Na die 1994-verkiesing in Suid-Afrika het die posisie van wit, Afrikaanse mans (WAM’s) binne die gender-orde verander. Die vervlegting van WAM’s se subjektiwiteit met ’n dominante ideologie is deur die nuwe regering ongedaan gemaak. Gevolglik het veranderde diskoerse van mag en maskuliniteit al hoe meer in Suid-Afrikaanse literatuur ter sprake gekom. Hierdie verhandeling kyk na hoe WAM’s se maskuliniteit in twee literêre tekste, Kontrei deur Kleinboer (2003) en Om na ’n wit plafon te staar deur Jaco Kirsten (2009), manifesteer. Hierdie twee tekste is aan ’n stiplees onderwerp en, gebaseer op sekere teorieë van maskuliniteit, is sekere merkers van maskuliniteit belig. Beide tekste het die lewe van ’n WAM in post-apartheid Suid-Afrika as onderwerp en in beide tekste manifesteer magsverlies, onsekerheid, psigologiese gefragmenteerdheid en vervreemding op verkillende wyses in die manlike subjektiwiteit. ’n Eklektiese benadering tot maskuliniteit word in hoofstuk twee gevolg deurdat verskeie teorieë oor maskuliniteit bestudeer is. Die teoretiese perspektiewe van Jacques Lacan, Michel Foucault en Judith Butler word bespreek, aangesien hulle idees aangaande maskuliniteit suksesvol en ekstensief deur ander akademici toegepas is op die analise van maskuliniteit en literatuur. Psigoanalise en maskuliniteit word bespreek met spesifieke verwysing na die simboliek van die Oedipus-kompleks en die Lacaniaanse leegte wat maskuliniteit onderlê. In samehang met psigoanalise word maskuliniteit belig deur die falliese aard van die tekste en karakters uit te wys. Foucault se teorie oor diskoerse wat mekaar onderhou en terselfdertyd ondermyn, word in die tekste belig en die fragmentering van die karakters se maskuliniteit word uitgewys. Butler se herhaaldelike “performances” van die manlike rol kom in beide tekste voor. Verder word maskuliniteit as ’n sosiale konstruksie teen die agtergrond van Marxisme en sosiologie beskou. Hoofstuk drie kyk na die konteks waarbinne WAM’s se maskuliniteit in Suid-Afrika afspeel. In hoofstuk vier en vyf word die manlike karakters in beide tekste bespreek deur na hegemoniese merkers van maskuliniteit te kyk. Die man as jagter, soldaat en boer, beoefenaar van geweld en hoë-risiko gedrag, sy gebrek aan emosionele intimiteit, sy optrede teenoor vrouens en swartes as “ander”, sy seksualiteit, patriargale en fratriargale verbintenisse en politiese ingesteldhede word as merkers van maskuliniteit bespreek. ENGLISH : After the 1994 elections in South Africa the position of white, Afrikaans men (WAM’s) changed within the gender order. The intertwinement of WAM’s subjectivity with a dominant ideology was undone by the new government. Consequently, changing discourses of power and masculinity became more present within South African literature. This dissertation looks at how WAM’s masculinity manifests in two literary texts, Kontrei by Kleinboer (2003) and Om na ’n wit plafon te staar by Jaco Kirsten (2009). These two texts were submitted to a close reading and, based on certain theories of masculinity, certain markers of masculinity were exposed. Both texts have the life of a WAM in post-apartheid South Africa as subject and in both texts the loss of power, uncertainty, psychological fragmentation and alienation manifest in different ways in the masculine subjectivity. An eclectic approach of masculinity is followed in chapter two as a variety of theories about masculinity were studied. The theoretical perspectives of Jacques Lacan, Michel Foucault and Judith Butler are discussed, as their ideas have been used successfully and extensively by academics to analyze masculinity an literature. Psycho-analysis and masculinity are discussed with specific reference to the symbolism of the Oedipus complex and the Lacanian emptiness that underlies masculinity. Interconnected with psycho-analysis the phallic nature of the text and characters are exposed. Foucault’s theory about discourses that support and undermine each other simultaneously is exposed in the texts and the fragmentation of the characters’ masculinities are shown. Butler’s repetitive “performances” of the male role appears in both texts. Furthermore, masculinity is seen as social construct against a Marxist and sociological background. Chapter three looks at the context in which masculinity unfolds for WAM’s in South Africa. In chapter four and five the male characters in both texts are discussed by looking at hegemonic markers of masculinity. The man as hunter, soldier and farmer, perpetrator of violence and high risk behaviour, his lack of emotional intimacy, his behaviour towards women and blacks as “other”, his sexuality, patriarchal and fraternal connections and political predispositions are discussed as markers of masculinity. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Afrikaans / unrestricted

