Research Articles (Industrial Psychology)
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- ItemAdapting the systems model of performance management to major changes in the external and internal organisational environments(AOSIS, 2001) Spangenberg, H. H.; Theron, C. C.In essence, this article discusses ways to ensure continued relevance of Performance Management in fast-changing environmental and organisational realities. It starts with the rationale for moving from performance appraisal to Performance Management. In view of some persisting problems with regard to Performance Management, a systems approach to help alleviate these problems is discussed. The current status of Performance Management is reviewed, based on international surveys and a recent report on the way Performance Management best-practice organisations utilise the system. In view of this information, the Systems Model of Performance Management is adapted. The paper is concluded with a discussion and recommendations for future research.
- ItemApparel shopping behaviour. Part 1, Towards the development of a conceptual theoretical model(AOSIS Open Journal, 2003-10) Du Preez, R.Apparel shopping behaviour in a multicultural society is a complex phenomenon. The objective of this paper is to analyse various theoretical models from two disciplines, namely Consumer Behaviour and Clothing, and to develop a new conceptual theoretical model focussing on variables influencing apparel shopping behaviour in a multicultural consumer society. Variables were presented as market dominated, consumer dominated, and/or market and consumer interaction variables. Retailers, marketers, educators, researchers and students could benefit from the proposed model and recommendations are made in this regard. Part 2 reports on an empirical study based on the proposed conceptual theoretical model and discusses market segments and profiles.
- ItemApparel shopping behaviour. Part 1, Towards the development of a conceptual theoretical model(AOSIS Publishing, 2003-10) Du Preez, RonelApparel shopping behaviour in a multicultural society is a complex phenomenon. The objective of this paper is to analyse various theoretical models from two disciplines, namely Consumer Behaviour and Clothing, and to develop a new conceptual theoretical model focussing on variables influencing apparel shopping behaviour in a multicultural consumer society. Variables were presented as market dominated, consumer dominated, and/or market and consumer interaction variables. Retailers, marketers, educators, researchers and students could benefit from the proposed model and recommendations are made in this regard. Part 2 reports on an empirical study based on the proposed conceptual theoretical model and discusses market segments and profiles.
- ItemApparel shopping behaviour. Part 2, Conceptual theoretical model, market segments, profiles and implications(AOSIS Publishing, 2003-10) Du Preez, Ronel; Visser, Elizabeth M.This article is based on the conceptual theoretical model developed in Part 1 of this series of articles. The objective of this research is to identify female apparel consumer market segments on the basis of differentiating lifestyles, shopping orientation, cultural consciousness, store patronage and demographics. These profiles are discussed in full and the implications thereof for retailers, marketers and researchers are highlighted. A new conceptual model is proposed and recommendations are made for further research.
- ItemApparel shopping orientation : two decades of research(South African Association of Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences (SAAFECS), 2001) Visser, Elizabeth; Du Preez, RonelShopping orientation is a complex and multidimensional concept. Defining shopping orientation is extremely difficult, due to numerous interrelated variables. Although the concept shopping orientation is described by researchers from various perspectives, certain major variables (or concepts) are repeated in the different descriptions. Stone (1954) introduced the concept shopping orientation. He referred to shopping lifestyles or shoppers’ styles that place emphasis on certain activities in particular. Other researchers added to this definition by pointing out that shopping-specific lifestyles encompass shopping activities, interests, and opinions. The definitions of shopping orientation reflect a view of shopping as a complex personal, economic, social and recreational phenomenon (Darden & Howell, 1987; Hawkins et al, 1989:641; Kwon et al, 1991; Shim & Bickle, 1994; Shim & Kotsiopulos, 1992a; Shim & Kotsiopulos, 1993; Shim & Mahoney, 1992).
