M. Tech. (Human Resource, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology / The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of employees of their organisation’s CSR activities and their effects on employees’ organisational commitment and intentions to stay. This study advocates that the way employees perceive their organisation’s CSR practices influences the types of attachment they have towards their organisation and reinforces their intentions to stay in their current organisation. The fact that employees play a central role in the realisation of an organisation’s goals makes it critical for any organisation to have employees who are willing to go beyond what is required of them and who are willing to stay in the organisation at least until the completion of their duties or contracts. In this study, a quantitative research paradigm and a descriptive research method were used to investigate a sample size of 350 employees working in one of the telecommunication organisations in Cameroon. In order to minimise the study bias, simple random sampling was used to ensure that the sample accurately reflects the larger population (N=670). Data was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and the results of the correlation analysis revealed that all four CSR dimensions are significantly and positively related to organisational commitment variables as well as to employees’ intentions to stay. CSR also showed strong predictive relationships with the various facets of organisational commitment. Organisational commitment in turn also showed strong predictive relationships with intention to stay within an organisation. Findings and recommendations of this study are important to employers as it provides crucial information regarding the types of activities organisations could engage in, and for employees to consider them as socially responsible. Such involvement in CSR activities can improve employees’ organisational commitment and reinforce their intentions to stay in their current organisation.

Keywords. Work-Family interface, Work interference to Family, Family interference to Work, Work withdrawal intention. / There is a rising preference among working women in China to "return home". The present study explored how the four aspects of Work-Family Interface including Work Enhancement to Family, Family Enhancement to Work, Work Interference to Family and Family Interference to Work affected the work withdrawal intention of young parents who were employees and who had at least one child under 6 years old. At the same time, we explored the antecedences to all facets of Work-Family Interface, which included work/family load, work/family support, work/family involvement, gender concepts as well as personality traits. Furthermore, we examined whether there were gender differences in work withdrawal intention, as well as in its pattern of relationship with the Work-Family Interface. Around 420 couples with diverse professional background from two cities of China, Shanghai and Jinan, completed the questionnaire. We also conducted in-depth interviews with five men and eight women from those two cities to understand the dynamics of these considerations. Results showed that women had a higher work withdrawal intention than men. Moreover women might have a stronger work withdrawal intention when they experienced more Family Interference to Work. Men, on the other hand, might have a higher intention to "return home" only when they confronted more Work Interference to Family. Additionally, we found that women scoring high on family load or traditional gender concepts reported higher Family Interference to Work, while men scoring high on work load or low on the personality scale of Family Orientation reported higher Work Interference to Family. Noting the limitations of the present study, we suggest further research on the relationship between work withdrawal intention and work withdrawal behavior for men and women across different age groups and across different cultures. / 陳雪飛. / 論文(哲學博士)--香港中文大學, 2007. / 參考文獻(p. 153-176). / Adviser: Fanny M. Cheung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-07, Section: A, page: 2906. / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / School code: 1307. / Lun wen (zhe xue bo shi)--Xianggang Zhong wen da xue, 2007. / Can kao wen xian (p. 153-176). / Chen Xuefei.

This study examines the challenges and opportunities that face the merging of Higher Education institutions with the focus on staff’s responses to the merger at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN). The focus of the study was based on staff’s attitudes and their varying experiences since the merging of former University of Durban Westville (UDW) and University of Natal (UN) forming the new institution of UKZN. It examines the barriers, challenges and opportunities of the Heads of School, Academic staff and Administrative staff in the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences (HDSS) and the Faculty of Management Studies. The study also reviewed the international or rather global experiences of mergers of Higher Education Institutions and brought into perspective examples of mergers such as in the UK, Australia, United States, Netherlands and Norway. The study then shifted focus to a much more local level in terms of UKZN in assessing the ethos of governance in terms of dialogue and inclusivity and how they perceived the merger of the two former institutions. Since the study is a qualitative, judgmental sampling technique was utilized in this study since it allowed me the researcher to use my own discretion as to who is in the best position to be knowledgeable about the subject under investigation. Therefore a structured interview was employed in this study with a set of inter-related questions, asked in the same order to all participants of this study. Issues of governance, mismanagement of finances, degree scandals, demoralized staff, wage disputes and academic freedom are some of the negative aspects that are perceived to riddle the new institution. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

