MPM / Oliver Tambo Institute of Governance and Policy Studies

MPH / Department of Public Health / Workplaces are important settings for health promotion and disease prevention. Participation in sport and recreation can lead to improved health of individuals and increased productivity levels at work places. Despite the health benefits of sports and recreation and the approval of the workplace sports and recreation policy in the Limpopo Department of Health, many employees still do not participate, even when invited for games. The aim of the study was to determine the perceived factors influencing participation of non-medical staff members in workplace sports and recreation at Elim Hospital using the constructs of the Health Belief Model. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The population were all non-medical staff members of Elim Hospital. A total sample of 222 non-medical staff members of Elim Hospital were used for the study. Participants were divided into three categories, depending on the type of their work. A researcher-administered structured questionnaire based on the construct of the Health Belief Model was used to collect data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and Microsoft Excel was used to analyse the data. A descriptive statistical method was used to analyse frequencies and Chi-square test was used to determine the level of significance of correlations between the different variables. A probability level of 0.05 or less was used to indicate statistical significance. The study revealed that the rate / level of participation in workplace sports and recreation among non-medical staff members at Elim Hospital was low (30%). Participants perceived themselves mainly as less susceptible and not susceptible to NCDs. The major barriers to participation that were identified include lack of awareness of the sports and recreation policy as well as busy work schedule. There was a significant relationship between participation and age of respondents, as well as between participation and occupation category. Educational programme geared towards increasing awareness of employees on the policy as well as on benefits of sports and recreation can significantly improve participation in workplace sports and recreation.

Thesis (M. Com. (Accounting)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Sustainability reporting (SR) in South Africa is on a ‘report and explain’ basis because the King IV Code has not made it mandatory for all companies operating but only for those companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. It has become difficult to align SR with stakeholder value creation. This study examines the relationship between SR and stakeholder value creation represented by employees’ health and occupational safety, return on assets, community projects and green investments. The study used a quantitative method that utilises the multiple regressions method to analyse data from selected manufacturing companies for 11 years (2007-2017) listed at South African Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s (JSE). The study measures the relationship between employees’ health and occupational safety, investment in community projects, green investments and ROA. Results show insignificant relationships between employees’ health and occupational safety and ROA, investment in community projects and ROA and green investments and ROA. The study recommends future research on all sectors or inter-country research on sustainability reporting and stakeholder value creation. Keywords: sustainability, sustainability reporting, stakeholder value creation, employees’ health, occupational safety, community projects, green investments, return on assets.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Health Care Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Background: The health and safety of the miners in the South African mining industry are guided by the regulations and standards which are anticipated to promote a healthy work environment and fatalities. It is of utmost importance for the miners to comply with these regulations/standards to protect themselves from potential occupational health and safety risks, accidents, and fatalities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate strategies to enhance compliance with the Health and safety standards within the mining industries of Limpopo province in South Africa. Methods: A mixed-method exploratory sequential research design was adopted. The population consisted of 5350 miners. Purposive and total sampling was used to select the participants in the qualitative strand and stratified random sampling in the quantitative strand. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among the occupational health nurse practitioners and the health and members of the health and safety team. Thematic analysis was used to generate an understanding of the interviews. In the quantitative strand, a survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. A descriptive statistical test was used in the analysis of data including frequencies, means, and standard deviation. Cronbach's alpha test was used to measure internal consistency. Results: The integrated results revealed that there are diverse experiences related to health and safety standards compliance among the mineworkers. The main findings were challenges related to leadership compliance and also related to the cost of maintaining safety, Miner's behaviour-related challenges; the impact of non-compliance on the overall health of the miners was also described, the conflict between production and safety. As a result, strategies to enhance compliance of health and safety standards at the selected mining industries in Limpopo province, South Africa were developed. Conclusion: Health and safety compliance in the mining is not just mere compliance with regulations and standards but a culture that warrants the miners and organization to take responsibility for their behaviour and actions towards health and safety. Thus taking responsibility for your well-being and other miners

