust, empathy, communication, brand associations and brand commitment to secure a genuine reputation with their customers.
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Makeovers made over : Ubuntu and decolonization in reality TV

  • Authors: Tavernaro-Haidarian, Leyla
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Africa , Communication , Development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/395559 , uj:32804 , Citation: Tavernaro-Haidarian, L. 2019. Makeovers made over : Ubuntu and decolonization in reality TV.
  • Description: Abstract: Narratives about Africa are often shaped by deficit discourses that frame ‘development’ as an instrument for advancing the interests of global capitalism. From within this neo- liberal view, Africa has to ‘catch up’ to and ‘be taught’ how to emulate and achieve the standards promulgated in mainstream media. Through the lens of an alternative realism, however, such narratives can be reshaped. The African philosophy of ubuntu is one example of a deeply relational ethic from within which development can be re- conceptualized as ‘freedom' in terms of democratic ideals and which can be used a guiding principle for media work and the refashioning of (reality television) images.
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Makeovers made over : ubuntu and decolonization in Reality TV

  • Authors: Tavernaro-Haidarian, Leyla
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Africa , Communication , Development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/415601 , uj:35122 , Citation: Tavernaro-Haidarian, L. Makeovers made over : ubuntu and decolonization in Reality TV.
  • Description: Abstract: , Narratives about Africa are often shaped by deficit discourses that frame ‘development’ as an instrument for advancing the interests of global capitalism. From within this neoliberal view, Africa has to ‘catch up’ to and ‘be taught’ how to emulate and achieve the standards promulgated in mainstream media. Through the lens of an alternative realism, however, such narratives can be reshaped. The African philosophy of ubuntu is one example of a deeply relational ethic from within which development can be re- conceptualized as ‘freedom' in terms of democratic ideals and which can be used a guiding principle for media work and the refashioning of (reality television) images.
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Makeovers made over : ubuntu and decolonization in Reality TV

Project communication within small and medium-sized construction firms

  • Authors: Aidoo, B.M. , Aigbavboa, C.O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Communication , Construction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/67499 , uj:17609 , Citation: Aidoo, B.M., Aigbavboa, C.O. & Thwala, W.D. 2015. Project communication within small and medium-sized construction firms.
  • Description: Abstract: Communication is considered as a tool in the heart of management in enhancing project targets and Milestones not only in the construction sector but other sectors as well. The construction industry has however been characterized with its massive investment and associated risks. As a result, when main and sub-activities and tasks to be executed on project sites are not properly communicated among project teams and stakeholders, it will vehemently incur additional cost on the project, cause injury from accidents and may delay the entire project completion schedule amongst others. This exploratory study seek to establish the project communication structure used by construction SMEs and also to develop a pattern within the communication structure of SMEs that will avert uncertainties in a form of barriers to their communication. In order to accomplish the exploratory study, semi-structure interview sessions were conducted among construction professionals and clients via purposive sampling. The targeted population for the study was adequately prepared as a result of the prior notification for the interviews. Findings from the study revealed that most of the construction SMEs do not have established communication structure in their operations. Further, the SMEs only realized the need for a communication pattern when they encounter complex issues such as dispute on a claim with clients and stakeholders. The study recommends that prior to the execution of projects by SMEs, the communication lines must be clearly defined as well as the reporting a system with an in-depth briefing for all team members and stakeholders to be privy.
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Public relations professionals’ perceptions of a moral framework for public relations practice in agency contexts

  • Authors: Carter, Simone Jaclyn
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Communication , Public relations , Ethics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/294279 , uj:32014
  • Description: Abstract: This study seeks to understand South African PR professionals’ perceptions of a moral framework for PR practice in agency contexts. PR professionals are guided by their moral frameworks for practice. However, conflicting loyalties lie at the heart of ethical decision-making in PR. Two conflicting views underpin the debate on ethics and PR practice. On one side, the positive role that PR contributes to society is emphasised through dialogical and reflective practice, and on the other side, PR is viewed as modernist, one-way communication predicated upon compliance and blind obedience to commissioning interests. Ethical PR conduct is outlined as the simultaneous balancing of three distinct interests namely: duty to self, client and society. However, the demands of balancing conflicting interests often result in moral tension and even role strain for the PR professional. On the one hand PR professionals may find that they practice asymmetrically, reflexively, and simply comply with prescribed ethical codes of conduct rather than holding their own moral accountability. On the other hand, professionals may find that they are able to assume a strategic activist role, and practice symmetrically and reflectively, where ethical decision-making is agent-centred and predicated upon ethics of care and virtue. The results of this study suggest that South African PR professionals’ moral decision-making fluctuate between modern and postmodern ethics and that PR professionals’ moral accountability is predicated by the moral assumptions that underlie their practice. This results in an ethical paradox because inasmuch as professionals hold a community outlook and practice ethically in accordance to their role within an interdependent eco-system, this eco-system is not exclusionary of moral tensions that arise between interests. PR professionals in agency contexts may find themselves to be products of an ethical paradox, with PR professionals practicing both asymmetrically and symmetrically in order to meet not only the agency’s needs, but also those of the clients and the public. This research provides insight into how moral accountability and ethicality is conceptualised by PR professionals in agency contexts and contributes to PR scholarship and practice by outlining how agency-based PR professionals are guided by their moral frameworks for practice. , M.A. (Strategic Communication)
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Secret languages of sex: disabled youth’s experiences of sexual and hiv communication with their parents/caregivers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

  • Authors: Chappell, Paul
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Disabled youth , Parents , Sexuality , Communication , Hiv , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/93948 , uj:20412 , Citation: Chappell, P. 2016. Secret languages of sex: disabled youth’s experiences of sexual and hiv communication with their parents/caregivers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: Various health promotion strategies have been implemented in South Africa aiming to encourage young people to talk about issues of sexuality and HIV with their parents/caregivers. Although parent/caregiver sexual communication may be an effective method of influencing sexual behaviour and curbing the incidence of HIV, very little is known about how young people with disabilities in South Africa communicate about these traditionally difficult subjects with their parents/caregivers. Based on findings from a participatory study conducted amongst 15 to 20-year-old Zulu-speaking youth with physical and visual disabilities, this paper explores how they perceive youthparent/ caregiver communication about sexuality and HIV. Using Foucauldian discourse analysis, the paper outlines how disabled youth-parent/caregiver sexual communication is governed by cultural customs, sexual secrecy and constructs of innocence. It also argues that the experiences and perceptions of young people with disabilities are critical to the development of future interventions to assist parents/caregivers develop communication strategies that help disabled young people make sense of sexual behaviour.
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Sense making processes and social representations of COVID-19 in multi-voiced public discourse : illustrative examples of institutional and media communication in ten countries

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