This study focuses on the representation of masculine imagos in the South African novelist Eben Venter’s novel oeuvre and more specifically on the multifaceted nature of Venter’s delineation of masculinity. His novels Foxtrot van die Vleiseters (1993), Ek stamel ek sterwe (1996) (translated into English as My beautiful death ((2004)) and Santa Gamka (2009) were selected to represent Venter’s novel oeuvre. The male protagonist in each novel may be viewed as typical representations of masculine imagos in his novels. The workability of cognitive narratology as a literary approach to analyse and interpret novels is tested by identifying the frames and scripts within the selected novels. Cognitive frames in narratives are those backdrops against which the events take place, while the actions executed by the characters are read as cognitive scripts. These scripts create the projected masculinity imagos of the male protagonists. When reading the novels, the reader is confronted with various cognitive choices of which three are especially important. The first is the choice to discard existing ideas and perceptions in order to make room for new ideas and perceptions. The second choice is to modify existing ideas and adjust them by means of the cognitive processing of information in the novels. The last choice entails the total rejection of the new ideas. Irrespective of the cognitive processes that occur during the reading process, the representation of masculinity in the novels will inevitably have an effect on the way in which the reader will experience masculinity in future. In the characters of Petrus Steenekamp (Foxtrot van die Vleiseters), Konstant Wasserman (Ek stamel ek sterwe) and Lucky Marais (Santa Gamka) Venter illustrates the complexity of the masculinity issue due to the cultural, social and political frames with which people are encoded. This encoding is also reflected in the scripts that are determined by the characters’ behaviour and actions. Venter demonstrates sensitivity and compassion for all the characters in his novels and his representation of masculinity instils sensitivity and compassion in readers. This instilment will most probably create a better understanding of masculinity, as well as humanity, within the cognition of the reader. The most important finding is that it is indeed possible to use cognitive narratology as literary approach to analyse and interpret the chosen novels in order to make valid conclusions – in this case with regard to the complex delineation of multifaceted masculine imagos within Eben Venter’s novel oeuvre. Further deductions include those made about the appearance of different images of masculinity within Venter’s novel oeuvre and especially how the farm frame and the father/son relationship frame manifest prominently in Venter’s novels. / MA (Afrikaans and Dutch), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This study focuses on the representation of masculine imagos in the South African novelist Eben Venter’s novel oeuvre and more specifically on the multifaceted nature of Venter’s delineation of masculinity. His novels Foxtrot van die Vleiseters (1993), Ek stamel ek sterwe (1996) (translated into English as My beautiful death ((2004)) and Santa Gamka (2009) were selected to represent Venter’s novel oeuvre. The male protagonist in each novel may be viewed as typical representations of masculine imagos in his novels. The workability of cognitive narratology as a literary approach to analyse and interpret novels is tested by identifying the frames and scripts within the selected novels. Cognitive frames in narratives are those backdrops against which the events take place, while the actions executed by the characters are read as cognitive scripts. These scripts create the projected masculinity imagos of the male protagonists. When reading the novels, the reader is confronted with various cognitive choices of which three are especially important. The first is the choice to discard existing ideas and perceptions in order to make room for new ideas and perceptions. The second choice is to modify existing ideas and adjust them by means of the cognitive processing of information in the novels. The last choice entails the total rejection of the new ideas. Irrespective of the cognitive processes that occur during the reading process, the representation of masculinity in the novels will inevitably have an effect on the way in which the reader will experience masculinity in future. In the characters of Petrus Steenekamp (Foxtrot van die Vleiseters), Konstant Wasserman (Ek stamel ek sterwe) and Lucky Marais (Santa Gamka) Venter illustrates the complexity of the masculinity issue due to the cultural, social and political frames with which people are encoded. This encoding is also reflected in the scripts that are determined by the characters’ behaviour and actions. Venter demonstrates sensitivity and compassion for all the characters in his novels and his representation of masculinity instils sensitivity and compassion in readers. This instilment will most probably create a better understanding of masculinity, as well as humanity, within the cognition of the reader. The most important finding is that it is indeed possible to use cognitive narratology as literary approach to analyse and interpret the chosen novels in order to make valid conclusions – in this case with regard to the complex delineation of multifaceted masculine imagos within Eben Venter’s novel oeuvre. Further deductions include those