Throughout history, men have played a significant role in the field of nursing. However, they currently represent only 12% of nursing students and 9.6% of Registered Nurses. As a minority in their occupation, male nurses experience gender-based barriers and negative stereotypes that female nurses do not. Research has addressed these barriers and stereotypes, but has lagged in identifying the consequences of exposure to them other than men's reluctance to enter or stay in the field. With the nurse-patient relationship at the core of quality healthcare, it is important to further clarify the consequences of stereotype exposure for male nurses in the clinical setting. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the communicative consequences of exposure to gender-based stereotypes among male nurses through the theoretical lens of stereotype threat (Steele & Aronson, 1995). Stereotype threat describes the apprehension individuals experience from the prospect of confirming a negative self-relevant stereotype. In the reported experiment, the salience of gender-based stereotypes (women are more empathic than men; men are better managers than women) was controlled for while male and female nursing students completed a simulated nurse-patient interaction task. Findings from this study highlight the influence of subtle stereotyping in simulated nurse-patient interactions. Specifically, men were less grammatically accurate when participating under conditions of threat than when not under conditions of threat. This finding provides a need for caution as healthcare is experiencing a shift towards e-health, which will rely heavily on both the spoken and written word. Additionally, findings suggest that the disruptive potential of making salient stereotyped attributes (e.g., empathy) may be offset by patient gender. For example, male participants were less tentative under conditions of threat with a female patient than a male patient. The influence of patient gender provides optimism that a shift in gender-based stereotyping is occurring. Therefore, it is an optimal time to increase recruitment and retention efforts of men in the field of nursing. Recommendations for such efforts are offered as well as future directions for stereotype threat research in interpersonal communication and healthcare. / text

After South Africa had adopted a democratic government, the labour force was changed profoundly. With the emphasis on diversity, employees were faced with work teams comprising people from different ages, genders, positions, races etc. The opportunity was given to value and embrace diversity in organisations. On the other hand, opportunities for prejudice and discrimination were greater than ever before. Consequently, stereotyping is evident within these diverse workplaces. If not properly managed, stereotypes can have various negative effects on the organisation. The academic sector in South Africa has to be equipped to manage diversity and therefore stereotypes to ensure the effectiveness of these institutions. The challenge is that employers need to be aware of how to manage such issues. Stereotypes are therefore a significant topic for research, specifically within South Africa. The objective of this research study was to explore stereotypes as experienced by individuals employed in the South African academic environment. A qualitative research study, specifically within the social constructivism paradigm, was employed for this study. A combination of the phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches was employed to reach the objectives of this study. The researcher made use of a case study strategy. Only one single case was utilised in this research study, namely the academic environment. Employees at one higher education institution (and two campuses) (N = 30) participated in this research study. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews, where after thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results of this study indicated that individuals working in the academic environment in South Africa are consciously aware of the meaning of stereotypes. Most participants were able to illustrate a definition of or meaning for stereotypes. The themes that were mentioned by participants included assumptions, beliefs, categorisation, generalisation, judgement as well as perception. Participants also indicated that stereotypes originate from various sources. Participants reported that primary and secondary exposure, individual differences, subjective perception as well as the fact that stereotyping was part of human nature were possible explanations for the origin of stereotypes. Participants were well aware of the fact that stereotypes originate from both us and others. When being stereotyped, individuals react to stereotypes in different ways. Participants mentioned that they react on a behavioural, cognitive and emotional level. Participants were also asked questions pertaining to the stereotypes they experience. It was found that various stereotypes exist within the academic environment. These stereotypes are experienced on an out-group and in-group level. Stereotypes mentioned by participants included age, gender, nationality, occupation, sexual orientation, race and work-related stereotypes. There were also participants from the study population who stated that they neither experienced stereotypes on in-group nor out-group level. Recommendations with regard to future research and practice were made. / MCom (Human Resource Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

