An appreciative inquiry into the current and future roles of the professional accountant in the SME sector
- Authors: Yasseen, Yaeesh
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Accounting , Small business - Accounting , Informal sector (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/439411 , uj:38229
- Description: Abstract: It is widely accepted that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in any developing economy. However, this sector is struggling in the South African (SA) landscape. Given the important role the SME sector plays and will need to play in the South African economy, it is of critical importance to identify ways in which this sector could be supported, and specifically to understand the current and future role of the accountancy profession in supporting SMEs. Relatively little attention has been given to the role of the accountant in the SME environment. Professional accountants are active in the SME environment, but little is known about the role they currently play, and there is very little existing research on the future role they could play in the SME environment. Based on this, two research questions were formulated with regard to SMEs and the accountancy profession: How do professional accountants and SME owners in South Africa experience the current role of the professional accountant in SMEs? What are their expectations of the future role of professional accountants in providing support to SMEs? , Ph.D. (Accounting)
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- Authors: Yasseen, Yaeesh
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Accounting , Small business - Accounting , Informal sector (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/439411 , uj:38229
- Description: Abstract: It is widely accepted that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in any developing economy. However, this sector is struggling in the South African (SA) landscape. Given the important role the SME sector plays and will need to play in the South African economy, it is of critical importance to identify ways in which this sector could be supported, and specifically to understand the current and future role of the accountancy profession in supporting SMEs. Relatively little attention has been given to the role of the accountant in the SME environment. Professional accountants are active in the SME environment, but little is known about the role they currently play, and there is very little existing research on the future role they could play in the SME environment. Based on this, two research questions were formulated with regard to SMEs and the accountancy profession: How do professional accountants and SME owners in South Africa experience the current role of the professional accountant in SMEs? What are their expectations of the future role of professional accountants in providing support to SMEs? , Ph.D. (Accounting)
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Psychological neoteny in relation to age and gender
- Benetti-Longhini, Cara Deanna
- Authors: Benetti-Longhini, Cara Deanna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Developmental psychology , Age (Psychology) , Childishness
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282454 , uj:30428
- Description: M.Phil. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: Psychological neoteny is a relatively new concept in the field of psychology, and refers to the retention of youthful characteristics into adulthood. Research on this concept is limited, but there is knowledge of potential benefits it holds for our youthful, creative, and innovative society, particularly in the workplace. The main aims of this study were to investigate (1) the relationship between psychological neoteny and age and (2) to determine whether gender moderates the relationship between psychological neoteny and age. The study was conducted by means of a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. The Neoteny Personality Questionnaire (NPQ) was administered to working individuals and students in the Gauteng Province (n = 391). The results indicated that psychological neoteny has no relation to age. Furthermore, the results indicated that gender does not moderate the relationship between psychological neoteny and age.
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- Authors: Benetti-Longhini, Cara Deanna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Developmental psychology , Age (Psychology) , Childishness
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282454 , uj:30428
- Description: M.Phil. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: Psychological neoteny is a relatively new concept in the field of psychology, and refers to the retention of youthful characteristics into adulthood. Research on this concept is limited, but there is knowledge of potential benefits it holds for our youthful, creative, and innovative society, particularly in the workplace. The main aims of this study were to investigate (1) the relationship between psychological neoteny and age and (2) to determine whether gender moderates the relationship between psychological neoteny and age. The study was conducted by means of a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. The Neoteny Personality Questionnaire (NPQ) was administered to working individuals and students in the Gauteng Province (n = 391). The results indicated that psychological neoteny has no relation to age. Furthermore, the results indicated that gender does not moderate the relationship between psychological neoteny and age.
