Thesis (M.Phil.(Human Resource Management))--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 1988. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 151-160).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Drexel University, 2006. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 234-251).

This research has developed a research relationship model for understanding the relationship between volunteer management practice correlates and volunteer retention using volunteer motivation and volunteer satisfaction as mediators. The model uses social exchange theory, human resource management theory, volunteer functional inventory and volunteer satisfaction index as part of the theoretical underpinning for its validation and contributed to gain knowledge on the application of management theory widely used in the for-profit organisations to the non-profit and volunteer dependent sectors. A comprehensive literature review provided the basis to identify the research gap, formulate the research questions, aim and objectives, leading to the development of the theoretical framework and the research relationship model. The theoretical framework in turn enabled the researcher to develop the research methodology to collect data and test the model. The main research gap was the lack of knowledge about the correlates of volunteer management practice as determinants of volunteer retention and influence of volunteer motivation and volunteer satisfaction as mediators. The concept of mediation was introduced in this research as a novel technique that enabled the researcher to conduct a deeper investigation into the relationship between volunteer management practice correlates and volunteer retention. However prior to the introduction of the mediator concept, the original model developed by Cuskelly et al. (2006) was tested and found to be statistically insignificant. This provided the basis for modifying the model investigated by Cuskelly et al. (2006) leading to the development of the research model for this research. The various relationships developed in the research model were hypothesized. The model was tested using the data collected through the research instrument developed for the purpose. Quantitative research method was used to collect data from a sample set of volunteers using survey questionnaire in a context-free environment. Pilot survey enabled the researcher to confirm the utility of the instrument for using in the main survey. 386 participants provided their response to the online questionnaire that was posted on a web portal. The collected data was subjected to rigourous statistical tests. Descriptive statistics, reliability tests and validity tests were conducted on the data. Exploratory Factor analysis revealed underlying factors of volunteer management practice different from those identified by other researchers namely Cuskelly et al. (2006) whose model was used as the base model in this research. Further, structural equation modelling was used to test the model and verify hypothesis. The results indicated that two volunteer management practice correlates namely volunteer training and support and volunteer performance management and recognition, were found to indirectly influence volunteer retention. Volunteer training and support influenced volunteer retention through volunteer motivation as well as volunteer satisfaction. Volunteer performance management and recognition influenced volunteer retention through volunteer satisfaction. In addition volunteer planning and recruitment was identified as a moderator of volunteer training and support and volunteer performance management and recognition as correlates. These findings contribute significantly to helping both volunteer managers and volunteers in improving the intention of volunteers to stay longer with an organisation. Thus by implementing the findings of this research; volunteer managers can enhance their volunteer management practice leading to retention of volunteers for longer periods than now. The research findings contribute to theory in terms of widening the understanding of the operationalization of social exchange and HRM theories in a combined manner in understanding the relationship between volunteer management practice and volunteer retention.

