Background and Aim: Although inroads are currently being made into research in the area of organisational energy, an exhaustive search of the literature has indicated that research into measurement instruments which are applicable in the South African context is scant, with two empirical studies having been conducted in South Africa on organisational energy (Derman, Barkhuizen, & Stanz, 2011; Lamberti, 2010). As there is minimal research into organisational energy measures which are most appropriate for use in the South African context, this study explores the reliability and validity of the Productive Energy Measure (PEM) (Bruch, Cole & Vogel, 2005) in the South African context. This study also adds to the existing knowledge on the Energy Scapes Profile (ESP) (Tosey & Llewellyn, 2002) in the South Africa. Method: A cross-sectional survey research design is followed with data being collected from employees (N=303) from South African institutions. The ESP (Tosey & Llewellyn, 2002), and the PEM (Cole, Bruch & Vogel, 2011) are administered. Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, construct equivalence item bias analyses, Analysis of Variance, Multivariate Analysis of Variance and Regression Analysis are applied. Results:  Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the ESP reveals that both a seven-factor and a one-factor model were inconclusive. Subsequent Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) reveals a one-factor structure. The theoretical sub-scales of the ESP show a high level of internal consistency.  The results of the CFA for the PEM clearly reveal a three-factor model. The three theoretical sub-scales show an excellent level of reliability. Statistically significant differences are found in the productive organisational energy levels of employees based on job level, home language, years in current job and the PEM dimensions.  Results of the regression analysis indicate that a statistically significant relationship exists between organisational energy and productive organisational energy. Practical Relevance: As far as could be determined, this is the first study to make use of the PEM in South Africa. The study attempts to identify which measure of organisational energy is most appropriate for use in the South African context, and makes a contribution to the body of knowledge surrounding organisational energy measurement instruments in the South African context. Furthermore, the study of measures of organisational energy which can be applied in the South African context provides assistance to those interested in measuring organisational energy in the workplace. / Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Human Resource Management / Unrestricted

Organisations seek methods to maximise performance in order to be successful. The purpose of this study was to examine and empirically quantify the drivers of organisational energy in relation to driving organisational performance. Organisational energy can be seen as the power source that ignites all aspects of organisational climate and behaviour. Most importantly, this study sought to develop the existing theory further and to operationalise the variables for organisations.A quantitative analysis was conducted on data collected from 292 knowledge workers across a wide range of industries. A questionnaire was used to measure respondents’ observations on the drivers of organisational energy and performance in the workplace. Statistical techniques including factor analysis, regression analysis and analysis of variance were applied to determine whether significant relations exist amongst the variables.In complementing and expanding on preceding research, this study provided empirical evidence of the relationship between organisational energy and organisational performance. It also demonstrated the most statistically significant drivers of organisational energy to be that of innovation followed by collective identity and engagement. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

The objective of this research was to gain insight into the key drivers of productive organisational energy and to determine whether there is a relationship between productive organisational energy and high performance in organisations. This study also aimed to identify key measures of success of organisations. Organisational energy has a critical role to play in driving both people behaviour and innovation in organisations, ultimately providing a competitive advantage.Both a quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted on the data collected from four case study organisations, comprising a total sample size of 47 respondents. The research consisted of three phases. Phase One, which made use of an open-ended qualitative survey, was directed at industry experts who were required to identify and recommend four small- to medium- sized high-energy information technology organisations to be considered for this research. Phase Two consisted of gaining approval to conduct research within four of the recommended case study organisations, and conducting an open-ended exploratory face-to-face interview with each Managing Director, with the objective of determining the success, energy state, key drivers, and performance measures of the organisations, as well as the factors that drive the energy of staff. Furthermore, each Managing Director completed the same self-administered questionnaire that formed the basis of Phase Three. This structured survey was used to gather the perceptions and opinions of each organisation’s staff members in determining: the energy state of the organisation, the key drivers of organisational energy, and the link between organisation energy and performance. Statistical analysis techniques were used to determine whether significant relationships exist between the drivers of organisational energy and their respective rankings; and between organisational energy and organisational performance.The study provided evidence that intrapreneurial orientation, collective identity, employee investment and leadership are the most significant drivers of productive organisational energy and confirmed the existence of a significant relationship between productive organisational energy and high performance organisations. Through this research, a model has been developed that can be utilised by leaders of organisations to leverage organisational energy in order to improve and measure organisational performance, thereby creating a sustainable competitive advantage. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Background and Aim: Most organisations today operate in a globally complex environment that is dynamic, highly competitive and extremely unpredictable (Tarique & Schuler, 2010). Other than the external circumstances, these authors further maintain that organisations are facing various global challenges: talent exiting organisations, managing older mature workers versus managing younger workers and a scarcity in the required competencies for the specific requirements of the positions within the organisation. As mentioned by Bersin (2011) “We are entering a new era of unparalleled talent scarcity which will put a brake on economic growth around the world, and fundamentally change the way we approach workforce challenges.” The challenge arguably presented to many organisations is that they have to think globally and at the same time manage their human capital in a systematic manner in an attempt to gain and sustain future competitive advantage (Tarique & Schuler, 2010). The Talent Mindset of leaders plays an important role in the effective implementation of Talent Management practices. Talent management is a construct that evolves around the concept of leadership mindset (McArdle & Ramerman, 2008). Talent management involves the implementation of integrated human resource strategies to attract, develop, retain and productively utilize employees “with the required skills and abilities to meet current and future business needs” (Kontoghiorges & Frangou, 2009). It is a culture that contributes to and unleashes passion, commitment, and performance of people which in turn contributes to the organisation achieving its mission, vision, and business goals (McArdle & Ramerman, 2008). This means that the leaders of an organisation need to apply a talent mindset and the outcomes thereof on employees and the organisation as a whole. According to Schiuma, Mason and Kennery (2007) leaders have the task of unleashing organisational energy which in turn can have a significant impact on the well-being of employees (Derman, 2009). Managing talent and organisational energy thus means managing the sources of energy dynamics and creating a thriving work environment in which individuals will experience both a sense of vitality and a sense of learning at work (Schiuma et al., 2007; Spreitzer et al. 2005). Individuals who feel a sense of vitality and aliveness are more likely to be mentally and physically healthy (Keyes cited in Spreitzer et al. 2005). The overall purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between Talent Mindset, Organisational Energy and Work Wellness of employees in a multi-national company. This study aimed to describe, explore and understand the concepts Talent Mindset, Organisational Energy and Work Wellness and the interrelationships between them. Research Method: A quantitative approach was used to gather the data by means of three questionnaires namely the Talent Mindset Index (TMI), the EnergyScapes Profile (ESP) and the Shirom – Melamed Vigour Measure (SMVM). The questionnaires were distributed among a convenience sample of employees (N=485) in a South African multi-national company operating in the financial industry. The data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, and factor analysis, which were followed by multiple regressions and Manovas/ Anovas to test each hypothesis. Results: The regression analysis conducted showed that talent mindset is a significant predictor of organisational energy and work wellness. Organisational energy is a significant predictor of work wellness and organisational energy mediates the relationship between talent mindset and work wellness. The results showed a statistically significant difference between age and the Talent Mindset dimensions but there was no statistically significant difference between gender, home language, race, years in the company, job level and basis of employment. The results further indicated that there is no statistically significant difference between organisational energy and the different biographical variables. It also indicated a statistically significant difference between gender and the SMVM dimensions, but not between marital status, home language, age, years in the company, geographical region, job level and basis of employment. Practical Relevance: This research highlighted the importance of a leader’s Talent Mindset and the impact thereof on individual outcomes such as organisational energy and individual well-being. This research clearly showed that Leaders who apply Talent Management practices sufficiently in organisations enhances employees’ perceptions of organisational energy which in turn have a positive impact on their wellness in the workplace. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Human Resource Management / Unrestricted