made about the appearance of different images of masculinity within Venter’s novel oeuvre and especially how the farm frame and the father/son relationship frame manifest prominently in Venter’s novels. / MA (Afrikaans and Dutch), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the perception and handling of interpersonal conflict within the gender spectrum compilation of biological sex and gender identity. Methods: The research of this study was conducted by means of a theoretical study and a quantitative empirical analysis. Literature analysis and scientific theories form the basis for the first three chapters of this study. These include the philosophies of Karl Marx and Max Weber, followed by a detailed discussion on the dynamics of conflict. The empirical analysis utilized cross-sectional survey design, with a combined convenience quota sample of employees (n=133) within the company taken. This consisted of top management, middle management and lower management. The empirical study utilized the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) and the Rahim Organisational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II). The Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) provided self-determining assessments of masculinity and femininity in terms of the respondent’s self-reported control of socially desirable, stereotypically masculine and feminine personality characteristics. The Rahim Organisational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II) measured the present methods of conflict management specifically within an organizational environment. Results: It was noted that there was no difference in how pure biological sex (males and females) perceived and handled conflict within the workplace; but there was a difference in how the different gender identity groups (masculine males vs. feminine males and feminine females vs. masculine females) perceived and handled conflict. Conclusion: This study highlighted the conflict-dynamics within the gender-spectrum of a large South African sugar manufacturing company. Results of the study proved that the motivation towards this study was achieved in the sense that, although there were no differences in how different genders perceive and handle conflict, differences were found in the different gender identities within each of those genders. It is recommended that further research include a comparative study between two or three manufacturing companies to see how different companies within the same industry deviate from or resemble the results of this study. Further research could also determine whether there are differences, by cross-checking all four gender identity groups (masculine males, feminine males, feminine females and masculine females) using the MANOVA statistical procedure. / MCom (Labour Relations Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the perception and handling of interpersonal conflict within the gender spectrum compilation of biological sex and gender identity. Methods: The research of this study was conducted by means of a theoretical study and a quantitative empirical analysis. Literature analysis and scientific theories form the basis for the first three chapters of this study. These include the philosophies of Karl Marx and Max Weber, followed by a detailed discussion on the dynamics of conflict. The empirical analysis utilized cross-sectional survey design, with a combined convenience quota sample of employees (n=133) within the company taken. This consisted of top management, middle management and lower management. The empirical study utilized the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) and the Rahim Organisational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II). The Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) provided self-determining assessments of masculinity and femininity in terms of the respondent’s self-reported control of socially desirable, stereotypically masculine and feminine personality characteristics. The Rahim Organisational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II) measured the present methods of conflict management specifically within an organizational environment. Results: It was noted that there was no difference in how pure biological sex (males and females) perceived and handled conflict within the workplace; but there was a difference in how the different gender identity groups (masculine males vs. feminine males and feminine females vs. masculine females) perceived and handled conflict. Conclusion: This study highlighted the conflict-dynamics within the gender-spectrum of a large South African sugar manufacturing company. Results of the study proved that the motivation towards this study was achieved in the sense that, although there were no differences in how different genders perceive and handle conflict, differences were found in the different gender identities within each of those genders. It is recommended that further research include a comparative study between two or three manufacturing companies to see how different companies within the same industry deviate from or resemble the results of this study. Further research