A pesquisa qualitativa teve como objetivo estudar a autogestão de carreira ao longo da trajetória profissional dos médicos e relacionar as dimensões subjetiva e objetiva para ampliar a compreensão sobre a importância da subjetividade nas carreiras dos profissionais do conhecimento na atualidade. Como objetivos específicos foram definidos: entender o processo de gestão da carreira em seus diferentes estágios; investigar a relevância dos valores pessoais para as decisões e a percepção de sucesso na carreira; identificar a percepção do médico sobre a influência dos fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos no seu desenvolvimento, buscando identificar diferenças e semelhanças entre os vínculos concomitantes; explorar a percepção do médico sobre as razões que levaram à escolha da profissão e aos diferentes vínculos na história de vida e entender os fatores relacionados às decisões sobre a carreira, tanto no que se refere a mudanças de emprego quanto a mudanças no trabalho realizado. A metodologia qualitativa foi empregada a partir do paradigma interpretativista e da construção social da realidade, adotando o pressuposto epistemológico do subjetivismo. Participaram doze médicos de especialidades clínicas, formados há mais de dez anos. A coleta de dados ocorreu em três fases: shadowing inicial com um sujeito, seguido de exame microscópico de dados e codificação axial, que geraram categorias iniciais utilizadas como parâmetro na análise das entrevistas em profundidade com doze sujeitos, realizadas em duas fases: entrevistas fase 1 e entrevistas fase 2. Da análise das narrativas dos entrevistados na fase 1 foram refinados os nós definidos inicialmente a partir do referencial teórico e do shadowing. Após cada entrevista foi feita a codificação aberta e axial. Ao final da fase 1 de entrevistas foi feita a codificação axial do conjunto dos dados, gerando um parâmetro para as entrevistas focalizadas na fase 2. Os códigos definidos foram refinados na análise conjunta com o entrevistado, em uma relação dialógica de criação de conhecimento. Os resultados apontam a importância do SUS como campo de produção de conhecimento e formador da reputação do médico; dificuldades ligadas à questão de gênero, associadas à falta de amparo social à maternidade; escolhas autoguiadas por valores trazendo satisfação e sucesso subjetivo. Conclui-se que a autogestão da carreira motivada por valores ligados à empatia e cuidado com o outro resultou em sucesso subjetivo mais intenso, além daqueles ligados a reconhecimento social, status e desenvolvimento do conhecimento. / Qualitative research purpose is to study the career self-management along the physicians\' professional journey and to relate the subjective and objective dimensions in order to broaden the knowledge on the importance of subjectivity in the career of the knowledge professionals nowadays. The specific objectives are: to understand the career management process in its different stages; to investigate the relevance of personal values in order to make decisions and to perceive the career success; to identify the perception of the doctor on the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in their development in search of the identification of differences and similarities among several work contracts; to explore the doctors\' perception of the reasons which drove them to choose the profession, and the different bonds in their history of life and to understand the factors related to the decisions about their careers, both with regard to job changes as the changes in the workplace. The qualitative methodology was employed from the interpretive paradigm and the social construction of the reality, adopting the epistemological assumption of subjectivism. Twelve physicians of clinical specialty, with over ten years of graduation, took part in this research. Data collection occurred in three phases: initial shadowing with a physician, followed by microscopic examination of data and axial coding, which generated initial categories deeply used with twelve volunteers above as a parameter in the analysis of the interviews, that were carried out in two other phases: interview phases 1 and 2. The nodes initially defined from the theoretical review and shadowing were refined from the analysis of the narratives of respondents in phase 1. An open and axial coding was created after each interview. At the end of the first interview phase, an axial coding of all the data was done, generating a parameter for the phase 2, when the defined codes were refined in cooperation with the respondent in a dialogical relationship of knowledge creation. The results show the importance of the Sistema Único de Saúde (Unified Health System), known as SUS, as a field of knowledge production and creator of the doctors\' reputation; difficulties linked to gender, associated with lack of social support of motherhood; self-guided choices values by bringing satisfaction and subjective success. As a conclusion, the career self-management motivated by values linked to empathy and care for the other allowed a more intense subjective success, followed by social recognition, status and development of knowledge

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wollongong, 2002. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references: leaf 224-231.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Texas State University--San Marcos, 2009. / Vita. Appendix: leaf 111. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-121). Also available on microfilm.

The uniqueness of this study is primarily in the application of a visual research methodology to generate knowledge and understanding in an area that is often associated with quantitative research. Careers and employment research typically focuses on statistical information which can provide general information but does not give an in-depth understanding of the area under study. Visual research can give an in-depth understanding; in addition to giving access to a different kind of knowledge, supported by Harper (2002) who proposes “that images can evoke deeper elements of human consciousness than words alone.” I explore the various ways in which students perceive and develop different career aspiration including what motivates and what might inhibit students’ development of their career aspirations. This understanding will enhance my professional practice and encourage the Careers and Employment department within the University to adapt their service and give students the relevant tools and information to prepare them for employment. A visual research methodology is utilised as this fits comfortably with my background in art and gives the in-depth knowledge I require for my research (see Clark-Ibáñez, 2004; Collier (1957); Collier and Collier, 1986; Cousin, 2009; Guillemin and Drew, 2010; Harper, 2002; Harris and Guillemin, 2012 and O’Brien, 2013 for further information on the benefits of using a visual research methodology). Auto-driven photo-elicitation (ADPE) is used with six fine art and six business management students. These students often have less career direction and tend to struggle to secure graduate level positions (Swani, 2016); in addition, the two subject areas were chosen because they are a contrast in terms of how their curriculum is delivered. Using visual research to inform careers and employment is unique and through sharing my research and research experience I want to initiate a shift in how careers and employment research is approached in the future. In addition to the uniqueness of using a visual research methodology in careers and employment my findings indicate there are five orientations business management and fine art students’ use when developing their career aspirations: a strong sense of direction, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, weak planning and dreams. This research discusses the five orientations and the factors that might contribute to a rich learning environment for career building. Subject and professional identity are discussed in relation to identity formation and career building. Four main sources of identity formation are identified: identity through being (transition from study to profession), identity through self-discovery, identity through belonging (concerning the informal and cultural aspects of community life), and identity through peripheral participation (activities that are akin to peripheral participation in a professional community). This research establishes there is a relationship between the development and building of identity and self-efficacy through belonging, professional experience and working alongside mentors when developing strategies to develop career aspirations.

