The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of current child welfare policy, specifically the Adoption Assistance and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA), on the perceptions of child welfare workers about their decisions.

The purpose of this study was to identify salient factors contributing to the overrepresentation of African Americans in the child welfare system. This study seeks to examine whether or not public child welfare workers are biased in their assessments of African Americans, and if years of experience influence their judgment. By understanding some of the salient factors that contribute to these disproportionate numbers, Child Welfare Services can begin to revamp their programs and services to ensure that they are more culturally sensitive and equitable.

A sociological approach is used to analyze incidences of extreme opportunism in financial markets. Through an analysis of arguably the most widely publicized "rogue" trader events in recent history, a determination is made of the validity of explaining these events as aberrations, attributable to the actions of "rogues". The primary focus is the role of structural factors underlying these incidences of extreme opportunism in financial markets. A diverse range of documentary and other sources is used to avoid any form of bias as far as possible. It was found that structural factors act as countervailing forces to inhibit such behavior or as motivators and facilitators acting as catalysts for extreme opportunism. The balance between these factors largely determines the level of opportunistic behavior in a particular environment. Extreme opportunism is therefore not an aberration or "rogue" occurrence but a manageable phenomenon intrinsic to the social structural context within which it occurs. By conceptualizing these factors as countervailing forces one is forced to view structural factors, like compensation structures and formal and informal restraints, relative to one another and no longer in isolation. This realization translates into the conclusion that restraints and oversight systems for example, should be designed relative to the relevant motivators and facilitators in its area of application. In an environment where traders of highly geared financial products are motivated with multimillion USD incentive packages, a low budget oversight system and inexperienced regulatory staff, is clearly not the appropriate tools to control and manage extreme opportunism. / Criminology / D.Phil. (Sociology)

The purpose of this study was to investigate recommendations regarding professional standards for training and registration in pastoral work. The aim is to obtain professional recognition for Pastoral Counsellors/Therapists by accreditation and recognition from a relevant professional council. The goal is also to formulate these standards in line with the processes of the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). The following four forms of pastoral work were distinguished and discussed: Mutual care, Pastoral care, Pastoral counselling, and Pastoral therapy. The Accreditation Committee proposed the following sub-fields: Human and Social Studies (Field 07): Religious and ethical foundation of society (sub-field). Health Sciences and Social Services (Field 09): Promotive health and developmental services, Preventative health, Curative health, Rehabilitative services (sub-fields). Proposals was adopted for the following Pastoral Counselling/Therapy The purpose of this study was to investigate recommendations regarding professional standards for training and registration in pastoral work. The aim is to obtain professional recognition for Pastoral Counsellors/Therapists by accreditation and recognition from a relevant professional council. The goal is also to formulate these standards in line with the processes of the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). The following four forms of pastoral work were distinguished and discussed: Mutual care, Pastoral care, Pastoral counselling, and Pastoral therapy. The Accreditation Committee proposed the following sub-fields: Human and Social Studies (Field 07): Religious and ethical foundation of society (sub-field). Health Sciences and Social Services (Field 09): Promotive health and developmental services, Preventative health, Curative health, Rehabilitative services (sub-fields). Proposals was adopted for the following Pastoral Counselling!Therapy qualifications: Certificate in Pastoral Counselling (Basic) Certificate in Pastoral Counselling (Post Basic), Certificate in Pastoral Counselling (Intermediate), Diploma and post graduate degrees in Pastoral Counselling (Advanced), Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Pastoral Counselling (Specialist). After narrow consultation the level descriptors were discussed and accepted. As all proposals this will still be open for changes. The following roles were described using the format of a Qualification based on Unit Standards. Unit Standards are linked to the proposed six "roles" which are seen as generic to all Pastoral Counselling practices: Maintain effective relational and communication