The aim of this study was to explore the role of feedback in managing resistance to organisational change. A general systems theoretical model of individual resistance to change was developed. It describes the origin, function and outcomes of individual resistance to planned organisational change. The role of feedback within this process was identified as a central one and feedback was therefore identified as an important point of leverage in managing resistance to change. The survey feedback approach was adopted in a retail organisation undergoing significant change. Staff were asked to respond to a survey on their experience of the change. Results were analysed and then fed back to them during group discussions. The process was repeated. It was concluded that the survey feedback approach significantly contributed to a reduction in resistance to change and that both survey feedback approach and the model of individual resistance to change merit further investigation. / Industrial Psychology / M.A. (Industrial Psychology)

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:25:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:53:31Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 vezali_pa_me_mar.pdf: 321938 bytes, checksum: fd99255e23e874cb8e1184e94615ccff (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Nesta dissertação nós mostraremos, pela contribuição da filosofia de Merleau-Ponty, focalizando o conceito de expressão e os processos de referenciação, que as relações entre linguagem, corpo e mundo da vida são formadoras do simbolismo e da significação. Em acréscimo, examinaremos alguns desenvolvimentos recentes das vertentes lingüísticas de uma perspectiva sócio-cognitiva da linguagem, refletindo sobre as conseqüências da afirmação da união senciente-sensível para a ontologia clássica da mente e da linguagem, como também para a teoria corrente do conhecimento e dos debates epistemológicos sobre a negação dos dualismos interno-externo, sujeito-objeto e mente-corpo. / In this dissertation we will show, through contribution of the philosophy Merleau-Ponty, focusing the conception of expression and the referention processes, however relations between language, body and life's world is formed the simbolism and the signification. In addition, we will examine some recent developments from the linguistics siope of a social-cognitive view of the language, reflecting upon the consequences of this assert of the unite perceive-perceptible to the classic ontogeny of mind and language, as well as to current theory of knowledge and espistemological debates about negation of the dualisms internal-external, subject-object, mind-body.

Quels sont les mécanismes motivationnels et cognitifs qui soutiennent les stratégies de recherche d'emploi mises en œuvre par les diplômés du supérieur ? Telle est la question qui fonde les analyses effectuées dans cette thèse. Les développements y relatifs s'articulent sur trois niveaux imbriqués. Le premier examine la relation entre les dimensions mises en évidence par la théorie sociale cognitive de la carrière (TSCC) (Lent, Hackett et Brown, 1994), et la performance en recherche d'emploi. Le second a pour objectif d'introduire les stratégies d'autorégulation (STARE) en vue d'analyser dans quelle mesure elles peuvent médiatiser la relation entre le sentiment d'efficacité personnelle (SEP), l'objectif professionnel (OPRO), le projet professionnel (PPRO), les difficultés perçues (DIFF) et la performance. Enfin, ces deux premiers niveaux d'analyse se justifient par le besoin d'appréhender les mécanismes motivationnels et cognitifs auxquels se greffent les facteurs contextuels et sous-tendent les dynamiques de recherche d'emploi. La configuration actuelle du marché du travail rend de plus en plus saillante une évidence : le processus d'insertion professionnel n'est pas linéaire et, même à parcours de formation égal, les diplômés ne sont pas égaux face aux difficultés marquant l'accès à l'emploi. En s'appuyant sur un échantillon de 50 curriculum vitae (CV) de demandeurs d'emploi (étude 1), deux échantillons de 410 salariés (étude 2) et 384 sans emploi (étude 3), tous diplômés du supérieur, cette recherche conduite au Cameroun et en France montre d'une part que les variables d'intention ou les attentes de résultats et le sentiment d'efficacité personnelle sont de bons prédicteurs de performance, conformément à la littérature internationale sur la TSCC. D'autre part, l'examen des liens entre les dimensions suscitées et la performance en recherche d'emploi, par le biais de médiations simples, multiples et modérées, montre que les stratégies d'autorégulation introduites dans le modèle TSCC constituent un médiateur significatif de l'effet de l'ensemble des variables sur la réussite des salariés, de l'objectif professionnel et du projet professionnel sur le devenir des sans emploi, et du sentiment d'efficacité personnelle uniquement lorsqu'on procède à une analyse différenciée selon le sexe. En conclusion, les résultats suggèrent que contrairement aux logiques et parcours de recherche d'emploi traditionnels établis, la configuration actuelle du marché du travail impulserait de nouvelles formes d'organisation et d'ajustement chez les acteurs qui y évoluent. / What are the motivational and cognitive mechanisms that support job search strategies implemented by the graduates? This question is the base of the analyses carried out in this thesis work. The related developments are based on three nested levels. The first one examines the relationship between dimensions highlighted by the social cognitive theory of career (TSCC) (Lent, Brown and Hackett, 1994), and performance in job search. The second objective introduce self-regulation strategies (STARE) in order to analyze to what extent they can mediate the relationship between self-efficacy (SEP), career objective (OPRO), professional project (PPRO), perceived difficulties (DIFF) and performance. Finally, the first two levels of analysis are justified by the need to understand the motivational and cognitive mechanisms associated to contextual factors and underly dynamics of job search. The current labour market setup increases the relevance of obviousness: professional insertion process is not linear and even with same training courses, graduates are not equals face to difficulties regarding employment access. Based on a sample of 50 curricula vitae (CV) of job seekers (Study 1), two samples of 410 employees (study 2) and 384 job seekers (study 3), all of them graduates, the research carried out both in Cameroon and France shows on one side that the variables of intent or outcome expectations and self-efficacy are good predictors of performance, in accordance with the international literature on the TSCC. On the other side, relationship analysis between these dimensions and performance aroused in job search through simple, multiple and moderate mediations, shows that self-regulation strategies introduced in the TSCC model constitute a significant mediator of the effect of all variables on the employees success, the professional goal and the professional project on the future of job seekers, and of self-efficacy solely when performing an analysis differentiated by gender. To end with, the results suggest that contrary to established logic and traditional path of job search, the current configuration of the labor market would boost new forms of organization and adjustment among actors who evolve in this sector.

