The relationship between psychological capital and work engagement in a work setting
- Authors: Rennick, Ashlynne Tamsyn
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employees -- Psychology , Employee motivation Human capital -- Psychological aspects Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43534 , vital:36907
- Description: According to research, psychological capital (PsyCap) and work engagement are two constructs within the realm of positive psychology that have a positive impact on employees. The importance of work engagement in organisations is evident in the global interest in human capital development. Work engagement has several positive outcomes such as job satisfaction, job performance and well-being that have been linked to PsyCap. Considering Positive Organisational Behaviour (POB) and understanding how this has an impact on public service sector employees is important. The purpose of this research is to describe the relationship between PsyCap and work engagement. The study was conducted in order to understand the levels of PsyCap and work engagement that exist in a work setting given the current global economic changes. A convenience survey design was used with a nonprobability sample (N=155) of NGO employees across South Africa in Port Elizabeth, East London and Johannesburg. The measuring instruments consisted of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17) and a biographical questionnaire. The data was collected using the pencil-and-paper method. Demographic groups showed significant differences in the means for both PsyCap and work engagement. The study also found that participants scored high on work engagement and its dimensions indicating that participants experienced high levels of engagement in their work-related tasks. Consistent with previous research, the results of this study showed that PsyCap is a predictor of work engagement, indicating a positive relationship between the dimensions of PsyCap and the dimensions of work engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Rennick, Ashlynne Tamsyn
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employees -- Psychology , Employee motivation Human capital -- Psychological aspects Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43534 , vital:36907
- Description: According to research, psychological capital (PsyCap) and work engagement are two constructs within the realm of positive psychology that have a positive impact on employees. The importance of work engagement in organisations is evident in the global interest in human capital development. Work engagement has several positive outcomes such as job satisfaction, job performance and well-being that have been linked to PsyCap. Considering Positive Organisational Behaviour (POB) and understanding how this has an impact on public service sector employees is important. The purpose of this research is to describe the relationship between PsyCap and work engagement. The study was conducted in order to understand the levels of PsyCap and work engagement that exist in a work setting given the current global economic changes. A convenience survey design was used with a nonprobability sample (N=155) of NGO employees across South Africa in Port Elizabeth, East London and Johannesburg. The measuring instruments consisted of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17) and a biographical questionnaire. The data was collected using the pencil-and-paper method. Demographic groups showed significant differences in the means for both PsyCap and work engagement. The study also found that participants scored high on work engagement and its dimensions indicating that participants experienced high levels of engagement in their work-related tasks. Consistent with previous research, the results of this study showed that PsyCap is a predictor of work engagement, indicating a positive relationship between the dimensions of PsyCap and the dimensions of work engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between psychological contract, job satisfaction, organisation citizenship behaviour and turnover intention
- Authors: Pal, Ajay Kumar
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Contracts -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction Organizational behavior Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43127 , vital:36740
- Description: Psychological contracts, which are made up of employees’ beliefs about the reciprocal obligations between them and their organisation, lie at the foundation of employment relationships (Rousseau, 1989; Schein, 1965). Yet many trends, such as restructuring, downsizing, increased reliance, pressure on cost and high competition, have a profound impact on employees and organisations, leading to an impact on psychological contracts. These trends increasingly make it unclear what the employee and organisation owe each other. The intention of this study is to the relationship between, psychological contract, job satisfaction, organisation citizenship behaviour, and turnover intention in the factory workers of a pharmaceutical manufacturing company based in the Durban area of South Africa. This research made use of quantitative research methods in order to conduct this study using a cross sectional design. A composite questionnaire was used to gather the necessary data for the study using a sample of 63 employees, which constitute 26% of work force working in the factory of a pharmaceutical company, represented by the different departments that operate in the factory setup. The quantitative findings indicate that all three of the measurement scales were reliable due to Cronbach’s alpha coefficient exceeding 0.60. Out of the three dependent variables, psychological contract is found to be highly correlated to job satisfaction. The findings of the study revealed that psychological contract has a positive medium correlation with job satisfaction, and that psychological contract has a medium negative correlation with turnover intention, while it has negligible correlation with organisation citizenship behaviour for the samples. The findings of this research study contribute to the literature available in terms of the construct of psychological contract, job satisfaction, organisation citizenship behaviour and turnover intention. Consequently, the results from this study provided the management of this company with important information on psychological contract and its relationship with work-related behaviours.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Pal, Ajay Kumar
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Contracts -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction Organizational behavior Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43127 , vital:36740
- Description: Psychological contracts, which are made up of employees’ beliefs about the reciprocal obligations between them and their organisation, lie at the foundation of employment relationships (Rousseau, 1989; Schein, 1965). Yet many trends, such as restructuring, downsizing, increased reliance, pressure on cost and high competition, have a profound impact on employees and organisations, leading to an impact on psychological contracts. These trends increasingly make it unclear what the employee and organisation owe each other. The intention of this study is to the relationship between, psychological contract, job satisfaction, organisation citizenship behaviour, and turnover intention in the factory workers of a pharmaceutical manufacturing company based in the Durban area of South Africa. This research made use of quantitative research methods in order to conduct this study using a cross sectional design. A composite questionnaire was used to gather the necessary data for the study using a sample of 63 employees, which constitute 26% of work force working in the factory of a pharmaceutical company, represented by the different departments that operate in the factory setup. The quantitative findings indicate that all three of the measurement scales were reliable due to Cronbach’s alpha coefficient exceeding 0.60. Out of the three dependent variables, psychological contract is found to be highly correlated to job satisfaction. The findings of the study revealed that psychological contract has a positive medium correlation with job satisfaction, and that psychological contract has a medium negative correlation with turnover intention, while it has negligible correlation with organisation citizenship behaviour for the samples. The findings of this research study contribute to the literature available in terms of the construct of psychological contract, job satisfaction, organisation citizenship behaviour and turnover intention. Consequently, the results from this study provided the management of this company with important information on psychological contract and its relationship with work-related behaviours.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between reward preferences and occupational stress within the South African law environment
- Authors: Orban, Shanice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial , Stress (Psychology) -- Research Job stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43101 , vital:36735
- Description: The primary objective of this dissertation was to investigate the relationship between reward preferences and occupational stress within the South African law environment. In order to achieve this objective, the researcher tested a theoretical model using regression analysis, and made use of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations. A further aim was to investigate whether differences existed according to different types of lawyers with regards to these constructs. This was done using t-Tests and analysis of variance tests. The questionnaire was completed by a total of 207 lawyers spanning across 21 law firms, in both the Eastern and Western Cape. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics which included frequency tables, and pie charts, and the aforementioned inferential statistics. The findings revealed a number of correlations between the factors of the two constructs, and significant differences with regards to the amount of stress experienced by employees within the law environment compared to the general population. The proposed theoretical model could be partially accepted as it showed that a correlation exists between Occupational Stress and the reward preference factors of Contingency Pay, Performance and Career Management, Quality Work Environment and Work/Home Integration, with no significant correlation between Occupational Stress and Base Pay and Benefits. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between Distress and Reward Preferences, with no significant correlation between Coping Ability and Reward Preferences. The results of this study theoretically contribute to the area of reward preferences, and have uncovered a new area whereby reward preferences are shown to be related to occupational stress. The findings of this study hold important implications for the effective management and retention of key employees in the law environment within the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Orban, Shanice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial , Stress (Psychology) -- Research Job stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43101 , vital:36735
- Description: The primary objective of this dissertation was to investigate the relationship between reward preferences and occupational stress within the South African law environment. In order to achieve this objective, the researcher tested a theoretical model using regression analysis, and made use of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations. A further aim was to investigate whether differences existed according to different types of lawyers with regards to these constructs. This was done using t-Tests and analysis of variance tests. The questionnaire was completed by a total of 207 lawyers spanning across 21 law firms, in both the Eastern and Western Cape. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics which included frequency tables, and pie charts, and the aforementioned inferential statistics. The findings revealed a number of correlations between the factors of the two constructs, and significant differences with regards to the amount of stress experienced by employees within the law environment compared to the general population. The proposed theoretical model could be partially accepted as it showed that a correlation exists between Occupational Stress and the reward preference factors of Contingency Pay, Performance and Career Management, Quality Work Environment and Work/Home Integration, with no significant correlation between Occupational Stress and Base Pay and Benefits. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between Distress and Reward Preferences, with no significant correlation between Coping Ability and Reward Preferences. The results of this study theoretically contribute to the area of reward preferences, and have uncovered a new area whereby reward preferences are shown to be related to occupational stress. The findings of this study hold important implications for the effective management and retention of key employees in the law environment within the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between reward preferences, psychological empowerment and emotional intelligence within the investment banking industry in South Africa
