Thesis (LLM. (Labour Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / This mini-dissertation outlines the protection of rights of people living with HIV/AIDS in the workplace. It will highlight the fact that people living with HIV/AIDS can perform the work as long as they medically fit. It will show the need to promote anti discriminatory laws in the workplace. People think that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through casual contact but that will be shown in the study that HIV/AIDS can not be transmitted by casual contact. The mini-dissertation also outlines the need to educate employees about their rights more particularly those living with HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Therefore policies such as affirmative action must be implemented to affirm several advantages to people living with HIV/AIDS. Equality is what people must enjoy in the country in terms of section 9 of the Constitution including people living with HIV/AIDS.

This study examined whether the demand for more educated science and engineering workers outweighed longstanding practices of discrimination in hiring in high technology industries and science and engineering occupations. The study focused on the effects of education on the distribution of employment and wages among four racial and ethnic groups (non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics and Asians), for the period 1992 to 2002. The main data used in the analyses came from the March Annual Demographic Survey. Multinomial logit analyses were used to determine the probabilities of employment, and ordinary least squares, non-parametric regressions and t-tests were used to examine wages. The analyses showed that education was more important in determining employment in S &E occupations, when compared to its effects in other occupations; and compared to race, other demographic and labor market characteristics. The effects of education were greater in S &E jobs in the high technology sector when compared to S &E jobs elsewhere in the economy. However, the effects of education varied with race, the level of education, and the industry/ occupational group under consideration in ways that suggest that both employment and wages continue to be influenced by correlates of race. Based on the findings, the study provides recommendations for policy and future research.

A considerable body of work on women's television careers exists in Europe and North America, but the English-speaking Caribbean countries have never been investigated for their regional practices. This dissertation fills this void by addressing three major themes: a) the discrepancies between the high female labour force participation rates and their low representation in media management positions; b) the role of Caribbean gender ideology and stereotypes in excluding females from the professions; and c) the dearth of anti-discrimination and equity legislation in the region, their impact on female professional careers; and what can be done to ameliorate the working conditions of female broadcasters in the Caribbean. Historically, there has always been a significant percentage of women in employment in the Caribbean: during slavery, women outnumbered male workers on the plantations. The last two decades have seen a marked movement of women out of agriculture and into the service sectors including tourism and banking; as well as communication and some of the professions. As elsewhere in the world, gender structures and fragments the contemporary Caribbean labour force; and the tendency for men and women to have access to qualitatively different types of jobs is a persistent feature of both professional and general employment patterns in the region. This thesis investigates journalism as one of the prestige professions, which has attracted female personnel since the 1960s; and compares their access, promotion and remuneration to that of the male professionals. The thesis further uses Canadian and American findings to determine the informal barriers encountered by females in building their careers, as well as asesses the equity legislation and its impact on the region. Two comprehensive surveys covering all Television stations in the Anglophone Caribbean provide the data for the thesis; which are similar to those used by Robinson/St. Jean (1997) in Canada and Weaver / Il existe en Europe et en Amerique du nord de nombreuses etudes sur la vie professionnelle des femmes oeuvrant dans le domaine televisuel. Aux Caraibes Anglophones, par contre, il n'existe aucune etude de ce genre. Ce travail vise a combler ce vide en considerant le probleme sous trois angles principaux: a) les ecarts existant entre le taux eleve de la main-d'ceuvre feminine dans le domaine televisuel et la sous-representation des femmes parmi les cadres superieurs du secteur des medias b) le role de l'ideologie et des stereotypes de sexes aux Caraibes dans l'exclusion des femmes des postes de responsabilite au sein des entreprises mediatiques et de la penurie d'une politique de justice sociale et d'equite d'emploi dans la region et ses consequences sur les carrieres des femmes; et dans quelle mesure it serait possible d'ameliorer les conditions de travail des femmes dans le domaine de la telediffusion aux Caraibes. Historiquement les femmes des Caraibes ont toujours constitue un pourcentage important de la main-d'ceuvre: pendant l'esclavage, le nombre de femmes travaillant sur les plantations depassait celui d'ouvriers de sexe masculin. D'ailleurs, au cours des deux demieres decennies, les femmes ont de plus en plus abandonne le secteur de l'agriculture au profit de celui de services et de consommation, y compris le tourisme et les operations bancaires, la communication et certaines autres professions. Comme ailleurs dans le monde, l'appartenance sexuelle conditionne et influence le decoupage de l'effectif aux Caraibes contemporaines; la tendance selon laquelle les hommes et les femmes occupent des postes qualitativement differents est donc une caracteristique permanente des politiques d'emploi de la region. Cette these analyse le journalisme comme profession de prestige ayant attire les femmes depuis les annees 60 et compare leur acces au travail et a la promotion et leur remuneration a ceux de leurs homologues masculins. La these s'inspire des resultats d'etud

This research is an exploration of the experiences of visible minorities employed by a bank promoting employment equity since 1990. This study is based on a qualitative methodology. To collect the data, twenty-six members of the organization--eighteen visible minorities, four French Canadian and four managers--were interviewed. The analysis of the collected data showed a wide range of experiences within the sample. The promotion issue is the most important. Many respondants want promotions within the organisation and find that their progression is slow. Some respondants acknowledged that their supervisors were prejudiced against them as visible minorities, which they thought could slow down their career prospects. Overall, eleven out of the eighteen visible minorities interviewed believe that their special status has an impact on their experience at the bank. The subtle character of the disadvantage perceived by respondants should be the object of further research.