competence, Apply and maintain professional work ethics, Plan and facilitate pastoral counselling process, Engage in an effective personal development process, Design and conduct course of treatment, Conduct research, The roles and applied competencies for the pastoral counselling/therapy specialised field were defined. These roles may be used to re-shape current qualifications, as well as to research and design new qualifications. They are intended as initial guidelines for providers. The following registered categories for pastoral counsellors/therapists were proposed by the accreditation committee and accepted by SAAP: Category 1: Basic level pastoral counsellor (NQF Level 2) Category 2: Post basic level pastoral counsellor (NQF level 3) Category 3: Intermediate level pastoral counsellor (NQF Level 4) Category 4: Advanced level pastoral therapist (NQF Level 5/6) Category 5: Specialist level pastoral therapist (NQF Level 7 /8) The following outcomes (unit standards) for Pastoral Counsellors/Therapists were identified: UNIT 1: Applying work ethics UNIT 2: Understanding pastoral counselling theory UNIT 3: Facilitating pastoral counselling skills UNIT 4: Conducting research UNIT 5: Developing self-knowledge Some of the recommendations were: It became necessary to have some form of regulation and/or even "control" to prevent the abuse of people who ostensibly suffer from mental illness. To establish professional standards for training in pastoral counselling and to obtain professional recognition for pastoral counsellors/therapists through accreditation and recognition from a relevant professional council. In doing this we should also come to an agreement on a proper set of work ethics. It was recommend that the level descriptors should be further elaborated through a careful analysis of the standards proposed, but that the process of moving from general to specific descriptors should be adopted in the absence of meaningful generic level descriptors. It was recommend that the proposed standards and qualifications should only be adopted once processes is established where an SGB has been established and registered with SAQA, and these standards and qualifications have been accepted by providers, professional Pastoral Counsellors/Therapists, professional associations, etc. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology (Pastoral Therapy))

The tone of this dissertation is in the first person as allowed by the lens of constructivism used in it. Being constantly self-reflective, the author takes the reader through his personal journey to be a therapist, and the ethical dimensions encountered in the process, to indicate that one cannot do therapy \\'ithout considering ethics in the fusion of the professional and personal selves of the therapist.- What is lost in the delineated field of observation is hoped to be gained, in the richness of its personal material. Not aiming at drawing any generalisable arguments, the purpose of the dissertation is to provoke a dialogue about our ethical conduct with clients, indicating that our therapeutic conduct is enriched by constantly involving ourselves in the ethical dilemmas that emerge in the therapeutic process. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Thesis (LLD (Public Law))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The unique and intimate relationship that exists between a medical practitioner and his/her client is possibly one of the most important relationships that can come into being between any two people. This relationship is characterised and influenced by the qualities and attributes specific to the nature and historical development of medical care, as well as medical science in general. The doctor-patient relationship is also influenced by the social dynamics of a particular community, environmental factors, technological advances and the general social and commercial evolution of the human race. With regard to medical care and health service delivery, the doctor-patient relationship is furthermore vital to the quality of the care provided, as well as to the outcomes and relative success of the specific medical intervention or treatment. One of the distinct characteristics of the doctor-patient relationship is the power imbalance inherent in this relationship. The medical practitioner has expert knowledge and skill, while the patient finds himself or herself in an unusually dependent and vulnerable position. It is because of this important role that the doctor-patient relationship still plays in health service delivery today; the susceptibility of the relationship to a variety of influences, and the characteristic power imbalances inherent in this relationship, that a study of the doctor-patient relationship in South African medical- and health law is necessary. The characteristic power imbalances will be considered from a legal perspective in this dissertation. This study provides a comprehensive source of the doctor-patient relationship from a legal perspective. Where relevant, references are made to theories and principles from other disciplines, including sociology, economy and medical ethnomethodology. The prevalence