Masters Degrees (Philosophy)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Philosophy) by browse.metadata.advisor "Esterhuyse, W. P."

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
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    Die aard en belang van die literere vormgewing in 'Also sprach Zarathustra' van Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1978-12) Van Niekerk, Marlene; Esterhuyse, W. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy.
    No abstract available.
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    The challenge of transformation : an analysis of the ethical and strategic need for transformation with special reference to the Employment Equity Act
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-03) Reed, Stephen Graham; Esterhuyse, W. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since 1994 South Africa has undergone numerous social and political transformations. Transformation in this country has different meanings for different people, depending on the individuals perspective. The process of transformation has been slow for some, particularly those people who are eager to break away from a past, which has denied them basic individual rights. For others transformation has been too fast and thus a threat to their status quo. In view of this, transformation must be embraced by all through the realisation and admission that the apartheid era was inherently unfair to sections of the population and change must therefore be regarded as the levelling of the playing field. This study focuses on the generation of inequality, the uprooting of this evil and the implementation of equity. In addition, this study particularly focuses on how equity can be implemented in the workplace, why it is important to do so and what are the possible barriers to successful implementation. I will consider some of the theories that may be useful in initiating change. Finally, I will discuss the merits of the Employment Equity Act as legislation to enforce equity in the workplace.
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    Corporate governance in public-private partnerships : a public sector management perspective
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006-04) Brink, Jeanetha; Esterhuyse, W. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy. Centre for Applied Ethics.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This assignment deals with the relevance of Public-Private Partnerships in the South African context and particularly the role it can play in realising the developmental goals of the economic policy. The value of the unique relationship that is possible between the public and the private partner goes beyond the formalised legal agreement as the mix of cultures and different managerial approaches hold benefits for both parties. There are many aspects of the PPP, especially as a management tool, which grow beyond the boundaries of a work of this length and which will hopefully entice the reader to further reading. However, in this work the main thrust of the argument is that the PPP offers an alternative, or maybe rather a supplementary vehicle to address a number of managerial problems experienced in the public sector.
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    Demokrasie en dialoog : 'n kritiese uiteensetting van Jurgen Habermas se teorie van politieke openbaarheid as bemiddeling van emansipatoriese praxis
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1975) Smit, D. J.; Esterhuyse, W. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy.
    No abstract available.
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    Denkstruktuur en teksinterpretasie : 'n analise van Louis Althusser se interpretasieteorie na aanleiding van sy lees van Marx
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1982) Van den Bergh, Linda; Esterhuyse, W. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Department of Philosophy.
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    The effect of incentive based directors' remuneration on ethical decision making in organisations
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-12) Van der Walt, J. C.; Esterhuyse, W. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The historical development of the role of directors in public listed companies contains inherent tensions by reference to the fiduciary responsibility of directors and the method in which directors are remunerated. The nature of incentive based remuneration is such that it will compel directors, in certain circumstances, to weigh their interests against those towards whom they owe a duty of care and a moral responsibility to act with prudence and temperance. The modem day corporate environment is complex and calls for directors with strong ethical views. This assignment endeavours to identify some of the complexities that contribute towards directors finding it difficult to stay on the ethical "straight and narrow" and attempts to weigh the effect of those factors against the effect of incentive remuneration, both as detractors from ethical behaviour. Both the shareholder supremacy business model and the stakeholder approach are analysed to identify those factors present in each that may add to the ethical complexity that directors have to deal with. The advent of the stakeholder approach in particular, adds an enormous amount of complexity. The case studies deal with two South African financial services companies that have both ceased trading as a consequence of unethical behaviour. The incentive remuneration models of both companies have been found to have played a major contributing role in the decision making processes in the companies, and have contributed to the demise of these organisations. Lessons are taken from the case studies and applied against the backdrop of the various principles of ethical behaviour namely rights, utility, justice and the ethics of responsibility. The finding of this study is that there is a role for incentive remuneration of directors, provided that the ethical pitfalls that this causes are recognised and steps taken to address them. Some of these steps are identified.