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Constructions of career progression by women leaders in a corporate context
- Authors: Carvalho, Ana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership in women , Career development , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246157 , uj:25511
- Description: Ph.D. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: In the context of increased representation of women in the job market and the underrepresentation of women at the most senior positions of executive leaders, an understanding of how women leaders in the corporate sphere construe career progression is particularly germane. The aim of this study was to explore women leaders‘ constructions of career progression in a corporate environment from three traditions embedded within the constructionist tradition: personal constructivism, social constructionism, and constructivism grounded in subjective lived experience. To this end the aim was further sub-divided into three sub-aims: (a) to explore women leaders‘ shared (constructed) mental models of the career progress of others in a corporate environment; (b) to explore women leaders‘ collective (―ours‖) co-construction of career progression in a corporate environment and (c) to generate a constructivist grounded theory of women leaders‘ own career progression based on their subjective experiences. Taken together, the study seeks to offer a holistic and in-depth account of the constructions of career progression by women leaders in a corporate environment. A qualitative research design using a case study research strategy was employed in a large financial institution in South Africa. A purposeful sampling consisting of women leaders in lower, middle and senior management positions was utilised. To address the stated aim and sub-aims of the study the research design was formulated and is presented as three sequential research phases, each consisting of an independent but related study. Given the three-phased nature of the study, more than one data collection technique was applied, with data being analysed through qualitative methods. In Phase I, data were collected by means of the repertory grid technique, the methodological application of personal construct theory, and analysed by means of qualitative content analysis and the core-categorising procedure. In Phase II, data were collected using the Appreciative Inquiry method, which included semi-structured paired interviews, small group discussions, plenary discussions and written activities. Data were analysed using a collaborative data analytic approach. In Phase...
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- Authors: Carvalho, Ana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership in women , Career development , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246157 , uj:25511
- Description: Ph.D. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: In the context of increased representation of women in the job market and the underrepresentation of women at the most senior positions of executive leaders, an understanding of how women leaders in the corporate sphere construe career progression is particularly germane. The aim of this study was to explore women leaders‘ constructions of career progression in a corporate environment from three traditions embedded within the constructionist tradition: personal constructivism, social constructionism, and constructivism grounded in subjective lived experience. To this end the aim was further sub-divided into three sub-aims: (a) to explore women leaders‘ shared (constructed) mental models of the career progress of others in a corporate environment; (b) to explore women leaders‘ collective (―ours‖) co-construction of career progression in a corporate environment and (c) to generate a constructivist grounded theory of women leaders‘ own career progression based on their subjective experiences. Taken together, the study seeks to offer a holistic and in-depth account of the constructions of career progression by women leaders in a corporate environment. A qualitative research design using a case study research strategy was employed in a large financial institution in South Africa. A purposeful sampling consisting of women leaders in lower, middle and senior management positions was utilised. To address the stated aim and sub-aims of the study the research design was formulated and is presented as three sequential research phases, each consisting of an independent but related study. Given the three-phased nature of the study, more than one data collection technique was applied, with data being analysed through qualitative methods. In Phase I, data were collected by means of the repertory grid technique, the methodological application of personal construct theory, and analysed by means of qualitative content analysis and the core-categorising procedure. In Phase II, data were collected using the Appreciative Inquiry method, which included semi-structured paired interviews, small group discussions, plenary discussions and written activities. Data were analysed using a collaborative data analytic approach. In Phase...
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Journeys of becoming and being a coach : metaphorical perspectives
- Authors: Booysen, Margarethe Maria
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Executive coaching
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246149 , uj:25510
- Description: M.Phil. , Abstract: In this study the experiences of business coaches of becoming and being a coach were explored through the weaving together of three inter-related ‘texts’: Firstly, the research participants’ experiences of becoming and being a business coach and how these were couched in their own words and expressions, exemplifying or suggesting metaphors and metaphorical thinking. Secondly, the metaphors and metaphorical thinking that the participants’ experiences, words and expressions evoked in the researcher as a trainee coach; and, thirdly, the connections between these metaphors and those that appear or were suggested in the body of knowledge on business coaching. The inter-relationship of the three “texts” constituted the research question, including the specific research objectives emanating from it. The research study was conducted within a qualitative research paradigm and the research strategy used was that of interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The application of IPA yielded four main metaphors: Firstly, the business coach as Proteus, underpinned by two super-ordinate themes (the role of the coach and the coaching space) and supported by four emergent metaphorical themes (the coach as time-traveller; as container; as bearer; and as creator of spaces). Secondly, the business coach as Nomad underpinned by the super-ordinate theme of the position of the coach, and supported by seven emergent metaphorical themes (the coach as insider; as outsider; borderlines, boundaries and bridges in coaching; coaching as diving deep; a bird’s eye view in coaching; being on a knife’s edge and the blind spot). Thirdly, the metaphor of a Cup of Tea, underpinned by the super-ordinate theme of the business coach’s self-care, and supported by five emergent metaphorical themes (cleansing, exhaustion, physical ailments, nourishment and boundaries). Fourthly, the metaphor of Journeys, underpinned by two super-ordinate themes (coaching as journey and the journey of the coach). Coaching as journey...
