D.Ed. (Educational Management) / The learner teacher ratio is one of the factors that affects the quality of education provided in schools the national department of education (1992:6) indicated that one of the problems adversely affecting the overall quality of education in south Africa was, among others, not the shortage of educators but their unequal distribution. This unequal distribution of educators in schools was mainly due to the massive discrepancies in the amounts spent by the apartheid government on education departments (National Department of education, 1992:6 Coutts, 1996:131; University of Witswatersrand, 1997: 1)...

M.A. / Whistleblowing can be defined as the disclosure by organisation members (former or current) of illegal, immoral or illegitimate practices under the control of their employers, to persons or organisations that may be able to effect action. There are various factors that influence the extent to which people would be prepared to blow the whistle. One of these factors is job satisfaction. The extent to which people are satisfied in their jobs influences the extent to which the whistle will be blown. However, the relationship between whistleblowing and job satisfaction has not been studied in great detail and not at all in a South African context. The nature of this relationship was explored among academic staff at a South African university by means of a quantitative study. It was decided to conduct the study at the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK) of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) due to the degree of transformation that has taken place at this institution in recent years and thus being relevant regarding the issue of job satisfaction. The study involved investigating the circumstances under which academic staff would be prepared to blow the whistle, how far they would be prepared to go in terms of making use of various channels to report wrongdoing, the level of job satisfaction, as well as the relationship between job satisfaction and the responses of academic staff members to whistleblowing. Examination of the findings revealed that overall the academic staff of the University of Johannesburg are satisfied in their jobs and this correlated, to a small degree, with the furthest reporting of offences that are minor in nature. Overall, academic staff were more inclined to report wrongdoing internally. Academic staff who had been employed at the university for more than ten years as well as those who had no financial dependants were slightly more inclined to report wrongdoing than those who had been employed for a shorter period of time and had financial dependants.

M.Phil. (Industrial Psychology) / Orientation: Positive experiences in the workplace, such as support and work engagement, are essential for enhancing subjective wellbeing (happiness and satisfaction with life). Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between social support, supervisor support, work engagement, happiness, and satisfaction with life, as well as investigate whether work engagement mediates support on subjective wellbeing (happiness and satisfaction with life). Motivation: The presence of support (social and supervisor) and work engagement can spill over and affect non-work; specifically, subjective wellbeing (happiness and satisfaction with life). Individuals with high subjective wellbeing are successful across multiple life domains. Method: A cross-sectional survey was used with participants spanning across diverse organisations, ages, racial groups and occupational levels (N=789). The Work Engagement Scale (May, Harter, & Gilson, 2004), Job Demands-Resources Scale (Jackson & Rothmann, 2005), Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985 ) and Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999) were used to determine the objectives of this study. Results: The results show significant relationships between happiness, satisfaction with life, social support, organisational support, and work engagement. Additionally, work engagement predicted happiness and satisfaction with life; social support predicted work engagement and satisfaction with life. Supervisor supports predicted subjective wellbeing (happiness and satisfaction with life) but not work engagement. There is therefore partial mediation, as supervisor support did not predict work engagement. Contribution: This study seeks to highlight the concept of support (social and supervisor) and work engagement as constructs that are significant in enhancing subjective wellbeing (happiness and satisfaction with life). Through organisations promoting these positive outcomes at work, enhances productivity.