Hälsan och folkhälsan påverkas av allt vi har omkring oss och beror på vilka förutsättningar och möjligheter vi har att ta hand om oss själva och vår omvärld. Jordens resurser är ansträngda, mänsklighetens konsumtionsvanor bidrar till detta och det finns ett allt större behov av att arbeta med hållbarhet. Folkhälsoarbete kan ske på flera plan, i Sverige finns en lång tradition av ideella föreningar och organisationer och dessa har varit speciellt framgångsrika i att engagera människor men även att nå marginaliserade eller utsatta grupper. Food2change är en ideell organisation som arbetar med hållbarhet genom att ta hand om matsvinn från matvarubutiker med hjälp av sina medlemmar och volontärer. Syftet med studien är att undersöka upplevelser av ideellt engagemang i föreningen food2change.  En kvalitativ undersökning har genomförts för att undersöka upplevelser av att vara ideellt engagerad i food2change kopplat till KASAM, socialt stöd och social kognitiv teori. Datainsamlingen skedde genom semistrukturerade intervjuer och en manifest innehållsanalys genomfördes. Resultaten visar att det finns olika drivkrafter till att vara engagerad i föreningen samt att effekter som upplevs av ideellt engagemang i föreningen är känsla av meningsfullhet, tillgång till rutin och struktur, möjlighet till utökade sociala relationer och känsla av delaktighet men även viss risk för stress vid hög arbetsbelastning vilka alla kan ha påverkan på hälsan.