The general aim of this study was to gain insight into the perceptions and experiences of line managers regarding the impact of an employee wellness programme (EWP) on employee wellness and performance at a selected municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. As a purposive sample, ten line managers were selected to participate in the study by means of semi-structured interviews. The literature review aimed to conceptualise wellness, employee wellness and employee performance, as well as to explore the impact of EWPs on employee wellness and performance. The specific empirical study aims were to determine line managers’ level of awareness and knowledge of the municipality EWP and its purpose, to explore the challenges faced by line managers within the EWP, to explore if the line managers perceived and experienced the municipality EWP as being beneficial to employee wellness and whether participating in the EWP improved employee performance. Lastly, the aim was to make recommendations for improvement that can assist the municipality in enhancing the impact of the EWP on employee wellness and performance within the industrial psychology discipline, and in particular when it comes to employee wellness. The research findings reveal that line managers were aware of and had knowledge about the existence of the EWP through marketing campaigns, inductions and activities. They also confirmed they had personal engagement experience through participation in the programme. They perceived the main purpose of the EWP as being to support employees in achieving a work-life balance and providing counselling and advisory services. Participants noted certain challenges with regard to participating in the programme, such as fear of being judged, victimised and stigmatised, and a lack of confidentiality and trust, which affects employees’ privacy and security. Also, they doubted wellness officer competence, which included the necessary skills and training for dealing with complex cases. Lastly, gender and cultural beliefs also posed challenges. Line managers found it beneficial to participate in the EWP. It improved employee wellness and performance. Employees developed mechanisms to cope with work, personal and emotional problems. Wellness officer availability, competence and skills were recommended by participants as ways of enhancing the EWP. Involvement of other stakeholders was another recommendation for improvement. This involvement would include wellness champions, organised labour and line managers. Programme managers should consider increasing EWP awareness by improving marketing, while emphasising programme benefits and confidentiality. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com (Industrial and Organizational Psychology)

Text in Afrikaans / The purpose of the research was to determine the extent to which health issues, and particularly work stress, are managed at a welfare organization. The group investigated consisted of 49 registered social workers employed at nine welfare organizations in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The research process was directed by quantitative research, the research information being obtained through a literature study and structured questionnaire. A number of health issues were identified in the workplace. Based on the empirical investigation it was concluded that health management does not enjoy a high priority at welfare organisations. The health issues that have the most impact on the respondents' work ability are work stress and burnout. It is recommended that organisations compile a holistic policy for health management. There is a need for implementation of employee assistance and wellness programmes for health management. Such programmes promote the productivity and general wellbeing of social workers. / Die doel van die navorsingstudie was om te bepaal tot watter mate gesondheidskwessies, in die besonder werkstres, by 'n welsynsorganisasie bestuur word. Die ondersoekgroep het bestaan uit 49 geregistreerde maatskaplike werkers werksaam by nege welsynsorganisasies in die Nelson Mandela Metropool. Die navorsingsproses is deur kwantitatiewe navorsing gerig en die navorsingsinligting is met behulp van 'n literatuurstudie en gestruktureerde vraelys bekom. Daar word tans 'n aantal gesondheidskwessies in die werkplek geidentifiseer. Na aanleiding van die empiriese ondersoek is daar tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat gesondheidbestuur nie 'n hoe prioriteit geniet by welsynsorgnisasies nie. Die gesondheidskwessies wat die mees beduidende impak op die respondente se werkvermoe het, is werkstres en uitbranding. Daar word aanbeveel dat organisasies 'n holistiese beleid ten opsigte van gesondheidsbestuur opstel. Daar is 'n behoefie aan die implementering van werknemerhulp- en werknemerwelstandprogramme vir gesondheidsbestuur omdat sulke programme die produktiwiteit en algemene welstand van maatskaplike werkers kan bevorder. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Social Work)

Employee involvement and participation in HIV-prevention interventions at the workplace remains a barrier to effective programme implementation, which contributes significantly to programme failure and the consequent continued spread of HIV among employees at the workplace. This study explores employee involvement and participation in HIV-prevention interventions at a Bulawayo tyre manufacturing firm. It assesses factors affecting employee involvement and participation in these interventions, and examines the implications of these findings for programme implementation. I used a semi-standardised interview schedule to conduct in-depth, face-to-face qualitative interviews and a self-administered questionnaire to collect quantitative data. The responses showed the nature of employee involvement in HIV-prevention at the firm was at a co-option level, and the type of participation was mere token participation. I recommended that the firm should develop a clear understanding of the importance of stakeholder involvement in HIV-prevention programmes. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

