Please read the abstract (Synopsis) in the section 00front of this document / Dissertation (MA (Human Movement Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences / unrestricted

Nursing assistants (NAs) provide the majority of daily care to older adults in nursing homes (NHs); NAs working in NHs are the focus of this study. This study examined the influence of participatory management (the independent variable), and mediating variables, burnout – measured as emotional exhaustion, task performance, and affective organizational commitment, on NA withdrawal behaviors (the dependent variables absenteeism and turnover). Most of the data come from a 113-item self-administered questionnaire designed to measure NAs' perceptions of their job and work environment. Turnover data were collected from the NA's NH, on average about 16 months later. The two dependent variables were examined in separate analyses with the samples consisting of 246 participants for the absenteeism analysis and 244 for the turnover analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 and PROCESS 3.3, an SPSS macro add-in. Both ordinary least squares and logistic binary regression were used to examine the associations between variables. The results indicated that participatory management had statistically significant indirect effects on both outcomes. There were two significant mediation results for absenteeism: 1) participatory management increased NA task performance, which, in turn, decreased absenteeism and, 2) participatory management also decreased NA burnout, which, in turn, increased their performance and decreased absenteeism. There were four significant mediation results for turnover: 1) participatory management increased NA attachment to the NH, which, in turn, decreased turnover, 2) participatory management improved NAs' perceptions of their job performance, which, in turn, increased their turnover, 3) participatory management tended to decrease NA burnout, which, in turn, tended to increase attachment to the NH, and, then, tended to decrease turnover, and 4) participatory management tended to decrease NA burnout, which, in turn, tended to increase task performance, and, then, tended to increase turnover. These findings broaden the research on NAs' withdrawal behaviors and demonstrate the need to further explore this hypothesized model.

Magister Curationis - MCur / Background: Absenteeism is a worldwide problem in health care facilities. Absenteeism results in low standard of care and in the dissatisfaction of clients as routine care activities tend to be disrupted due to the shortage of staff. Nurses are perceived to be under continued stress due to increased pressure at the workplace, which results in dissatisfaction, conflicts and absenteeism. Although the topic has been researched, very little information is available about nurse absenteeism in care facilities for intellectually disabled persons. Absenteeism often occurs because of low commitment by the staff members, illnesses, and job dissatisfaction. Nurse absenteeism impacts negatively on the activities of the facilities because the work becomes disorganized and schedules are delayed and patient care may be compromised. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported reasons for absenteeism amongst nurses working in a facility for intellectually disabled persons in the Western Cape. The objectives were to describe the safety and security reasons, physical conditions, and work relations that contributed to absenteeism of nurses in this facility. Research design and method: A quantitative descriptive approach was utilised, using a self-completed questionnaire. Study setting and population: The study was conducted in a facility for intellectually disabled persons in Western Cape. The study population comprised all the permanently employed nurses working in a facility for intellectually disabled persons in the Western Cape in 2017. The population of nurses in this facility was N=191. Ten nurses (3 RNs, 3 ENs and 4 ENAs) who were not part of the actual study, participated in a pilot study, another ten nurses were nurse managers who were not included. Twenty nurses were on leave, therefore the study population for this study was 151 nurses (n=151). All inclusive sampling was used. Data analysis: Data was managed and analysed using SPSS version 24. Data is presented in tables, graphs and charts. Results: The majority of participants 76% reported that the physical environment contributed to their absenteeism. 54.6% of the respondents were concerned about physical injuries that they often sustain whilst caring for their clients. 56.6% of respondents reported that the psychosocial environment was also perceived to be unconducive. Absenteeism was also influenced by the lack of equitable access to training opportunities. Other factors reported included heavy workloads which lead to burnout (62%n=67). Conclusions and recommendations: There is a need for the improvement of the infrastructure in the institution, the introduction of wellness programmes in the workplace and support of nurses to limit burnout. Equitable access to training and opportunities for and career development should be encouraged by nurse managers.

