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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
41

An investigation into aspects of transformational leadership in South African small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Visser, Dirk Jacobus 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2004 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: To the world community at large globalisation has been a gradual process, whereas its impact in South Africa was more intensive and concentrated over a shorter period of time - in particular since South Africa's return to the international community in the early to middle 1990s, its economy, inter alia, has had to adjust to this phenomenon. It is within this environment that all enterprises constituting the South African economy also had to adapt and adjust to a new world environment. From the middle 1980s a new discourse in the literature on the effect of a "new" style of leadership (based on continuous learning, renewal, innovation and entrepreneurship) was reported on in which these leaders brought about significant change in organisations. These leaders recognise the need for change in their organisations. They create a new vision. They bring about change in their organisations to meet the challenges from the changing environment and have been accordingly recognised as transformational leaders. This leadership style has been extensively reported on in large organisations, in both the private and the public sectors. For example, literature and research abound on the impact of transformational leaders in large business enterprises (e.g. Lee lacocca of Chrysler, Jack Welch of General Electric) and government institutions, such as education, the military and health (e.g. Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Mahatma Ghandi of India). A review of the literature on the impact of transformational leadership in large organisations, without fail, reports significant manifestations of success in those organisations' growth, cohesion and development into' more successful and competitive units. Concomitantly, it is generally acknowledged by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the European Union, the Asian Development Bank and other organisations of similar position, that small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) shape the very foundation of the majority of successful economies. The impact of transformational leadership in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has not been measured and reported on in an empirical appraisal and surprisingly little has been forthcoming on the role and impact of transformational leadership in SMEs globally. However, from an entrepreneurial perspective, much has been researched and written on the qualities that support risk-taking, innovation and competition in SMEs. It is within this context that it was decided to investigate the concept of transformational leadership in entrepreneurs, i.e. that group of people who are generally referred to as the drivers of the economy. This dissertation reviews the literature on leadership practices and styles in organisations as a basis to specifically identify the co-producers of leadership in entrepreneurs in SMEs. It is within this context that an empirical study on aspects of transformational leadership in SMEs in a South African context was conducted. This empirical survey verifies the relationship between characteristics of these entrepreneurs and characteristics typically associated with transformational leaders, as manifested in large organisations. Therefore, given the above empirical evidence, the model developed for this study defines the qualities of a transformational leader which will enable those leaders/entrepreneurs (in SMEs with growth potential) to take their organisations from average performance levels to levels comparable to world-class leadership and competitiveness. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vir die wêreldgemeenskap in sy geheel was globalisering 'n geleidelike proses, terwyl die impak daarvan op Suid-Afrika meer intensief en gekonsentreerd oor 'n korter tydperk plaasgevind het - meer spesifiek sedert Suid-Afrika se terugkeer gedurende die vroeë tot middel 1990s tot die internasionale gemeenskap waartydens die ekonomie, onder andere, tot hierdie verskynsel moes aanpas. Dit is binne hierdie omgewing waarbinne alle ondernemings wat die basis van die ekonomie vorm, tot die nuwe wêreldomgewing moes aanpas. Vanaf die middel 1980s is daar redevoering in die literatuur oor die invloed van 'n "nuwe" leierskapstyl (met die uitgangspunte van verandering, innovering en entrepreneurskap) waarvolgens hierdie leiers aansienlike verandering in hul organisasies teweegbring. Hierdie leiers begryp die noodsaaklikheid van verandering en skep sodoende 'n nuwe visie binne hulorganisasies. Hulle bring verandering binne hierdie organisasies teweeg en aanvaar die uitdagings vanuit die omgewing - hierdie leiers word as transformasieleiers uitgeken. Vanuit die oogpunt van beide groot, privaat- en openbare organisasies, word hierdie leierskapstyl omvattend vermeld; byvoorbeeld, in navorsing en literatuur is voldoende verwysings oor die invloed van transformasieleierskap in groot ondernemings (bv. Lee lacocca van Chrysler, Jack Welch van General Electric) en in staatorganisasies, soos in opvoeding, die militêre asook gesondheid (bv. Nelson Mandela van Suid-Afrika, Mahatma Ghandi van Indië). 'n Literatuuroorsig oor die invloed van transformasieleierskap op groot organisasies dui sonder uitsondering op 'n beduidende invloed van sukses in die groei van hierdie ondernemings aan, asook beter spanwerk en die ontplooiing van meer suksesvolle en mededingengde eenhede binne hierdie organisasies. Insgelyks, word dit algemeen deur die Wêreldbank, die Internasionale Monetêre Fonds, die Europese Gemeenskap, die Asiese Ontwikkelingsbank en ander soortgelyke organisasies aanvaar dat klein tot middelgroot-ondernemings (KMOs) die onderbou van die meerderheid van susksesvolle ekonomië vorm. Vanuit 'n entrepreneuriese perspektief is 'n aansienlike hoeveelheid navorsing en publikasies reeds oor die faktore gedoen wat entrepreneurskap in KMOs ondersteun, naamlik risikoneming, innovering en mededining. Dog, vanuit 'n empiriese benadering, is daar nog nie navorsing oor die invloed van transformasieleierskap in KMOs gelewer nie. Dit is binne hierdie konteks dat die besluit geneem is om die konsep van transformasieleierskap in entrepreneurs te ondersoek, m.a.w. daardie groep mense waarna oor die algemeen as die dryfkrag van die ekonomie verwys word. As vertrekpunt ondersoek hierdie verhandeling die literatuur met betrekking tot leierskapgebruike en -style in organisasies, om sodoende meer spesifiek die medeprodusente van leierskap in entrepreneurs in KMOs te bepaal. Vanaf hierdie vertrekpunt word die empiriese ondersoek geloods en voltooi om die teenwoordigheid van transformasieleierskap in KMOs in Suid-Afrika te bepaal. Die empiriese navorsing bevestig die verwantskap tussen die eienskappe van hierdie entrepreneurs en die eienskappe wat tipies aan transformasieleiers in groot organisasies toegeskryf word. Gegewe die bogenoemde empiriese bevindinge omskryf die model (wat gevolglik vir hierdie studie ontwikkel is) die eienskappe van transformasieleiers wat vir leiers/entrepreneurs (in KMOs met groeimoontlikhede) van nut sal wees om sodoende hulondernemings tot prestasievlakke te neem wat met wêreldleierskap en mededingingheid vergelyk kan word.
42