- ItemBestuurstyle in die openbare en privaatsektor van die Suid-Afrikaanse volkshuishouding(AOSIS OpenJournal, 1991-06) De Villiers, W. S.; Raubenheimer, I Van W.Management styles in the public and private sector of the South African economy. A questionnaire, consisting of various biographical items and a number of measuring instruments was used to determine whether a difference in management style between organizations in the public and private sector exists. A marked resemblance between the biographical profiles of managers in the public and private sectors was found. No statistically significant difference was found in people orientation in the two sectors. Managers in the private sector however, were inclined to be more authoritarian. To the degree that this phenomenon manifests itself in managerial style, a difference in the management styles of managers in the public and private sectors does exist.
- ItemDie betroubaarheid en faktorstruktuur van die aangepaste meervoudige keuse-formaat van die miner sentence completion scale (MSCS)(AOSIS OpenJournal, 1991-06) Engelbrecht, A. S.; De Jager, L. C.The reliability and factor structure of the adapted multiple choice version of the Miner Sentence Completion Scale (MSCS). In this study the multiple choice MSCS was adapted as a result of several criticisms thereof. The internal consistency and factor structure of the adapted MSCS were determined to ascertain the reliability and construct validity of the questionnaire. Results show that the internal consistency is unsatisfactory and that the factor structure is so complex that interpretation becomes virtually impossible. In light of the results of this study and other research findings of the psychometric properties of the MSCS, it is recommended that a new measuring instrument for managerial motivation be developed that will enable a valid testing of the managerial rolemotivation theory.
- ItemA confirmatory factor analytic study of a self-leadership measure in South Africa(AOSIS Publishing, 2013-06) Mahembe, Bright; Engelbrecht, Amos S.; De Kock, Francois S.Orientation: Self-leadership is considered to be essential for effective individual functioning in occupational and academic contexts. The revised self-leadership questionnaire (RSLQ) is widely utilised for measuring self-leadership, but its psychometric properties have not been established on a South African sample. By implication, important questions also exist about the theoretical structure of self-leadership in the South African context. Research purpose: The research aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and factorial validity of the revised self-leadership questionnaire on a South African sample. In doing so, the results of the research would also provide valuable insights into the latent factor structure of the self-leadership construct. Motivation for the study: On a practical level, the research sought internal validity evidence for the use of the RSLQ in the South African context. On a theoretical level, questions remain about the best conceptual representation of self-leadership as a construct. Research design, approach and method: The revised self-leadership questionnaire was administered to a non-probability sample of 375 South African young adults. The first and second-order factor structure underlying contemporary models of self-leadership using confirmatory factor analytic techniques was tested. Main findings: Results showed that the RSLQ measured self-leadership with suitable reliability and internal validity. All eight subscales had high internal consistency coefficients. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the first and second-order models conclusively demonstrated good factorial validity. Practical/managerial implications: The study found that the RSLQ has good measurement properties for a South African context. Academics, practitioners and managers are urged to use the measure in its present form for applications such as leadership development and promoting self-management. Contribution/value-addition: The study extends the body of psychometric evidence supporting the use of the revised self-leadership questionnaire in the South African milieu. The researchers have further indicated that self-leadership can be represented by a hierarchical latent factor structure, where a general factor drives more specific dimensions of self-leadership.
- ItemConstruction of behaviourally anchored rating scales (BARS) for the measurement of managerial performance(AOSIS OpenJournals, 1989-05) Spangenberg, H. H.; Esterhuyse, J. J.; Visser, J. H.; Briedenhann, J. E.; Calitz, C. J.BARS were initially developed as indices of behavioural change and to ensure greater comparability of ratings from different raters. In this study, BARS were developed for a major producer-wholesaler company in the liquor industry to serve as an independent criterion in the validation of the company's assessment center, to assess the impact of development activities on the skill levels of assessment centre participants and as a diagnostic tool in identifying performance deficiencies. A step-by-step account of the four stages in the development of BARS is presented, together with examples of actual scales for the final steps.
