The study investigated the experiences of remaining nurse tutors at the Free State School of Nursing during the transformation of Nursing Colleges and downsizing of personnel. The study aimed at describing the experiences of individuals during changes in their work environment, with the purpose of contributing to the identification of guidelines for 'surviving' transformation and downsizing at the workplace. Three themes emerged from this study through the narrative descriptions and unstructured interviews. The first theme, affective responses, dealt with emotions, low morale, depressive moods and anxiety caused by transformation and downsizing. The second theme, cognitive and perceptual view, revealed the thoughts, beliefs, and opinions of remaining nurse tutors regarding transformation and downsizing. Perceptions of and opinions on how nursing education and human dignity were affected were also expressed. The third theme portrayed the coping responses, which described work-related personal and social adjustments nurse tutors made during the transformation of nursing colleges. Recommendations included communication, participation and counseling of nurse tutors and to meet the requirements of nursing colleges during transformation and downsizing. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Rationalisation and redeployment of educators in South Africa negatively affects teaching and learning in schools. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of educators and stakeholders on rationalisation and redeployment as a policy. The study was conducted in schools of the Mopani district in Limpopo Province. Limpopo schools experience redeployment every year as the learner enrolment fluctuates. This increase or decrease of learner enrolment causes compulsory transfer of educators from the school with low enrolment to the school with greater enrolment. A legal framework, social justice and transformational leadership theory underpinned this study. The study used a qualitative research framework and methodology located within the constructivist paradigm to explore the experiences of educators and stakeholders on rationalisation and redeployment as a policy. This qualitative study employed a case study design, the case being redeployment of educators. Principals, educators, secretaries of school governing bodies, union members and circuit managers were selected as stakeholders to participate in the study. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with principals, secretaries of governing bodies, union members and circuit managers. Two focus groups with educators, who were once redeployed, were used, one from a primary school and the other from a secondary school. Observations and document analysis were also used in this study for triangulation. Data were coded and analysed through qualitative content analysis. The study found that rationalisation and redeployment affect the morale of educators It was also revealed that principals use the process for their personal advancement. Again, rationalisation and redeployment hinder the school performance as it takes place in the middle of the year. This study recommended that rationalisation and redeployment be done once within a three-year cycle. It was also recommended that redeployed educators should be counselled to boost their low morale. / Educational Management and Leadership / Ph. D. (Education Leadership and Management)