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Workplace spirituality for improved productivity : a gendered perspective

- Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

  • Authors: Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Gender , Spirituality , Workplace spirituality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/250788 , uj:26142 , Citation: Vyas-Doorgapersad, S. 2017. Workplace spirituality for improved productivity : a gendered perspective.
  • Description: Abstract: There are a very few studies available to gain insight into the impact of yoga and alternative therapies1 on stress management, conflict resolution and work productivity. In previous studies the focus fell on the gendered perspective, exploring the impact of spiritual modalities on the physical and mental wellness of male and female employees. Spiritual practices such as yoga and other alternative therapies have been found to be significant to enhance work productivity, hence be part of organisational wellness programmes. However, this aspect is not fully implemented due to various reasons including a lack of spiritual understanding, religious preferences and organisational cultures. The aim of this article is to expand upon and enhance this analysis by aligning spiritual practices to workplace productivity. Books, journal articles, dissertations, and conference proceedings dealing with spirituality at the workplace were reviewed. Based on the literature available, two hypotheses are explored, namely (a) that workplace spirituality enhances employee wellness and has a positive impact on improved productivity; and (b) that workplace spirituality impacts differently on male and female employees (gendered perspective) and leads to improved productivity. The article formulates a model called Workplace Spirituality for Gender-based Productivity (WSG-bP) for consideration under the umbrella of existing Employee Work Wellness programmes.
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Changing world and changing state : rethinking the roles of the state

- Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha, Aktan, Coskun Can

Gender equality for achieving Sustainable Development Goal One (no Poverty) in South African municipalities

- Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

  • Authors: Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Gender , Gender equality , Poverty
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/296210 , uj:32269 , Citation: Vyas-Doorgapersad, S. 2019. Gender equality for achieving Sustainable Development Goal One (no Poverty) in South African municipalities.
  • Description: Abstract: Sustainable Development Goal One demands the reduction of poverty, hence holds significance in the South African context where a high unemployment rate still prevails, hampering socio-economic development of the country as a whole. In addition, poverty is linked to gender inequality with female counterparts occupying fewer jobs in the South African labour market than men. This situation is even more dire at grassroots levels, where a lack of education and civic awareness, inadequate gender-based poverty alleviation policies, and inappropriate gender-based participation in pro-poor growth strategies, contribute towards the weakening of women’s empowerment. This article hypothesises that gender equality in poverty reduction strategies could have a positive impact in the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal One. In order to explore the gender equality measures in poverty reduction initiatives, the article utilizes a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design...
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Gender based e-procurement within the city of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality

- Kithatu-Kiwekete, A., Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

  • Authors: Kithatu-Kiwekete, A. , Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Capacity building , E-procurement , Gender
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/227222 , uj:22991 , Citation: Kithatu-Kiwekete, A. & Vyas-Doorgapersad, S. 2017. Gender based e-procurement within the city of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality.
  • Description: Abstract: Municipalities in South Africa are expected to utilise their purchasing processes to promote gender equality. A key external goal of municipal procurement is to redress inequalities through economic opportunities and economic equity to the benefit of both men and women. Currently, most municipalities are transforming their services through electronic mode, resulting in the use of e-procurement processes which link business-to-business, business-to-consumer, and business-togovernment via information and communication technologies. Using a Gender and Development (GAD) Approach, this article aims to assess the level of gender inclusivity in the municipal e-procurement processes in the City of Johannesburg as a case study. Among the questions raised in the article are whether gender mainstreaming is considered in the municipal procurement processes; and if there are any initiatives in place to capacitate men and women to ensure their participation in the e-procurement processes. The review of literature and official documents forms part of the desktop conceptual and theoretical analysis. Utilising qualitative, descriptive and analytical research approaches, the article explores the need for gender mainstreaming in the municipal e-procurement value chain processes such as e-informing, e-tendering and vendor management. The article then offers policy implications and suggestions for improvement.
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Critical considerations for the role of governments in the interface between good governance and sustainable development in developing countries

- Auriacombe, Christelle J., Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

Gender and ICT in east and West Africa for sustainable development goals : a comparative study

- Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha, Kithatu-Kiwekete, A.