Den höga belastningen på skolpersonal och hur deras arbetsmiljö påverkar dem är något flera är medvetna om men som är svår att hantera och veta vad man ska göra åt. Tidigare forskning visar hur lärares undervisning påverkades av deras mående i förhållande till arbetsmiljö. Vi valde att fokusera på fritidspersonalens arbetsmiljö både fysiskt och psykiskt, ett område som det finns mindre forskning kring. Vi valde att undersöka skolor från så likvärdiga områden som möjligt och valde att avgränsa oss till skolor från särskilt utsatta områden. Syftet är att synliggöra den upplevda arbetsmiljön bland fritidspersonalen och hur den påverkar deras fritidspedagogiska verksamhet. Vidare vill vi få en inblick i hur det kan se ut, få fler att öppna ögonen och bli mer medvetna om hur fritidslärarens uppdrag ser ut och hur det påverkas av den rådande arbetsmiljön. I synliggörandet av arbetsmiljön valde vi att sätta den i perspektiv till KASAM-modellen av Aaron Antonovsky, som bygger på tre komponenter, begriplighet, hanterbarhet och meningsfullhet. Tre komponenter som, enligt Antonovsky (2005), tillsammans skapar en känsla av sammanhang på våra arbetsplatser men också i livet. Tillsammans med KASAM kommer vi använda oss av begrepp som presenteeism, vilket är en person som går till jobbet trots dålig hälsa och hur presenteeism kan påverkas av andras absenteeism (frånvaro). Genom kvalitativa intervjuer och kvantitativa enkäter från fritidspersonal på skolor i särskilt utsatta områden har vi fått fram ett resultat som visar hur fritidspersonalens upplevda verklighet har liknande fysiska och psykosociala arbetsmiljöer, med påverkan av negativ stress.

Förväntat kunskapsbidragDetta arbete belyser betydelsen av gymnasieskolans kunskapsuppdrag för de gymnasieelever som av olika anledningar befinner sig i en problematisk skolfrånvaro. Tidigare forskning kring skolfrånvaron och arbetet kring detta visar att skolans kunskapsuppdrag inte har varit i fokus. Arbetet belyser avsaknaden av arbetet kring elever som inte kommer till skolan. Syfte och frågeställningarSyftet med detta examensarbete är att visa på vilka sätt gymnasieskolans kunskapsuppdrag hanteras för gymnasieelever med problematisk skolfrånvaro genom följande frågeställningar:* På vilka sätt upplever fem elever med problematisk skolfrånvaro att skolan har varit behjälplig i deras fortsatta kunskapsutveckling mot kunskapskraven?* Hur ser de två rektorerna på skolan på skolans möjlighet att hjälpa elever med problematisk skolfrånvaro i deras fortsatta kunskapsutveckling mot målen?* På vilka sätt arbetar fyra lärare på skolorna med att fortsätta stötta elever med problematisk skolfrånvaro i deras kunskapsutveckling?TeoriI studien används systemteorin tillsammans med Bronfenbrenners ekologiska utvecklingsmodell för att synliggöra och förklara komplexiteten i situationer med problematisk skolfrånvaro i en gymnasieskola. I arbetet synliggörs även specialpedagogiska perspektiv i form av det kompensatoriska samt det relationella perspektivet.MetodDå syftet var att undersöka elevers och olika professioners tankar angående vilka sätt man hanterar gymnasieskolans kunskapsuppdrag för elever med problematisk skolfrånvaro, valdes en kvalitativ fenomenografisk intervjustudie på en gymnasieskola. Studien bygger på svar från 2 biträdande rektorer, 4 lärare och 6 elever. ResultatResultaten visar att frågan kring gymnasieskolans elevers problematiska frånvaro är komplex. Orsaker och konsekvenser går hand i hand. De vanligaste anledningarna till den problematiska skolfrånvaron är brist på stöd, brist på motivation och brist på relation. Sätten att arbeta med skolans kunskapsuppdrag för elever med problematisk skolfrånvaro skiljer sig inom samma skola. Det sammanlagda resultatet visar att gymnasieskolan brister i sitt kunskapsuppdrag mot elever med problematisk skolfrånvaro. Elever får mycket lite individuell hjälp eller ingen alls. Anledningen till detta är att det saknas riktlinjer kring arbetet med elever som inte kommer till skolan. Elevhälsans team av olika professioner utnyttjas inte till fullo i arbetet kring den problematiska skolfrånvaron. Specialpedagogiska implikationerAnalysen i denna fallstudie visar att den specialpedagogiska kompetensen är viktig i samarbetet med lärare och med skolans organisation. För att främja närvaro och arbeta kring arbetet med skolans kunskapsuppdrag för elever med problematisk skolfrånvaro krävs det didaktiska diskussioner såväl på gruppnivå som på organisationsnivå. Elevhälsans arbete kring svårigheten med skolnärvaron behöver ses över för att eleverna ska få ta del av undervisningen trots att de har en problematisk skolfrånvaro.

The problem which prompted the undertaking of this study was that of increasing absenteeism amongst student nurses at one South African Nursing College. The information, obtained from individual and group interviews, was analysed to identify the perceptions developed by student nurses. Absenteeism is shown to be a behavioural response to environmental and other factors in the world of the student nurse. A theoretical model is proposed to explain three main types of absenteeism and the factors which contribute to absenteeism and attendance.