South African black Managers are experiencing numerous problems as pioneers in the white-dominated managerial world. Management and research studies have usually concentrated on the black managers' behaviour. The present investigation attempts to redress this by examining their work-related experiences. Phase I examined the attitudes, perceptions and experiences of 34 black managers, and of selected work colleagues (a boss, peer and subordinate,if available) in regard to the black manager and black job advancement issues. In-depth, focused interviews were conducted. Fundamental interpersonal perceptual discrepancies emerged between the black managers and their work associates. The black managers tended to attribute their work problems and behaviour to external, situational factors By contrast their work colleagues often ascribed them to personal dispositions of the black manager. Euclidean distance analyses revealed that the largest interpersonal perceptual differences were between the black manager-boss dyads. This was followed by the black manager-peer dyads, boss-peer dyads and black manager-subordinate dyads. The black managers' perceptions diverged significantly from those of their white bosses, whose perceptions were closer to those of the white peers. Finally, analyses of incomplete sentences filled in by the black managers identified two types of subjects. Type I informants possessed more positive self-concepts than Type II individuals. Phase II: Since the black managers appeared to be experiencing considerable work stress, this was followed up using focused interviews. The conceptual work of stress used involved models of personal environment fit, and role episode. The major work stressors the black managers reported were role-related, followed by interpersonal stressors. Role conflict, generated by their marginal, middleman position between white management and the black Workers, was particularly stress-provoking. Although several black managers coped with stressful work conditions by direct problem-solving action, many resort to emotional defensive mechanisms. Discriminant analyses revealed that: black managers with large boss-black manager interpersonal perceptual disparities, were under more stress than those with small disparities; more work stress was reported by Type II than Type I informants, by middle management than junior management blacks, and by black line managers than black staff managers. The thesis concludes with recommendations of an applied nature. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1985.

The contoured logic of apartheid in South Africa constructed racial, economic, social and political segregation, the consequences of which are still experienced today. In an attempt to alter the demographic weighting of disadvantage, the South African government has made concerted efforts to ‘deracialise’ South Africa most notably through Affirmative Action (AA) measures. Subjective, contextualised approaches to AA have received little attention both locally and internationally. This study aimed to explore AA from a social constructionist orientation with a focus on Potter and Wetherell’s discursive psychology. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data from 17 participants. The sample included both male (5) and female (12) participants and representation from all major race groups in South Africa. The findings illustrate how participants engage in discursive devices that rationalise a racial order of competence. The discourses also reflected polarised views of affirmative action. By and large, Black participants maintain that racial inequality still exists. White participants, on the other hand, continue to feel marginalised and discriminated against, by the policy. Furthermore, the results identify the various flavours in which redress can be realised. As new knowledge, the study also suggests that despite the negative experiences associated with AA, participants were generally in favour of the principles embedded within the policy. Ultimately this study suggests that AA continues to be a controversial subject which traverses many segments of life. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