This research is based on the premise that employees respond to dissatisfaction in general and organizational injustice in particular in two primary ways: by speaking up and/or by staying silent. This qualitative, theory-generating study examines the phenomenon of organizational injustice (including its antecedents and consequences) and employees' responses toward three research goals: 1) greater understanding of organizational injustice; 2) greater conceptual consensus through concept development of voice and silence; 3) a process model of organizational injustice, voice and silence. Also, new knowledge about voice and silence is linked to organizational practice by examining the availability of various voice systems and perceptions of their efficacy. The research design is influenced by several organizational research streams, as well as grounded theory and clinical methods. Thirty-two employees, each representing different organizations and occupying both managerial/professional positions and clerical/line positions participated in semi-structured, open-ended interviews in which they described 33 cases of workplace injustice. The interview design includes two methods: 1) a retrospective critical incident technique to discuss a workplace experience which participants defined as unjust; and 2) a projective exercise in which participants were asked to imagine that they could speak with impunity to the person(s) involved or responsible for their perceived injustice. Interview cases were supplemented by 30 archival cases of employees' voicing of discontent through a government-sponsored voice system. Significant results concerning the phenomenon of organizational injustice included the introduction of a four-category typology which departs from traditional classifications with its inclusion of interactional injustice (interpersonal mistreatment by a boss) as a distinct category, the systematic delineation and description of interactional injustice according to eight emergent behavioural dimensions, the identification of organizational antecedents to workplace injustice according to four emergent groupings (i.e., structural, procedural, cultural and global) and the identification of individual- and organizational-level consequences. In addition, the concepts of voice and silence emerged as forms of resistance to organizational injustice. Voice was found to encompass two distinct but related constructs: formal and informal voice. Specific strategies by which participants resisted injustice were identified for voice (formal and informal) and silence. A process model of voice and silence in organizational injustice was also introduced.

While the graduate assistantship experience exists as an opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain practical experience, little research exists regarding one's selfefficacy beliefs related to specific responsibilities of an assistantship. This study of assistant residence hall directors at Ball State University aided seasoned Student Affairs professionals as they trained, supervised and mentored graduate students. Four first-year and four second-year assistant residence hall directors and three full-time residence hall directors, who were alumni of the graduate program and assistantship at the University were interviewed during April of the Spring 2004 semester. The researcher created an interview guide using Bandura's (1977) concept of self-efficacy. The researcher and later an unbiased individual identified themes within the data and offered recommendations for the application of the findings as well as recommendations for possible future studies. / Department of Educational Studies

The primary purpose of this research was to ascertain the attitudes and opinions of Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)* musicians regarding continuing education. The secondary purpose of the study was to determine the types of continuing education experiences that are needed by current church musicians who are employed by, or volunteer for Church of God congregations.An online survey was developed and made available to current musicians serving in Church of God congregations. One hundred and fourteen participants responded to the survey.The writer gathered data from participants regarding their personal information, details about their congregation, about their responsibilities with their congregations, their personal belief statements about their position with their congregation and their interest in and/or barriers to receiving further education.The initial hypotheses for this study were: 1) many who lead worship in Church of God congregations are not trained or educated in the skills and knowledge needed to serve effectively. 2) Many of these persons are not opposed to continued education in church music topics, but they do not know where to look for the training, and, in many cases, the type of educational resources they need do not exist.The results of the study indicated a great interest in receiving continuing education in the worship arts The study also indicated that time, money and family constraints prove to be significant obstacles in the pursuance of further education by music and worship leaders.The data gathered from the study indicated that the types of continuing educational experiences that musicians practicing in the Church, of God congregations need are many and varied. The writer concluded that those who would provide such experiences must take into consideration the constraints and barriers most of these leaders experience and provide practical and theological and philosophical elements.Data were presented in narrative form with the help of listings and figures when appropriate. Based on the data received, the writer gave recommendations for continuing educational opportunities. / School of Music