- ItemDeveloping emotional intelligence as a key psychological resource reservoir for sustained student success(AOSIS Publishing, 2015-07) Gorgens-Ekermans, Gina; Delport, Marthinus; Du Preez, RonelOrientation: The dire educational situation in South Africa has urged researchers to investigate predictors of sustained student success. - Research purpose: To investigate to what extent an Emotional Intelligence (EI) intervention impacts the level of EI, and critical psychological resources (affect balance, cognitive thought- pattern strategies as a sub-component of self-leadership, perceived stress and academic self- efficacy) necessary for student success. - Motivation for the study: Non-cognitive personal resources (such as EI) may indirectly contribute to student success. - Research design, approach and method: A controlled experimental research design was conducted to test the effect of an EI developmental intervention on affect balance, academic self-efficacy, cognitive thought-pattern strategies, and perceived stress, using a sample of first-year students (n = 114). - Main findings: Limited support of the utility of the intervention to increase EI emerged; whilst stronger support emerged that academic self-efficacy was affected by the intervention. No direct empirical support for the impact of increased EI on the other measured psychological resources was obtained, although some trends in the data could be observed. - Practical/managerial implications: Investments in EI developmental interventions, as part of student-support initiatives, should be further investigated to sufficiently justify its potential to influence sustained student success. - Contribution/value-add: The results of this study lay a foundation that suggest EI could be malleable and influence academic self-efficacy. More research is necessary regarding supplementary teaching and learning initiatives focused on non-cognitive personal resources, which are complementary to the academic offering at tertiary institutions, with the expectation of increasing the student success rates.
- ItemDie meting van die gelyktydige hantering van teenstrydige en dubbelsinnige inligting as kritieke eienskap in 'n verskeidenheid van beroepe(AOSIS OpenJournal, 1983-11) De Villiers, W. S.; Raubenheimer, L. Van WykSince very little is known about how to deal with conflicting and ambiguous information as a work attribute an attempt was made to define this particular construct and subject it to empirical research. An instrument (the in basket exercise) was developed to measure employees' efficiency in dealing with conflicting and ambiguous information. This instrument together with instruments for measuring a number of related traits were administered to 468 subjects. It was determined that the capacity to deal with conflicting and ambiguous information has a certain relationship with intelligence and sensory cognitive judgement. No relationship could be found with certain personality traits. In all probability a separate construct is indicated by this research.
- ItemThe diversity-validity dilemma : in search of minimum adverse impact and maximum utility(AOSIS OpenJournal, 2009-06) Theron, CallieSelection from diverse groups of applicants poses the formidable challenge of developing valid selection procedures that simultaneously add value, do not discriminate unfairly and which minimise adverse impact. Valid selection procedures used in a fair, non-discriminatory manner that optimises utility, however, very often result in adverse impact against members of protected groups. More often than not, the assessment techniques used for selection are blamed for this. The conventional interpretation of adverse impact results in an erroneous diagnosis of the fundamental causes of the under-representation of protected group members and, consequently, in an inappropriate treatment of the problem.
- ItemEffect of ethical leadership and climate on effectiveness(AOSIS Publishing, 2017) Engelbrecht, Amos S.; Wolmarans, Janneke; Mahembe, BrightOrientation: The increasing prevalence of theft, sabotage and other deviant behaviours in the workplace has disastrous effects for organisations, such as lowered effectiveness, escalated costs and the organisation’s declining reputation. Research purpose: The purpose of the research was to design and investigate the relationships among perceived leader effectiveness, ethical climate and ethical leadership. A further objective of the investigation was to validate a conceptual model clarifying the structural associations among the latent constructs in the South African corporate domain. Motivation for the study: A successful leader is both an ethical and an effective leader. An organisation’s leadership is seen as the most critical element in establishing and maintaining an ethical climate in organisations. Research design, approach and method: A convenient and multi-cultural sample comprised of 224 employees from various organisations in South Africa. The structure and content of the variables were analysed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), beside item analysis. Main findings: Satisfactory reliability was found for all the measurement scales. The results of CFA demonstrated acceptable fit with the data for the refined measurement and structural models. The results of structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated positive relationships among ethical leadership, ethical climate and leader effectiveness. Practical implications: Organisational leaders should take full responsibility for cultivating ethics through ethical leader behaviour and an ethical climate. By reinforcing these aspects, perceived leader effectiveness can be advanced, which will ultimately decrease corruption and other forms of counterproductive behaviour in South African organisations. Contribution: The study provides further theoretical and empirical evidence that leadership effectiveness can be realised through instilling an ethical organisational climate in which ethical leadership is exhibited and encouraged.