The feasibility of transformational leadership training and development in South Africa

Du Rand, Jean 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The 1990s were characterised by a process of rapid political change in South Africa, which resulted in a period of transition in the economic and social spheres of this society. South Africans need to adapt to the shift in political leadership as well the rapid rate of technological innovation globally. Leadership theory has evolved from more traditional approaches such as the trait approach and behavioural approach to more recent theories such as situational leadership theories, leader-follower exchange theories and leadership decision-making theories. The recent trends in the field of Industrial Psychology lead to a more comprehensive and all-inclusive theory of leadership, namely transformational leadership. South Africa needs transformational leaders to drive and manage the change process. From the literature study it is evident that there is a need for transformational leadership training and development in South Africa. Therefore the main goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of transformational leadership training and development in South Africa. The main problem is divided into four sub-problems. In order to develop South African managers into transformational leaders, it is important that a need for transformational leadership training exists. Therefore the first subproblem is concerned with the need for the development of transformational leadership skills in South African leaders. The data of all South African leaders (7,563 cases) that were rated on Form 5X of the Multi-factor-Leadership Questionnaire (instrument measuring transformational leadership) was obtained from Productivity Development Pty. (Ltd.). This data was generated from March 1995 to June 1999. Firstly, the Ideal Theoretical Leadership Profile is compared to the total South African sample (N=7563). Secondly, leaders who performed effectively in the world of work were extracted from the total South African sample and were compared to the rest of the South African sample. Thus the Ideal Effectiveness Leadership Profile (N=657) is compared to the rest of the South African sample (N=6906). In both instances the profiles of the South African sample resembles the two ideal leadership profiles. The fact that the South African leaders scored well below the norms of the two ideal profiles on transformational leadership dimensions indicates that there is a need for the development of transformational leaders in South Africa. Thirdly, the t-test is utilised in order to compare the total South African sample (N=7,443) to an international sample (N=2080). The South African sample scored significantly higher on transformational leadership scales than their international counterparts. This indicates that South African leaders compare well to international standards regarding transformational leadership Once it was assessed that there is a need for South African leaders to be developed as transformational leaders, it was important to determine whether the Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) is a valid instrument for measuring transformational leadership in South Africa. Transformational leadership training and development can not be managed in South Africa unless it can be measured. Therefore the second subproblem was concerned with the construct validity of the MLQ in South Africa. Confirmatory factor analysis was utilised in order to assess the construct validity of the MLQ on 7563 cases. The final first-order analysis indicated that there is not conclusive evidence for the 8-factor structure in the South African context. More comprehensive research is needed in order to prove the validity of the MLQ beyond reasonable doubt in the South African context. After the conclusion was reached that transformational leadership training is needed in South Africa, it was decided to investigate the practical implementation of transformational leadership training in South Africa. In order to investigate the practical implementation of transformational leadership training, high-level managers trained at the Graduate School of Business, University of Stellenbosch (USB) were assessed as a microcosm of the larger South African sample. The USB group (N=120) was compared by means of t-tests to two other groups, namely the rest of the South African sample (N=7443) and an international sample (N=2080). The third sub-problem was thus concerned whether the USB group was a select group. The USB group scored significantly higher on all of the individual transformational factors than the two other groups. The results suggest that the USB is a select group. Once it was concluded that the USB group was a select group, they were tested on Kirkpatrick's reaction level of evaluation in order to determine whether they benefited from the course, although their MLQ scores reflected that they were already acting in a transformational manner. The fourth sub-problem was thus concerned with evaluating the reactions of the USB group towards the Full Range Leadership Programme. Overall the participants (N=46) gave a positive reaction towards the programme. Although the USB group can be classified as a select group, participants believed that the programme was of practical use. This substantiates the argument that there is a need for developing transformational leaders. The results indicate that transformational leadership training and development is feasible in South Africa. Finally, on the basis of the results of this study, conclusions and recommendations are made for future research. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die negentigerjare word gekenmerk deur 'n proses van snelle politieke verandering in die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing, wat In oorgangsperiode in die ekonomiese en sosiale sektore ingewy het. Dit is noodsaaklik dat Suid-Afrikaners aanpas by die veranderinge in politieke leierskap, asook by tegnologiese vooruitgang. Die leierskapsteorie, wat vroeër bestaan het uit die meer tradisionele benaderings soos die karaktertrek- en die gedragsbenadering, het gestalte gekry in meer onlangse teorieë. Hierdie teorieë sluit in die gebeurlikheids-, leier-volgeling-uitruilings- asook die leierskapsbesluitnemingsbenaderings. Die huidige neiging binne die wêreld van die Bedryfsielkunde is In meer omvattende en alles-inklusiewe benadering ten opsigte van die leierskapsteorie, naamlik transformasieleierskap. Suid-Afrika benodig transformasieleiers om die proses van verandering aan te dryf en te bestuur. Uit die literatuurstudie is dit duidelik dat daar 'n behoefte is aan transformasieleierskap-opleiding en -ontwikkeling in Suid-Afrika. Vervolgens is ~die hoofdoel van hierdie studie om die praktiese uitvoerbaarheid van transformasieleierskap-opleiding en -ontwikkeling in Suid-Afrika te bepaal. Die hoofprobleem word in vier sub-probleme verdeel. Daar word van die standpunt uitgegaan dat dit belangrik is om die transformasieleierskapsvaardighede van Suid-Afrikaanse bestuurders te ontwikkel. Die eerste sub-probleem fokus op die behoefte van Suid-Afrikaanse bestuurders aan opleiding in transformasieleierskap. Die data is ingesamel van alle Suid-Afrikaanse leiers (7,563 proefpersone) wat op die Multi-faktor Leierskapsvraelysvorm 5X (instrument wat transformasieleierskap meet) beoordeel is. Hierdie data is deur Productivity Development (Pty) Ltd beskikbaar gestel, en is vanaf Maart 1995 tot Junie 1999 ingesamel. Eerstens is die Ideale Teoretiese Leierskapsprofiel vergelyk met die leierskapsprofiel van die totale Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef (N=7,563). Tweedens is leiers wat effektief in die praktyk funksioneer, die Ideale Effektiwiteit Leierskapsprofiel (N=657), onttrek van die totale Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef en vergelyk met die res van die Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef (N=6,906). In beide gevalle is daar 'n verwantskap gevind tussen die Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef en die twee ideale leierskapsprofiele. Derdens is daar van 'n t-toets gebruik gemaak om die res van die Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef (N=7,443) met In internasionale steekproef te vergelyk. Die Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef het beduidend hoër tellings as die internasionale steekproef op alle transformasieskale behaal. Hiervolgens voldoen die Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef aan internasionale standaarde ten opsigte van transformasievaardighede. Nadat vasgestel is dat daar 'n behoefte bestaan aan transformasieleierskap-opleiding in Suid-Afrika, is daar ook besluit om die geldigheid van die Multi-faktor Leierskapsvraelys (MLO) onder Suid-Afrikaanse omstandighede te ondersoek. Transformasieleierskapopleiding en -ontwikkeling in Suid-Afrika kan nie bestuur word tensy dit akkuraat gemeet word nie. Daarom fokus die tweede sub-probleem op die konstrukgeldigheid van die MLO onder Suid-Afrikaanse omstandighede. Daar is van bevestigende faktor-ontleding gebruik gemaak om die konstrukgeldigheid van die MLO by 7,563 proefpersone te bepaal. Die 8-faktorpatroon lewer nie voldoende bewys dat die MLO weloor 'n mate van konstrukgeldigheid onder Suid-Afrikaanse omstandighede beskik nie. Nog in-diepte navorsing word benodig om bo redelike twyfel die geldigheid van die MLO onder Suid-Afrikaanse omstandighede te bevestig. Nadat tot die gevolgtrekking gekom is dat daar 'n behoefte aan opleiding in tranformasievaardighede bestaan, is die praktiese implementering van transformasieleierskap-opleiding in Suid-Afrika ondersoek. Vir hierdie doel is hoëvlakbestuurders, wat opgelei is by die Nagraadse Bestuurskool aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch (USB), ondersoek as 'n mikrokosmos van die groter Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef. Die USB-groep (N=120) is deur middel van t-toetse met die res van die Suid-Afrikaanse groep (N=7,443) en 'n internasionale steekproef (N=2,080) vergelyk. By die derde sub-probleem moes bepaal word of die USB-groep 'n uitgelese groep is. Dié groep het beduidend hoër tellings by al die afsonderlike transformasiefaktore as die ander twee groepe behaal. Die gevolgtrekking kan dus gemaak word dat die USB-groep wel uitgelese is. Hierna is die groep gemeet aan Kirkpatrick se reaksievlak. By die vierde sub-probleem is die USB-groep se reaksie ten opsigte van die "Full Range Leadership Programme" geëvalueer. Oor die algemeen het respondente (N=46) 'n positiewe reaksie teenoor die program getoon. Die USB-groep het die program as betekenisvol beskou, en alhoewel hulle 'n geselekteerde groep is, dui dit aan dat daar tog onder hulle 'n behoefte is aan opleiding in transformasievaardighede van Suid- Afrikaanse bestuurders. Die resultate dui aan dat daar onder bestuurslui in die algemeen 'n behoefte aan transformasieleierskap-opleiding en -ontwikkeling in Suid-Afrika is. Ten slotte is gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings wat op die resultate van die studie gebaseer is, vir toekomstige navorsing gemaak.
43