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- Authors: Booysen, Margarethe Maria
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Executive coaching
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246149 , uj:25510
- Description: M.Phil. , Abstract: In this study the experiences of business coaches of becoming and being a coach were explored through the weaving together of three inter-related ‘texts’: Firstly, the research participants’ experiences of becoming and being a business coach and how these were couched in their own words and expressions, exemplifying or suggesting metaphors and metaphorical thinking. Secondly, the metaphors and metaphorical thinking that the participants’ experiences, words and expressions evoked in the researcher as a trainee coach; and, thirdly, the connections between these metaphors and those that appear or were suggested in the body of knowledge on business coaching. The inter-relationship of the three “texts” constituted the research question, including the specific research objectives emanating from it. The research study was conducted within a qualitative research paradigm and the research strategy used was that of interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The application of IPA yielded four main metaphors: Firstly, the business coach as Proteus, underpinned by two super-ordinate themes (the role of the coach and the coaching space) and supported by four emergent metaphorical themes (the coach as time-traveller; as container; as bearer; and as creator of spaces). Secondly, the business coach as Nomad underpinned by the super-ordinate theme of the position of the coach, and supported by seven emergent metaphorical themes (the coach as insider; as outsider; borderlines, boundaries and bridges in coaching; coaching as diving deep; a bird’s eye view in coaching; being on a knife’s edge and the blind spot). Thirdly, the metaphor of a Cup of Tea, underpinned by the super-ordinate theme of the business coach’s self-care, and supported by five emergent metaphorical themes (cleansing, exhaustion, physical ailments, nourishment and boundaries). Fourthly, the metaphor of Journeys, underpinned by two super-ordinate themes (coaching as journey and the journey of the coach). Coaching as journey...
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People living with albinism : a humanitarian work psychology approach
- Authors: Kessy, Karen Valence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Albinos and albinism - Psychology , Humanitarianism
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/262059 , uj:27656
- Description: M.Com. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: Albinism is a rare, inherited condition caused by genetic mutations resulting in low pigmentation in the eyes, hair, and skin; and visual impairment due to a deficiency in melanin production. In Africa, 1 in every 5,000 to 15,000 people has albinism. Various studies have been done on the condition; however, the work experiences of people living with albinism (PLWA) seems to be an unexplored area in the field of Industrial/Organisational (I/O) Psychology. This study, grounded in Humanitarian Work Psychology, was conducted in two phases with 1 theoretical and 2 empirical objectives to bridge the identified knowledge gap. The theoretical objective considers albinism’s causes, condition, its outcomes and the impact thereof on the world of work on PLWA. Empirically, the study (1) explored the work-related challenges of PLWA and (2) facilitated a developmental intervention empowering PLWA to overcome these challenges. Main challenges identified included a lack of understanding of the condition, assumed incompetence, and lack of equipment in organisations. The developmental intervention enabled participants to discover and appreciate their inherent and collective strengths, envision a brighter future for themselves, formulate a provocative proposition about their condition, design an architecture for bringing their aspirations as PLWA to life, and take action towards the enactment of their positive vision. This study highlighted the need for more education on the albinism condition in organisations; reformation of unfair labour policies; and the responsibility that PLWA have in educating others about the condition.