and consequences of power imbalances in the doctor-patient relationship are identified and discussed with the aim of bringing these to the attention of both the legal fraternity, and medical practitioners. Specific problem areas are identified and solutions are offered, including the following: • The adverse consequences of power imbalances inherent in the doctor-patient relationship on the medical decision-making process are considered from various perspectives. With regard to these adverse consequences, the doctrine of informed consent is analysed and evaluated in great detail. • The influence of paternalistic notions in health service delivery; the business model of health service delivery and the effects of managed care and consumer-directed health care on the doctor-patient relationship and health service delivery in general are also analysed from a legal perspective, and specifically with regard to the power imbalances inherent in this relationship. • The role of autonomy, self-determination and dignity, as well as the principles of beneficence in medical practice, are reconsidered in an attempt to provide a solution for redressing the power imbalances inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. • The fiduciary nature of the doctor-patient relationship and the special role of trust in the relationship are emphasised throughout the dissertation as the focal point of departure in the doctor-patient relationship and the main constituent in any legal endeavor to redress the power imbalances inherent in it. / AFRIKAANS OPSOMMING: Die unieke en intieme verhouding wat bestaan tussen ‘n mediese praktisyn en ‘n pasiënt is wêreldwyd waarskynlik een van die belangrikste verhoudings wat tussen twee persone tot stand kan kom. Hierdie verhouding word gekenmerk en beïnvloed deur kwaliteite en eienskappe eie aan die besonderse aard en historiese ontwikkeling van gesondheidsorg, sowel as die mediese wetenskap in die algemeen. Die dokter-pasiënt verhouding word verder beïnvloed deur die sosiale dinamika van ‘n bepaalde gemeenskap, omgewingsfaktore, tegnologiese vooruitgang en die algemene sosiale en kommersiële ontwikkeling van die mensdom. Op die terrein van gesondheidsorg en mediese dienslewering is die dokter-pasiënt verhouding voorts ook sentraal tot die kwaliteit van die mediese sorg wat verskaf word, sowel as die uitkomste en relatiewe sukses van die spesifieke mediese behandeling. Een van die kenmerkende eienskappe van die dokter-pasiënt verhouding is die magswanbalans wat daar tussen dokter en pasiënt bestaan. Die mediese praktisyn beskik oor deskundige kennis en vaardighede, terwyl die pasiënt hom- of haarself in ‘n ongewone, afhanklike en kwesbare posisie bevind. Dit is dan veral weens die besondere rol wat hierdie verhouding steeds in hedendaagse gesondheidsorg speel, die beïnvloedbaarheid van hierdie verhouding deur ‘n verskeidenheid faktore, sowel as die kenmerkende magswanbalans inherent in die verhouding, dat ‘n ondersoek na die dokter-pasiënt verhouding in die Suid-Afrikaanse mediese reg noodsaaklik is. Hierdie kenmerkende magswanbalans sal vanuit ‘n regsperspektief verder in hierdie proefskrif ondersoek word. Hierdie studie bied ‘n omvattende bron van die dokter-pasiënt verhouding benader vanuit ‘n regsperspektief, terwyl verwysings na teorieë en beginsels van ander dissiplines soos die sosiologie, ekonomie en mediese etnometodologie ook waar nodig ingesluit word. Die voorkoms en gevolge van ‘n magswanbalans in die dokter-pasiënt verhouding word verder geïdentifiseer en bespreek ten einde dit onder die aandag te bring van beide regslui en medici. Spesifieke probleemareas wat geïdentifiseer is en die oplossings wat daarvoor aan die hand gedoen is sluit die volgende in: • Die nadelige gevolge van die bestaan van ‘n magswanbalans in die dokter-pasiënt verhouding op die mediese-besluitnemingsproses word bespreek vanuit verskillende persepktiewe. Met betrekking tot hierdie nadelige gevolge, word die leerstuk van ingeligte toestemming in besonder geanaliseer en geëvalueer. • Die invloed van ‘n paternalistiese benadering tot gesondheidsorg, die besigheids-model van gesondheidsorg, en die effek van bestuurde- en verbruikersgedrewe gesondheidsorg inisiatiewe op die dokter-pasiënt verhouding en die verskaffing van gesondheidsdienste in die algemeen word ook vanuit ‘n regsperspektief ge-analiseer. Spesifieke aandag word in dié verband gegee aan die invloede van hierdie benaderings en perspektiewe op die magswanbalans inherent aan die dokter-pasiënt verhouding. • Die besondere rol van autonomie, selfbeskikking en menswaardigheid, asook die beginsels van weldadigheid in gesondheidsorg, word heroorweeg in ‘n poging om ‘n meer gelyke distribusie van mag in die dokter-pasiënt verhouding te verseker. • Die fidusiêre aard van die dokter-pasiënt verhouding en die besondere rol wat vertroue in hierdie verhouding speel, word in hierdie proefskrif beklemtoon en word voorts as die basis van die dokter-pasiënt verhouding beskou. Vertroue, as ‘n kenmerk van die dokter-pasiënt verhouding, behoort ook die fokuspunt te wees van enige poging om die magswanbalans in die dokter-pasiënt verhouding aan te spreek.

