Department of Industrial Psychology
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Browsing Department of Industrial Psychology by Subject "Adjustment (Psychology)"
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- ItemCyberbullying in the workplace- an invisible fist “hits” the hardest(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12) Durr, Anri; De Wet, Marietha; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology.ENGLISH SUMMARY : Cyberbullying is a very serious and pressing recent phenomenon, however very little research covers the scope of cyberbullying amongst employees. The purpose of this study has been to determine the extent to which workplace cyberbullying is prevalent in South-African organisations, some risk factor associated with it, whether it has a negative psychological effect and performance effect on employees, and whether coping mechanisms help to alleviate the negative effects. A descriptive, diagnostic and quantitative research design was followed and a sample of employees (N = 152) was drawn from a big public utility provider, where they completed an online survey. It was found cyberbullying is prevalent, where it co-occurs with traditional bullying. This study found that there were differences in the psychological characteristics of (a) perceived stress, (b) ICT demands, and (c) the extent of behavioural experiences of bullying when considering the psychological effects of cyberbullying on the individual. Additional emotional reactions to cyberbullying were lowered trust levels, anger, humiliation and emotional exhaustion. In terms of the effects on performance, the overall experience of bullying, rather than specific cyberbullying events, was found to likely to decrease an individual's performance, whereas no support for the effects on organisational outcomes was found. Possible coping mechanisms were found to have varying degrees of effectiveness for alleviating the effects of bullying on perceived stress. Interestingly, coping mechanisms used specifically for cyberbullying increased the adverse effects on ICT demands. This finding indicates that additional coping mechanisms to deal with ICT demands should also be considered. From these results, one can see that cyberbullying is prevalent in the workplace and that it poses a problem in addition to that of traditional bullying.
- ItemThe relationship between emotional intelligence, locus of control, self-efficacy, sense of coherence and work adjustment(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Du Plessis, Anita Gesiena; Bester, P. C.; Van Dyk, G. A. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The military is a unique working environment that poses several challenges to soldiers. These include numerous ambiguities, psychological stressors, physical demands and resource challenges. In order for the military to be successful, it is important to employ individuals who will be able to thrive in this environment. The theory of work adjustment proposes correspondence between an individual and his or her work environment. The military needs individuals who will fit well into the organisation and enhance its capabilities. The objective of this study was to explore the possible relationships between emotional intelligence, locus of control, self-efficacy, sense of coherence and work adjustment within a military sample. The data was collected from a sample of 295 members of the South African National Defence Force preparing for an international deployment. The descriptive statistics included 76,6% males and 23,4% females with the majority of respondents (292) from the South African Army (99%), while the other respondents (3) were from the South African Military Health Service (1%). Quantitative research techniques were employed to test the stated hypotheses. Emotional intelligence, locus of control, self-efficacy and sense of coherence were analysed as independent variables and work adjustment as the dependant variable. The findings supported the hypotheses, and relationships between emotional intelligence, locus of control, self-efficacy and sense of coherence were established. Contributions towards theory, literature, practice, labour, policies and military commanders are made. Recommendations for future research are also presented.