While the impact of inclusion has been researched and debated for years, less effort has been directed at assessing how those individuals responsible for implementing the practice perceive the effects. This research study was designed to determine the attitudes and perceptions of staff members at Western School Corporation concerning the current inclusion model. The census consisted of educators who held the role of general education teacher, special education teacher, paraprofessional (aide), or administrator. There were 196 staff members who were asked to complete a paper survey; 98 educators responded, which generated a response rate of 50%. The survey, The Inclusion Inventory: A Tool for Measuring the Implementation and Use of Inclusive Practices, was used. The Texas University Affiliated Program for Developmental Disabilities, the Education Service Center Region XIII, the Education Service Center Region 20, and Inclusion Works developed the instrument jointly. The results of the study indicated that the administration at Western School Corporation supports inclusion, but there are not ample resources in place to support the overall model. This was commensurate with the findings that the respondents did not feel that sufficient opportunities were being given for staff members to discuss inclusion issues. Overall, the staff members appear to have a fairly positive perspective of the inclusion model, as well as the effects of student success they have seen. Staff members are utilizing a variety of instructional strategies to promote an inclusive setting, but they must continue to be trained in these to recognize their importance. Possible reasons for these results were discussed and a need for further research was offered. / Department of Educational Leadership

The purpose of this case study, HRD—Leadership Training for Women on the Lower Rungs of the Organizational Ladder: A Qualitative Study, was to determine the responses of a group of women to a series of classes on leadership development and to perceive what they might have gained from this experience. These classes were modeled after those offered by the Academy for Community Leadership and offered to a group of workers who are not normally slated for this type of training. This study addressed the following research questions: 1. Given completion of an eight-week program introducing leadership skill enhancement opportunities, how did the participants describe this experience? 2. At the conclusion of the training, what types of leadership opportunities did participants express an interest in pursuing? 3. What barriers did participants note that might prevent them from pursuing their interests? 4. What unexpected outcomes emerged from providing the Academy for Community Leadership model of curriculum to women who typically do not have access to it? The participants in the study were Residential Assistants working in a group home setting for an organization that provides residential services for adults with intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities in east central Indiana. The women in the study did not hold a designated leadership position. Through a series of eight two-hour classes the participants were introduced to various topics related to leadership such as leadership styles, teambuilding, workplace diversity, problem solving, communication and action plan development. The data collection methods included a weekly evaluation, journaling, non-participant observation and a post-session interview. The results revealed that the participants had increased their self confidence, and they felt better prepared to do their current job. They expressed aspirations to continue their education as well as to seek promotions. They came to understand the qualities of leadership that they already possessed as well as areas for improvement. The results of this qualitative study suggest that leadership training should be offered to groups such as CNAs, direct support professionals and others on the lower rungs of the organizational ladder who are not typically offered this type of training. / Department of Educational Studies

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates the internal structure that underlies the ODQ. A structural model that explicates the nature of the causal linkages between the six main constructs comprising the ODQ was developed and tested. Data obtained from 273 employees in a chrome manufacturing plant was used. This research found that the proposed model offers a plausible account of the influences that exist between the six main constructs. The benefit of this structural model will be in the enhanced interpretation of the diagnostic results derived from the ODQ. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie stel ondersoek in na die interne struktuur wat onderliggend is aan die Organisasie Diagnostiese Vraelys (ODV). ‘n Strukturele model wat die onderliggende kousale verhoudings van die ses hoofkonstrukte van die ODV blootlê, is ontwikkel en getoets. Data van 273 werknemers, verbonde aan ‘n chroom vervaardigingsaanleg, is gebruik. Die navorsing toon dat die voorgestelde model ‘n aanneemlike weergawe is van die onderliggende verhoudings wat tussen die ses hoofkonstrukte bestaan. Die voordeel van die voorgestelde model lê daarin dat dit die interpretasie van resultate, wat uit die diagnose verkry is, kan verbeter.