  • Authors: Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha , Kithatu-Kiwekete, A.
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Africa , Gender , Gender equality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/227212 , uj:22990 , Citation: Vyas-Doorgapersad, S & Kithatu-Kiwekete, A. 2017. Gender and ICT in east and West Africa for sustainable development goals : a comparative study.
  • Description: Abstract: In 2015, the global community, via the United Nations, adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to provide strategic direction towards the elimination of global poverty, safeguarding the environment and ensuring improved levels of wellbeing for all. The transition from the previous international goals offers the opportunity to emphasize and engage with gendered concerns, that is, the nexus should propel the agenda for gender. Specific questions are raised to determine whether gender and information and communication technologies (ICT) work towards the SDG. How can gender and ICT contribute to the SDG narrative, particularly in East and West Africa? These issues are analysed through a desktop review, using case studies, country reports, national, regional and continental policies. The findings reveal that inroads have been made to promote gender equality in ICT but these must be scaled up under the new dispensation of SDG. With this in mind, policy recommendations for improvement are offered.
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Progression from ideal state to good governance : an introductory overview

- Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha, Aktan, Coskun Can

Variables influencing provincial government’s role to manage the interface between environmental protection and economic development : considerations to improve sustainable development in South Africa

- Auriacombe, Christelle J., Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

  • Authors: Auriacombe, Christelle J. , Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Economic Development , Environmental Protection , Sustainable Development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/395917 , uj:32850 , Citation: , DOI: DOI//http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjds.v16i2.1
  • Description: Abstract: The article aims to highlight the nature, content and scope of continental and subnational sustainability priorities, with reference to specific perspectives of environmental and economic development, agriculture, food security, energy, health, water and sanitation. As such, subnational governments need to devise sustainable strategies to manage these demands in an efficient manner. As a methodological approach, the authors conducted a desktop analysis of applicable literature and official documents to conceptualise and contextualise the area of investigation. The data collection sources for the desktop analysis included global authoritative books, articles, as well as regulatory, policy and strategy documents in South African context. The methodological approach included unobtrusive research techniques. When studying social behaviour, unobtrusive research techniques encourage contextual and conceptual analysis, while helping to remove bias. Research results highlight the challenging nature of designing and implementing environmental programmes, policies and strategies in South Africa. This is due to inadequate human capacity, chronic resource shortages and inadequate intergovernmental coordination,...
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Critical considerations for the role of governments in the interface between good governance and sustainable development in developing countries

- Auriacombe, Christelle J., Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

Gender mainstreaming in local economic development processes : a South African perspective

- Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

  • Authors: Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Gender , Gender equality , Gender mainstreaming
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/250830 , uj:26147 , Citation: Vyas-Doorgapersad, S. 2017. Gender mainstreaming in local economic development processes : a South African perspective.
  • Description: Abstract: The United Nations Millennium Development Goal [MDG] (Goal 1; Poverty reduction) in South Africa had not achieved all of its set targets. There are still economic disparities complemented by a wide ranging pollution-tounemployment ratio creating gender-differentiation in poverty outcomes. MDG Goal 3 (Gender equality and women empowerment) also existed in isolation and was not explicitly aligned with other goals. The post-MDG review led to the establishment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Goal 1: poverty elimination and Goal 6: gender equality). In order to eradicate poverty and advance economic empowerment of households, the Local Economic Development (LED) programme has since been implemented in South African municipalities. The aim of the article is to explore the missing element of gender in development policies and goals. The purpose therefore is to align gender to local economic development in municipalities. A qualitative research design was planned to gather relevant information. A review of LED documents explores the gender exclusion in the LED processes. Gender differences, inequality, unequal access to resources, and unequal employment opportunities may lead to economic collapse. The article offers recommendations for improvement.
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The role of organisational ethics management within the South African public service