Leerkragte se belewing van bemagtiging en die implikasies daarvan vir die skoolkultuur en -klimaat : 'n ondersoek aan 'n hoërskool in die Suid-Kaap

Joubert, Francois 12 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the light of the emphasis on the decentralization of school management in South Africa, the empowerment of all role players to be involved in decision-making has became crucial. My concern is with the experience of the process of empowerment by leaders in education. The implications of empowerment or the lack there-off for the school culture and climate, as well as the underlying role played by the leadership approach of educational leaders, are examined. By engaging in an interpretative analysis of data (questionnaires which contains the views of various role players) I examined the relationship between empowerment, school culture and climate, as well as transformational leadership. Empowerment is not a simplistic concept which is clear from the mutual coherence between the school culture and climate and the particular role assumed by the transformational approach. The particular interaction between transformational leadership, empowerment and the school culture and climate implies greater clarity from all role players about the impact of empowerment. In this way participative management can realise in a spontaneous manner and can change be seen as a unique opportunity to improve teaching and learning. KEY WORDS Empowerment, school culture and climate and transformational leadership. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die lig van die klem op die desentralisasie van skoolbestuur in Suid-Afrika is die bemagtiging van alle rolspelers tot effektiewe deelname in besluitneming onontbeerlik. My besorgdheid is met die belewing van die proses van bemagtiging deur onderwysleiers. Die implikasies van bemagtiging of die gebrek daaraan vir die skoolkultuur en -klimaat, asook die onderliggende rol wat die leierskapbenadering van die onderwysleiers in die verband speel, is ook ondersoek. Verbind tot 'n interpretatiewe data-analise (vraelyste met die menings van verskeie rolspelers daarin vervat) het ek die verband tussen bemagtiging, skoolkultuur en -klimaat en transformatiewe leierskap ondersoek. Bemagtiging is nie 'n simplistiese begrip nie dit blyk onder meer uit die onderlinge samehang daarvan met skoolkultuur en -klimaat en die besondere rol wat die transformatiewe leierskapbenadering veronderstel. Die besondere wisselwerking tussen transformatiewe leierskap, bemagtiging en skoolkultuur en -klimaat vereis 'n groter duidelikheid by alle rolspelers oor die impak van bemagtiging. Sodoende realiseer deelnemende bestuur spontaan en word verandering as 'n besondere geleentheid beskou om onderrig en leer voortdurend te verbeter. SLEUTELWOORDE Bemagtiging, skoolkultuur en -klimaat en transformatiewe leierskap
44