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- Authors: Kessy, Karen Valence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Albinos and albinism - Psychology , Humanitarianism
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/262059 , uj:27656
- Description: M.Com. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: Albinism is a rare, inherited condition caused by genetic mutations resulting in low pigmentation in the eyes, hair, and skin; and visual impairment due to a deficiency in melanin production. In Africa, 1 in every 5,000 to 15,000 people has albinism. Various studies have been done on the condition; however, the work experiences of people living with albinism (PLWA) seems to be an unexplored area in the field of Industrial/Organisational (I/O) Psychology. This study, grounded in Humanitarian Work Psychology, was conducted in two phases with 1 theoretical and 2 empirical objectives to bridge the identified knowledge gap. The theoretical objective considers albinism’s causes, condition, its outcomes and the impact thereof on the world of work on PLWA. Empirically, the study (1) explored the work-related challenges of PLWA and (2) facilitated a developmental intervention empowering PLWA to overcome these challenges. Main challenges identified included a lack of understanding of the condition, assumed incompetence, and lack of equipment in organisations. The developmental intervention enabled participants to discover and appreciate their inherent and collective strengths, envision a brighter future for themselves, formulate a provocative proposition about their condition, design an architecture for bringing their aspirations as PLWA to life, and take action towards the enactment of their positive vision. This study highlighted the need for more education on the albinism condition in organisations; reformation of unfair labour policies; and the responsibility that PLWA have in educating others about the condition.
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Constructing psychological flourishing in academic work life
- Authors: Siew, Elana
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Life span, Productive , Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237831 , uj:24376
- Description: D.Phil. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: Over the past thirty years, universities internationally have undergone significant transformation. This transformation has constricted the academic sense of freedom, placed pressure on research outputs, and overwhelmed academics with increasing teaching and administrative responsibilities. With this upheaval, academic’s constructs of flourishing have similarly changed. This thesis explores this change in a three-phase mixed-mode research process. In Phase 1, by means of the repertory grid method, 13 academics from a South African metropolitan university personally constructed flourishing and languishing. Two clear and rich shared mental models were developed from the findings. One positive mental model of flourishing included the constructs of achievement, recognition, personal freedom, and fulfilment from student’s achievements amongst others. One negative mental model of languishing included the constructs of isolation, pressure to perform, dealing with internal politics, and ethical disappointments, amongst others. In phase 2, by means of the positive participatory action research method of appreciative inquiry, flourishing in academic life was socially constructed by seven of the academics. A socially constructed action plan or a path forward was designed and delivered, in which leadership was the deliverable. In phase 3, by means of a constructivist grounded theory approach, a theory of flourishing in academic work life was developed. The grounded theory produced a model showing that the participating academics were caught between flourishing and languishing, and uncovered the process by which they were able to transcend and construct their own flourishing.
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- Authors: Siew, Elana
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Life span, Productive , Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237831 , uj:24376
- Description: D.Phil. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: Over the past thirty years, universities internationally have undergone significant transformation. This transformation has constricted the academic sense of freedom, placed pressure on research outputs, and overwhelmed academics with increasing teaching and administrative responsibilities. With this upheaval, academic’s constructs of flourishing have similarly changed. This thesis explores this change in a three-phase mixed-mode research process. In Phase 1, by means of the repertory grid method, 13 academics from a South African metropolitan university personally constructed flourishing and languishing. Two clear and rich shared mental models were developed from the findings. One positive mental model of flourishing included the constructs of achievement, recognition, personal freedom, and fulfilment from student’s achievements amongst others. One negative mental model of languishing included the constructs of isolation, pressure to perform, dealing with internal politics, and ethical disappointments, amongst others. In phase 2, by means of the positive participatory action research method of appreciative inquiry, flourishing in academic life was socially constructed by seven of the academics. A socially constructed action plan or a path forward was designed and delivered, in which leadership was the deliverable. In phase 3, by means of a constructivist grounded theory approach, a theory of flourishing in academic work life was developed. The grounded theory produced a model showing that the participating academics were caught between flourishing and languishing, and uncovered the process by which they were able to transcend and construct their own flourishing.