Imago relationship therapy was originally applied to couples counselling by Dr Hendrix (1992, 1993). This model was applied to a group of senior managers from the Lonmin Platinum Mine to create an understanding of intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics to reduce the conflict levels they experienced in the workplace. Imago theory is applicable to the workplace because of the influence of intrapersonal processes on interpersonal dynamics, which is the same influence that causes conflict in romantic relationships. Love relationships consist of three stages, namely romantic love, the power struggle stage, and the real love stage. In the organisational context, these stages are the initial excitement phase, the power struggle stage, and the conscious relating stage. The study aimed to obtain quantitative and qualitative data on the effects of the Imago theory programme presented to the group of managers. The study thus aimed to determine whether the managers experienced a shift in their consciousness after the programme had been presented. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine whether such a shift in consciousness would have an effect on the individuals’ overall emotional wellbeing and if it would increase their overall life satisfaction. Furthermore, the study investigates if the programme had a positive effect on their interpersonal relationships (particularly with their subordinates). Twenty-two senior managers and 22 subordinates participated in the study. Certain pre-tests were conducted, followed by the seven-module intervention. The same post-tests were conducted after the training had taken place. Quantitative and qualitative results were obtained. The quantitative results showed that the participants’ problem solving abilities improved and that they experienced marginally higher levels of life satisfaction. The reactivity levels experienced by the participants during conflict situations decreased, and their levels of marital satisfaction improved. The results also showed that the managers responded more positively to their subordinates after the intervention. Furthermore, the subordinates experienced their managers as being more flexible after the intervention. The qualitative results indicated that a shift in consciousness did take place as envisaged. The group understood both intrapersonal and interpersonal psychodynamics. They also willingly applied Imago concepts to improve their functioning in the organisational context. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

Thesis (MA) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The relentless progression of HfV /AIDS epidemic has made it imperative that measures are put in place to minimise its impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). mv is set to have a significant effect on every facet of the population, and SME is not immune. Business is likely to feel the impact ofmv/AIDS epidemic through reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, increased staff turnover, increased recruitment and training costs, increased cost of employee benefits and poor staff morale. One of the interventions is to implement a mv/AIDS policy and programme, yet a literature search showed that psychological studies of SME in implementing a mv/AIDS policy and programme are limited. The present study utilised the model of the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1985,1988, 1991), which is an extension of the theory of reasoned action (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975; Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). Intention to implement a mv/AIDS policy and programme was predicted by the theory of planned behaviour constructs such as attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. The theory of planned behaviour was found to be useful in assessing behavioural intention of SME in implementing a mv/AIDS policy and programme. These findings indicate that implementing an intervention like a mv/AIDS policy and programme by SMES is a behavioural intention motivated by attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die meedoënlose progressie van die HIVNIGS pandemie het dit gebiedend noodsaaklik gemaak om maatreëls daar te stelom die impak daarvan op klein en medium sakeondernemings te minimaliseer. HIVNIGS sal 'n beduidende uitwerking hê op alle vlakke van die bevolking. Klein en medium sakeondernemings is geen uitsondering nie. Die uitwerking van die HIVNIGS pandemie sal tot gevolg hê 'n afname in produktiwiteit; 'n toename in personeelafwesigheid, personeelomset, personeelwerwing en - opleidingskoste, personeelvoordele; en swak personeel moreel. Een manier om die probleem aan te spreek is om 'n HIVNIGS beleid en program te implimenteer. Ongelukkig toon literêre navorsing dat psigologiese studies van klein en medium sakeondernemings om 'n HIVNIGS beleid en program te implimenteer, beperk is. Dié navorsing steun op die teorie van planmatige gedrag (Ajzen, 1985; 1988; 1991), wat 'n verlenging is van die teorie van beredeneerde optrede (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975; Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). Die oogmerk met die implimentering van 'n HIVNIGS beleid en program is bepaal deur die teorie van planmagtige gedrag soos waargeneem in geesteshouding, subjektiewe norme en waargenome beheerde gedrag. Daar is gevind dat die teorie van planmagtige gedrag nuttig is om die oogmerke en optrede van werknemers in klein en medium sakeondernemings te bepaal met die implimentering van 'n HIVNIGS beleid en program. Hierdie bevindings toon dat die implimentering en tussenkoms van 'n HIVNIGS beleid en program by klein en medium sakeondernemings'n gedragsoogmerk is wat gemotiveer word deur geesteshoudings, subjektiewe norme en waargenome beheerde gedrag.