This study is aimed at examining issues and concerns that relate to women in the maritime sector in South Africa and to determine the perceptions of employees, both males and females towards women in the maritime sector and women in management in general policies and programmes aimed at eliminating gender discriminatory practices are critically appraised. It examines international contributions, which are used to make comparative analysis with South African Port Operations and National Port Authority. Durban has been chosen because it is one of the biggest Maritime cities in the Southern Hemisphere and in the African continent. Women have been disproportionately represented in the higher management structures previously. This study therefore assesses how these past imbalances can be addressed; so that women can best enter and succeed in this sector, especially those who currently hold senior positions. The impact that gender equity practices have on human resources planning is examined. The study uses two broad research methods: the primary data analysis and the critical review of literature. A mail survey technique was undertaken with 60 subjects randomly selected. A stratified random sample was used to determine both male and female perceptions. Data was analysed using SPSS programme. Theoretical perspectives relevant to women and management concerns are summarised, that is, the psychological tradition, culturally biased perspective, the entitlement/empowerment framework, the bargaining approach and the feminist political economy perspective. An overview of the national dynamics in South Africa, especially in relation to affirmative action imperatives, and implications pertaining to women in management is also undertaken. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The aims of the study were to determine if unfair discrimination in employment is being eliminated; to establish if a diverse workforce representative of the population is in the process of being achieved, and to find out if economic development and efficiency in the workplace is being promoted. The study made use of the organizational survey research method. Organizational surveys are powerful in: identification of opportunities for improvement, reality check, determining if a strategy is outdated and needs to change, measurement of performance improvements, changing mind-set of management, where necessary, increasing the commitment of people in the organization. The sample consisted of 166 participants. These participants comprised of 110 employees described as Crew Members and 56 employees described as Officers. All races were represented within the sample. In a population of 166 staff members at Natal Sharks Board, a sample of forty (40) participants was randomly selected. The sample was further subdivided into 20 Crew members and 20 Officers. The former 20 participants (Crew) were interviewed through medium of IsiZulu because most of them could not read or write. The latter 20 participants (Officers) were given questionnaires to fill-in. These questionnaires were in English. All 20 participants are competent English-speakers and could read and write. Data gathering took three weeks to complete. Collected data was analysed through quantitative and qualitative methods. The results and the findings of the study were presented according to the aims of the study. The findings according to aim number one, that is, to determine if unfair discrimination in employment is being eliminated; show that there is a change to eliminate discrimination at Sharks Board. The second aim, that is, to establish if a diverse workforce representative of the population is in the process of being achieved; show that there is a change in the diversity of the workforce. The last aim of the study, that is, to find out if economic development and efficiency in the workplace is being promoted at Sharks Board; shows that this process has began. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Empowerment is the degree of flexibility and freedom provided to individuals to make decisions in relation to their work. Individuals tend to respond more creatively when given additional responsibilities and are encouraged to contribute to and attain satisfaction from their work and its environment. Women in South Africa have unfortunately found it difficult to take advantage of this flexibility and freedom due to the countries past policies and laws. They have to face various barriers that restrict them from advancing in their careers and in the workplace, particularly at senior management levels. One of these barriers is to balance work and family life. The government has legislated policies and procedures for the empowerment of women in the workplace. Companies are required to use these policies and procedures to promote women to senior levels of management. The aim of the study is to determine whether women in South Africa are being empowered in the workplace and the impact of organisational practices on their progression. This study used a quantitative research design and data was collected using an electronic questionnaire in the Greater Durban Area using a non-probability sample. There were 129 respondents who responded to the electronic questionnaire of which only 121 were valid responses. The study showed that women were not accepted in a managerial role yet respondents preferred female managers due to their influence in the workplace. Barriers which affected women in acquiring higher positions in their companies were identified. The findings indicate that organisations which have policies and procedures in place invest in developing female leaders and managers. Based on the research findings it is recommended that organisations need to be more supportive of women with families. In this way they could retain the best. In addition, organisations need to ensure that for empowerment of women to materialise; power sharing, skills development and positive relationships should be a part of their organisations’ empowerment strategy. Government may need to change certain policies and procedures to encourage the promotion of women in the workplace. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.

The implementation of Employment Equity involves the Government’s Labour Department, employers, employees, trade unions, shareholders and customers. The Labour Department insists that a designated employer must prepare and implement an Employment Equity Plan which will achieve reasonable progress towards Employment Equity in that employer’s workforce. The focus of this study was to establish the impact of the implementation of Employment Equity and Affirmative Action in the workplace. This study focused on employees’ perceptions and attitudes towards the implementation of Employment Equity and Affirmative Action. The main variables addressed by this study included staff turnover, training & development, impact of Employment Equity Forums, staff morale and attitudes towards the call to end Affirmative Action. The objectives of this study were to establish the impact of Employment Equity on the following key business variables: promotions and career paths, employee retention, employee turnover, employee morale and employee working relationships. The study followed a quantitative approach with a web-based questionnaire which was constructed using an online questionnaire which was distributed to the respondents electronically. A non-probability sampling method was utilized to achieve set objectives. According to the findings, most employees have not benefited from the implementation of Employment Equity and Affirmative Action. This results to different views between previously disadvantaged groups, especially Africans and White males. The results showed that Whites are calling for an end to the implementation of Affirmative Action policies while Africans feel that Affirmative Action should carry on for a little longer. The implementation of Employment Equity and Affirmative Action negatively affects Whites’ morale at work and results to poor working relationships amongst different race groups. It is also observed from the findings that Employment Equity and Affirmative Action is not directly linked to job hopping, contrary to the general perception. It is witnessed from the study that those who have benefitted from Employment Equity and Affirmative Action were very supportive of it. In order to improve the effectiveness of Employment Equity organisations need to: provide training and development for appointees, develop career paths for individuals, and introduce Equity forums where employees can discuss challenges faced by Affirmative Action appointees. However, the principle of fairness has to be a part of all Equity practices. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.