- Authors: Michalopoulos, Maria
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Incentives in industry -- South Africa , Emotional intelligence -- South Africa Investment banking -- South Africa Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41095 , vital:36295
- Description: The primary objective of this dissertation was to investigate the relationship between reward preferences, psychological empowerment and emotional intelligence (EQ) within the investment banking industry in South Africa. The researcher tested a theoretical model using regression analysis and made use of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations in order to reach this objective. The secondary aim was to determine whether any differences existed according to job level with regards to these three constructs. This was achieved through using analysis of variance and Tukey’s HSD test. A questionnaire comprised of the Reward Preferences Questionnaire, Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire and Schutte Self-report Emotional Intelligence test was completed by a total of 221 investment banking professionals and managers, working within South Africa from several different private banking firms, as well as from larger institutional banks across the country. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, including frequency tables and pie charts, as well as the inferential statistics mentioned above. The findings revealed a number of correlations between the three constructs, as well as significant differences between job levels. The proposed theoretical model could be partially accepted as it showed that emotional intelligence acts as a partial mediator only when predicting Contingency Pay as a reward preference via psychological empowerment. In addition, emotional intelligence acts as a predictor for psychological empowerment and its subfactors, as well as the subconstructs that comprise reward preferences. These results provide topical insight into this line of research, as well as having contributed theoretically to these three constructs. Additionally, a gap in research was unveiled showing the various connections found between reward preferences, psychological empowerment and emotional intelligence. The findings of this study offer valuable implications concerning the effective management and performance of employees within the investment banking industry of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Michalopoulos, Maria
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Incentives in industry -- South Africa , Emotional intelligence -- South Africa Investment banking -- South Africa Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41095 , vital:36295
- Description: The primary objective of this dissertation was to investigate the relationship between reward preferences, psychological empowerment and emotional intelligence (EQ) within the investment banking industry in South Africa. The researcher tested a theoretical model using regression analysis and made use of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations in order to reach this objective. The secondary aim was to determine whether any differences existed according to job level with regards to these three constructs. This was achieved through using analysis of variance and Tukey’s HSD test. A questionnaire comprised of the Reward Preferences Questionnaire, Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire and Schutte Self-report Emotional Intelligence test was completed by a total of 221 investment banking professionals and managers, working within South Africa from several different private banking firms, as well as from larger institutional banks across the country. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, including frequency tables and pie charts, as well as the inferential statistics mentioned above. The findings revealed a number of correlations between the three constructs, as well as significant differences between job levels. The proposed theoretical model could be partially accepted as it showed that emotional intelligence acts as a partial mediator only when predicting Contingency Pay as a reward preference via psychological empowerment. In addition, emotional intelligence acts as a predictor for psychological empowerment and its subfactors, as well as the subconstructs that comprise reward preferences. These results provide topical insight into this line of research, as well as having contributed theoretically to these three constructs. Additionally, a gap in research was unveiled showing the various connections found between reward preferences, psychological empowerment and emotional intelligence. The findings of this study offer valuable implications concerning the effective management and performance of employees within the investment banking industry of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between stock market development and economic growth in Africa
- Authors: Mkhize, Siyanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- Africa , Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century , Economic development -- Africa -- 21st century , Capital market -- Africa , Finance -- Africa -- 21st century , Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115149 , vital:34082
- Description: Over the years there has been a substantial increase in the number of African stock markets. This has generated much interest from local and foreign investors, as these stock markets have had high returns. These conditions have created an interesting scenario for investigating the relationship between stock market development and economic growth. However, this opportunity has largely been neglected as the research on African stock market development is limited in developing economies relative to research conducted in developed countries. Furthermore, the research that has been conducted on the relationship between stock market development and economic growth in Africa, has generated inconclusive and conflicting results, in addition to this, the institutional quality of African countries is disregarded in most studies when the stock market development and economic growth nexus is analysed. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between stock market development and economic growth, incorporating institution variables to account for the institutional quality of African countries to provide clarity in this context. To achieve this, two sets of research hypotheses were created the first set aims to determine whether stock development has an influence on economic growth. The second set is to determine if there is any causal relationship between stock market development and economic growth. The study utilizes System Generalized Method of Moments models to examine the effect of stock market development on economic growth, in 18 African countries for the period 2003- 2016. The results indicate that market capitalization has a positive influence on economic growth whilst, contrastingly liquidity in the form of value traded has a negative effect on economic growth. The study further analyses the causal relationship between stock market development and economic growth, by employing the recently developed PVAR-Granger causality test. However, before this is done several Pedroni cointegration tests were first conducted to establish whether a long-term relationship exists between stock market development and economic growth, which revealed that no strong evidence of cointegration exists necessitating the use of a PVAR-Granger causality test. The PVAR-Granger causality test reveals that stock market development granger causes economic growth, irrespective of the stock market development measure used and there is no feedback effect from economic growth. The unilateral causality established in this study flowing from stock market development to economic growth supports the supply-leading hypothesis. The overall results of this study demonstrate that there is ambiguity on the impact of stock market development on economic growth, as the measures of stock market development have contrasting impacts on economic growth. The size component of stock market development in the form of market capitalization has positive influence whilst, liquidity in form of total value traded has a negative effect. However, the causal relationship is clearly shown to be unilaterally flowing from stock market development to economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mkhize, Siyanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- Africa , Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century , Economic development -- Africa -- 21st century , Capital market -- Africa , Finance -- Africa -- 21st century , Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115149 , vital:34082
- Description: Over the years there has been a substantial increase in the number of African stock markets. This has generated much interest from local and foreign investors, as these stock markets have had high returns. These conditions have created an interesting scenario for investigating the relationship between stock market development and economic growth. However, this opportunity has largely been neglected as the research on African stock market development is limited in developing economies relative to research conducted in developed countries. Furthermore, the research that has been conducted on the relationship between stock market development and economic growth in Africa, has generated inconclusive and conflicting results, in addition to this, the institutional quality of African countries is disregarded in most studies when the stock market development and economic growth nexus is analysed. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between stock market development and economic growth, incorporating institution variables to account for the institutional quality of African countries to provide clarity in this context. To achieve this, two sets of research hypotheses were created the first set aims to determine whether stock development has an influence on economic growth. The second set is to determine if there is any causal relationship between stock market development and economic growth. The study utilizes System Generalized Method of Moments models to examine the effect of stock market development on economic growth, in 18 African countries for the period 2003- 2016. The results indicate that market capitalization has a positive influence on economic growth whilst, contrastingly liquidity in the form of value traded has a negative effect on economic growth. The study further analyses the causal relationship between stock market development and economic growth, by employing the recently developed PVAR-Granger causality test. However, before this is done several Pedroni cointegration tests were first conducted to establish whether a long-term relationship exists between stock market development and economic growth, which revealed that no strong evidence of cointegration exists necessitating the use of a PVAR-Granger causality test. The PVAR-Granger causality test reveals that stock market development granger causes economic growth, irrespective of the stock market development measure used and there is no feedback effect from economic growth. The unilateral causality established in this study flowing from stock market development to economic growth supports the supply-leading hypothesis. The overall results of this study demonstrate that there is ambiguity on the impact of stock market development on economic growth, as the measures of stock market development have contrasting impacts on economic growth. The size component of stock market development in the form of market capitalization has positive influence whilst, liquidity in form of total value traded has a negative effect. However, the causal relationship is clearly shown to be unilaterally flowing from stock market development to economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between trait anxiety, job insecurity and intention to quit among employees at Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality
- Authors: Kavi, Bongiwe Morida
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job security Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12337 , vital:39254