The obesity epidemic is a global health concern. In the United States alone, 68.5% of adults are categorized as overweight or obese; of these, 35.1% are considered obese. Obesity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality from diabetes and cardiovascular disease, two diseases adversely affecting minority groups such as Mexican Americans. Yet, a modest 5% decrease in weight, through changes in diet and physical activity, can help control type 2 diabetes. The current study extracted the dietary data and selected outcome variables from Beyond Sabor, a 12 week intervention conducted in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, a predominantly Mexican American disadvantaged community. Social Cognitive Theory, guided the design of this culturally tailored intervention. Community resources and natural helpers emerged through the utilization of community based participatory research methods. Study participants (n= 1,273) were recruited from local food bank sites and randomized into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received 12 weekly sessions focusing on healthier eating habits, cooking methods, and physical activity. The control group received 6 nutrition education sessions on similar topics. The study measured changes in several food groups including consumption of soda, fruit juice, and fruit and vegetables. A repeated measures Analysis of Variance was employed to determine changes in treatment and control groups from baseline, post intervention and 40 week follow up. The results showed a significant decrease in soda (F= 8.48, p< .001) and fruit juice (F= 3.12, p= .045) consumption for both groups, with a particular decrease in soda for the treatment group. In addition, there was a significant increase in fruit (F=15.32, p< .001) and vegetable (F=3.16, p= .04) consumption in both groups. The outcome variables selected were weight, body mass index (BMI), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). There were significant changes for all three variables over time. The intervention resulted in changes in dietary behaviors that ultimately led to changes in weight, BMI, and FPG. It is evident from the current study, that the use of community based helpers facilitated changes in food habits. This study serves as a prognosticator for future interventions.

Since the beginning of 2000 the media have often referred to the decrease in the number of teachers in South Africa. In the light of the discrepancy between the supply and demand of teachers, I have explored some factors that possibly contribute to the career choice of teachers. I departed from a positivist as well as an interpretevist approach. The research included the implementation of a First-year Teacher Questionnaire. Some career development theories are discussed as the theoretical grounding for the career choice of first-year teaching students. First-year teaching students generally have a positive perception of teaching, based mainly on their belief that teaching offers ample opportunities for potential-facilitation, selffulfilment, self-discovery, as well as fringe benefits. It seems that where negative perceptions existed, they were based on observable hindrances and personal issues. My research complements the Social Cognitive Career Theory and confirms the concern for the fact that a relatively small percentage African language-speaking students, especially males, choose teaching as a field of study / Dissertation (MEd (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

In the light of increasing concerns related to violence in the South African society, this study sought to explore the nature of aggression amongst Grade R learners through the voices of principals, phase heads, educators, parents and support staff. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, Social Learning Cognitive Theory and Bronfenbrenner’ Bio-ecological Theory provided the theoretical lens for this qualitative study. The study was undertaken in two primary schools and one nursery school with 22 participants in the Johannesburg area in South Africa. Data was produced through interviews and questionnaires. The findings show that the nature of aggression is complex, multi-dimensional and contextual. Aggressive behaviour was conceptualised as interconnected physical and emotional states coupled with the verbal competence to act out aggressive behaviour. This was triggered by a number of factors included in the genetic and environmental domains. The exploration of approaches, methods and lines of intervention suggest the need for multi-stakeholders to work together for holistic and responsive interventions. These findings contributed to the development of the Tree of Nurturance in order to unravel a contextualised site-based model for intervention to address aggressive behaviour. / Early Childhood Education / D. Ed. (Socio-Education)