After South Africa had adopted a democratic government, the labour force was changed profoundly. With the emphasis on diversity, employees were faced with work teams comprising people from different ages, genders, positions, races etc. The opportunity was given to value and embrace diversity in organisations. On the other hand, opportunities for prejudice and discrimination were greater than ever before. Consequently, stereotyping is evident within these diverse workplaces. If not properly managed, stereotypes can have various negative effects on the organisation. The academic sector in South Africa has to be equipped to manage diversity and therefore stereotypes to ensure the effectiveness of these institutions. The challenge is that employers need to be aware of how to manage such issues. Stereotypes are therefore a significant topic for research, specifically within South Africa. The objective of this research study was to explore stereotypes as experienced by individuals employed in the South African academic environment. A qualitative research study, specifically within the social constructivism paradigm, was employed for this study. A combination of the phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches was employed to reach the objectives of this study. The researcher made use of a case study strategy. Only one single case was utilised in this research study, namely the academic environment. Employees at one higher education institution (and two campuses) (N = 30) participated in this research study. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews, where after thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results of this study indicated that individuals working in the academic environment in South Africa are consciously aware of the meaning of stereotypes. Most participants were able to illustrate a definition of or meaning for stereotypes. The themes that were mentioned by participants included assumptions, beliefs, categorisation, generalisation, judgement as well as perception. Participants also indicated that stereotypes originate from various sources. Participants reported that primary and secondary exposure, individual differences, subjective perception as well as the fact that stereotyping was part of human nature were possible explanations for the origin of stereotypes. Participants were well aware of the fact that stereotypes originate from both us and others. When being stereotyped, individuals react to stereotypes in different ways. Participants mentioned that they react on a behavioural, cognitive and emotional level. Participants were also asked questions pertaining to the stereotypes they experience. It was found that various stereotypes exist within the academic environment. These stereotypes are experienced on an out-group and in-group level. Stereotypes mentioned by participants included age, gender, nationality, occupation, sexual orientation, race and work-related stereotypes. There were also participants from the study population who stated that they neither experienced stereotypes on in-group nor out-group level. Recommendations with regard to future research and practice were made. / MCom (Human Resource Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Denna studie undersöker studie- och yrkesvägledares uppfattningar om tidig vägledning. Kvalitativa semistrukturerade intervjuer med åtta utbildade och verksamma studie- och yrkesvägledare har genomförts. Det insamlade materialet analyseras utifrån Linda S. Gottfredsons (2002) Theory of Circumscription, Compromise, and Self-Creation. Studiens resultat visar att studie- och yrkesvägledare uppfattar att tidig vägledning kan motverka stereotypa föreställningar i arbetslivet, öka individers valkompetens och självkännedom samt göra att individer tar mer välgrundade beslut. Tidig vägledning kan enligt studie- och yrkesvägledare även bidra till stora samhällsekonomiska vinster. Enligt studie- och yrkesvägledare behöver studie- och yrkesvägledning i vid bemärkelse vara hela skolans ansvar och finnas med som en röd tråd genom hela skolgången. Centrala faktorer för att kunna bedriva tidig vägledning är enligt studie- och yrkesvägledare att vägledning behöver bli högre prioriterad och att det krävs en ökad kunskap hos huvudmän, skolledare och andra professioner kring vad studie- och yrkesvägledning innebär och vad den bidra med. / This study examines career guidance counsellors’ perceptions of early career guidance. Supporting this study are semi-structured interviews conducted with eight qualified and active career guidance counsellors. Collected material is analysed utilising Linda S. Gottfredson’s (2002) Theory of Circumscription, Compromise, and Self-Creation. Results of this study show that career guidance counsellors perceive that early career guidance can prevent stereotypical conceptions of work life, help increase an individual's competence and self-awareness as well as help individuals make more informed decisions. According to career guidance counsellors, early career guidance can also contribute to broader socio-economic benefits. This study recognises that career guidance in a broad sense needs to be the responsibility of an entire school and be included as a common thread throughout schooling. To be able to conduct career guidance at an earlier stage, career guidance counsellors claim that career guidance needs to be given higher priority among school leaders and other professions within the school. Consequently, an increased knowledge of the benefits of career guidance is required among these professions.