- ItemThe effect of transformational leadership on intention to quit through perceived organisational support, organisational justice and trust(AOSIS, 2019) Engelbrecht, Amos; Samuel, Olorunjuwon M.Background: The literature has extensively presented evidence to establish that employee turnover is costly and destructive to organisational processes and outcomes. Organisations in South Africa are experiencing a high rate of turnover and it is becoming increasingly difficult to retain employees whose skills are critical to organisational success. This provides a compelling necessity to direct research attention to turnover intention in order to avoid actual turnover. Aim: The purpose of this article was to use partial least squares to test the relationships among selected antecedents of intention to quit. Setting: The study was conducted using employees in organisations that were surveyed in both public and private sectors in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces of South Africa. Methods: The study employed a survey research design using a quantitative research strategy. Data collected from 207 conveniently sampled respondents were used to validate a structural model developed through the review of existing literature. A standardised measurement instrument consisting of all the variables under investigation was used for data collection. Results: The results indicate the following path sequences in predicting employee turnover intention: transformational leadership through perceived organisational support and transformational leadership through organisational justice impact intention to quit. However, the path sequence from transformational leadership through organisational trust impacting intention to quit was not confirmed. Conclusion: A replication of this study using a longitudinal research design is recommended in order to overcome the methodological limitations of the current study. The conceptual model developed in this study provides relationships that could be used as guidelines to effectively manage the retention of key employees in organisations
- ItemThe elaboration and empirical evaluation of the De Goede learning potential structural model(AOSIS, 2014) Van Heerden, S.; Theron, C.As a direct result of having segregated amenities and public services during the Apartheid era where Black individuals were provided with services inferior to those of White individuals, the country is currently challenged by serious and a debilitating skills shortage across most industry sectors, high unemployment and poverty rates, and inequality in terms of income distribution as well as in terms of racial representation in the workforce. These challenges are the consequence of a larger problem that knowledge, skills and abilities are not uniformly distributed across all races. In the past, and still now, White South Africans had greater access to skills development and educational opportunities. It is this fundamental inequality that has to be addressed. It is argued that skills development – specifically affirmative action skills development should form part of the solution. A need therefore exists to identify the individuals who would gain maximum benefit from such affirmative action skills development opportunities and to create the conditions that would optimise learning performance. To achieve this, an understanding is required of the complex nomological network of latent variables that determine learning performance. De Goede (2007) proposed and tested a learning potential structural model based on the work of Taylor (1994). The primary objective of this study was to expand on De Goede’s (2007) learning potential structural model in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity underlying learning performance. A subset of the hypothesised expanded learning potential structural model was empirically evaluated. The first analysis of the structural model failed to produce a good fit to the data. The model was subsequently modified by both adding additional paths and by removing insignificant paths. The final revised structural model was found to fit the data well. All paths contained in the final model were empirically corroborated. The practical implications of the learning potential structural model on HR and organisations are discussed. Suggestions for future research are made by indicating how the model can be further elaborated. The limitations of the study are also discussed.
- ItemEnkele perspektiewe op motivering(AOSIS OpenJournal, 1984-11) Van Wyk, A. J.Different motivational theories in the literature seem to claim unique explanations of motivational behaviour. When these theories are evaluated against basic concepts and the process of motivation, it becomes clear that theory building in motivational terms really focuses on the same basic phenomenon. The implications and practical applications of the more job related contemporary theories of motivation are discussed.