- Description: There is relatively limited research based on trait anxiety, job insecurity and intention to quit and the relationship thereof. Job insecurity and anxiety are all reported in this study and in literature to have negative mental, emotional and even physical health hazards. The general objective of this study was to determine the moderating effect of trait anxiety on the relationship between job insecurity and intentions to quit. This study was solely quantitative in nature. The sample consisted of 122 municipality employees. The results emanating from the research indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between Trait anxiety, Job insecurity, and intention to quit among the sample of employees selected to participate in the research, which negatively influences job satisfaction, organisational commitment, job involvement and trust. The study also concluded that trait anxiety was a significant moderator to the relationship between job insecurity and employees’ intention to quit. However, adding job insecurity to trait anxiety did not significantly add unique variance in predicting intention to quit. Thus, adding job insecurity to trait anxiety as an additional predictor on intention to quit, results in a nonsignificant increase in the amount of variation. The findings will aid human resource officers, managers and practitioners who work with the objective of attracting, recruiting and retaining the best staff, the study recommends these stakeholders to continuously review the factors and aspects of the job that may invite the feeling of insecurity on the part of employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kavi, Bongiwe Morida
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job security Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12337 , vital:39254
- Description: There is relatively limited research based on trait anxiety, job insecurity and intention to quit and the relationship thereof. Job insecurity and anxiety are all reported in this study and in literature to have negative mental, emotional and even physical health hazards. The general objective of this study was to determine the moderating effect of trait anxiety on the relationship between job insecurity and intentions to quit. This study was solely quantitative in nature. The sample consisted of 122 municipality employees. The results emanating from the research indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between Trait anxiety, Job insecurity, and intention to quit among the sample of employees selected to participate in the research, which negatively influences job satisfaction, organisational commitment, job involvement and trust. The study also concluded that trait anxiety was a significant moderator to the relationship between job insecurity and employees’ intention to quit. However, adding job insecurity to trait anxiety did not significantly add unique variance in predicting intention to quit. Thus, adding job insecurity to trait anxiety as an additional predictor on intention to quit, results in a nonsignificant increase in the amount of variation. The findings will aid human resource officers, managers and practitioners who work with the objective of attracting, recruiting and retaining the best staff, the study recommends these stakeholders to continuously review the factors and aspects of the job that may invite the feeling of insecurity on the part of employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relative representation of ecosystem services and disservices in South African newspaper media
- Mclellan, V, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Mclellan, V , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179699 , vital:43162 , https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2019.1667442
- Description: Newspapers are key information sources and may influence both public opinion and policy. Previous studies have analysed the portrayal of ecosystem disservices in newspapers, but none have assessed the relative coverage between disservices and services, or how it might have changed over time. We report on the relative frequency and depiction of ecosystem services and disservices in South African, English newspapers over a 15-year period. We used a SABINET search complemented by key-informant interviews with environmental journalists. For each article we recorded if it covered ecosystem services or disservices, the type of service or disservice, and article tone and length. Overall, 2,201 articles were found, of which 25% were on services and 75% on disservices. The number of articles per year declined over the 15-year period for services, but not disservices. The most common services were energy and craft materials, food production, recreation and culture, and disservices were human health, heat waves and floods. Articles on ecosystem services were 25–40% longer than those on disservices. Article lengths on both declined over the 15 years. The greater reporting of ecosystem disservices over services is likely to influence public opinion and environmental decision-making accordingly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mclellan, V , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179699 , vital:43162 , https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2019.1667442
- Description: Newspapers are key information sources and may influence both public opinion and policy. Previous studies have analysed the portrayal of ecosystem disservices in newspapers, but none have assessed the relative coverage between disservices and services, or how it might have changed over time. We report on the relative frequency and depiction of ecosystem services and disservices in South African, English newspapers over a 15-year period. We used a SABINET search complemented by key-informant interviews with environmental journalists. For each article we recorded if it covered ecosystem services or disservices, the type of service or disservice, and article tone and length. Overall, 2,201 articles were found, of which 25% were on services and 75% on disservices. The number of articles per year declined over the 15-year period for services, but not disservices. The most common services were energy and craft materials, food production, recreation and culture, and disservices were human health, heat waves and floods. Articles on ecosystem services were 25–40% longer than those on disservices. Article lengths on both declined over the 15 years. The greater reporting of ecosystem disservices over services is likely to influence public opinion and environmental decision-making accordingly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relative roles of ecosystem services and disservices in rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Herd-Hoare, Shannon
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Ecosystem services -- Health aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Rural conditions , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Health aspects , Rural development -- South Africa -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94080 , vital:30998
- Description: Since the publication of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment report there has been a marked increase in research into various aspects of ecosystem services (ES). While ES are essential to human wellbeing, the literature has overlooked that some ecosystem goods and services also undermine human wellbeing. These are known as Ecosystem Disservices (EDS). This study aims to counter this imbalance in research, specifically in the context of rural livelihoods which are frequently dependent on local ES but often ill-equipped to manage EDS. The objectives of this study, conducted in three rural villages along a gradient of habitat diversity, were to identify a range of ES and EDS, determine their perceived contributions to or effects on the wellbeing of respondents, and identify modifications in livelihood strategies in response to EDS. The research made use of household surveys in conjunction with participatory learning and action techniques, such as focus group discussions in which ranking and trendline exercises, timelines, and participatory mapping were conducted. Findings indicated that although numerous participants were involved in the harvest of multiple ES, such as Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), livestock outputs, crops and marine wildlife, they simultaneously experienced losses from EDS, such as ticks, unpalatable grass species, monkeys, and Lantana camara invasion which undermined livelihoods to varying degrees. The role of ES and EDS in livelihoods was expressed in economic terms, representing a common framework with which to illustrate the magnitude of their contribution or loss. For example, the average value of livestock goods and services, amongst those who owned and used outputs, was highest in the least biodiverse village at R9 753 per annum, while the corresponding value of potential livestock goods and services lost due to EDS, despite active implementation of prevention measures, totalled R22 426. Further, the average value of cultivated plots in the most biodiverse village could have totalled approximately R20 958, but because of EDS, represented less than 20% of this value. Further, the findings highlighted that the most biodiverse village also had the highest number of EDS, supporting Dunn (2010) who hypothesised that the number of EDS increases with the number of ES. Based on these findings, I propose that a comprehensive framework which systematically contextualises both the positive and negative contributions of ES is needed to grasp the full picture of how local people conceive and engage with nature to facilitate an understanding of the resulting practices and processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Herd-Hoare, Shannon
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Ecosystem services -- Health aspects -- South Africa , South Africa -- Rural conditions , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Health aspects , Rural development -- South Africa -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94080 , vital:30998
- Description: Since the publication of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment report there has been a marked increase in research into various aspects of ecosystem services (ES). While ES are essential to human wellbeing, the literature has overlooked that some ecosystem goods and services also undermine human wellbeing. These are known as Ecosystem Disservices (EDS). This study aims to counter this imbalance in research, specifically in the context of rural livelihoods which are frequently dependent on local ES but often ill-equipped to manage EDS. The objectives of this study, conducted in three rural villages along a gradient of habitat diversity, were to identify a range of ES and EDS, determine their perceived contributions to or effects on the wellbeing of respondents, and identify modifications in livelihood strategies in response to EDS. The research made use of household surveys in conjunction with participatory learning and action techniques, such as focus group discussions in which ranking and trendline exercises, timelines, and participatory mapping were conducted. Findings indicated that although numerous participants were involved in the harvest of multiple ES, such as Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), livestock outputs, crops and marine wildlife, they simultaneously experienced losses from EDS, such as ticks, unpalatable grass species, monkeys, and Lantana camara invasion which undermined livelihoods to varying degrees. The role of ES and EDS in livelihoods was expressed in economic terms, representing a common framework with which to illustrate the magnitude of their contribution or loss. For example, the average value of livestock goods and services, amongst those who owned and used outputs, was highest in the least biodiverse village at R9 753 per annum, while the corresponding value of potential livestock goods and services lost due to EDS, despite active implementation of prevention measures, totalled R22 426. Further, the average value of cultivated plots in the most biodiverse village could have totalled approximately R20 958, but because of EDS, represented less than 20% of this value. Further, the findings highlighted that the most biodiverse village also had the highest number of EDS, supporting Dunn (2010) who hypothesised that the number of EDS increases with the number of ES. Based on these findings, I propose that a comprehensive framework which systematically contextualises both the positive and negative contributions of ES is needed to grasp the full picture of how local people conceive and engage with nature to facilitate an understanding of the resulting practices and processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The remote sensing of fires and their effects on soil properties in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park
- Authors: Moore, Natasha Jade
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Remote sensing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Soil ecology -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Grassland fires -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Grassland fires -- Remote sensing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Soils -- Effect of fires on -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , uKhalamba Drakensberg Park (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94400 , vital:31042