Leadership as a key responsibility of the school principal

13 August 2012 (has links)
D.Ed. / This research study focused on leadership as a key responsibility of the school principal. The statement of the problem and aims of the study were outlined in Chapter one. In the literature review carried out in Chapter two it was argued that principals in Thulamahashe circuit should have knowledge of leadership theories, dimensions of leadership and adequate leadership skills, appropriate styles, qualities and roles in order to lead schools effectively. This is one factor that could possibly contribute towards the establishment of effective school performance and democratic leadership in schools within Thulamahashe circuit. This research study is quantitative in nature. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the opinions of the respondents based on leadership as a key responsibility of the school principal. The questionnaire consisted of sixty five items and fifty-five items were relevant for this particular research study. The structured questionnaires were distributed to a convenient cluster sample within the Thulamahashe circuit at Bushbuckridge region in the Northern Province. The respondents in this research study were teachers and principals from all types of schools within Thulamahashe circuit with the exception of crèches. The factor analysis was used to reduce the items into two factors named as leadership effectiveness (factor 2.1) and democratic leadership style (factor 2.2). The two factors were used for analyses purposes. Based on the information gathered using the structured questionnaire, each item relevant to this research study was analysed and discussed. After the factor analysis, the significance of the difference between the factor means of the various groups for each of the factors that make up leadership as responsibility of the school principal were analysed and discussed. With regard to aspects of principals as effective leaders, it was found that the respondents agree that principals should be effective leaders. In other words, they agreed with the principles and theoretical characteristics of effective principals, as set out in chapter two. However, when the same respondents evaluated their own principals they are inclined to agree that their principals are democratic leaders. There is a gap between the theory and practice. In practice, it seems principals in the Thulamahashe circuit need to improve their leadership styles, skills, and roles in order to lead schools. There is a great need in this circuit that principals should become democratic leaders and fulfill their roles and responsibilities effectively. This could possibly promote democratic leadership and transform under-performing schools.
45

Populism as an active and effective form of contemporary South African politics

Du Toit, De Villiers 01 March 2016 (has links)
Research Report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Political Studies University of the Witwatersrand March 2015 / Recent 21st century political developments in South Africa have given rise to debate surrounding a threat to a functioning democracy. New radical political parties, turmoil in the labour sectors, and dysfunctional government policies and activities have made populist tendencies a central aspect of this debate. Populism is an entity oft evoked in a negative light and rhetoric in this debate. It is associated with demagogues and the ‘uncontrollable’ urges of the masses that would be let loose upon society given the chance, destroying democracy in the process. It is the aim of this paper to argue the opposite. By expanding and contributing to the theoretical literature on populism, and through the analysis of empirical evidence – the Western Cape farm worker’s strikes and the Marikana strikes and subsequent massacre of 2012 –in South Africa this research report seeks to fill a gap in the conceptualisation and practical characterisation of populism in our political setting. Can populism be conceptually, theoretically, and empirically utilised to characterise and explain trends in contemporary South African politics and can it be utilised in providing a contextual underpinning for explaining recent events in South African society as a whole? Through the reliance on the theories of Ernesto Laclau and Slavoj Zizek the aim will be to identify the underlying gaps in democratic politics that gives rise to populist movements and through this argument to build and utilise this conception of populism as a positive and effective analytical tool of contemporary South African politics.
46

The implementation of a leader-as-coach approach in professional service firms in South Africa