The demanding work environments of professional nurses often contribute to high levels of stress that impact their professional practice and well-being. Although there is a significant amount of research regarding stress and absenteeism, a gap in the literature exists about the effects of holistic coping strategies on nurses' perceived stress and absenteeism. Based on the biopsychosocial model, the purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate effects of holistic coping strategies on perceived stress and absenteeism in 128 hospital nurses. An online cross-sectional survey design used the Perceived Stress Scale-10 to measure nurses' perceptions of stress. The independent grouping variable was self-reported use of meditation, massage, or exercise. Absenteeism data were collected using nurses' attendance records provided by the hospital nursing administration office. Multiple linear regression analysis and t tests were significant for increased absenteeism with the use of meditation, but showed no change in absenteeism with massage or exercise. There was no significant relationship found between use of massage, meditation, or exercise, and perceived stress. Consideration of these findings may be of interest to hospital administrators in addressing perceived stress and absenteeism in nursing personnel. Positive social change is achieved for society, community, and the individual by preventing burnout and by addressing the financial and attendance issues related to nurse shortages in hospitals.

Employee absenteeism is a costly problem, affecting organizations' ability to deliver products and services. Finding strategies managers use to help reduce employee absenteeism is critical to sustain operational capacity, control labor costs, and to achieve organizational success. Drawing from the Herzberg 2-factors theory, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore strategies implemented by six business organizations to reduce employee absenteeism in the maquiladora industry in Mexico. Through semistructured interviews, 11 management participants shared strategies implemented to reduce absenteeism. In addition, other data sources, such as organizational policies, management graphs, and meeting minutes were used. Data were coded and analyzed revealing 7 themes: (a) organizational support, (b) leadership quality, (c) compensation and benefits, (d) disciplinary actions, (e) recognition, (f) work environment, and (g) staffing policies. The research findings may contribute to business practice by providing organizational managers broader perspectives for the development of strategies to effectively manage employee absenteeism. These findings might also contribute to social change by improving organizational communication, supporting workers' personal needs, recognizing employees' contributions, enhancing relationships with supervisors, improving the work environment, and raising employee take-home pay.

In spite of decades of research, concerning nurse's intention to leave their employer (ITL), in 2011, 31.2% of the British nurses surveyed indicated they had formed an ITL. Grounded in reasoned action theory as developed by Ajzen and Fishbein, the purpose of the correlational study was to provide hospital managers with information regarding the relationship among nurse's job satisfaction (JS), organizational culture (OC), and ITL. The archival data from the 2011 NHS Staff Survey included responses from nurses (n = 21,257) across the British National Health Service. The Spearman's rho correlates rs (21,257) indicated relationships among nurse's job satisfaction, organizational culture, and ITL. Among nurse's considering leaving their employer, the findings were statistically significant (p < .01) with a large effect size (-.534) for JS and medium effect size (-.345) for OC. With the ITL benchmark of planning to leave in 12 months, the findings were significant (p < .01) with medium effect size (-.495) for JS and medium effect size (-.321) for OC. Among nurses who intended to leave as soon as they had another job the significant results (p < .01) had a large effect size for JS (-.525) and medium effect size (-.340) for OC. As nurses form ITL, they might participate in work avoidance behaviors such as increased absenteeism. The study findings and the instruments used in this study may identify areas for improvement as pathways to manage the costs associated with turnover and absenteeism. Furthermore, reducing turnover and absenteeism might contribute to social change. Reducing turnover and absenteeism might improve the quality of care provided to patients. Addressing the factors that might contribute to ITL may also improve the quality of life for nurses

Syftet med studien är att studera hur skolprofessionella betraktar begreppet problematisk skolfrånvaro och vilka bakgrundsfaktorer de anser har en betydelse på elevers skolfrånvaro. Vidare avser studien att undersöka i vilken utsträckning den växande skolfrånvaron anses påverka eleverna. Studien har en kvalitativ ansats och den valda datainsamlingsmetoden var semistrukturerade intervjuer där en intervjuguide har utformats med tematiska frågor. I studien deltog en skolkurator, en lärare, en fritidschef samt en lärar- och elevassistent i en kommunal grundskola i södra Sverige. Det insamlade materialet analyserades med tematisk analys och studiens resultat har analyserats tillsammans med ekologisk systemteori och teorin om sociala band. Studiens resultat visar att några av de framträdande faktorerna till att en elev blir frånvarande var relationer mellan elev och lärare, bristande stöd i hemmet, motivation och skolsituation. En utmärkande faktor som framkom i vårt resultat var att relationerna runt en elev kan bli avgörande för alla de bakgrundsfaktorer som identifierats i studien. Brister det i någon av dessa, blir risken för problematisk skolfrånvaro högre. Slutsatsen av det analyserade materialet är att dessa faktorer påverkar elevernas inställning till skolan i hög utsträckning och att det föreligger ett samband mellan dessa faktorer och elevernas frånvaro. Resultatet visar på vikten av att uppmärksamma dessa bakgrundsfaktorer för att främja en positiv skolmiljö och minska risken för frånvaro.