- Description: Fires are a common and natural occurrence globally and specifically on the African continent. The Drakensberg Mountains are home to southern Africa’s high-altitude fire-climax grasslands, where fire is the dominant management tool. Fire is used to maintain the grasslands in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park (UDP) World Heritage Site, located on the eastern escarpment of the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. This study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal frequency of fires using remote sensing, and to investigate the effect of fire frequency on soil properties in the UDP. Remote sensing offers a set of supportive tools for the management of this sensitive vegetation and specifically to assess the frequency and spatial extent of fires. Field assessments can then be used to assess the impact of fires. Remotely sensed data were used to determine fire frequency and the spatial extent of fires in the UDP. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) active fire detection point data were processed to investigate the temporal resolution of fires. Landsat 5 and 8 imagery were utilised for conducting Normalised Burn Ratios (NBR) to determine the spatial extent of the burn scars of fires. The results from the remotely sensed data were used to select study sites for accessing the effects of fire frequency on soil properties. The remote sensing results showed the main fire season in the UDP was from May to October, and annual burn scars from the available Landsat data for 1998 to 2017 ranged from 22.5% to 57.67% of the UDP. Remote sensing was shown to be an effective tool for monitoring fires in the UDP, with a combination of satellite data producing the best results. Soil properties were highly varied across the UDP. Environmental factors were shown to have a more significant influence on soil properties than fire frequency. This study highlighted the complex nature and diversity of fires and soils across the UDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Moore, Natasha Jade
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Remote sensing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Soil ecology -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Grassland fires -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Grassland fires -- Remote sensing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Soils -- Effect of fires on -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , uKhalamba Drakensberg Park (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94400 , vital:31042
- Description: Fires are a common and natural occurrence globally and specifically on the African continent. The Drakensberg Mountains are home to southern Africa’s high-altitude fire-climax grasslands, where fire is the dominant management tool. Fire is used to maintain the grasslands in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park (UDP) World Heritage Site, located on the eastern escarpment of the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. This study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal frequency of fires using remote sensing, and to investigate the effect of fire frequency on soil properties in the UDP. Remote sensing offers a set of supportive tools for the management of this sensitive vegetation and specifically to assess the frequency and spatial extent of fires. Field assessments can then be used to assess the impact of fires. Remotely sensed data were used to determine fire frequency and the spatial extent of fires in the UDP. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) active fire detection point data were processed to investigate the temporal resolution of fires. Landsat 5 and 8 imagery were utilised for conducting Normalised Burn Ratios (NBR) to determine the spatial extent of the burn scars of fires. The results from the remotely sensed data were used to select study sites for accessing the effects of fire frequency on soil properties. The remote sensing results showed the main fire season in the UDP was from May to October, and annual burn scars from the available Landsat data for 1998 to 2017 ranged from 22.5% to 57.67% of the UDP. Remote sensing was shown to be an effective tool for monitoring fires in the UDP, with a combination of satellite data producing the best results. Soil properties were highly varied across the UDP. Environmental factors were shown to have a more significant influence on soil properties than fire frequency. This study highlighted the complex nature and diversity of fires and soils across the UDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The residuality of agriculture and the time dimensions of rural employment in South Africa
- Authors: Ngqwala, Sixolile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rural poor -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16985 , vital:40806
- Description: There has been increasing recognition in the past few decades that rural households in developing countries are not limited to the agricultural sector, but also depend on other, nonagricultural activities. Rural households are understood to pursue multiple livelihood strategies which involve juggling different economic pursuits as a means of reducing risk and maintaining options. In South Africa, the importance of multiple livelihood strategies is widely appreciated, on the other hand there is a common perception in policy circles that agricultural development can become an important route out of poverty, for instance as part-time small-scale farmers become larger and more commercialised. The purpose of this dissertation is to attempt to better understand the relationship between households’ participation in agriculture and nonagricultural activities. The point of departure is the observation that there is a great deal of flux into and out of agriculture in a way that is difficult to understand in terms of prevailing theories and frameworks. The study makes use of four waves of data from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS), and employs a variety of analytical approaches, including transition matrices, multinomial logistic regression, and panel data econometric models. The findings are mixed. In the one hand, there is evidence that households enter agriculture as other income sources become available, and leave agriculture again when those sources dry up. On the other hand, there is also evidence that participation in agriculture compensates for the absence or loss of other income sources, in which case agriculture can be thought of as a ‘residual’ sector that is activated when other options fail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ngqwala, Sixolile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rural poor -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16985 , vital:40806
- Description: There has been increasing recognition in the past few decades that rural households in developing countries are not limited to the agricultural sector, but also depend on other, nonagricultural activities. Rural households are understood to pursue multiple livelihood strategies which involve juggling different economic pursuits as a means of reducing risk and maintaining options. In South Africa, the importance of multiple livelihood strategies is widely appreciated, on the other hand there is a common perception in policy circles that agricultural development can become an important route out of poverty, for instance as part-time small-scale farmers become larger and more commercialised. The purpose of this dissertation is to attempt to better understand the relationship between households’ participation in agriculture and nonagricultural activities. The point of departure is the observation that there is a great deal of flux into and out of agriculture in a way that is difficult to understand in terms of prevailing theories and frameworks. The study makes use of four waves of data from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS), and employs a variety of analytical approaches, including transition matrices, multinomial logistic regression, and panel data econometric models. The findings are mixed. In the one hand, there is evidence that households enter agriculture as other income sources become available, and leave agriculture again when those sources dry up. On the other hand, there is also evidence that participation in agriculture compensates for the absence or loss of other income sources, in which case agriculture can be thought of as a ‘residual’ sector that is activated when other options fail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The rise of populism in africa: the role of nativism in maintaining political power in South Africa and Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chindoga , Melody
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nativism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15760 , vital:40521
- Description: ZANU-PF and ANC have been in power in their respective countries since the advent of democracy. However, the popularity of both the ANC and ZANU-PF has shifted from urban areas to rural areas, where their support bases are now concentrated (Clapham, 2012). Rural areas have benefitted the least from access to public resources and resource distribution yet despite this, they have provided the much needed support to both the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively. The politics of nativism has been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and ZANUPF in maintaining political power in their respective domains in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Nativism has been identified as a form of populism that is used as a political strategy to gain and maintain political power. It arises from opposition to the mind-set of colonialism in the form of a ‘reverse discourse’ that seeks to undermine colonial ideas through the mobilisation of African culture and is reliant on cultivating opposition to a defined enemy. Therefore, the study seeks to investigate how the politics of nativism have been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and by ZANUPF respectively to maintain power, by focusing particularly on their rural support bases. This study aligns itself with the broadly critical African perspective that is constituted by post-colonial theory and the accompanying oppositional canon of literature that is directly linked to the struggles against colonialism and oppression in former colonies, whilst also contesting contemporary representations of post-colonial societies emanating from those sources within which power resides. The study took the form of qualitative research, within which an interpretive approach was utilised to explore and to analyse the responses by inhabitants of two rural areas in South Africa and Zimbabwe to the nativist strategies and discourse constructed by the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively, contributing to the ongoing electoral support for these parties in rural areas. The research findings revealed that to maintain their popularity in rural areas, the nativist discourse of the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF has exploited historical factors related to oppression and inhumane treatment by Whites. The research also established that nativist discourse was utilised in rural areas of South ii Africa and Zimbabwe with varying success. It resonated with the experiences of the older generation of White domination, whereas most of the younger generation could not relate to its heavy reliance on anti-White sentiment. Those under the age of 35, typically considered as the youth, did not identify with much of the discourse and were sceptical of its racist foundation, preferring instead change in political leadership in order for change to occur
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chindoga , Melody
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nativism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15760 , vital:40521