Fox, Vanessa Anne January 2017 (has links)
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (Business and Executive Coaching) April, 2017 / Professional Service Firms (PSFs) contribute significantly to employment and professional development in South Africa and to global economics. People are a PSF’s greatest asset; however, there is little empirical evidence on the implementation of a Leader-as-Coach (L-A-C) approach in PSFs in South Africa. The research aims to establish a framework for the implementation of an L-A-C approach in PSFs in South Africa. Using a qualitative multiple-case study method, the research examines the benefits of implementing an L-A-C approach within a PSF, determines the organisational factors affecting the implementation of an LA- C approach in a PSF and clarifies the individual factors affecting the implementation of an L-A-C approach in a PSF. There are clear reasons for implementing an L-A-C approach within PSFs and benefits range from ensuring a leadership pipeline for organisations, improving client and employee retention, and enhancing the firm’s success due to increased productivity. These benefits, in turn, foster positive benefits for the L-A-Cs (the managers who are coaches) and the employees (the coachees who receive coaching from their managers). Organisational factors include a culture of people-centricity which clearly enables an L-A-C approach, whilst a matrix structure which commonly exists within PSFs is an inhibitor of an L-A-C approach, with mitigating processes recommended for addressing this. The key processes which enable an L-A-C approach are the firm’s approach to: learning and development of L-A-C skills, ensuring tools and support are in place for the L-ACs, and linking coaching to the human resources (HR) performance management and enabling technology. A final key process is recognising effective coaching behaviours through monetary and non-monetary rewards. In addition, the individual skills and attitudes of the L-A-Cs, the attitudes of the coachees, and importantly, the relationship between the L-A-C and the coachee, all influence the L-A-C approach. An integrated and holistic framework is proposed for PSFs wishing to implement an L-A-C approach. This framework suggests that a firm should begin with the organisational strategic drivers, and the clear reasons for implementation of an L-A-C approach, followed by an enabling structure and processes, including the development of individual skills. However, overarching these organisational factors, is the necessity of having an organisational culture of learning and development. / MT2017
47

Women leadership development in the City of Johannesburg

Saka, Mafusi January 2016 (has links)
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public and Development Management) December 2015 / The notion of women empowerment in South Africa is steadily gaining momentum and recognition. The country has dedicated the month of August as “womens’ month” and the increased visibility of women in parliament are some of the gains made by government. However, it remains unclear what happens in the other spheres of government regarding the promotion of women and their development. This study examined the local government context by exploring the leadership development of women. The focus of this study was on the City of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality. The City of Johannesburg states that its mission is to be a “World Class African City of the Future”. Human capital and leadership therefore becomes imperative in attaining the mission and delivering effective and efficient services to the citizens of the City of Johannesburg. This study is aimed at exploring the leadership development of women in the City of Johannesburg. The focus of the study was on their development into leadership roles. A qualitative research was carried out and data were collected using semi-structured interviews and documents as secondary data. This study revealed that there was relatively good representation of women in the Members of the Mayoral Committee: there was a 50/50 gender split within the committee. However, there was a low presentation of women in other levels. Nevertheless, the focus of the study was not entirely quantitative but it was also qualitative in relation to the development of women into leadership roles. The study found that there was leadership development of employees where women were given preference over their male counterparts with regard to the intake on the programmes. Apart from the programmes held at Wits Business School, there was nothing internally which was focused on the development of women in leadership structures. This highlighted the fact that the City needed to do more in developing women. Despite this knowledge, this study revealed that policies in the City when effectively used can help in the development of women into leadership roles. This study provided recommendations that deliberate efforts should be made in developing women. The current policies in the City should be incorporated and there should be a clear strategy and targets set out regarding the development of women. / MT2017
48

Exploring the effects of a coaching leadership style on the relationships between managers and direct reports in South Africa

Jackson, Filomena Anna Patrizia January 2017 (has links)
A research report submitted to the faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (Business and Executive Coaching) Johannesburg, 2017 / The objective of the study was to explore how a coaching leadership style adopted by Managers in different organisations, influences the relationships they have with their direct reports. The study used the qualitative method and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants, comprising 13 Managers and nine Direct Reports in various organisations in private and public sectors based in Gauteng, South Africa. This study contributes to the research and literature available on coaching leadership style and employee coaching, which occurs when an employee works one-on-one with his/her direct manager to improve his/her work performance and other areas that need attention. Executive Coaching has been extensively researched and refers to when an executive in an organisation is being coached by an external coach who is normally chosen by the Executive and paid for by the organisation. In Employee Coaching however, the coaching is conducted by the direct Manager and the employee has no choice in who the Manager is. Relationships between Manager and Direct Report are therefore crucial and these could be influenced by the Manager‟s leadership style. The findings suggest that within a South African context, the term “Coaching Leadership Style” is not a term that is widely used in organisations to describe a leadership style, however this style emerged through the behaviours that the Managers displayed. The findings further posit that coaching plays a pivotal role in influencing relationships between a Manager and his/her Direct Reports and that coaching may also cause shifts in leadership styles. The research provides insight into the leadership styles that Managers prefer to adopt and deepened understanding of how coaching adds value in a leadership context. The results add to the body of knowledge on how coaching affects leadership effectiveness and how it influences relationships between Managers and Direct Reports. / MT2017
49