- Thonzhe, Nethonzhe, Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

  • Authors: Thonzhe, Nethonzhe , Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Corruption , Ethics , Organisational ethics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/250795 , uj:26141 , Citation: Thonzhe, N. & Vyas-Doorgapersad, S. 2017. The role of organisational ethics management within the South African public service.
  • Description: Abstract: There is a limited body of knowledge on the role of organisational ethics management, systems and mechanisms in promoting and driving ethics on strategic, system and operational levels. Public officials still have to be convinced of the importance of ethics within their organisations. Getting the ethics message across to large groups of employees in a cost-effective, yet powerful manner remains a challenge. An in-depth conceptualisation and contextualisation of ethics is required to strategise organisational ethics management in the public service. The article attempts to unlock the transdisciplinary relationship of philosophy and public administration to determine the significance of ethical reasoning in decisionmaking structures. Due to the advent of New Public Management (NPM), Public Administration faces a paradigmatic shift towards decentralisation and relativism that demands more accountability and responsibility...
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An analysis of risk management within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

- Carmen, Joel, Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

  • Authors: Carmen, Joel , Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Corruption , Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) , Enterprise risk management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/296418 , uj:32294 , Citation: Carmen, J. & Vyas-Doorgapersad, S. 2019. An analysis of risk management within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
  • Description: Abstract: Risk management entails resources, planning, arranging and controlling to reduce the impact of possible risks to a manageable level. The objective of the article is to determine how the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) implements risk management to achieve the objectives of its mandate as set out in its strategic plan, ultimately creating an ethical environment by reducing fraud. The methodology is based on a qualitative research design, using triangulation of an embedded case study with specific dimensions of unobtrusive research techniques, such as conceptual and document analysis. The Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) system is closely linked to the DTI’s risk management policy and risk management strategy objectives. The Risk Management Implementation Plan (RMIP) and the risk register, as well as the implementation of the risk management process, are instrumental in the successful risk management strategy of the DTI. The findings indicate that risk dialogue, communication, awareness, and understanding of the organisation and its risks, should be encouraged; that risk reporting practices should be strengthened, and that a better alignment between risk management and the DTI’s strategic objectives should be established.
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Gender mainstreaming in integrated development plans : the South African context

- Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

  • Authors: Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242121 , uj:24966 , Citation: Vyas-Doorgapersad, S. 2017. Gender mainstreaming in integrated development plans : the South African context.
  • Description: Abstract: The objective of this study is to explore the status of gender mainstreaming in policymaking processes at municipal level in South Africa. A review of feminist approaches in the South African context shows that awareness regarding women’s participation and empowerment is recognised at societal and political levels and led to the establishment of the South African Women’s Charter in 1994. This awareness at the local government level gave rise to the Local Government White Paper of 1998; the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998); and the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000). These legislative measures put emphasis on improved participation of women in ward committees and also ensured that women’s needs during municipal development plans have to be taken into consideration. However, the findings of this study expose a different dimension whereby policies are considered genderneutral and suggest that women are still sidelined in policymaking processes...
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The implementation of gender equality within the South African Public Service (1994–2019)

- Bangani, Ayola, Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

Gender equality in the sport sector : the case of selected Southern African countries

- Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

  • Authors: Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Gender , Gender equality , Women in development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/424788 , uj:36343 , Vyas-Doorgapersad, S.: Gender equality in the sport sector : the case of selected Southern African countries.
  • Description: Abstract: Africa is a patriarchal society where men dominate those sectors that are considered masculine. Sport is traditionally considered a masculine activity, hence it still creates gender segregation; side-lining women from participating in sport activities and being represented in sport management structures. The aim of this article is to explore the status of gender equality in the sport sector in the Southern African context. The following 10 countries constitute African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Following a multidisciplinary research perspective, the author conducted a literature survey, document analysis, and desktop review of the challenges and realities of gender equality in the sport sector covering selected AUSC Region 5 countries in Southern Africa. Utilising a qualitative research approach, this article explores the need for gender equality in the sport sector. The findings confirm that although there is a gender-biased approach in the sport sector that can lead to social and economic development of society, it can be a platform to empower girls and women; however, a stereotypical mentality, socioeconomic barriers, and cultural norms still restrict female participation and representation in sport-related activities and processes. This article discusses these challenges and offers solutions for improvement. The article discusses that there are transformative changes in the world that force social inclusion of women in all aspects of life, including sports. These transformative changes require governments and sports organisations to reform their policies to make them more gender inclusive. This is an aspect of ongoing debates in country-specific contexts.
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Understanding the impact of devolutionary reforms on poverty reduction in Zimbabwean rural local authorities

- Nyikadzino, Tawanda, Vyas-Doorgapersad, Shikha

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