- Description: ZANU-PF and ANC have been in power in their respective countries since the advent of democracy. However, the popularity of both the ANC and ZANU-PF has shifted from urban areas to rural areas, where their support bases are now concentrated (Clapham, 2012). Rural areas have benefitted the least from access to public resources and resource distribution yet despite this, they have provided the much needed support to both the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively. The politics of nativism has been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and ZANUPF in maintaining political power in their respective domains in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Nativism has been identified as a form of populism that is used as a political strategy to gain and maintain political power. It arises from opposition to the mind-set of colonialism in the form of a ‘reverse discourse’ that seeks to undermine colonial ideas through the mobilisation of African culture and is reliant on cultivating opposition to a defined enemy. Therefore, the study seeks to investigate how the politics of nativism have been used by the Zuma-led faction in the ANC and by ZANUPF respectively to maintain power, by focusing particularly on their rural support bases. This study aligns itself with the broadly critical African perspective that is constituted by post-colonial theory and the accompanying oppositional canon of literature that is directly linked to the struggles against colonialism and oppression in former colonies, whilst also contesting contemporary representations of post-colonial societies emanating from those sources within which power resides. The study took the form of qualitative research, within which an interpretive approach was utilised to explore and to analyse the responses by inhabitants of two rural areas in South Africa and Zimbabwe to the nativist strategies and discourse constructed by the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF respectively, contributing to the ongoing electoral support for these parties in rural areas. The research findings revealed that to maintain their popularity in rural areas, the nativist discourse of the Zuma-led faction of the ANC and ZANU-PF has exploited historical factors related to oppression and inhumane treatment by Whites. The research also established that nativist discourse was utilised in rural areas of South ii Africa and Zimbabwe with varying success. It resonated with the experiences of the older generation of White domination, whereas most of the younger generation could not relate to its heavy reliance on anti-White sentiment. Those under the age of 35, typically considered as the youth, did not identify with much of the discourse and were sceptical of its racist foundation, preferring instead change in political leadership in order for change to occur
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of agricultural support programmes on the livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers in Lesotho: asset utilisation, productivity and perceptions
- Authors: Mohlahatsa, Taole
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agriculture and state -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Farms, Small -- Government policy -- Lesotho , Farms, Small -- Lesotho , Agricultural assistance -- Lesotho , Rural development -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71580 , vital:29914
- Description: The agricultural sector is widely considered an important contributor to economic development in least developed countries. It plays an important role in Lesotho and has been the backbone of rural activities and the prime employer of Basotho citizens. Smallholder farming is recognised by the government of Lesotho as a vehicle for addressing food security and poverty reduction. Maize is the principal staple crop produced by about 90 percent of farmers in Lesotho and it constitutes about 80 percent of the Basotho diet. Maize production is highly affected by climate change and is characterised by fluctuating yields because of erratic rainfall. In addition to unfavorable climate change, smallholder farmers in Lesotho experience challenges such as lack of farming inputs, limited access to markets and limited financial capital. These constraints confine them to a life of subsistence farming with low production and increased incidences of poverty. The government of Lesotho has intervened in the smallholder agricultural sector to stimulate production and productivity by introducing some agricultural programmes such as (i) the National Fertiliser and Input subsidy, (ii) the Smallholder Agricultural Development Programme, (iii) the National Block Farming, and (iv) the Integrated Watershed Management Programme. However, despite such government interventions, production in the smallholder agricultural sector continues to face recurring constraints. Studies on the National Block Farming Programme have showed that the programme has had limited impact on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Furthermore, farmers believe the Integrated Watershed Management Programme has a biased selection criteria as selection of areas is influenced by politicians who favour areas where they have a large political following and marginilise other areas. These concerns have also led to low participation rates in such programmes as wealthier, large scale farmers capture most of the benefits of government programmes. Disproportionate benefits of agricultural programmes to smallholder farmers imply that they continue to face the same constraints in production and have to find alternative ways of maintaining production and selling excess produce to sustain their livelihoods. The main goal of this research is therefore to study the livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers in Lesotho and how agricultural support programmes influence their production of maize. The study adopted a pragmatic mixed methods approach with a qualitative dominant sequential design. Accordingly, both quantitative and qualitative data was used to address the research goal. Quantitative data collected from the Lesotho Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank was used for trend analysis on maize productivity, temperature and rainfall over the period 1980-2016. Qualitative primary data was collected by conducting focus group discussions with smallholder maize farmers and key stakeholder interviews using the sustainable livelihood framework as a conceptual guide. The study comprised of a total of 85 research participants consisting of 75 smallholder maize farmers and 10 key stakeholders. Farmers were selected from 10 key maize producing areas in Leribe and Mafeteng districts in Leribe. Results revealed fluctuating maize productivity and productivity growth rates where such fluctuations are caused by government intervention and natural calamities in the form of erratic rains and dry spells. Droughts and late arrival of subsidised inputs are the chief constraints to maize production. In relation to livelihood assets, human and social assets are the more available assets relative to other assets (financial, natural and physical) of the sustainable livelihood framework. Furthermore, the National Fertiliser and Input subsidy Programme and the Smallholder Agricultural Development Programme are the most beneficial programmes to farmers livelihoods as they increase the accessibility of limited livelihood assets and therefore allowing farmers to achieve their livelihood goals. In contrast, the National Block Farming and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme are the least beneficial programmes to farmers’ livelihoods and are biased in their geographical targeting criteria. The study recommends that the government revises all selected support programmes in this study in areas warranting improvements so as to fairly and efficiently allocate resources that meet the needs of farmers. The study also recommends that farmers put more effort in adopting new technologies and strategies to improve production of maize in areas where government intervention has failed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mohlahatsa, Taole
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agriculture and state -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Farms, Small -- Government policy -- Lesotho , Farms, Small -- Lesotho , Agricultural assistance -- Lesotho , Rural development -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71580 , vital:29914
- Description: The agricultural sector is widely considered an important contributor to economic development in least developed countries. It plays an important role in Lesotho and has been the backbone of rural activities and the prime employer of Basotho citizens. Smallholder farming is recognised by the government of Lesotho as a vehicle for addressing food security and poverty reduction. Maize is the principal staple crop produced by about 90 percent of farmers in Lesotho and it constitutes about 80 percent of the Basotho diet. Maize production is highly affected by climate change and is characterised by fluctuating yields because of erratic rainfall. In addition to unfavorable climate change, smallholder farmers in Lesotho experience challenges such as lack of farming inputs, limited access to markets and limited financial capital. These constraints confine them to a life of subsistence farming with low production and increased incidences of poverty. The government of Lesotho has intervened in the smallholder agricultural sector to stimulate production and productivity by introducing some agricultural programmes such as (i) the National Fertiliser and Input subsidy, (ii) the Smallholder Agricultural Development Programme, (iii) the National Block Farming, and (iv) the Integrated Watershed Management Programme. However, despite such government interventions, production in the smallholder agricultural sector continues to face recurring constraints. Studies on the National Block Farming Programme have showed that the programme has had limited impact on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Furthermore, farmers believe the Integrated Watershed Management Programme has a biased selection criteria as selection of areas is influenced by politicians who favour areas where they have a large political following and marginilise other areas. These concerns have also led to low participation rates in such programmes as wealthier, large scale farmers capture most of the benefits of government programmes. Disproportionate benefits of agricultural programmes to smallholder farmers imply that they continue to face the same constraints in production and have to find alternative ways of maintaining production and selling excess produce to sustain their livelihoods. The main goal of this research is therefore to study the livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers in Lesotho and how agricultural support programmes influence their production of maize. The study adopted a pragmatic mixed methods approach with a qualitative dominant sequential design. Accordingly, both quantitative and qualitative data was used to address the research goal. Quantitative data collected from the Lesotho Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank was used for trend analysis on maize productivity, temperature and rainfall over the period 1980-2016. Qualitative primary data was collected by conducting focus group discussions with smallholder maize farmers and key stakeholder interviews using the sustainable livelihood framework as a conceptual guide. The study comprised of a total of 85 research participants consisting of 75 smallholder maize farmers and 10 key stakeholders. Farmers were selected from 10 key maize producing areas in Leribe and Mafeteng districts in Leribe. Results revealed fluctuating maize productivity and productivity growth rates where such fluctuations are caused by government intervention and natural calamities in the form of erratic rains and dry spells. Droughts and late arrival of subsidised inputs are the chief constraints to maize production. In relation to livelihood assets, human and social assets are the more available assets relative to other assets (financial, natural and physical) of the sustainable livelihood framework. Furthermore, the National Fertiliser and Input subsidy Programme and the Smallholder Agricultural Development Programme are the most beneficial programmes to farmers livelihoods as they increase the accessibility of limited livelihood assets and therefore allowing farmers to achieve their livelihood goals. In contrast, the National Block Farming and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme are the least beneficial programmes to farmers’ livelihoods and are biased in their geographical targeting criteria. The study recommends that the government revises all selected support programmes in this study in areas warranting improvements so as to fairly and efficiently allocate resources that meet the needs of farmers. The study also recommends that farmers put more effort in adopting new technologies and strategies to improve production of maize in areas where government intervention has failed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of foreign aid in poverty alleviation and economic development in Malawi
- Authors: Amanda, Amerley Armah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40220 , vital:35988
