bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current practice with regard to short-term incentive schemes for middle managers
Authors: Grigoiadis Chrisilla , Bussin Mark
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to determine what the current practice is with regard to short-term incentive schemes for middle managers. This was done by means of a quantitative study through a structured research survey completed by a sample of forty-eight organisations. The design elements, performance measures and payout practices of the various schemes in use were surveyed, as well as the participants’ view on the perceived effectiveness of their short-term incentive schemes. Evidence shows that the majority of organisations have a short-term incentive scheme in place for middle managers, and that the type of scheme used in most of the organisations is a performance-related bonus scheme, introduced mainly to drive business performance and reward superior performance.
The integration of intrapreneurship into a performance management model
Authors: Foba Thabo WL , De Villiers Dawie
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using the dynamics of intrapreneurship to develop a new generation performance management model based on the structural dynamics of the Balanced Score Card approach. The literature survey covered entrepreneurship, from which the construct, intrapreneurship, was synthesized. Reconstructive logic and Hermeneutic methodology were used in studying the performance management systems and the Balanced Score Card approach. The dynamics were then integrated into a new approach for the management of performance of intrapreneurial employees in the corporate environment. An unstructured opinion survey followed: a sample of intrapreneurship students evaluated and validated the model’s conceptual feasibility and probable practical value.
Organisational culture, employee satisfaction, perceived leader emotional competency and personality type: An exploratory study in a South African engineering company
Authors: Martins Nico , Coetzee Melinde
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate employees’ experiences of their organisation’s culture and general satisfaction levels and to explore whether potential explanations for these could be derived from measures of the perceived emotional competency and dominant personality type of senior management as aspects of their predominant leadership style. The South African Culture Instrument (SACI), an Employee Satisfaction Survey questionnaire and the 360 Degree Emotional Competency Profiler (ECP) were administered to a sample of 181 (SACI), 170 (Employee Satisfaction Survey questionnaire) and 88 (ECP) volunteer employees of a South African engineering company. All nine senior directors voluntary participated in completing the MBTI, Form G. The results indicated significant differences between the various biographical groups regarding the measured dimensions. The ECP and MBTI results showed the affective and social aspects of leadership behaviour to be a development area for senior management. This study makes an important contribution to the expanding body of knowledge that focuses on the evaluation of organisational factors and leader attributes that influence the motivation, commitment and satisfaction of employees in South African organisations.
The personality profile of police recruits who are high on anxiety
Authors: Van Jaarsveld Burgert , Schepers Johann M.
Published: August 2012

The principal objective of the study was to determine the personality profile of police recruits who are high on anxiety. A secondary objective was to determine whether there are gender and ethnic differences in the levels of anxiety of those police recruits. To investigate the stated objectives the NEO Personality Inventory, Locus of Control Inventory and the IPAT Anxiety Scale were applied to 487 police recruits. Complete records were obtained for 259 participants. In comparing the personality profiles of participants who are high on anxiety and those who are low, it turned out that the biggest differences were in respect of Neuroticism, External Locus of Control and Agreeableness.
Misconceptions about emotional intelligence: Deploying emotional intelligence in one’s life dimensions
Authors: Badenhorst Anobé , Smith Dawie
Published: August 2012

Emotional intelligence (EI) has become a buzz-word over the past ten years, yet misconceptions with regard to the concept abound. This leads to confusion among the general public, the scientific community, as well as to unfounded claims being made as to what the development of EI can accomplish in a person’s life. In this article the aim is to clarify the concept EI by making a sharper demarcation between the Emotional Life Dimension and the other life dimensions. Based on this clarification, the conceptualisation of EI in the literature is reviewed in more depth.
Grounded theory and its application in a recent study on organisational redesign: some reflections and guidelines
Authors: Burden Johann , Roodt Gert
Published: August 2012

Grounded theory and its application in a recent study on organisational redesign: some reflections and guidelines
A spiritual audit of a retail branch in a South African Bank
Authors: Smith David P. J. , Albertini Ercole
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not employees in a branch of one of the leading South African banks are spiritually fulfilled at work, whilst living the values of the bank. The results indicate that employees in the branch are spiritually fulfilled at work, that they seem to be “living the values”, and that they believe the branch to be a spiritual workplace. The results are linked to certain interventions in the branch, and these interventions could be replicated across the branch network, reaping the advantages of a spiritual workplace.
Gender and age differences in conflict management within small businessess
Authors: Havenga Werner
Published: August 2012