Thesis (MComm (Industrial Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this investigation is two-fold: to ascertain the perceptions and reactions of academic staff to a merger, and its impact on them; and secondly, to identify factors which are critical to merger success. Although the two institutions had agreed on some form of closer relationship, the process was accelerated by a decision by the Department of Education to use mergers as a means of initiating change in South Africa’s post-school education system. Despite many superficial similarities, the two institutions were dissimilar. Only operational and financial factors were considered. The human factors were ignored. This was critical as the two institutions were totally different with regards to organisational culture and academic standards. The resulting clash in these areas proved to be a major stumbling block to the success of the merger. Technikon A, regarded as the institution of choice, had been subjected to a variety of rapid environmental changes in the few years immediately prior to the merger. These changes had sapped staff morale. In addition, significant financial mismanagement had almost crippled the institution. While the staff of neither institution was in favour of the merger, and both staff associations approached the Department of Education to stop it, the merger went ahead. However, the staff association of Technikon B publicly and vociferously opposed the merger, based on their fears that Technikon A’s incompetent management and weak financial position would impact negatively on them. Instead of integrating “best practice” systems, the weak Technikon A management allowed Technikon B to “make the running” and introduce only their systems into the merger. In effect, this turned the merger into a hostile take-over and allowed for the total deculturation of Technikon A. The perceptions of a sample of Technikon A academic staff were canvassed, both pre- and post-merger. The pre-merger predictions were accurate and there was almost unanimous consent as to the outcomes of the post-merger environment. Comparisons were made with other academic mergers in South Africa and overseas – notably Australia – and parallels drawn with the merger in question. In all cases, the perceptions of staff were very similar. From the literature, a list of critical merger success factors was compiled, against which the present merger was compared. Given that this merger failed to successfully address almost all of the success criteria, the merger must, therefore, be regarded as a complete failure. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie ondersoek is tweeledig. Dit behels die bepaling van reaksies en persepsies van akademiese personeel wie ten nouste deur ‘n samesmelting geraak is, asook ‘n studie van die kritiese prosessuele aspekte wat ‘n rol speel en in ag geneem behoort te word ten einde so ‘n instelling suksesvol te laat verloop. Die instellings waarna verwys word, word in hierdie studie aangedui as synde Technikon A en Technikon B. Alhoewel die twee instellings waarna verwys word in hierdie studie aanvanklik ‘n samewerking ooreenkoms wou sluit, is hulle gedwing deur die Departement van Hoër Onderwys om ‘n formele samesmelting te onderneem ter bespoediging van die regering se gestelde transformasie beleid in hoër onderwys. Ten spyte van oppervlakkige ooreenkomste het die twee inrigtings oor baie andersoortige unieke eienskappe beskik. Dit wil voorkom asof operasionele en finansiële faktore hoofsaaklik die hoofoorwegings by die samesmelting was en dat menslike faktore buite rekening gelaat is. Dit wil blyk ‘n kritiese fout te gewees het, omdat die twee instellings verskil het ten opsigte van hul organisasie-kultuur en akademiese standaarde. Technikon A is alreeds voor die formele samesmelting aan struktuur veranderinge onderwerp en was ook geraak deur wanbestuur wat ‘n baie nadelige impak op die moraal van die personeel gelaat het. Die personeel verenigings van beide inrigtings was gekant teen die samesmelting en veral die personeel van Technikon B het hewig beswaar daarteen gemaak. Hierdie teenstand is skynbaar geignoreer en daar is voortgegaan met die proses. Technikon A het ‘n totale dekulturasie proses moes ondergaan en moes aanlyn kom met die bestuur en styl van Technikon B wie se standaarde hulle as minderwaardig beskou het. Ten einde die proses te bestudeer is daar in hierdie navorsing gebruik gemaak van die metode van deelnemende-navorsing tegnieke (“participant observation techniques”). Onderhoude is gevoer met studente en personeel voor en na die proses; dokumente en verslae, asook media berigte is bestudeer en word aangehaal as bewyse. Vergelykings word getref met soortgelyke samesmeltings in Australië wat baie ooreenkomste toon met die in Suid Afrika. Die praktiese studie tesame met die literatuuroorsig dui onomwonde aan dat die samesmelting wat in hiedie studie in oënskou geneem is. gemeet aan die hand van krities belangrike prosessuele faktore, as ‘n mislukking beskou moet word.