- Description: For over fifty years, the majority of the Western nations have provided foreign aid to underdeveloped countries, particularly on the African continent, claiming they wanted to bring about development and alleviate the so-called poverty trap. However, the effect of such financial transfer has not been significant in most of these countries, as many recipient countries still suffer from extreme poverty and underdevelopment. Malawi is a landlocked country found in south-eastern Africa. This small country, despite being a major recipient of foreign aid since the 1960s until the present day, continues to experience extreme poverty. Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries, ranking 174 out of 187 as at 2013, with over 50.7% of its population living below the poverty line. Thus, this study sought to assess the role of foreign aid in poverty alleviation in Malawi over the years and particularly in the 2000-2015 period. Literature related to this study on foreign aid was reviewed to gain insight into the views of other writers on the topic under study. The study used secondary sources of data to examine the effect of foreign aid on poverty alleviation in Malawi. The study found out that, even though foreign aid to Malawi might have been provided to address poverty and economic challenges to some extent, these objectives have not been met because of donor conditionalities, poor coordination, corruption and mismanagement of donor funding. The study equally found that donors to Malawi over the years have laid much emphasis on good governance rather than poverty alleviation, hence no significant contribution of foreign aid assistance in poverty alleviation, particularly among the rural population which makes up the majority of the poor. This study recommends that to enhance aid effectiveness in poverty alleviation, there is a need for donors to revise their conditions based on the recipient country’s needs and not on donor motives. Secondly, the government of Malawi should consider establishing a legal and legislative framework that guides the use of donor funding and donor activities to ensure accountability and sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Amanda, Amerley Armah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40220 , vital:35988
- Description: For over fifty years, the majority of the Western nations have provided foreign aid to underdeveloped countries, particularly on the African continent, claiming they wanted to bring about development and alleviate the so-called poverty trap. However, the effect of such financial transfer has not been significant in most of these countries, as many recipient countries still suffer from extreme poverty and underdevelopment. Malawi is a landlocked country found in south-eastern Africa. This small country, despite being a major recipient of foreign aid since the 1960s until the present day, continues to experience extreme poverty. Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries, ranking 174 out of 187 as at 2013, with over 50.7% of its population living below the poverty line. Thus, this study sought to assess the role of foreign aid in poverty alleviation in Malawi over the years and particularly in the 2000-2015 period. Literature related to this study on foreign aid was reviewed to gain insight into the views of other writers on the topic under study. The study used secondary sources of data to examine the effect of foreign aid on poverty alleviation in Malawi. The study found out that, even though foreign aid to Malawi might have been provided to address poverty and economic challenges to some extent, these objectives have not been met because of donor conditionalities, poor coordination, corruption and mismanagement of donor funding. The study equally found that donors to Malawi over the years have laid much emphasis on good governance rather than poverty alleviation, hence no significant contribution of foreign aid assistance in poverty alleviation, particularly among the rural population which makes up the majority of the poor. This study recommends that to enhance aid effectiveness in poverty alleviation, there is a need for donors to revise their conditions based on the recipient country’s needs and not on donor motives. Secondly, the government of Malawi should consider establishing a legal and legislative framework that guides the use of donor funding and donor activities to ensure accountability and sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of gardening in improving community resilience in rural areas: a case study of Raymond Mhlaba, Port St Johns and Ingquza Hill Local Municipalities, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Hendrick, Namhla Andiphile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community gardens
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17224 , vital:40867
- Description: The increase of challenges in rural areas especially in developing countries has widened the vulnerability of rural people in the rural communities. This study has found that gardening has become the weapon to defend rural people and communities in developing countries against poverty and other hardships, since gardening in rural communities has the possibility to act as sustainable livelihood strategy. Semi structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from smallholder farmers in the three local municipalities (Raymond Mhlaba, Port St Johns and Ingquza Hill local municipalities). The research investigated both home and community gardening. Multistage sampling was employed to select the sample. In stage one, the three Local Municipalities (LM’s) were purposively selected. In stage two, farmers were grouped into wards and communities and samples drawn in such a way that each group was well represented. This was followed by using quota sampling through the census statistics to determine farmers who are practising gardening whether it is community gardening or household gardening in these three local municipalities. Finally, random sampling was used to select a sample of 203 households that are undertaking some form of gardening (home or community) and are willingness to participate in the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24) was used to analyse the data by means of descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. The results confirm the strong links between home or community gardening and community resilience and that the influence is conditioned by a range of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, including, age, occupation, access to extension officer and farming experience. In the light of the foregoing, it is recommended that households and communities be encouraged establish and operate home and/or community gardens as a strategy for coping with adversities that rural areas confront from time to time. In line with that, social interactions must be encouraged in communities because such interactions increase resilience in the sense that they build confidence in community members and a strong sense of belonging and trust. The role of education in enhancing access to information and knowledge that promote community resilience to disasters and shocks needs to be recognized and incorporated in community planning
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hendrick, Namhla Andiphile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Community gardens
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17224 , vital:40867
- Description: The increase of challenges in rural areas especially in developing countries has widened the vulnerability of rural people in the rural communities. This study has found that gardening has become the weapon to defend rural people and communities in developing countries against poverty and other hardships, since gardening in rural communities has the possibility to act as sustainable livelihood strategy. Semi structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from smallholder farmers in the three local municipalities (Raymond Mhlaba, Port St Johns and Ingquza Hill local municipalities). The research investigated both home and community gardening. Multistage sampling was employed to select the sample. In stage one, the three Local Municipalities (LM’s) were purposively selected. In stage two, farmers were grouped into wards and communities and samples drawn in such a way that each group was well represented. This was followed by using quota sampling through the census statistics to determine farmers who are practising gardening whether it is community gardening or household gardening in these three local municipalities. Finally, random sampling was used to select a sample of 203 households that are undertaking some form of gardening (home or community) and are willingness to participate in the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24) was used to analyse the data by means of descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. The results confirm the strong links between home or community gardening and community resilience and that the influence is conditioned by a range of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, including, age, occupation, access to extension officer and farming experience. In the light of the foregoing, it is recommended that households and communities be encouraged establish and operate home and/or community gardens as a strategy for coping with adversities that rural areas confront from time to time. In line with that, social interactions must be encouraged in communities because such interactions increase resilience in the sense that they build confidence in community members and a strong sense of belonging and trust. The role of education in enhancing access to information and knowledge that promote community resilience to disasters and shocks needs to be recognized and incorporated in community planning
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of HRM in developing ethical organisations in the liquor industry
- Authors: Nuttall, Candice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business ethics , Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42748 , vital:36688
- Description: Research has shown that ethics is critical to an organisations success, and that the leaders of an organisation give authority to an ethical climate and power to any ethical HRM interventions that are implemented. This empirical study aimed to investigate the role of human resource management (HRM) in developing ethical organisations in the liquor industry. The study had three main objectives. Firstly, to investigate the awareness and importance of ethics in the liquor industry. Secondly to investigate which human resource interventions were being used in the liquor industry to promote ethics and lastly, to propose strategies to assist in establishing and reinforcing an ethical climate in organisations operating in the liquor industry. The research was gathered from the liquor industry quantitatively by adapting the ethics questionnaire developed by Lloyd and Mey (2010, p. 206). Non-probability sampling was used to include 92 sales managers from 13 different organisations located throughout South Africa. Data was analysed qualitatively by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Validity of the research was carefully managed and the reliability of the questionnaire analysed by a statistician. Ethical considerations, as well as the value of the study and its limitations will be included. The results showed that top management was seen as the most important role players in establishing an ethical organisation, and that the human resource department was regarded as most important. However, a significant lack of HRM intervention implementation was observed. Although organisations provided a significant number of interventions, they only had limited effect on the day to day operations. The lack of the creation and establishment of ethics committees and ethically based reward systems were found to be consistently lacking throughout the industry. An implication of this study is that there exists significant scope for the liquor industry to become leaders in the field of ethics. For this to happen top management should openly commit to ethics and ensure that the day to day operational policies and practices reflect the aims of an ethical climate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nuttall, Candice
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business ethics , Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42748 , vital:36688
- Description: Research has shown that ethics is critical to an organisations success, and that the leaders of an organisation give authority to an ethical climate and power to any ethical HRM interventions that are implemented. This empirical study aimed to investigate the role of human resource management (HRM) in developing ethical organisations in the liquor industry. The study had three main objectives. Firstly, to investigate the awareness and importance of ethics in the liquor industry. Secondly to investigate which human resource interventions were being used in the liquor industry to promote ethics and lastly, to propose strategies to assist in establishing and reinforcing an ethical climate in organisations operating in the liquor industry. The research was gathered from the liquor industry quantitatively by adapting the ethics questionnaire developed by Lloyd and Mey (2010, p. 206). Non-probability sampling was used to include 92 sales managers from 13 different organisations located throughout South Africa. Data was analysed qualitatively by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Validity of the research was carefully managed and the reliability of the questionnaire analysed by a statistician. Ethical considerations, as well as the value of the study and its limitations will be included. The results showed that top management was seen as the most important role players in establishing an ethical organisation, and that the human resource department was regarded as most important. However, a significant lack of HRM intervention implementation was observed. Although organisations provided a significant number of interventions, they only had limited effect on the day to day operations. The lack of the creation and establishment of ethics committees and ethically based reward systems were found to be consistently lacking throughout the industry. An implication of this study is that there exists significant scope for the liquor industry to become leaders in the field of ethics. For this to happen top management should openly commit to ethics and ensure that the day to day operational policies and practices reflect the aims of an ethical climate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of Information and Communication Technology in developing entrepreneurial skills in marginalised communities: the case of Grahamstown