Magister Commercii (Industrial Psychology) - MCom(IPS) / A critical feature of globalisation is to attract and retain intellectual capital to ensure that a cadre of highly skilled, independent, internationally marketable and mobile employees is achieved (Sutherland & Jordaan, 2004). Bagraim and Sader (2007) concur by stating that South African organisations in an increasingly dynamic globalised economy, strive to increase the organisation's competitiveness by ensuring they need to retain and motivate skilled employees. The plethora of literature available on organisational commitment and job satisfaction is testament to achieving the above (Aamodt, 1999; Mowday, Porter & Steers, 1982; Robbins; 2001; Robbins & Judge; 2007). Withdrawal behaviours such as tardiness, absenteeism and turnover have been found to be inversely related to both job satisfaction and organisational commitment (Bergh, 2011; Mowday et al., 1982; Robbins, 2001). It is therefore believed that satisfied and committed employees are more likely to remain with an organisation and to perform at higher levels. The relationship between job satisfaction and organisational commitment has particularly important implications for service organisations. In a recent study, conducted in a service environment, it was demonstrated that highly committed employees exerted more effort towards satisfying the needs of customers. The effort was found, in turn, to raise the level of customer satisfaction (Malherbe & Pearse, 2003). Moreover, the latter study lent strong support to the notion that increased job satisfaction is likely to stimulate greater commitment. Since 1994 South Africa has undergone numerous changes not only in the country but also in the Higher Education sector, to rectify and redress the social injustices caused by apartheid in a move towards a democratic society (Cross, Mungadi & Rouhini cited in Rothman, 2005). In a hyper turbulent environment characterised by constant change, it has become important for Higher Education to change as well to ensure that tertiary institutions become internationally competitive. The importance of the current study therefore comes to the fore in terms of determining why individuals are leaving the institution. This is important because to remain competitive the institution needs highly competent, committed and experienced employees. The present study aspires to identify the variables which influence turnover intentions. The mediating effects of job satisfaction and organisational commitment were investigated in this particular study to explore the concept of turnover intentions amongst a sample of 118 non-academic (administrative) staff members at a tertiary institution in the Western Cape. A biographical questionnaire, the Job Descriptive Index (JDI), the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) and the Turnover Intentions Questionnaire were administered to elicit responses from respondents to determine the impact of the variables job satisfaction and organisational commitment on turnover intentions. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods (the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Co-efficient and Multiple Regression Analysis) were utilised during the statistical analysis phase. Results indicate that a statistically significant inverse relationship exists between the independent variables job satisfaction and organisational commitment, respectively, and turnover intention. These findings are consistent with previous research findings (Appollis, 2010; Ben-Bakr, Al-Shammari, Jefri & Prasad, 1994; Pienaar, Sieberhagen & Mostert, 2007). Further to this a statistically significant relationship also exists between job satisfaction and organisational commitment which corroborates previous findings (Lok & Crawford, 1999; Mathieu & Zajac; 1999; McNeese-Smith, 2001; Price & Mueller, 1981; Williams & Hazer, 1986). The study concludes with recommendations and implications for future research endeavours in the area of job satisfaction, organisational commitment and turnover intentions amongst non-academic employees from institutions of Higher Education.

Class of 2005 Abstract / Objectives: The objectives of this study were to 1) describe Japanese pharmacists’ perceptions about community pharmacy on a variety of issues and 2) compare the perceptions between different groups. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of community pharmacists in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Hiroshima prefecture. Pharmacists were surveyed on various issues such as job satisfaction, the separation of prescribing and dispensing, their relationship with patients and physicians, and pharmacy education. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure responses. Results: One hundred forty-four questionnaires were completed. Eighty-four percent of respondents were female, 37.5% had more than ten years of practice experience, and 81.9% worked in Tokyo. Japanese community pharmacists are neutral or satisfied with their jobs. However, respondents were not satisfied with the current state of community pharmacy in Japan (2.81 + 0.83), did not feel respected by patients (2.74 + 0.99) and physicians (1.99 + 0.95), felt that four years of education was not enough to provide adequate patient care (1.96 + 1.01), and would like to do more clinical oriented activities (3.77 + 0.84). Significant differences were found in some responses between groups such as males versus females and pharmacists with more versus less than ten years of practice experience. Conclusions: Respondents were not satisfied with the current state of community pharmacy in Japan. Areas that could use improvement are respect from patients and physicians, involvement in clinical activities, and assistance at work. Significant differences were found in the perceptions of the groups studied.