Thesis (MScSportSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: For many companies, health care can consume half of corporate profits or more. Some employers look to cost sharing, cost shifting, managed care plans, risk rating and cash based rebates or incentives. These methods merely shift costs. Absenteeism in South Africa claims 3.2% of all scheduled work hours, 43 000 work hours per week, 9 days lost per employee per year and 1 employee in every 15 on a weekly basis. The main objective of this study was to establish the effect of a physical wellness intervention on the chronic absenteeism of a governmental company like Eskom. Fiftyfour males with a mean age of 42.13 years, participated in the program. Morphological and physiological variables included fat percentage; body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, blood pressure (BP), flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, waist circumference and muscle endurance. The participants were divided into four groups consisting of 12-15 individuals. Data was collected over a period of six months (March-August 2001). There were six sessions in which the subjects participated namely: wellness awareness, general body wellness, heart wellness, stress wellness, posture wellness and nutritional wellness. These sessions focussed on education, testing and physical activity, with follow-ups and maintenance at the Biokinetic rehabilitation station. Trends for the group were traced using a statistical analysis for absenteeism tallying the GSAR (gross sickness absentee rate) and AFR (absentee frequency rate) for the participants. The GSAR and AFR were significantly lower during the intervention. The return of investment was calculated based on the amount of hours worked per month on the August 2001 payroll, where the increment figure is based on an average increase of 7.9%. The result of the study concluded that work-site body wellness is health care reform that works, with absenteeism decreasing significantly and an improved employee health status. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Baie maatskappye kan die helfte of meer van hul wins aan gesondheidsorg spandeer. Sommige werkgewers oorweeg kostedeling, verskuiwing van kostes, gesondheidsorgplanne, risikobepaling en kontantkortings of aansporings. Hierdie metodes skuif eerder net koste. In Suid-Afrika word 3.2% van alle geskeduleerde werksure as gevolg van afwesigheid verloor, 43 000 werksure per week, 9 dae per werknemer per jaar en 1 werknemer uit elke 15 op 'n weeklikse basis. Die hoofdoel van hierdie studie was om die effek van 'n fisieke welstand intervensie op die chroniese afwesigheid van 'n parastatale maatskappy soos Eskom daar te stel. Vier en vyftig mans met 'n gemiddelde ouderdom van 42.13 jaar het aan die program deelgeneem. Morfologiese en fisiologiese veranderlikes het vetpersentasie; liggaamsmass-indeks (LMI), cholesterol, bloeddruk (BD), soepelheid, kardiovaskulêre uithouvermoë, abdominale omtrek en spieruithouvermoë ingesluit. Die deelnemers is in vier groepe verdeel wat uit 12-15 persone bestaan het. Data is oor 'n periode van ses maande ingesamel (Maart-Augustus 2001). Die deelnemers het aan die volgende ses sessies deelgeneem: bewustheid van welstand, algemene liggaamlike welstand, hartwelstand, streswelstand, postuurwelstand en dieetwelstand. Hierdie sessies het op die opvoeding, toetsing en fisieke aktiwiteit gefokus met opvolg-ondersoeke en instandhouding by die Biokinetika rehabilitasiestasie. Neigings vir die groep is opgevolg deur statistiese analise vir afwesigheid deur die TSAS (totale siekte afwesigheidsyfer) en AFS (afwesigheidsfrekwensiesyfer) vir die deelnemers aan te teken. Die TSAS en AFS was beduidend laer tydens die intervensie. Die beleggingsopbrengs is bereken op die aantal ure per maand op die Augustus 2001 . betaalstaat met die toenamesyfer gebaseer op die gemiddelde verhoging van 7.9%. Die resultaat van die studie is dat liggaamlike welstand by die werksplek voordelig is vir gesondheidsorgverbetering en dat afwesigheid beduidend afneem terwyl daar ook 'n verbetering in die gesondheidstatus van werknemers was.