- Authors: Mabika, Vinia Ruvimbo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Occupational training -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Vocational education -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Businesspeople, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesspeople -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94169 , vital:31012
- Description: A call to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 was made by the United Nations in 2015 after the expiry of the Millennium Development Goals. This has led to the need for youth entrepreneurship studies in marginalised communities that are burdened by poverty. The marginalised communities in South Africa, where most poor unemployed people live face numerous challenges. These range from a shortage of skilled people, inequality, poverty, poor infrastructure and lack of formal and informal skills development for communities. Employing information and communication technologies (ICTs) has the potential to improve socio-economic activities, aid comprehensive human development and empower communities. To ensure human development, provision of ICTs to communities should be accompanied by approaches and guidelines that can be used to empower them through entrepreneurship. This requires investigating how ICTs can lead to the empowerment of unemployed citizens within a community. Specifically, the types of tailored ICT skills that are needed to access such empowerment opportunities and are typically taught at skills development programmes (SDPs). An interpretivist, qualitative case study approach was employed during the investigation of four skills development programmes in Grahamstown (Eastern Cape). The participants included programme directors, managers, trainees who had become entrepreneurs after attending training and those who had not started a business yet. Semi-structured interviews were employed for data collection and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data; while making use of absorptive capacity theory (ACT) as a theoretical framework. The researcher sought to answer the following main question: How should ICT-based skills development programmes be applied to enhance entrepreneurial skills within marginalised communities? To answer this, the research contributes by proposing a guideline that can be implemented to address the skills shortage in Grahamstown. The first stage requires a community needs assessment, looking at the community members prior and related knowledge. Secondly, the SDPs should create a culture of learning by transforming participants’ mindsets through core programmes. Thirdly, the core programmes should be linked with ICT skills training. After training is completed, the SDPs and external world bodies should assist with follow up support courses. During all these stages monitoring and evaluation should be implemented, and all key stakeholders should be involved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mabika, Vinia Ruvimbo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Occupational training -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Vocational education -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Businesspeople, Black -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Businesspeople -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/94169 , vital:31012
- Description: A call to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 was made by the United Nations in 2015 after the expiry of the Millennium Development Goals. This has led to the need for youth entrepreneurship studies in marginalised communities that are burdened by poverty. The marginalised communities in South Africa, where most poor unemployed people live face numerous challenges. These range from a shortage of skilled people, inequality, poverty, poor infrastructure and lack of formal and informal skills development for communities. Employing information and communication technologies (ICTs) has the potential to improve socio-economic activities, aid comprehensive human development and empower communities. To ensure human development, provision of ICTs to communities should be accompanied by approaches and guidelines that can be used to empower them through entrepreneurship. This requires investigating how ICTs can lead to the empowerment of unemployed citizens within a community. Specifically, the types of tailored ICT skills that are needed to access such empowerment opportunities and are typically taught at skills development programmes (SDPs). An interpretivist, qualitative case study approach was employed during the investigation of four skills development programmes in Grahamstown (Eastern Cape). The participants included programme directors, managers, trainees who had become entrepreneurs after attending training and those who had not started a business yet. Semi-structured interviews were employed for data collection and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data; while making use of absorptive capacity theory (ACT) as a theoretical framework. The researcher sought to answer the following main question: How should ICT-based skills development programmes be applied to enhance entrepreneurial skills within marginalised communities? To answer this, the research contributes by proposing a guideline that can be implemented to address the skills shortage in Grahamstown. The first stage requires a community needs assessment, looking at the community members prior and related knowledge. Secondly, the SDPs should create a culture of learning by transforming participants’ mindsets through core programmes. Thirdly, the core programmes should be linked with ICT skills training. After training is completed, the SDPs and external world bodies should assist with follow up support courses. During all these stages monitoring and evaluation should be implemented, and all key stakeholders should be involved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of information technology in the management of records in the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mdingi, Nomaciko
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Records -- Management Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.LIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17630 , vital:41130
- Description: Information Technology (IT) has offered new and different ways in the management of records and distribution of information. Due to IT, records and information are accessed easily, appropriately preserved, quickly retrieved and managed for operational decision-making. Consequently, the main aim of this study was to investigate the role of IT in the management of records with specific reference to the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, King Williams Town, Eastern Cape. It further examined the types of records created by the department and the current status of its records, compliance to the legal framework for both paper-based and electronic records management, skills and knowledge of staff, archivists and records managers in relation to information technology and the management of electronic records and the constraints the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture encounter in the management of electronic records and recommend possible solutions. One major finding unearthed by this study is that the department is still manually storing records even though the information technology revolution has evolved. The study also found out that the department is faced with a number of challenges when it comes to the responsibility for the implementation of IT in the department. The study put forward a number of recommendations that had to be considered in an attempt to help the department and its employees manage electronic records and tone is mentioned here as this is a prerequisite. It will be beneficial if all the officials that deal with records take the course on records and archives management in institutions like University of Fort Hare so that they know more about the management of records as a whole package.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mdingi, Nomaciko
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Records -- Management Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M.LIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17630 , vital:41130
- Description: Information Technology (IT) has offered new and different ways in the management of records and distribution of information. Due to IT, records and information are accessed easily, appropriately preserved, quickly retrieved and managed for operational decision-making. Consequently, the main aim of this study was to investigate the role of IT in the management of records with specific reference to the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, King Williams Town, Eastern Cape. It further examined the types of records created by the department and the current status of its records, compliance to the legal framework for both paper-based and electronic records management, skills and knowledge of staff, archivists and records managers in relation to information technology and the management of electronic records and the constraints the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture encounter in the management of electronic records and recommend possible solutions. One major finding unearthed by this study is that the department is still manually storing records even though the information technology revolution has evolved. The study also found out that the department is faced with a number of challenges when it comes to the responsibility for the implementation of IT in the department. The study put forward a number of recommendations that had to be considered in an attempt to help the department and its employees manage electronic records and tone is mentioned here as this is a prerequisite. It will be beneficial if all the officials that deal with records take the course on records and archives management in institutions like University of Fort Hare so that they know more about the management of records as a whole package.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of invasive alien species in shaping local livelihoods and human well-being: A review
- Shackleton, Ross T, Shackleton, Charlie M, Kull, Christian A
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Shackleton, Charlie M , Kull, Christian A
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180280 , vital:43349 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.007"
- Description: Invasive alien species are a well-recognised driver of social-ecological change globally. Much research has focused on ecological impacts, but the role of invasive species for livelihoods and human well-being is less well known. Understanding the effects (benefits and costs) of invasive species on livelihoods and human well-being is important for guiding policy formulation and management. Here we review the literature on the role of invasive species in livelihoods to assess what is known, identify knowledge gaps and provide recommendations for future research. Literature was collected using key word searches and included both journal publications and grey literature. Slightly less than half (48%) of species studied had both substantial positive and negative impacts on local livelihoods (e.g. Australian Acacia spp. species; Camelus dromedaries; Lantana camara; Prosopis spp.), with 37% inducing mainly costs (Chromolaena odorata; Lissachatina fulica; Opuntia stricta) and 16% producing mainly benefits (Opuntia ficus-indica; Acacia spp.). Some species, such as Acacia dealbata, fell into different categories depending on the social-ecological context. Key benefits or services included the provision of fuelwood, fodder, timber and food products for local households communities and to a lesser extent supporting and regulating services such as soil improvement and shade. A number of species also provided cultural services such as recreation and spiritual values and provided many with an opportunity to earn a cash income. However, invasive species also harm livelihoods and increase vulnerability through encroaching on land and reducing mobility or access. They can also decrease the supply of natural resources used by households and reduce agricultural production (livestock and/or crops) which can result in losses of income and increased vulnerability. Furthermore, some invasive species were seen to have negative implications for human health and safety and reduce the cultural value of landscapes. Economic impacts on livelihoods as a result of invasive species were highly variable and very dependent on the social-ecological contexts. These negative implications can reduce resilience and adaptive capacity of households and communities thus increasing their vulnerability to change. Drawing on case studies we highlight that efforts for managing invasive species need to safeguard livelihood benefits while mitigating negative impacts. In concluding we highlight future research and policy needs on the topic of invasive species, livelihoods and human well-being.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Shackleton, Charlie M , Kull, Christian A
