A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters in Communication Science at the University of Zululand, 2003. / In this study I investigated generational differences between urban Zulu adolescents in the Durban region and their parents or guardians in order to determine whether there is, as it was popularly known in the nineteen seventies, a generation gap between children and their parents. My research entailed a literature survey phase in which I analysed academic literature relating to the socialization of adolescents, the socio-political climate in which present-day Zulu parents grew up under the now gone Apartheid system and the socio-economic climate in which the present generation or urban Zulu adolescents have grown up since the introduction of the new democratic dispensation in South Africa in 1994. The stark socio¬political difference in landscapes in which parents and their children have grown up leads one to hypothesise that there would a generation gap between present-day urban Zulu adolescents and their parents. The empirical part of my research tests the va¬lidity of the before-mentioned generation gap hypothesis. I how¬ever prefer to think of serious generational differences as children WEARING MASKS in the presence of their parents. Instances where children and parents do not discuss specific topics could be seen as both parties wearing masks. Instances where they strongly disagree or agree to respectfully disagree, while signifying genera¬tional differences could not be seen as wearing masks. The major findings of my research is that there are clear indica¬tions of generational differences between my respondents and their parents with regard to matters like the interpretation of 1. current affairs and 2. political matters, but not with regard to 1. music taste, 2. adolescent friendships, 3. perceptions about the HIV/AIDS pandemic or 4. religious be¬liefs. My conclusion therefore is that while generational differ¬ences do exist, Zulu adolescents and their parents in the Durban region in fact are not wearing masks when interacting with one another.

Pentecostal churches are growing significantly across the world, but occasionally theological tensions arise within Pentecostal churches, sometimes related to intergenerational differences, which hinder both quantitative and qualitative growth. This study analyses the dynamics of a particular generation gap in one South African Pentecostal congregation. It explores the initiatives of a cell group from the younger generation, aimed at enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of the congregation's witness. The cell group initiatives highlighted issues of leadership, biblical hermeneutics, and the need for a theological re-assessment of local traditions that had always acted as identity markers for the older generation. This study contends that the conflict between a more collectivist older generation and a more individualist younger generation can be bridged through well prepared conflict resolution processes led by credible intervention teams and through some form of accommodation of the views and desires of both generations. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D.Th. (Missiology)