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    Ethics and whistle blowing : an investigation of the moral justification and framework for the practice of whistle blowing
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Mafela, Muvhulawa Simon; Esterhuyse, W. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy. Centre for Applied Ethics.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research project examines the concept and practice of whistle blowing with the aim of answering the fundamental question: when is whistle blowing morally justified or unjustified? While the different forms of whistle blowing receive attention, the focus is on the corporate world, or non-governmental whistle blowing. Whistle blowing in the corporate world has become a moral and strategic point of debate with the issue being how it can be employed as a mechanism against corruption and other forms of abuse in a way that is fair to employees, employers, and the public .. The project focuses on the moral justification of whistle blowing and the ethical framework within which it needs to function. The methodology used is that of an extensive literature study. The views of researchers' from different countries are discussed and analyzed, and the deontological and utilitarian approaches to ethical decision-making are used to arrive at deductive conclusions. It is concluded that from an ethical viewpoint, employees are morally obliged to blow the whistle to prevent potential harm to e.g. the public or the environment. Specific conditions must be satisfied, however, before whistle blowing against a corporation or employer can be regarded as morally justified. With reference to the views of researchers and a South African case study, it is established that whistle blowers need to be protected against retaliation from employers and that legislation in this regard has been lacking. An important mechanism to protect whistle blowers would be the introduction of laws to protect them against retaliatory actions such as dismissals or demotion. One of the aims of South Africa's Protected Disclosures Act (Act. No. 26, 2000) is to protect employees against any occupational detriment as a result of having blown the whistle in a manner consistent with the conditions outlined in the Act. It Is concluded that it is to the advantage of employers to promote a culture in which justified and responsible whistle blowing is encouraged and protected. Suggested ways to achieve this include developing an ethic of whistle blowing, involving unions, introducing rewards, instituting codes of ethics, and establishing specific complaint recipients within organizations. On the basis of a US case study and a study of relevant literature, it is concluded that employers and corporations also need to be protected against unethical whistle blowing. By laying down conditions that have to be met before an act of whistle blowing can be justified, the Protected Disclosures Act (Act No. 26, 2000) provides protection in this regard. The study concludes with a critical appraisal of the positive as well as the negative aspects of the Protected Disclosures Act. The Act provides the necessary legal framework and guidelines for fair and responsible whistle blowing with protection for both employees and employers, and as such could help to reduce crime and corruption in both the public and private sectors. In the South African context of high levels of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, however, certain shortcomings are identified that may diminish the potential value of the Act.
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    The role of discussion in the institutionalisation of a code of conduct/ethics with specific reference to the adoption of a code of conduct by the South African Police Service
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1998) Bernardo, Eric Terblanche; Esterhuyse, W. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy.
    AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die uitgangspunt vir hierdie tesis was die deurslaggewende rol wat gesprekvoering kan speel in die suksesvolle institusionalisering en aanvaarding van 'n gedrags- of etiese kode. Met hierdie uitgangspunt is aanvaar dat kodes 'n opbouende rol kan speel in die kultuur van organisasies en groepe, maar ook in die persoonlike lewens van mense. Om egter duidelikheid te kry oor die wesenlike rol wat kodes wel kan speel, is die 'woordeskat' en die wereld van kodes bekyk. Daar word in die prak:tyk ervaar
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    The social responsibility of corporations : a stakeholder approach
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-03) Khodoga, Ephraim Alfheli; Esterhuyse, W. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Philosophy.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main aim of this study is to develop, from an ethical perspective, a justification for corporate social responsibility. The research methodology used is that of a critical study of relevant literature. The history of corporate social responsibility is discussed and definitions of key concepts are analyzed. Attention is paid to the controversies surrounding corporate social responsibility, and the views of critics as well as advocates of corporate social responsibility are examined. From the literature study it is concluded that since corporations are part of larger social systems, they are not only accountable to their shareholders but their success and long-term survival depends on fulfilling their responsibilities to a range of stakeholders. Stakeholders are defined as those groups or individuals with whom an organization interacts or has a relationship of interdependence, and who are affected by its actions, decisions, policies, practices or goals. The study focuses on the stakeholder approach to corporate social responsibility and aims to show how such an approach underpins the idea of corporate social responsibility. It is argued that corporations have moral as well as social responsibilities to stakeholders who are affected by their operations. Emphasis is placed on business ethics as providing the framework for a set of principles or a code according to which a company should make its business decisions and on which it should base its relationships with stakeholders. The research indicates that companies that aim to operate ethically also benefit in terms of profitability and social acceptance. With reference to several South African companies as examples, the study focuses on corporate social responsibility towards key stakeholders such as local communities, the environment, employees, and customers. In each case it is investigated what the specific responsibility requires of the corporation, and what practical measures can be used to meet the responsibility. It is argued that management's task is to treat stakeholders as equal, balance their sometimes conflicting claims, and promote good relationships among them Managers must consider the ethical and social as well as the economic implications of their decisions. The concluding chapter looks more closely at issues that need to be taken into account as far as corporate social responsibility in South Africa is concerned. As a result of the legacy of white rule and apartheid, active steps need to be taken to address economic imbalances between blacks and whites. Both the government and corporate structures have a role to play in creating mechanisms to meet the economic needs of the black community. It is recommended that the means through which this can be achieved are processes such as affirmative action, transformation, black economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation. The study concludes that social involvement by companies is not a favour extended to society or an optional "extra", but a business imperative and a moral obligation that is fundamental to being a company with legitimacy. The social goals of a company should be supportive of the goals of business and its social involvement strategy should be aligned with the overall business strategy.