Psychological capital and work engagement, both constructs rooted in positive psychology, have been associated with positive outcomes in the workplace, such as better job performance and organisational citizenship behaviours. The rewards practices of organisations have not been widely studied in relation to these positive psychological constructs, despite the clear importance of understanding how the way that employees are rewarded serves to motivate behaviour in the workplace. This study sought to bring together two rewards-centred constructs, namely, the perceptions of equity of rewards and the equity sensitivity of employees, and the two positive psychological constructs of psychological capital and work engagement, with the aim of understanding how these constructs relate to each other and, ultimately, discerning how reward systems might best be aligned to improve employee performance. A theoretical model was constructed based on a review of relevant literature, and eight hypotheses were set to test the model. This research took the form of a cross-sectional design, using a composite questionnaire to measure psychological capital, work engagement, equity sensitivity and perceptions of equity in rewards by means of a self-report electronic survey. Employees at a South African university were invited to participate in the study by means of an emailed invitation, and a sample of 305 respondents was achieved. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, which included frequency tables, Cronbach’s alpha testing, Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlations, chi-square tests, t-tests, analysis of variance, hierarchical regression analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling. The results of the survey showed that respondents had high levels of psychological capital with the exception of the medium scores on the Optimism dimension; levels of work engagement were high overall; responses regarding the perceptions of equity of rewards relating to promotions were most negative, with the rest of the perceptions of equity of rewards dimensions being scored neutrally; and scores for equity sensitivity showed a tendency toward a benevolent disposition. Significant differences were found between demographic groups in the sample for all of the constructs under investigation. Evidence was found in support of the hypothesised relationships in the theoretical model, with the exception of the hypothesised link between equity sensitivity and the perceptions of equity of rewards. The hypotheses regarding moderation relationships were not accepted, based on the results of the hierarchical regression analysis. Structural equation model testing resulted in unsatisfactory fit of the statistical model. Confirmatory factor analysis results provided support for the acceptability of the Equity Sensitivity Instrument, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and Psychological Capital Questionnaire for use on a South African sample. As far as it could be ascertained, the constructs under investigation have not been examined together before. The study therefore contributes uniquely to the existing body of positive organisational behaviour research, and begins to fill the gap identified in the Rewards literature. A number of recommendations for researchers and for organisations stemming from the study are put forward.

The Consulting Engineering industry plays a very critical role in the construction industry. Its primary role is to plan and design projects before they go on to the construction phase. During the construction phase of a project, consulting engineers are responsible for supervising the works and ensuring that construction is done according to design specifications. The selected company, where this study was conducted, provides civil engineering consulting services. The main purpose of the research was to identify retention strategies that could be used by the company in order to reduce staff turnover. To achieve this objective, the researcher completed a literature study. The literature study revealed the characteristics of knowledge workers, and what makes knowledge workers wish to extend their stay with an organisation. The study examined variables that lead to staff turnover i.e. leadership and communication, organizational culture, performance management and job satisfaction. The empirical study was conducted at LK Consulting Engineers. A survey with a questionnaire was administered to all engineering practitioners who were registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Interviews were also conducted with three managers. The study demonstrated that leadership and communication, organisational culture, performance management and job satisfaction are important variables leading to retention of knowledge workers. The study also demonstrated that training and financial remuneration is not enough to retain knowledge workers, employees should feel valued and provided with the opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the organisation.

To achieve efficacy in the work place, employees need to perform at optimal levels. Researching and implementing strategies to improve job performance are fundamentally important to the development of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector in South Africa. However, scant research had been performed in this area. This study sought to present exploratory research in this emergent, rapidly expanding sector of the South African economy. Its primary aim was to investigate which affective factors exhibited an influence on job performance of workers in this sector. Mixed methods research was employed to analyse factors contributing to the five independent variables of demographics, skills and education, job satisfaction, motivation and experience, by investigating their influence on the dependent variable of job performance. The five independent variables were presented within a proposed conceptual framework of related and grouped affective factors. An online survey was constructed to collect data and perceptions from individuals currently employed in any capacity, in the ICT sector in South Africa. Ninety-nine suitable responses were received. The simple statistical technique of chi-square testing for independence was used to test the hypothesised relationships between the above-mentioned independent variables and the dependent variable of job performance. The empirical results revealed that many of the affective factors influencing the job performance of employees in the ICT sector in South Africa, are those that contribute to job satisfaction and motivation. These include aspects such as fair remuneration; transparent and clear organisational communication; managerial support and guidance; access to educational and career opportunities; and pleasant workplaces. In view of these findings, the study concluded that organisations that wish to improve their employees’ job performance, or attract and retain high-performing individuals, should formulate and implement policies and strategies that take into account these significant factors.