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Towards the enactment of positivity in the workplace
- Authors: Fataar, Shenade
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Positive psychology , Projective techniques , Employees - Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225672 , uj:22798
- Description: Abstract: Orientation: Previous research findings (qualitative and quantitative) suggest that the Positivity Projective Technique is a valid associative technique for eliciting positive constructs and concepts. The challenge taken up by this study was to move beyond the technique’s associative nature, and to explore the enactment thereof in the workplace. Motivation for the study: This study was motivated by the following question: Does the metaphor-logo, embedded in the Positivity Projective Technique, enable participants to construct a theory for positive action in an organisational setting? Research approach and method: A post-modern, social constructionist approach was followed via the use of a positive action-research method, appreciative inquiry (AI). The metaphor-logo was included in all the questions of a protocol that guided the participants through the phases of the appreciative inquiry cycle. Main findings: The metaphor-logo enabled participants to collectively construct a theory for positive action, namely to discover their organisation’s positive core, which broadened their minds to the extent that a positive dream for the organisation was envisioned. A social architecture for making the dream actionable, was constructed, as well as a positive destiny for future action. Applications: Methodologically, this study incorporated the use of image research into Industrial Psychology methodology. Theoretically, this study contributed to the positive image–positive action relationship. Practically, the logo-metaphor used in the study may be used as a valid tool for both associative and enactment purposes. Contribution: In view of the findings, it is suggested the name “Positivity Projective Technique” be expanded to “Positivity Projective and Enactment Technique”. As such it may be applied to brand positivity in the workplace. , M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)
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- Authors: Fataar, Shenade
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Positive psychology , Projective techniques , Employees - Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225672 , uj:22798
- Description: Abstract: Orientation: Previous research findings (qualitative and quantitative) suggest that the Positivity Projective Technique is a valid associative technique for eliciting positive constructs and concepts. The challenge taken up by this study was to move beyond the technique’s associative nature, and to explore the enactment thereof in the workplace. Motivation for the study: This study was motivated by the following question: Does the metaphor-logo, embedded in the Positivity Projective Technique, enable participants to construct a theory for positive action in an organisational setting? Research approach and method: A post-modern, social constructionist approach was followed via the use of a positive action-research method, appreciative inquiry (AI). The metaphor-logo was included in all the questions of a protocol that guided the participants through the phases of the appreciative inquiry cycle. Main findings: The metaphor-logo enabled participants to collectively construct a theory for positive action, namely to discover their organisation’s positive core, which broadened their minds to the extent that a positive dream for the organisation was envisioned. A social architecture for making the dream actionable, was constructed, as well as a positive destiny for future action. Applications: Methodologically, this study incorporated the use of image research into Industrial Psychology methodology. Theoretically, this study contributed to the positive image–positive action relationship. Practically, the logo-metaphor used in the study may be used as a valid tool for both associative and enactment purposes. Contribution: In view of the findings, it is suggested the name “Positivity Projective Technique” be expanded to “Positivity Projective and Enactment Technique”. As such it may be applied to brand positivity in the workplace. , M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)
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Beyond regulation : grounding psychological testing in beneficence
- Authors: Fotsios, Kiki Stephanie
- Date: 2015-03-26
- Subjects: Psychological tests , Loyalty , Organizational commitment
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13577
- Description: M.Phil. ( Industrial Psychology) , Orientation: The aim of this study was to frame psychological testing in a specific and clear manner that is grounded in beneficence. This could potentially be used to positively contribute toward the development, control, and use of psychological testing in South Africa. This was attained by looking at psychological testing through a beneficence lens, so that it is grounded beyond the preventative stance of regulation, in beneficence. The principle of beneficence was explained to the participants, who were then encouraged to approach psychological testing from a beneficence perspective. Research purpose: Despite considerable literature existing on the moral principle of beneficence in various contexts, there is restricted research on its association with psychological testing. Hence, this study explored how to ground psychological testing in the moral principle of beneficence, for application in the South African workplace. This was formulated to explore the essence of beneficence as positively contributing to the welfare of others, from which actions were identified to promote understanding in grounding psychological testing in this regard.
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- Authors: Fotsios, Kiki Stephanie
- Date: 2015-03-26
- Subjects: Psychological tests , Loyalty , Organizational commitment
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13577
- Description: M.Phil. ( Industrial Psychology) , Orientation: The aim of this study was to frame psychological testing in a specific and clear manner that is grounded in beneficence. This could potentially be used to positively contribute toward the development, control, and use of psychological testing in South Africa. This was attained by looking at psychological testing through a beneficence lens, so that it is grounded beyond the preventative stance of regulation, in beneficence. The principle of beneficence was explained to the participants, who were then encouraged to approach psychological testing from a beneficence perspective. Research purpose: Despite considerable literature existing on the moral principle of beneficence in various contexts, there is restricted research on its association with psychological testing. Hence, this study explored how to ground psychological testing in the moral principle of beneficence, for application in the South African workplace. This was formulated to explore the essence of beneficence as positively contributing to the welfare of others, from which actions were identified to promote understanding in grounding psychological testing in this regard.
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