This study examines the effects of educators’ professional conduct on learners’ academic performance. The researcher used quantitative research methodology and design. Data was collected in eighty primary schools, mostly in a disadvantaged context, in the Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A researcher-designed questionnaire was administered to eighty primary-school principals who were randomly selected. The research revealed that the implementation of the educators’ code of professional ethics may improve the quality of educators. The achievement of high learner academic performance may be determined by the manner in which principals lead, manage and encourage educators to adhere to the tenets of professional conduct. This research also revealed that although educators are aware of professional conduct, they show unprofessional behaviour such as disrespecting learners, leaving class unsupervised, excessive use of mobile phones during lessons, and excessive absenteeism. Learners who lack effective educator support tend to achieve lower results than expected. Learners whose educators behave professionally achieve good academic performance. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Thesis (DPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2004 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Researchers in Social Sciences have generally encountered problems in ensuring data quality when dealing with topics that are regarded as sensitive. This thesis reports on an investigation into the methodology used for research projects around sensitive issues in education in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Data consists of twelve interviews with individual principals (each interview schedule containing semi-structured question items from ten categories) and a thirty-three item self-report questionnaire survey administered to one hundred and fifty principals drawn from two hundred and seventy two secondary schools over the course of an academic year (2002) and conducted in the Limpopo Province of South Africa .. Results reveal nine major categories of sensitive issues in school management on which principals have difficulty in providing information to researchers: school policy, school financial issues, moral or social relations issues, learner and educator disciplinary issues, working conditions, absenteeism, developmental appraisal, educator unions, and religious matters policy issues. Principals have also reported on the various reasons why they regard each of the aspects as sensitive, thereby making it difficult for them to provide information around. Of these, moral issues were considered the most sensitive. The major reasons given were: confidentiality, intrusion of privacy, fear oflegal sanction, threat to work and violation of the rights of the individual. Analysis of the different sensitive issues also show that certain biographical characteristics - age of the principal and years of experience as principal - are significant mediators in principals' perceptions of sensitive issues in school management. That is to say, these contribute to principals' assessment of their emotional, physical and psychological well-being. Sensitivity is a problem when collecting data for research purposes. It warrants the attention of all those involved in social science research. The findings in this study point to the issues in school management that are highly sensitive to provide information suggesting that data collected would therefore not be of a high quality. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Menige navorsers in sosiale wetenskappe het oor die algemeen probleme teëgekom met die versekering van data kwaliteit in sensitiewe onderwerpe. Hierdie tesis raporteer oor 'n ondersoeke in die metodologie gebruik vir navorsing projekte rondom sensitiewe onderwerpe in onderwys in die Limpopo Provinsie in Suid-Afrika. Data bestaan uit twaalf onderhoude met individuele prinsipale (elke onderhoud se skedule bevat se gestruktureerde items van tien katagorieë) en 'n drie-en-dertig item (self-report) vraelys wat onder 150 prinsipale uitgedeel is, waarvan 272 sekondêre skole oor 'n tydperk van 'n akademiese jaar (2002) gebruik was in die Limpopo Provinsie van Suid Afrika. Die resultate toon nege hoof onderwerpe in skoolbestuur waar prinsipale dit moeilik vind om informasie aan navorsers te verskaf: skoolbeleid, finansiële onderwerpe, moraliteite of sosiale verhoudinge, leerder en onderwyser dissiplinêre onderwerpe, werkverhoudinge, afwesigheid, personeelontwikkeling, onderwysunies, en godsdienstige sake. Prinsipale raporteer om verskeie redes waarom hulle elk van die aspekte as sensitief beskou. Onder hierdie is morele sake as die sensitiefste geklasifiseer. Die hoofredes hiervoor is gegee as vertroulikheid, inbreuk van privaatheid, vrees vir wettige sanksies, dreigemente in die werk en skending van die regte van die indiwidueel. Analiese van die verskillende sensitiewe sake toon aan dat verskeie biografiese eienskappe - ouderdom van die prinsipaal - is oorsake in die prinsipaal se persepties in die prinsipaal se sake onder die skool se bestuur. Dit se met ander woorde bogenoemde dra by tot die prinsipaal se emosionele en fisiese geestelike toestand. Sensitifiteit is 'n probleem wanneer data vir navorsing doeleindes verkry word. Dit regverdig die aandag van die mense betrokke in sosiale wetenskap navorsing. Die bevinding in hierdie studie verwys na sake in skoolbestuur wat hoogssensitief is om informasie te voorsien, en stel voor dat die data verkry is nie van hoë standard is nie.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The veterinary industry is operating in a highly regulated environment. Up till now these regulations prevented veterinarians to freely market veterinary services, especially professional services. Every business person in the biggest part of the world is subject to free-market economic pressures. However in the case of the professional, who is also a business person, these economic market-pressures could become very intense and unbalanced, and lead to what is called the “professional dilemma” (Du Preez, 2003: 8). Professional persons are governed by their respective codes of conduct. Those professionals who practice as entrepreneurs therefore need to be more business skilled and creative to successfully manage their businesses as they do not have the luxury of utilising the normal business strategies and options. The state of professionalism within the veterinary profession in South Africa in terms of entrepreneurship has been addressed in the past, but there is still a major gap in terms of providing business tools to managers in the veterinary industry. The biggest challenge in terms of the general business functions faced by veterinarians is the marketing function, thus the reason for this study. It is necessary that the highly regulated environments of professionals being understood. Therefore the research has been conducted by highlighting these environments. The researcher then continues to analyse the internal and external environment, client needs and customer profile in order to identify ways of optimising marketing opportunities. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die veeartseny industrie word bedryf in ‘n hoogs gereguleerde omgewing. Hierdie regulasies het veeartse tot nou toe verhoed om dienste, veral professionele dienste, vrylik te bemark. Besigheidspersone regoor die wêreld verkeer onder vryemark ekonomiese druk. In die geval van die professionele persoon, wat ook ‘n besigheidspersoon is, kan die ekonomiese druk baie intens en ongebalansseerd word. Daar word verwys na die “professionele dilemma” (Du Preez, 2003: 8). Professionele persone word gereguleer deur hul onderskeie kodes. Daardie professionele persone wat praktiseer as entrepreneurs moet dus oor meer besigheids- en kreatiewe vaardighede beskik om hul besigheid suksesvol te bestuur. Hulle het nie die luuksheid om die algemene strategiee te benut nie. Die stand van professionalisme in die veeartsenyprofessie in Suid- Afrika in terme van entrepeneurskap is al voorheen aangespreek, maar daar is nog steeds gapings ten opsigte van die beskikbaarstelling van besigheidsvaardighede aan bestuurders in die bedryf. Die grootste uitdaging in terme van besigheidsfunksies wat veeartse in die gesig staar, is die bemarkingsfunksie. Dit is dus die rede vir hierdie studieprojek. Dit is belangrik dat die hoogs gereguleerde omgewing van professionele persone verstaan word. Die studie begin dus deur hierdie verskillende omgewings te skets. Die studie skenk verder aandag aan die ontleding van die interne en eksterne omgewings, klientebehoeftes en –profiel om maniere te vind om bemarkingsgeleenthede binne regulasies ten volle te kan benut.