An exploration of school leadership conceptualisations of homework: practices, affordances and constraints

Audu, Juliana Ugbo January 2016 (has links)
A Research Report submitted to the School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education Johannesburg, February, 2016 / Homework as an activity of formative assessment is a key instructional strategy in South African schools. However, it is a controversial topic, as there seems to be no consensus among researchers about its contribution to learning and learner outcomes (Cooper, 2007). To find out more about homework, this study explores school leaders’ views and opinions about homework: its practices, perceived value and challenges. The purpose of the study is to use what is learnt from school leaders about homework to improve its practice and enhance the contribution homework can make to learning and learner outcomes. This research reviews literature that forms the conceptual framework in line with assessment theory. It also examines literature that focuses on distributed leadership, i.e. shared leadership of two or more people sharing power and joining forces towards the accomplishment of a shared goal (MacNeil & McClanahan, 2005). This involves school leaders at different levels. This study is based on qualitative research, using a case study of one primary school in Soweto, Johannesburg west. The primary school is purposefully sampled because it does homework and is situated in a multiple deprived community (Maringe & Vilakazi, 2015). Interviews were conducted, using audio-tape recordings, with people in different levels of school leadership. The school homework policy was also analysed. Data collected were presented and analysed based on the research questions. The evidence from the research findings reveal that the school leaders view homework as a task given to learners to practise, search for knowledge, and prepare for future lessons. Although the participants acknowledged that homework is valuable they identified some factors as militating against its practice, thus affecting the contribution that it can make to learning and learner outcomes Four such factors include: incomprehensive school homework policy; teachers’ incompetency in the practice of homework; poor socio-economic status of parents; and lack of parental support. Based on the findings, the researcher concludes that if the factors inhibiting the effective practice of homework are interrogated, the practice of homework will improve and thus enhance its contribution to learning and learner outcomes. This is supported by international and national literature (see for example, Cooper, 2006; Bennett & Kalish, 2006; Eita, 2007; Felix, Dornbrack & Scheckle, 2008). This study also discovered the use of the Extra School Support Programme (ESSP) to aid struggling learners and orphans in the completion of their homework, which was found to be helpful. The study concludes by identifying policy, practice and research implications emerging from the findings. Keywords: Homework; formative assessment; Assessment; Homework policy; School leadership; Principal; Head of Department; Teachers; Learners; Parents
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Entrepreneurial leadership as a determinant of business performance: a study of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Johannesburg

Shao, Patrick Maile January 2017 (has links)
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (ENVC) Johannesburg, 2016 / Entrepreneurial Leadership is a fledgling discourse within the entrepreneurial fraternity, yet its absence in enterprises contributes to most of the firms’ abrupt ending. Studies show the lifespan of SMEs in South Africa only lasting the first three years of existence. Entrepreneurial Leadership plays critical role in the business performance of the SME in Johannesburg. A sample of 123 respondents was drawn from mostly owners and managers of SMEs in Johannesburg. A multi-prong approach for data collection was administered in the study; this included calling the prospective respondents both on their landline telephones and mobiles and some were given hard copies of the questionnaire to complete. For the convenience of other prospective respondents, an e-link questionnaire was sent by email, and directly, to the mobile phones. The conclusion of the study showed a correlation between entrepreneurial leadership and business performance, correlation between entrepreneurial orientation and business performance and finally, the moderating effect of entrepreneurial leadership on entrepreneurial orientation and business performance in Johannesburg. Given the gap in the market for the practitioners in the sphere of SME, the application of findings of this report will be helpful to the prolonged tenure of the SME in Johannesburg. The theory amassed in the study will also contribute towards further studies in Entrepreneurial Leadership. / MT2017

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