A pesquisa qualitativa teve como objetivo estudar a autogestão de carreira ao longo da trajetória profissional dos médicos e relacionar as dimensões subjetiva e objetiva para ampliar a compreensão sobre a importância da subjetividade nas carreiras dos profissionais do conhecimento na atualidade. Como objetivos específicos foram definidos: entender o processo de gestão da carreira em seus diferentes estágios; investigar a relevância dos valores pessoais para as decisões e a percepção de sucesso na carreira; identificar a percepção do médico sobre a influência dos fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos no seu desenvolvimento, buscando identificar diferenças e semelhanças entre os vínculos concomitantes; explorar a percepção do médico sobre as razões que levaram à escolha da profissão e aos diferentes vínculos na história de vida e entender os fatores relacionados às decisões sobre a carreira, tanto no que se refere a mudanças de emprego quanto a mudanças no trabalho realizado. A metodologia qualitativa foi empregada a partir do paradigma interpretativista e da construção social da realidade, adotando o pressuposto epistemológico do subjetivismo. Participaram doze médicos de especialidades clínicas, formados há mais de dez anos. A coleta de dados ocorreu em três fases: shadowing inicial com um sujeito, seguido de exame microscópico de dados e codificação axial, que geraram categorias iniciais utilizadas como parâmetro na análise das entrevistas em profundidade com doze sujeitos, realizadas em duas fases: entrevistas fase 1 e entrevistas fase 2. Da análise das narrativas dos entrevistados na fase 1 foram refinados os nós definidos inicialmente a partir do referencial teórico e do shadowing. Após cada entrevista foi feita a codificação aberta e axial. Ao final da fase 1 de entrevistas foi feita a codificação axial do conjunto dos dados, gerando um parâmetro para as entrevistas focalizadas na fase 2. Os códigos definidos foram refinados na análise conjunta com o entrevistado, em uma relação dialógica de criação de conhecimento. Os resultados apontam a importância do SUS como campo de produção de conhecimento e formador da reputação do médico; dificuldades ligadas à questão de gênero, associadas à falta de amparo social à maternidade; escolhas autoguiadas por valores trazendo satisfação e sucesso subjetivo. Conclui-se que a autogestão da carreira motivada por valores ligados à empatia e cuidado com o outro resultou em sucesso subjetivo mais intenso, além daqueles ligados a reconhecimento social, status e desenvolvimento do conhecimento. / Qualitative research purpose is to study the career self-management along the physicians\' professional journey and to relate the subjective and objective dimensions in order to broaden the knowledge on the importance of subjectivity in the career of the knowledge professionals nowadays. The specific objectives are: to understand the career management process in its different stages; to investigate the relevance of personal values in order to make decisions and to perceive the career success; to identify the perception of the doctor on the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in their development in search of the identification of differences and similarities among several work contracts; to explore the doctors\' perception of the reasons which drove them to choose the profession, and the different bonds in their history of life and to understand the factors related to the decisions about their careers, both with regard to job changes as the changes in the workplace. The qualitative methodology was employed from the interpretive paradigm and the social construction of the reality, adopting the epistemological assumption of subjectivism. Twelve physicians of clinical specialty, with over ten years of graduation, took part in this research. Data collection occurred in three phases: initial shadowing with a physician, followed by microscopic examination of data and axial coding, which generated initial categories deeply used with twelve volunteers above as a parameter in the analysis of the interviews, that were carried out in two other phases: interview phases 1 and 2. The nodes initially defined from the theoretical review and shadowing were refined from the analysis of the narratives of respondents in phase 1. An open and axial coding was created after each interview. At the end of the first interview phase, an axial coding of all the data was done, generating a parameter for the phase 2, when the defined codes were refined in cooperation with the respondent in a dialogical relationship of knowledge creation. The results show the importance of the Sistema Único de Saúde (Unified Health System), known as SUS, as a field of knowledge production and creator of the doctors\' reputation; difficulties linked to gender, associated with lack of social support of motherhood; self-guided choices values by bringing satisfaction and subjective success. As a conclusion, the career self-management motivated by values linked to empathy and care for the other allowed a more intense subjective success, followed by social recognition, status and development of knowledge

The Master's Thesis deals with an examination of the career management within an organization, especially in the managerial structure, and the related themes, such as performance and potential appraisal, and talent management. The aim of the work is to determine the current trends in this field of human resources management based on a survey of Czech and foreign literature and to analyze the performance of these activities at Unicorn Systems company. The theoretical part describes the basic assumptions and theoretical approaches necessary for understanding the relevant themes. In the practical part, the practice at Unicorn Systems together with an analysis of Czech and foreign literature on best practices in this area are analyzed. The outcomes of the work should help the company to take such measures which would contribute to improving the business operation.