Given the increasingly important role that non-family employees working in family businesses play in the success of these businesses, as well as the challenges they are faced with, it is surprising that little is known about their experiences in the family business. This study therefore was aimed at contributing to the more effective functioning of this important stakeholder group in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment in family businesses. As such the primary objective of this study was to identify the factors that impact on non-family employees’ levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment to the family business in which they are employed. This study sought to incorporate prior findings and theories on job satisfaction and organisational commitment into a comprehensive theoretical model. In addition, support for these theories was sought in the literature. The literature review revealed three main categories of constructs, namely, relational-based, organisational-based and reward-based factors, as influencing the levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment of non-family employees working in family businesses. Within these three categories, 15 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the levels of the dependent variables Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment. Of the 15 independent variables, 6 were categorised as relational-based, another 6 as organisational-based and 3 as reward-based factors. All of the constructs in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from measuring instruments used by prior studies. In addition, several items were selfgenerated items based on secondary sources. The convenience snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data collected 280 usable questionnaires and was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed by means of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were confirmed for this purpose. v The 6 relational-based factors could not all be confirmed as initially intended. Of these factors, 5 were confirmed. Similarly, the organisational-based factors could not all be confirmed by the exploratory factor analysis. Four factors were confirmed in this regard. With regard to reward-based factors, these factors did not load as originally intended. Instead, a new factor (Job security and compensation) emerged. In this study, a number of statistical procedures were utilised to assess the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. These included descriptive statistics which was used to summarise the sample data. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was also undertaken to establish the relationship between the various factors under investigation. However, the main statistical procedure that was used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables was the Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). From the analysis, 7 submodels were identified and subjected to further testing. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Fairness; Personal needs alignment; Interpersonal relationships; Family harmony; Nature of the work; Working conditions; Job involvement; Governance; Job security and compensation. In addition, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to establish the influence that the various demographic variables could have on the dependent variables. The test included the use of Benferroni post-hoc test that was used to vi assess the statistical difference, while Cohen’s d-values were calculated to assess the practical significance between mean scores. Ownership of shares by non-family employees of the family business in which they are employed, the positions that these employees hold, as well as ethnicity of the respondents have been found to have an influence on the independent and dependent variables in this study. This study has empirically investigated the challenges non-family employees working in family businesses are faced with, and has thus added to the limited amount of family business literature on this valuable stakeholder group. The theoretical model developed in this study has made a significant contribution towards understanding the factors that influence the levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment of these employees. This study therefore presents recommendations and suggestions to assist family business leaders/owners in attracting and retaining non-family businesses in such a way as to give them a sense of belonging and to enhance the performance of their businesses.

This study focused on establishing the impact of job satisfaction (JS) and organisational commitment (OC) on turnover intentions of high school teachers in Fort Beaufort. Quantitative research methodology was used to gather data with the use of the short version of the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire; the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire measuring three facets of commitment (affective, continuance, and normative); and Turnover Intention Questionnaire consisting of three items. Validity and reliability of each instrument was presented and explained. Data analysis was facilitated by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that teachers’ level of satisfaction was high with many aspects of their job and it was low with some aspects with pay and the amount of work being the lowest. A negative relationship between job satisfaction and turnover was established, and organisational commitment was found to influence turnover intention.