Thesis (MEdPsych)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / Includes bibliography / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There has been a paradigm shift occurring in the field of educational psychology over the last few decades from a predominantly medical approach towards a more inclusive and systemic approach. This development has called for a change in the way educational psychologists conceptualise problems, as well as an expansion in their practices in order to provide effective support services. However, the question arose which theoretical approach educational psychologists currently espouse and implement. This study therefore endeavoured to explore the theoretical approaches underpinning educational psychologists’ practice, with a focus on those professionals working within District Based Support Teams (DBSTs) in the Western Cape.Within this broad aim, the research aimed to identify which theoretical approach(es) the educational psychologists personally espouse and which theoretical approach(es) is/are espoused within the DBSTs. A further objective was to determine what the practice of their theory-in-use entailed. This information would ascertain whether the educational psychologists’ espoused theories and theory-in-use correspond. Qualitative research within the interpretive/constructivist paradigm was employed for the research design. The participants included eight educational psychologists practising within District-Based Support Teams (DBSTs) in the Western Cape. Data was collected by means of an extensive literature review, self-administered questionnaires and individual interviews and analysed using qualitative thematic analysis and interpretation. The key findings of this research revealed that the educational psychologists in this study personally espouse a systemic approach to their practice of educational psychology. However, it was revealed that this approach is not necessarily adopted by all members of the DBSTs. Furthermore, the educational psychologists themselves experience many challenges in implementing this theory. Their theory-in-use at the Education District Offices incorporates both medical and systemic approaches. Assessment of learners is largely based on a medical model, whilst the interventions and support they provide appeared to be focused on a more systemic level. It was concluded that the theory that the educational psychologists personally espouse; the theory espoused within DBSTs; and the theory-in-use within the DBSTs, do not entirely correspond. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ’n Paradigma skuif wat die laaste paar dekades plaasgevind het in die veld van opvoedkundige sielkunde, het meegebring dat die benadering verander het vanaf ‘n hoofsaaklik mediese model na ‘n meer inklusiewe en sisteem gebaseerde model. Hierdie ontwikkeling vra dat opvoedkundige sielkundiges probleme op nuwe maniere konseptualiseer, asook hul praktyk uitbrei om effektiewe ondersteuningsdienste te kan verskaf. Die vraag watter teoretiese benaderings opvoedkundige sielkundiges tans onderskryf en implementeer, het onstaan. Hierdie studie poog dus om te ondersoek watter teoretiese raamwerke opvoedkundige sielkundiges se praktyke onderlê, en fokus op die opvoedkundige sielkundiges wat werk binne die Distriksgebaseerde Ondersteuningsspanne (DBSTs) in die Wes-Kaap. Binne hierdie breë doelwit, word deur die navorsing gepoog om die teoretiese benadering(s) wat opvoedkundige sielkundiges binne die DBSTs persoonlik aanhang sowel as die teoretiese benadering(s) wat binne hierdie DBSTs gepropageer word, te identifiseeer. ‘n Verdere mikpunt was om vas te stel wat die deelnemers se praktyk (teorie-in-gebruik) behels. Hierdie inligting sou dit moontlik maak om vas te stel of die teorie voorgestaan en die teorie-in-gebruik ooreenstem. Kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodologie vanuit ‘n interpretatiewe/konstruktivistiese paradigma is gebruik in die ontwerp van die navorsing. Die deelnemers was ag opvoedkundige sielkundiges wat binne die DBSTs van die Wes-Kaap praktiseer. Data is versamel deur ‘n uitgebreide literatuur oorsig, self ingevulde oop vraelyste en individuele onderhoude. Die data is geanaliseer deur van kwalitatiewe tematiese analise en interpretasie gebruik te maak. Die kernbevindinge van die studie het gedui op ‘n sistemiese benadering tot hul praktyk, wat deur die opvoedkundige sielkundiges persoonlik onderskryf word. Die bevindige het ook gedui daarop dat nie al die lede van die DBSTs dit aangeneem het nie. Verder ervaar die opvoedkundige sielkundiges self verskeie uitdagings ten opsigte van die implementering van sodanige teoretiese benadering. Die teorie-in-gebruik binne die Onderwys Distrikskantore bevat beide mediese model benaderings sowel as meer sistemiese benaderings. Die assessering van leerders is grootliks gebaseer op ‘n mediese model, terwyl die intervensies en ondersteuning wat gebied word blyk meer sistemiese onderlê te wees. Dit kom dus vooras of die teorie wat opvoedkundige sielkundiges persoonlik aanhang, die teorie wat binne die DBSTs onderskryf word, en die teorie-in-gebruik binne die DBSTs nie noodwendig ooreenkom nie.