Research Articles (Industrial Psychology)

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Adapting 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.
An analysis of a supervisor-subordinate trust relationship
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2000) Engelbrecht, A. S.; Cloete, B. E.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In view of the importance of interpersonal trust as recognized by organizational scholars and the problems associated with the study of trust in organizations, the development of a conceptual model of organizational trust is essential. The aim of this study was to establish empirically the validity of a theoretically sound model of trust in the South African work context. The overall results confirmed a positive relationship between interpersonal trust, trustworthiness and successful trust relationships. The propensity to trust, as well as the length of the supervisorsubordinate relationship, however, did not prove to have a moderating effect on trustworthiness.
Apparel shopping behaviour. Part 1, Towards the development of a conceptual theoretical model
(AOSIS Publishing, 2003-10) Du Preez, Ronel
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.
Apparel 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.
Apparel 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.
Apparel shopping behaviour. Part 2. Conceptual theoretical model, market segments, profiles and implications
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2003-10) Du Preez, R.; Visser, E. M.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: 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.
Apparel shopping orientation : two decades of research
(South African Association of Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences (SAAFECS), 2001) Visser, Elizabeth; Du Preez, Ronel
Shopping 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).
Assessing behavioural intention of small and medium enterprises in implementing an HIV/AIDS policy and programme
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2005-10) Parsadh, A.; Van Dyk, G. A. J.
Abstract: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are likely to feel the impact of an HIV/AIDS epidemic through reduced productivity and an increased percentage of absenteeism; staff turnover; recruitment and training costs; cost of employee benefits; and poor staff morale. One of the interventions is to implement an HIV/AIDS policy and programme, yet a literature search showed that psychological studies of SMEs in implementing an HIV/AIDS policy and programme are limited. The present study utilised the model of the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1988, 1991), which is an extension of the theory of reasoned action (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975; Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980). The intention to implement an HIV/AIDS policy and programme was predicted by the theory of planned behaviour constructs such as attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. The theory of planned behaviour was found to have limited use in assessing behavioural intention of SMEs in implementing an HIV/AIDS policy and programme.
Die benutting van bestuurstalent met verwysing na die invloed van leierskapstyl en tydspan
(AOSIS Publishing, 1975-11) Augustyn, J. C. D.
A field and Laboratory study were conducted to determine the relationship between Leadership style, time-span of discretion and group performance. The results of this research support the prediction that situational variables such as time-span of discretion tend to moderate the relationship between Leadership style and group performance. Implications for future theory development, research and applications are discussed.
Bestuurstyle 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.
Die 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.
Confessions, scapegoats and flying pigs : psychometric testing and the law
(AOSIS Publishing, 2007) Theron, Callie
ENGLISH SUMMARY : The use of psychometric tests in personnel selection has been regarded with an extraordinary degree of suspicion and scepticism. This is especially true when selection occurs in respect of a diverse applicant group. Concern is expressed about the seemingly uncritical embracing of specific tenets related to the use of psychometric tests in personnel selection in the absence of any systematic coherent psychometric argument to justify these beliefs. The absence of such a supporting psychometric rationale seems unfortunate in as far as it probably would inhibit the independent critical evaluation of the psychometric merits of these generally accepted beliefs. Specific beliefs related to selection fairness, measurement bias and adverse impact are critically examined.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the career decision-making self-efficacy scale among South African university students
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2001) Watson, M. B.; Brand, H. J.; Stead, G. B.; Ellis, R. R.
There is a need for South African researchers to explore the potential utility of career decision-making self-efficacy in understanding the career behaviour of tertiary students. Given the lack of standardised measures for this construct, the responses of 364 South African university students to the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale : Short Form (CDMSE-SF) were analysed using item statistics, Cronbachs alpha and confirmatory factor analysis to determine whether items supported the theorized subscales.
A 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.
Confirmatory fctor analysis of the career development questionnaire and the career decision-making self-efficacy scale for South African high school students
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2002-09) De Bruin, Gideon P.; Bernard-Phera, Martha J.
This study investigated the construct validity of the Career Development Questionnaire and the Career Decision- Making Self-Efficacy Scale for Grade 12 students from a low socioeconomic area in South Africa. The results of confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the construct validity of the Career Development Questionnaire and the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale as measures of career maturity and career decision-making self-efficacy respectively. In accordance with theoretical predictions, a moderate degree of overlap between the constructs measured by the two instruments was observed. It appears that a general factor, labelled General Career Decision-Making, underlies responses to the two questionnaires. In addition to the general factor, the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale also measures self-efficacy expectations regarding decision-making.
Construction 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.
The cross-cultural application of the social axioms survey in the South African police service
(AOSIS, 2008) Barnard, Adi; Rothmann, Sebastiaan; Meiring, Deon
The objectives of this study were to investigate the replicability, construct equivalence, item bias and reliability of the Social Axioms Survey (SAS) in the South African Police Service (SAPS). A cross-sectional survey design was used. The participants consisted of applicants who had applied for jobs in the SAPS (N = 1535), and the SAS was administered to them. An exploratory factor analysis utilising target rotation applied to all 60 items of the SAS revealed four interpretable factors (Social Cynicism, Reward for Application, Fate Control, and Spirituality/Religiosity). Values of Tucker’s phi higher than 0,90 were found for seven language groups (Zulu, Sotho, Tswana, Swati, Tsonga, Venda and Pedi). Analyses of variance found that item bias was not a major disturbance. Unacceptable alpha values were found for some of the scales of the SAS.
Developing and testing items for the South African Personality Inventory (SAPI)
(AOSIS Publishing, 2013-11-12) Hill, Carin; Nel, Jan Alewyn; Van de Vijver, Fons J. R.; Meiring, Deon; Valchev, Velichko H.; Adams, Byron G.; De Bruin, Gideon P.
Orientation: A multicultural country like South Africa needs fair cross-cultural psychometric instruments. Research purpose: This article reports on the process of identifying items for, and provides a quantitative evaluation of, the South African Personality Inventory (SAPI) items. Motivation for the study: The study intended to develop an indigenous and psychometrically sound personality instrument that adheres to the requirements of South African legislation and excludes cultural bias. Research design, approach and method: The authors used a cross-sectional design. They measured the nine SAPI clusters identified in the qualitative stage of the SAPI project in 11 separate quantitative studies. Convenience sampling yielded 6735 participants. Statistical analysis focused on the construct validity and reliability of items. The authors eliminated items that showed poor performance, based on common psychometric criteria, and selected the best performing items to form part of the final version of the SAPI. Main findings: The authors developed 2573 items from the nine SAPI clusters. Of these, 2268 items were valid and reliable representations of the SAPI facets. Practical/managerial implications: The authors developed a large item pool. It measures personality in South Africa. Researchers can refine it for the SAPI. Furthermore, the project illustrates an approach that researchers can use in projects that aim to develop culturally-informed psychological measures. Contribution/value-add: Personality assessment is important for recruiting, selecting and developing employees. This study contributes to the current knowledge about the early processes researchers follow when they develop a personality instrument that measures personality fairly in different cultural groups, as the SAPI does.
Developing emotional intelligence as a key psychological resource reservoir for sustained student success
(AOSIS Publishing, 2015-07) Gorgens-Ekermans, Gina; Delport, Marthinus; Du Preez, Ronel
Orientation: 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.
Die 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 Wyk
Since 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.

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