South Africa has been witnessing an escalation in drug use amongst adolescents in high school. Thus, the main question that motivated this research was: How can a psycho-educational programme, using a selected audio-visual media resource, assist teachers and parents in an effort to prevent adolescent students’ substance abuse problem behaviour? Social cognitive theory (SCT) and self-efficacy theory (SET) were used as a conceptual framework. The study explained these theories in-depth. Adolescent substance abuse was also studied as well as programmes to address this problem. This was followed by a perusal of numerous audio-visual resources for their possible incorporation into prevention programmes. The ‘Above The Influence’ (ATI) resource was selected for the psycho-educational programme which was designed for the study. The programme was put into action during seven sessions over a period of about two months, and implemented with a group of 26 Grade 10 and Grade 11 students in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, to evaluate its relevance for adolescent substance abuse prevention. To evaluate the programme, a qualitative approach was used. The data were gathered during the programme implementation by means of in-person and online focus groups, individual interviews, written open-ended questions, observation notes and follow-up interviews some time after the programme had ended. Eleven principles were identified from the literature to evaluate the potential of the programme to be effective in preventing adolescent substance abuse. In particular the programme needed to increase adolescents’ skills related to studying, communication, peer relationships, self-efficacy, assertiveness, and drug resistance. The programme also had to employ interactive techniques and needed to address the type of drug abuse problem in the local community, for example, the ‘gateway’ substances of marijuana, alcohol and tobacco. In addition, the programme potential was evaluated in the light of SCT and SET. The findings indicated that the psycho-educational programme, using ATI as audiovisual medium, can be used very effectively by teachers to raise students’ awareness and develop particular skills that could contribute towards the prevention of adolescent substance abuse. It is recommended that the programme should be used in the long-term with repeated reinforcing sessions over time. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Bakgrund: Personer med Reumatoid Artrit (RA) lider av en kronisk inflammatorisk sjukdom och behöver vara fysiskt aktiva genom hela livet för att minimera symptomen. COVID-19 pandemin kan ha förändrat hur träningen planeras och genomförs, samt hur fysioterapeuter planerar träningen. Syfte: Syftet är att undersöka hur patienter med RA och fysioterapeuter vid reumatologisk klinik upplever att COVID-19 pandemin har påverkat patienters träning i rehabiliterande syfte. Metod: I en kvalitativ intervjustudie intervjuades två fysioterapeuter och fyra personer med RA vid en reumatologisk klinik. Intervjuerna genomfördes via telefon eller videolänk, utifrån en semistrukturerad intervjuguide. Analys av data genomfördes genom manifest kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Sju kategorier framkom som beskriver faktorer som påverkar rehabiliterande träning för patienter med RA: betydelsen av träningsutrustning, följsamhet till träning, reaktioner på förändrade förutsättningar för träning, alternativa lösningar för att möjliggöra träning, träningslokalens tillgänglighet och betydelse, vädrets inverkan på upplevd möjlighet till träning och upplevda effekter av restriktioner för riskgrupper. Slutsats: Deltagarna var överlag positiva till träning under COVID-19 pandemin. Genomgående påtalades vikten av omgivningsfaktorer, som platsen där träning utförs och tillgänglig utrustning. Resultatet indikerar att oron för konsekvenserna av bristande träning var större än oron för att smittas av COVID-19 / Background: Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis suffers from a chronic inflammatory disease. It is important that they incorporate physical activity throughout their life to minimize symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed how they maintain physical activity, as well as how physiotherapist plan exercise. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate how individuals with RA and physiotherapists at a rheumatologic clinic experience that COVID-19 has impacted patients’ rehabilitation exercise. Method: In a qualitative interview study two physiotherapists and four individuals with RA at a rheumatologic clinic was interviewed. Interviews were carried out by phone or videolink using a semistructured interviewguide. Data analysis was a manifest qualitative analysis. Result: Seven categories describe factors that impacted individuals with RA’s rehabilitation exercise: the importance of training equipment, compliance with training, reaction to changing conditions for training, alternative solutions enabling training, the importance of locations for exercise and its availability, the impact of weather in relations to exercise, experiences of restrictions for individuals at risk. Conclusion: Participants were positively inclined towards exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. The importance of environmental factors and the equipment availability was recurring. The results indicate that concern regarding the consequences of reduced exercise was greater than contracting COVID-19.

Noma is a neglected non-contagious disease of the face and mouth affecting children living in extreme poverty. Due to the quick spread of the disease, the mortality rate is estimated at 90% when treatment is not started within two weeks of onset. Even though Hilfsaktion Noma e.V. (HAN) has been actively spreading awareness about the disease and offering treatment and reconstructive surgery, the mortality rate has not decreased. Moreover, patients reaching the noma centre often present severe sequela, affecting their speech, eating and drinking ability. Therefore, this study investigates the challenges faced by noma patients to seek medical care in Niger and how to overcome them. A mixed-method approach was performed; a survey among healthcare workers of HAN was supplemented with an interview with a key informant of the organisation in order to get a wider understanding of the possible challenges noma patients encounter. Accessibility to healthcare, as well as distance to the hospital and lack of transportation means were identified as the challenges with the highest impact on the health-seeking behaviour of noma patients. The lack of knowledge about noma and treatment costs were the second main challenge. This information gap is reflected in stigmatization, inadequate health care staff and seeking aid from traditional healers, which seriously endangers the life of patients. To overcome these challenges, a community-based surveillance system in combination with a multisectoral approach was proposed. This low-cost system can not only eliminate noma by facilitating the early detection of noma patients, but it can also contribute to sustainable health in Niger and other countries in the Noma belt.