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180280 , vital:43349 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.007"
- Description: Invasive alien species are a well-recognised driver of social-ecological change globally. Much research has focused on ecological impacts, but the role of invasive species for livelihoods and human well-being is less well known. Understanding the effects (benefits and costs) of invasive species on livelihoods and human well-being is important for guiding policy formulation and management. Here we review the literature on the role of invasive species in livelihoods to assess what is known, identify knowledge gaps and provide recommendations for future research. Literature was collected using key word searches and included both journal publications and grey literature. Slightly less than half (48%) of species studied had both substantial positive and negative impacts on local livelihoods (e.g. Australian Acacia spp. species; Camelus dromedaries; Lantana camara; Prosopis spp.), with 37% inducing mainly costs (Chromolaena odorata; Lissachatina fulica; Opuntia stricta) and 16% producing mainly benefits (Opuntia ficus-indica; Acacia spp.). Some species, such as Acacia dealbata, fell into different categories depending on the social-ecological context. Key benefits or services included the provision of fuelwood, fodder, timber and food products for local households communities and to a lesser extent supporting and regulating services such as soil improvement and shade. A number of species also provided cultural services such as recreation and spiritual values and provided many with an opportunity to earn a cash income. However, invasive species also harm livelihoods and increase vulnerability through encroaching on land and reducing mobility or access. They can also decrease the supply of natural resources used by households and reduce agricultural production (livestock and/or crops) which can result in losses of income and increased vulnerability. Furthermore, some invasive species were seen to have negative implications for human health and safety and reduce the cultural value of landscapes. Economic impacts on livelihoods as a result of invasive species were highly variable and very dependent on the social-ecological contexts. These negative implications can reduce resilience and adaptive capacity of households and communities thus increasing their vulnerability to change. Drawing on case studies we highlight that efforts for managing invasive species need to safeguard livelihood benefits while mitigating negative impacts. In concluding we highlight future research and policy needs on the topic of invasive species, livelihoods and human well-being.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of leadership in shaping school culture in a secondary school
- Authors: Kofi, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Educational leadership , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92247 , vital:30698
- Description: SDG 4 calls for an “inclusive, quality and equitable education and lifelong opportunities for all”. The purpose of the study is to investigate how leadership has shaped the school culture, which culminates to higher academic performance in a secondary school. This case study is done in a previously disadvantaged secondary school within the Buffalo City Metro Education District, in the Eastern Cape. Despite the socio-economic challenges faced by the school, the NSC examination pass rate results for the school are constantly above the Provincial NSC pass rate results. Consequently, the aim of the study is to determine the unique characteristics of the school culture that have contributed to high academic performance, and how the school leadership has cultivated this culture. The study reviews school culture using Schein’s organizational culture model. Moreover, it reviews school principalship, leadership and how leadership shapes school culture. Lastly, the study reviews literature on instructional, transformational and distributed leadership theories, as they resonate well with South African school environment. The study utilizes a qualitative research method in its investigation, gathering data through document analysis and interviews. After the data was collected, the pattern matching method was utilized to analyse the findings. The key characteristics of school culture that contributed to the school performing well academically, are the values of disciplined hard work and academic excellence. Furthermore, findings proved that characteristics of instructional leadership such as the provision of professional development and the management of curriculum and instruction have the shape the school culture. Transformational leadership characteristics such as individualized consideration, inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation, have also shaped the school culture; as have characteristics of distributed leadership such as sharing authority and accountability. The study discusses the findings and then concludes by recognizing the research limitations such as the time constraints and purposeful exclusion of certain school members, for example learners. In its conclusion the study presents it contributions to the body of knowledge and provides recommendations for practitioners and future studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kofi, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Educational leadership , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92247 , vital:30698
- Description: SDG 4 calls for an “inclusive, quality and equitable education and lifelong opportunities for all”. The purpose of the study is to investigate how leadership has shaped the school culture, which culminates to higher academic performance in a secondary school. This case study is done in a previously disadvantaged secondary school within the Buffalo City Metro Education District, in the Eastern Cape. Despite the socio-economic challenges faced by the school, the NSC examination pass rate results for the school are constantly above the Provincial NSC pass rate results. Consequently, the aim of the study is to determine the unique characteristics of the school culture that have contributed to high academic performance, and how the school leadership has cultivated this culture. The study reviews school culture using Schein’s organizational culture model. Moreover, it reviews school principalship, leadership and how leadership shapes school culture. Lastly, the study reviews literature on instructional, transformational and distributed leadership theories, as they resonate well with South African school environment. The study utilizes a qualitative research method in its investigation, gathering data through document analysis and interviews. After the data was collected, the pattern matching method was utilized to analyse the findings. The key characteristics of school culture that contributed to the school performing well academically, are the values of disciplined hard work and academic excellence. Furthermore, findings proved that characteristics of instructional leadership such as the provision of professional development and the management of curriculum and instruction have the shape the school culture. Transformational leadership characteristics such as individualized consideration, inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation, have also shaped the school culture; as have characteristics of distributed leadership such as sharing authority and accountability. The study discusses the findings and then concludes by recognizing the research limitations such as the time constraints and purposeful exclusion of certain school members, for example learners. In its conclusion the study presents it contributions to the body of knowledge and provides recommendations for practitioners and future studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of local economic development in the empowerment of women in rural areas : the case of Makana Municipality
- Authors: Hani, Nomkita Octavia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development , Women in development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19772 , vital:43237
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore the role of Local economic development (LED) in empowering rural women in Makana Municipally. The researcher intended to achieve the following objectives (i) to assess the role of LED among the rural women of Makana Municipality in strengthening economic development ii) to explore the LED challenges confronted by the community and the municipality in the implementation of economic empowerment programs that will create economic opportunities for rural women iii) to identify the way forward in enhancing the LED strategy to empower rural women to enable them participate in economic programs of the local Municipality that will benefit them and the community. The study adopted a qualitative approach and purposive sampling methods which were used to select samples for the study. Open ended questions were used in face to face interviews and focus groups to collect data in Makana Municipality. The study findings indicated that while women are part LED activities in the Makana municipality, the benefits that accrue to them are still minimal and trickling down to very few of them because of egoism and nepotism, corruption and crime, favouritism and poor communication. There is a great need for interventions requiring regular visits from LED officials and provision of educational programs in the local language, to enable the women to have a clear understanding of the benefits that accrue to them from LED projects, notwithstanding the opportunities open to them for participation. The study then proposed recommendations to empower women which include making resources available for their empowerment, such as, the provision of skill development programs, knowledge and information distribution, reviewing of the LED policy, infrastructure development and access to markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hani, Nomkita Octavia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development , Women in development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19772 , vital:43237
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore the role of Local economic development (LED) in empowering rural women in Makana Municipally. The researcher intended to achieve the following objectives (i) to assess the role of LED among the rural women of Makana Municipality in strengthening economic development ii) to explore the LED challenges confronted by the community and the municipality in the implementation of economic empowerment programs that will create economic opportunities for rural women iii) to identify the way forward in enhancing the LED strategy to empower rural women to enable them participate in economic programs of the local Municipality that will benefit them and the community. The study adopted a qualitative approach and purposive sampling methods which were used to select samples for the study. Open ended questions were used in face to face interviews and focus groups to collect data in Makana Municipality. The study findings indicated that while women are part LED activities in the Makana municipality, the benefits that accrue to them are still minimal and trickling down to very few of them because of egoism and nepotism, corruption and crime, favouritism and poor communication. There is a great need for interventions requiring regular visits from LED officials and provision of educational programs in the local language, to enable the women to have a clear understanding of the benefits that accrue to them from LED projects, notwithstanding the opportunities open to them for participation. The study then proposed recommendations to empower women which include making resources available for their empowerment, such as, the provision of skill development programs, knowledge and information distribution, reviewing of the LED policy, infrastructure development and access to markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019