could also determine whether there are differences, by cross-checking all four gender identity groups (masculine males, feminine males, feminine females and masculine females) using the MANOVA statistical procedure. / MCom (Labour Relations Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Governments are becoming increasingly aware of SMEs as economical role players. As a result many initiatives were introduced to address the unique challenges of the SME sector. One of these initiatives was the introduction of a global accounting framework for SMEs by the International Accounting Standards Board entitled the IFRS for SMEs. South Africa became the first country to formally adopt the contents thereof as the Statement of GAAP for SMEs. The adoption of a formal accounting framework by SMEs is however challenged by, amongst other factors, the informal nature of SMEs, limited global focus, the involvement of owner–managers and different classifications of SMEs worldwide. Owing to these unique attributes it is possible that SMEs have alternative informational needs and as a result the impact of environmental factors on the adoption of the Statement of GAAP for SMEs was considered. Culture is considered the most important environmental factor affecting the accounting environment. The Value Survey Model of Hofstede was utilised to determine cultural dimensions of accounting students (n = 301) in South Africa and the United Kingdom (UK). The cultural dimensions were extended to the accounting values of Gray after which a distinct set of accounting values was identified for i) the adoption of formal, global and prescriptive accounting standards, ii) based on principles iii) by an informal SME sector. The results also revealed distinct cultural differences within South Africa as well as between South Africa and the UK. Thereafter the contents of the Statement of GAAP for SMEs/IFRS for SMEs were evaluated against reporting practices of the SME sector in South Africa. Firstly, an assessment of the contents was conducted amongst SME accountants (n = 157) using a five–point Likert–type scale. Secondly, financial statements compiled by the SME sector in South Africa were analysed to determine the relevance of the contents of the illustrative financial statements contained in the Statement of GAAP for SMEs. The analysis entailed a consolidation of a sample of SME financial statements from South Africa (n = 100). The study revealed that the accounting environment of the SME sector is affected by a wide range of environmental and related factors. These factors were summarised and discussed and recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Accounting))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Governments are becoming increasingly aware of SMEs as economical role players. As a result many initiatives were introduced to address the unique challenges of the SME sector. One of these initiatives was the introduction of a global accounting framework for SMEs by the International Accounting Standards Board entitled the IFRS for SMEs. South Africa became the first country to formally adopt the contents thereof as the Statement of GAAP for SMEs. The adoption of a formal accounting framework by SMEs is however challenged by, amongst other factors, the informal nature of SMEs, limited global focus, the involvement of owner–managers and different classifications of SMEs worldwide. Owing to these unique attributes it is possible that SMEs have alternative informational needs and as a result the impact of environmental factors on the adoption of the Statement of GAAP for SMEs was considered. Culture is considered the most important environmental factor affecting the accounting environment. The Value Survey Model of Hofstede was utilised to determine cultural dimensions of accounting students (n = 301) in South Africa and the United Kingdom (UK). The cultural dimensions were extended to the accounting values of Gray after which a distinct set of accounting values was identified for i) the adoption of formal, global and prescriptive accounting standards, ii) based on principles iii) by an informal SME sector. The results also revealed distinct cultural differences within South Africa as well as between South Africa and the UK. Thereafter the contents of the Statement of GAAP for SMEs/IFRS for SMEs were evaluated against reporting practices of the SME sector in South Africa. Firstly, an assessment of the contents was conducted amongst SME accountants (n = 157) using a five–point Likert–type scale. Secondly, financial statements compiled by the SME sector in South Africa were analysed to determine the relevance of the contents of the illustrative financial statements contained in the Statement of GAAP for SMEs. The analysis entailed a consolidation of a sample of SME financial statements from South Africa (n = 100). The study revealed that the accounting environment of the SME sector is affected by a wide range of environmental and related factors. These factors were summarised and discussed and recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Accounting))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.