- ItemAn exploration of the utility of a self-report emotional intelligence measure(Swinburne University of Technology, 2006) Bailie, Karina; Ekermans, GinaThe purpose of this research was to address the need for evidence regarding the practical utility of the Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence Test (SUEIT, Palmer & Stough, 2001). More specifically, the predictive, as well as incremental validity of Emotional Intelligence (EI) over personality in leadership competence was explored. The EI, personality and Assessment Centre (AC) leadership competency constructs were operationalised through the SUEIT, Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ32i) and leadership AC technology, respectively. EI data was collected with an online version of the SUEIT from a sample of 111 middle managers from a life assurance company in South Africa. The OPQ32i and AC data was extracted from archival records of the company. Correlational and multivariate data analysis procedures were employed. The results revealed significant relationships between various EI dimensions and the Customer Focus, Building Working Relationships, Gaining Commitment, Developing Others, Problem Solving and Stress Tolerance leadership competencies. Various dimensions of the SUEIT demonstrated incremental validity above personality in predicting variance in numerous leadership competencies (e.g. Building Working Relationships, Developing Others etc.). The results are discussed and recommendations for further research are made.
- ItemImplementing efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry(AOSIS Publishing, 2010-11) Mummenthey, Claudia; Du Preez, RonelOrientation: Overcoming skills deficits has been a major concern in South Africa since the advent of democracy in 1994. - Research purpose: This study investigated the current state of the learnership system in the construction sector and identified the major obstacles. - Motivation for the study: The study was an attempt to illustrate why it is necessary to implement efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry. - Research design, approach and method: A learnership evaluation framework was developed and indicated the critical factors for efficient and effective learnership implementation as well as the roles of the various key stakeholders. The sample included respondents from building and civil companies (n = 90), learners (n = 135), accredited training providers (n = 14) and Construction Education and Training Authority and industry-related bodies (n = 10). - Main findings: It was found that descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and a content analysis of the Western Cape data indicated that, despite low satisfaction with the system in the workplace and among institutional providers, the learnership system was nevertheless regarded as an appropriate means to develop artisans. - Practical/managerial implications: Companies were motivated to offer learnerships but felt inadequately prepared for actual implementation. Learnerships were felt to demonstrate effectiveness in terms of employability and skills enhancement. - Contribution/value-add: This research provides a theoretical framework to understand, describe and assess the implementation of efficient and effective learnerships in the construction industry.
- ItemImportance of apparel store image attributes : perceptions of female consumers(AOSIS Publishing, 2006-04) Visser, Elizabeth; Du Preez, Ronel; Janse Van Noordwyk, HesterThis qualitative research focused on identifying those store image attributes perceived as important by a selected group of female apparel consumers. In addition, their perception of Lindquist’s proposed dimensions of store image attributes was examined. Data were collected by means of eight focus groups. The non-verbal quali-quantive Schutte Visual Scale was employed to quantify responses. Results indicated that Merchandise and Clientele were perceived as the most important dimensions, followed by Service. The dimension Physical facilities was perceived as the least important. Differences between age and population groups were investigated. The store image attribute dimensions generated by the respondents differed slightly from those proposed by Lindquist. Implications for retailers and for further research were formulated.
- ItemImprovisational theatre as team development intervention for climate for work group innovation(AOSIS Publishing, 2010-11) Kirsten, Burgert; Du Preez, RonelOrientation: Changes in business environments have resulted in a need for the development of innovative teams. Improvisational theatre as a technique could contribute to the understanding of how individuals can work together and be innovative. - Research purpose and motivation: This study evaluates the influence of a team development intervention utilising improvisational theatre exercises on innovative work group climate. - Research design, approach and method: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was employed with an experimental group and a control group from a healthcare managerial division. - Main findings: Repeated-measures ANOVA results indicated that for innovative work group climate as a whole, as well as for three of its factors, namely participative safety, vision, and task orientation, the experimental group’s scores improved significantly (p < 0.05). Support for innovation did not show significant differences. - Practical/Managerial implications: This research has shown that improvisational theatre is a team development tool that can be used to assist work teams in creating a climate for innovation. - Contribution/value-add: This study extends the body of knowledge in the field of team building and highlights the contribution that improvisational theatre can make toward the development of work teams.