The role of knowledge of HIV/AIDS amongst employees in a non-governmental organization

Date
2010-12
Authors
Parsard Beharie, Phoolmatie (Milla)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: At least two decades has passed since the HIV/AIDS epidemic took roots. To date the Africa continent still has the greatest number of infections and deaths. Businesses and economies have been hard hit by the disease which has a negative effect on the workforce and labour-markets. The disease causes and results in an escalating decrease in profits and productivity whereby markets are forced into an economic decline. The societal wellbeing which is vital for a healthy economy is negatively affected. Businesses owe it to their employees to help deal with the worst health crisis the world has seen since at least 10-40% of the workforce is likely to be infected with HIV. The impact and potential impact of HIV/AIDS differs from one company to the next because HIV/AIDS has become a serious threat to all industries. Employers and employees both experience an increasingly difficult time due to the changing environment in which they must operate as a result of HIV/AIDS. Employers and line functions must deal with the sensitive issue of managing HIVAIDS infected employees and all the concerns surrounding this disease. This research investigates the role of knowledge amongst all the employees within an organization, focusing on those employees based at the national office in Gauteng. It is necessary for the researcher to conduct a survey within the organization to investigate the extent of current existing knowledge of HIV and AIDS amongst the workforce on various levels. The research is necessary so that any workshops, programmes and policies that focus on HIV/AIDS take into consideration the knowledge gaps that exist. Dealing with HIV/AIDS in any organization is surely a difficult road to walk initially but the Organization itself may come to be regarded as precious in itself, as a source of pride, and in some sense unique when all is said and done i.e. when all members are educated, informed and aware of HIV/AIDS (Wikipedia. 2009, 1).
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsingsprojek ondersoek die kennisvlakke van werknemers binne ‘n onderneming in die nieinformele sektor in Gauteng Provinsie. Nadat ‘n omvattende literatuurstudie gedoen is, is ‘n Likert-tipe beoordelingskaal ontwikkel om kennisvlakke ten opsigte van MIV/Vigs by werknemers te toets. Resultate toon aan dat die kennisvlakke van werknemers relatief hoog is in die meeste afdelings van die organisasie. Daar is egter nog sekere areas wat dringend aandag moet geniet deur middel van , onder andere, werknemers bewusmakingsprogramme. Voorstelle ter verbetering van die bestuur van MIV/Vigs binne die organisasie word aan die hand gedoen.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Theses -- Industrial psychology, Assignments -- Industrial psychology, Dissertations -- HIV/AIDS management, Theses -- HIV/AIDS management, Assignments -- HIV/AIDS management, HIV/AIDS, Knowledge of -- South Africa -- Gauteng, Non-governmental organizations --South Africa -- Gauteng -- Employees
Citation