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: People's life experiences and backgrounds shape who they are - whether they are young or old, male or female, and across all races, ethnicities and religions. Today's workplace environment represents the largest diversity of generations of any time in history, and with this diversity comes new challenges. These challenges are directly due to the different generations and associated gaps based on different approaches, expectations and perceptions regarding culture and leadership in the workplace. There are generally four different generations employed in today's workplace: Traditionalists (Builders), Baby Boomers (Yuppies), Generation X (Yiffies), and Generation Y (Millennials). According to generation theory, Traditionalists were born between 1930 and 1949, Baby Boomers between 1950 and 1969, Generation X between 1970 and 1989, and Generation Yafter 1990. Although there are very few Traditionalists in contemporary workplaces, there are still some left to consider. More important than understanding the Traditionalists, though, is the need for a better understanding of the fast-growing group of Generation Y employees who are entering the workforce. At Sishen Iron Ore Mine (Sishen) there are also four generations employed, each with different approaches, expectations, perceptions, attitudes, loyalties, frames of reference, views of authority, job strengths, work ethics, relationships, work/life balances and other beliefs. The question that arises is whether the management team of the Engineering Department at Sishen can be more effective and productive through an improved and in-depth understanding of each generation's approaches, expectations and perceptions regarding culture and leadership. The purpose of this research study is to analyse the specific correlation of the different workforce generations in the Engineering Department with the general theoretical knowledge available about each generation by focusing more specifically on approaches, expectations and perceptions. The study also includes some recent research information regarding Generation Y and the related opportunities, challenges and effective ways of managing this generation. By focusing on the research results within the multigenerational workforce and the generation gaps, the possible solutions for managing conflict can improve through a better understanding of each generation. Each generation's typical characteristics are discussed in detail by means of a thorough literature study, with the overall aim of enhancing both team and organisational success. The employees and permanent contractors at the Engineering Department number approximately 1 945. The randomly selected participants in the generations survey were from the pool of permanent employees, excluding the contractors. The information was collected by means of a short questionnaire representing the typical characteristics of each generation. A sample of 250 participants from eight different sections within the department was asked to complete the questionnaire, but unfortunately a response rate of only 34% (85 questionnaires) was recorded. The research showed that the typical characteristics of the Traditionalists and Baby Boomers could be used to represent almost the entire Engineering Department. It also revealed specific influences in the working and social environment, leadership styles, and the mine's culture that affect the different generations regarding their approaches, expectations and perceptions. The report concludes with an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the study, as well as a few key findings and a summary, conclusion, and recommendations. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Alle mense word gevorm deur lewensondervindings en agtergrond wat bepaal wie hulle is - ongeag of hulle oud of jonk, manlik of vroulik is, asook oor alle rasse, etniese groepe en geloofsoortuigings heen. Hedendaagse werksomgewings word gekenmerk deur die grootste generasiediversiteit van alle tye, wat nuwe uitdagings meebring. Die uitdagings is die direkte gevolg van die verskillende generasies en gepaardgaande gapings gebaseer op verskillende benaderings, verwagtinge en persepsies aangaande kultuur en leierskap in die werksplek. Daar is tans oor die algemeen vier verskillende generasies in diens in werksplekke, naamlik Tradisionaliste, Baby Boomers, Generasie X en Generasie Y. Volgens generasieteorie is Tradisionaliste persone gebore tussen 1930 en 1949, terwyl Baby Boomers tussen 1950 en 1969, Generasie X tussen 1970 en 1989 en Generasie Y na 1990 gebore is. Hoewel daar min Tradisionaliste in die werksplek oor is, is daar nog enkeles wat in ag geneem moet word. Van groter belang is egter die behoefte om die vinnig groeiende Generasie Y wat nou tot die werksmag toetree, beter te verstaan. By Sishen Ysterertsmyn (Sishen) is daar ook vier verskillende generasies in diens, elk met verskillende benaderings, verwagtinge, persepsies, houdings, lojaliteite, verwysingsraamwerke, menings oor gesag, werksverwante sterkpunte, werk-etiek, verhoudings, lewensbalanse asook ander oortuigings. Die vraag wat ontstaan, is of die bestuurspan van die Ingenieurswese Departement by Sishenmyn meer effektief en produktief kan wees deur hul kennis en begrip van elke generasie se benaderings, verwagtinge en persepsies ten opsigte van kultuur en leierskap te verbeter. Die doel van die studie is om te ontleed of daar 'n spesifieke ooreenstemming is tussen die verskillende generasies by die Ingenieurswese Departement en die algemene teoretiese inligting beskikbaar oor elke generasie deur meer spesifiek op benaderings, verwagtinge en persepsies te fokus. Die studie sluit ook onlangse navorsingsinligting aangaande Generasie Y in, met die gepaardgaande geleenthede, uitdagings en effektiewe maniere om die generasie te bestuur. Deur te fokus op die navorsingsresultate binne die multigenerasie-werksmag en die ooreenstemmende gapings, kan daar moontlik oplossings ontstaan om te help met konflikbestuur wat op 'n beter begrip van die generasies gegrond is. Elke generasie se tipiese eienskappe word in diepte bespreek deur middel van 'n deeglike literatuurstudie, met die oorhoofse doel om span- sowel as organisasiesukses te verhoog. Die totale aantal werknemers, insluitend permanente kontrakteurs, van die Ingenieurswese Departement is ongeveer 1 945. Die deelnemers aan die generasieopname is lukraak gekies, maar die kontrakteurs is uitgesluit. Die inligting is ingesamel met behulp van 'n kort vraelys wat die tipiese eienskappe van elke generasie verteenwoordig. Uit 'n steekproef van 250 deelnemers uit agt verskillende seksies binne die departement wat gevra is om die vraelys te voltooi, is 'n betreklik swak responskoers van 34% (85 vraelyste) behaal. Die navorsing het bevind dat die tipiese eienskappe van die Tradisionaliste en Baby Boomers tans gebruik kan word om feitlik die hele department te verteenwoordig. Dit toon verder ook dat daar spesifieke invloede in die werks- en sosiale omgewing, leierskapstyle en die myn se kultuur is wat die verskillende generasies se denkpatrone rondom benaderings, verwagtinge en persepsies vorm. Die navorsingsverslag word afgesluit met 'n bepaling van die sterk- en swakpunte van die studie, 'n paar kernbevindings en 'n opsomming, gevolgtrekking en aanbevelings.