Since the first democratic election in 1994, the South African labour force has undergone various changes. As a result, a number of laws were implemented, which helped ensure the diverse nature of the South African labour force. Within a diverse workforce, stereotypes are more likely to occur, which is also the focus of the present study. This study explored not only the meaning and origin of stereotypes but also the prevalent stereotypes and the manner in which employees experience these within the South African mining industry. A qualitative research design from a combined phenomenological and hermeneutic approach was used for the purpose of this study by following a case-study strategy. A combination of both purposive and convenience sampling was used and participants’ responses were obtained by making use of semi-structured interviews. The population consisted of participants (N = 15) from different departments within a particular organisation in the mining industry in South Africa. The representation of the population was diverse and included male, female, various age groups, and different racial groups. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Themes, sub-themes, and characteristics were extracted from the data and direct quotations of participants’ responses were analysed to support the findings. It was found that participants of this study are aware of and understand the meaning of stereotypes. Generalisation was the most prominent theme that was evident when asking participants about the meaning of stereotype. During the study it became clear that stereotypes exist within the mining industry and that individuals do entertain stereotypes of other individuals employed in this industry (out-groups), and also about themselves (in-group). The most prominent in-group stereotypes that individuals experienced are racially oriented. These stereotypes were experienced by White individuals, Black individuals and Coloured individuals, and it was mostly negative. The most prominent out-group stereotypes that individuals hold of others in their workplace were found to be occupational stereotypes. During the present study most stereotypes turned out to be negative in nature. Findings of this study also indicated that employees experience stereotypes on three levels, namely emotional, cognitive and behavioural. Participants of this study experienced stereotypes mostly on an emotional level. The study’s findings did show various origins of stereotypes and participants indicated that it originated mostly from secondary exposure. In these instances influences can be a result of factors such as affirmative action, apartheid, social interaction and upbringing. To conclude the study, recommendations were made for future research and practice in an industry with a diverse workforce. / MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Since the first democratic election in 1994, the South African labour force has undergone various changes. As a result, a number of laws were implemented, which helped ensure the diverse nature of the South African labour force. Within a diverse workforce, stereotypes are more likely to occur, which is also the focus of the present study. This study explored not only the meaning and origin of stereotypes but also the prevalent stereotypes and the manner in which employees experience these within the South African mining industry. A qualitative research design from a combined phenomenological and hermeneutic approach was used for the purpose of this study by following a case-study strategy. A combination of both purposive and convenience sampling was used and participants’ responses were obtained by making use of semi-structured interviews. The population consisted of participants (N = 15) from different departments within a particular organisation in the mining industry in South Africa. The representation of the population was diverse and included male, female, various age groups, and different racial groups. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Themes, sub-themes, and characteristics were extracted from the data and direct quotations of participants’ responses were analysed to support the findings. It was found that participants of this study are aware of and understand the meaning of stereotypes. Generalisation was the most prominent theme that was evident when asking participants about the meaning of stereotype. During the study it became clear that stereotypes exist within the mining industry and that individuals do entertain stereotypes of other individuals employed in this industry (out-groups), and also about themselves (in-group). The most prominent in-group stereotypes that individuals experienced are racially oriented. These stereotypes were experienced by White individuals, Black individuals and Coloured individuals, and it was mostly negative. The most prominent out-group stereotypes that individuals hold of others in their workplace were found to be occupational stereotypes. During the present study most stereotypes turned out to be negative in nature. Findings of this study also indicated that employees experience stereotypes on three levels, namely emotional, cognitive and behavioural. Participants of this study experienced stereotypes mostly on an emotional level. The study’s findings did show various origins of stereotypes and participants indicated that it originated mostly from secondary exposure. In these instances influences can be a result of factors such as affirmative action, apartheid, social interaction and upbringing. To conclude the study, recommendations were made for future research and practice in an industry with a diverse workforce. / MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

After the first democratic election that took place in South Africa in 1994, numerous changes occurred within the labour force. The labour force has become increasingly diverse with individuals from different races, genders and ages now fulfilling various positions within organisations. Consequently, organisations have become more focused on managing this diverse workforce and eliminating stereotypes, and consequently discrimination that accompanies this diversity. Stereotypes that are formed within organisations can be based on various criteria and, if not addressed, can lead to various negative consequences for both the individual and the organisation. It therefore seems that stereotypes are an important topic to research, specifically within the unique South African context. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalent stereotypes and the experiences thereof among individuals working in selected South African organisations. Within the social constructivism paradigm using an emic perspective, qualitative research from both a phenomenological and hermeneutic approach was employed to achieve the objectives of this study. Both purposive and convenience sampling was used for the purpose of this study after utilising a multiple case study strategy. Employees of selected South African organisations (N = 336) were involved in this research study. These organisations formed part of the following employment sectors: banking, higher education institutions, mining, municipalities, nursing, police services, primary and secondary schools, and restaurant industry. Data was collected by making use of semi-structured interviews, and data analysis was achieved by means of thematic analysis. The results of this study indicated that individuals working in selected South African organisations are familiar with the meaning of stereotypes and that they are consciously aware of the origin of stereotypes. Results indicated that although not all of the participants have had direct experiences with stereotyped groups, they are well aware that stereotypes are also caused by indirect sources. The results of this study also illustrate that various stereotypes exist within selected South African organisations. It was explored on an out-group and in-group level. It was found that not only do employees stereotype others (out-group), they are also well aware of being stereotyped themselves (in-group). The most prevalent stereotypes were based on race, gender, age, occupation, and other work-related dimensions. Stereotypes based on race, gender and age were based on the internal dimensions of diversity. Stereotypes were also based on the external and organisational dimensions of diversity and included occupation, physical appearance, position, qualification, and duration in organisation. Interesting to note is that with in-group occupational stereotyping, most employees felt they are also stereotyped on their internal dimensional characteristics (race, gender and age). Stereotyped occupations include: academics, administration staff, educators, engineers, finance, human resources, librarians, mining, nursing, police and restaurant waitrons. The findings of this study also showed that when individuals experience in-group stereotypes, they react to these stereotypes on a cognitive, behavioural or emotional level. Results indicated that participants mostly reacted to stereotypes in a cognitive manner and most of these experiences were negative in nature. Recommendations with regard to future research and practice were made. Managers within organisations should eliminate stereotypes from organisational practices and decision-making by not focusing on irrelevant personal differences, but rather on performance-related information. Employees should be trained and educated by the organisation regarding stereotypes and the effects thereof. Employees should also be provided with an opportunity to interact with diverse people within the organisation. / PhD (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

After the first democratic election that took place in South Africa in 1994, numerous changes occurred within the labour force. The labour force has become increasingly diverse with individuals from different races, genders and ages now fulfilling various positions within organisations. Consequently, organisations have become more focused on managing this diverse workforce and eliminating stereotypes, and consequently discrimination that accompanies this diversity. Stereotypes that are formed within organisations can be based on various criteria and, if not addressed, can lead to various negative consequences for both the individual and the organisation. It therefore seems that stereotypes are an important topic to research, specifically within the unique South African context. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalent stereotypes and the experiences thereof among individuals working in selected South African organisations. Within the social constructivism paradigm using an emic perspective, qualitative research from both a phenomenological and hermeneutic approach was employed to achieve the objectives of this study. Both purposive and convenience sampling was used for the purpose of this study after utilising a multiple case study strategy. Employees of selected South African organisations (N = 336) were involved in this research study. These organisations formed part of the following employment sectors: banking, higher education institutions, mining, municipalities, nursing, police services, primary and secondary schools, and restaurant industry. Data was collected by making use of semi-structured interviews, and data analysis was achieved by means of thematic analysis. The results of this study indicated that individuals working in selected South African organisations are familiar with the meaning of stereotypes and that they are consciously aware of the origin of stereotypes. Results indicated that although not all of the participants have had direct experiences with stereotyped groups, they are well aware that stereotypes are also caused by indirect sources. The results of this study also illustrate that various stereotypes exist within selected South African organisations. It was explored on an out-group and in-group level. It was found that not only do employees stereotype others (out-group), they are also well aware of being stereotyped themselves (in-group). The most prevalent stereotypes were based on race, gender, age, occupation, and other work-related dimensions. Stereotypes based on race, gender and age were based on the internal dimensions of diversity. Stereotypes were also based on the external and organisational dimensions of diversity and included occupation, physical appearance, position, qualification, and duration in organisation. Interesting to note is that with in-group occupational stereotyping, most employees felt they are also stereotyped on their internal dimensional characteristics (race, gender and age). Stereotyped occupations include: academics, administration staff, educators, engineers, finance, human resources, librarians, mining, nursing, police and restaurant waitrons. The findings of this study also showed that when individuals experience in-group stereotypes, they react to these stereotypes on a cognitive, behavioural or emotional level. Results indicated that participants mostly reacted to stereotypes in a cognitive manner and most of these experiences were negative in nature. Recommendations with regard to future research and practice were made. Managers within organisations should eliminate stereotypes from organisational practices and decision-making by not focusing on irrelevant personal differences, but rather on performance-related information. Employees should be trained and educated by the organisation regarding stereotypes and the effects thereof. Employees should also be provided with an opportunity to interact with diverse people within the organisation. / PhD (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014