Pentecostal churches are growing significantly across the world, but occasionally theological tensions arise within Pentecostal churches, sometimes related to intergenerational differences, which hinder both quantitative and qualitative growth. This study analyses the dynamics of a particular generation gap in one South African Pentecostal congregation. It explores the initiatives of a cell group from the younger generation, aimed at enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of the congregation's witness. The cell group initiatives highlighted issues of leadership, biblical hermeneutics, and the need for a theological re-assessment of local traditions that had always acted as identity markers for the older generation. This study contends that the conflict between a more collectivist older generation and a more individualist younger generation can be bridged through well prepared conflict resolution processes led by credible intervention teams and through some form of accommodation of the views and desires of both generations. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D.Th. (Missiology)

This study examined the work-life balance (WLB) and subjective well-being (SWB) of Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y in the current world of work. The instruments used in this study for data collection was Work-life Balance Scale, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, and the Work Engagement Questionnaire. The research was conducted from the perspective of a positive psychological paradigm and investigated the interrelationship dynamics between the constructs of generations and work-life balance and work-life balance and subjective well-being, as well as the differences between the levels of work-life balance and subjective well-being across generations in a South African sample. This study calculated Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) to examine the psychometric structure of a proposed SWB construct and to test the hypothesis that SWB is a latent variable comprising of Happiness, Optimism, Self-Esteem, and Engagement. Based on the results of the two EFA and CFA models, there is enough statistical evidence to accept this hypothesis. Correlational analysis and structural equation modelling revealed the relationships between work-life balance and subjective well-being. Regression analysis and tests for significant differences identified the differences in work-life balance and subjective well-being levels across the generations. The results revealed that there were some statistically significant differences between generations. For Baby Boomers and Generation X work-life balance was influenced by SWB factors, whilst Generation Y were mostly influenced by biographical variables. The results showed that hours worked, and hours paid were predictors of work interfering with personal life (WIPL) for both Generation X and Generation Y. Self-esteem was a significant predictor for the Baby Boomers. With regards to personal life interfering with work (PLIW) hours worked and happiness were found to be predictors for Generation X, whereas hours paid was a negative predictor for Generation Y. Furthermore, hours worked, happiness and engagement were found to predict work and personal life enhancement (WPLE) for Generation X. An overall difference was noted for happiness across the generations, with Generation Y employees having significantly lower levels of happiness than Generation X, whilst no significant difference was noted between Generation X and Baby Boomers. The current study linked the emerging constructs of positive psychology in general by investigating the relationships and differences between generations, WLB and SWB. The results could be used as a framework for IOP.The research makes a contribution to the field of Industrial and Organisational Psychology on three levels, namely, on a theoretical, an empirical and a practical level. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / D. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Dominant discourses on power, childhood and gender lead to power inequalities in social relationships in families and schools, allowing abuses of power (the subjugation and marginalisation of women and young people). These dominant structures of belief are often disrespectful of young people's experiences, stories and knowledges. This research attempted to respond to dilemmas in child relationships, to challenge belief structures that construct relationships between adults/young people, and to empower young people to stand up for their beliefs and make their voices heard. The research was guided by a post-modern, narrative pastoral approach. To deconstruct discourses that restrict young people within social institutions, social construction discourse, feminist post-structuralism, narrative theology and feminist theology were used. Narrative practices were used to look at depression, guilt, trouble and anger. Re-authoring conversations were used to construct preferred stories about young people's identities and to explore alternative stories and the not-yet-said on drugs. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology (Pastoral Therapy))

Dominant discourses on power, childhood and gender lead to power inequalities in social relationships in families and schools, allowing abuses of power (the subjugation and marginalisation of women and young people). These dominant structures of belief are often disrespectful of young people's experiences, stories and knowledges. This research attempted to respond to dilemmas in child relationships, to challenge belief structures that construct relationships between adults/young people, and to empower young people to stand up for their beliefs and make their voices heard. The research was guided by a post-modern, narrative pastoral approach. To deconstruct discourses that restrict young people within social institutions, social construction discourse, feminist post-structuralism, narrative theology and feminist theology were used. Narrative practices were used to look at depression, guilt, trouble and anger. Re-authoring conversations were used to construct preferred stories about young people's identities and to explore alternative stories and the not-yet-said on drugs. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology (Pastoral Therapy))