The objective of this exploratory study was to establish, through the application of the Rahim Organisational Inventory (ROC II) instrument, how the gender and age status of owners/managers of small businesses relate to the application of different conflict-handling styles. The sample of 68 participants was taken using a convenience sampling technique to ensure representation from the strata of the 102 small businesses. Analysis of variances was used to determine if differences exist in conflict-handling styles within the gender and age status groups. The results of the statistical analysis done revealed that slight to significant variances were found, which are discussed accordingly.
Perceived fairness of disciplinary procedures: an exploratory study
Authors: Engelbrecht Amos , Van der Bank Louis , Strumpher Johanita
Published: August 2012

The objective of this study was twofold: Firstly, to explore and describe the perceived fairness of a disciplinary procedure in the workplace and, secondly, to develop guidelines that could be used by managers to provide a fairer experience of the disciplinary procedure. A qualitative research design was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants who were purposely divided into two groups (an employee participant group and an expert participant group). Results indicated that employees experienced the disciplinary procedure as traumatic, unfair and not reliable. Guidelines were formulated to manage employee discipline more effectively.
Benchmarking of human resources management
Authors: Akinnusi David M.
Published: August 2012

This paper reviews the role of human resource management (HRM) which, today, plays a strategic partnership role in management. The focus of the paper is on HRM in the public sector, where much hope rests on HRM as a means of transforming the public service and achieving much needed service delivery. However, a critical evaluation of HRM practices in the public sector reveals that these services leave much to be desired. The paper suggests the adoption of benchmarking as a process to revamp HRM in the public sector so that it is able to deliver on its promises. It describes the nature and process of benchmarking and highlights the inherent difficulties in applying benchmarking in HRM. It concludes with some suggestions for a plan of action. The process of identifying “best” practices in HRM requires the best collaborative efforts of HRM practitioners and academicians. If used creatively, benchmarking has the potential to bring about radical and positive changes in HRM in the public sector. The adoption of the benchmarking process is, in itself, a litmus test of the extent to which HRM in the public sector has grown professionally.
The relationship between Leadership, Job satisfaction and Organisational Commitment
Authors: Stander Marius , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: August 2012

Shift-share analysis of employment as a measuring instrument for human resource management is proposed by this study. The results obtained through this technique can assist human resource

management on the macro-level in making informed and strategic decisions regarding future employment practices and trends. This technique is often applied to studies of economic geography,

and is illustrated in this article through its application to the estimation of future employment potential of manufacturing industries of South Africa’s Southern District Municipality. The economy in this region is mainly dependent on gold mining, which is declining as gold reserves are becoming depleted. As a result, a large section of the area’s population will be unemployed in future, causing adversity and other development needs. Shift-share analysis provides insight into the shifts of employment in the various sectors over time, as well as insight into the national share effect on employment in the region, including the regional-industrial mix and the competitive share effects. It was found that the

sectors with the highest employment creation potential are: transport equipment, wood and paper products, metal products, and furniture. Some suggestions are also made regarding the ways that this information can be utilised in human resource management.
Developing an intranet towards knowledge sharing: A practitioner-based inquiry
Authors: Averweg U. R.
Published: August 2012

The intranet is a common feature in many organizations. With the increasing use of a technology infrastructure in organizations, there is a continued challenge for employees in an organization to contribute their knowledge willingly and to make use of knowledge sharing with other employees. Intranets are well-suited for use as a strategic tool in knowledge sharing due to their ability to support the distribution, connectivity and publishing of data and information. Intranets should be seen as integral to an organization’s knowledge management strategy and should be tailored to suit and enhance an organization’s knowledge-sharing activities. The question arises: To what extent does an organization’s existing intranet facilitate knowledge sharing? From a practitioner-based inquiry perspective, this question was explored by the selection of a large organization – eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa – as the field of application. Derived from a mixed methodology approach, the results of a survey are presented. It is suggested that encouragement be given for more practitioner-based inquiry research.
Factors influencing the utilization of the public Internet terminal system in two rural communities
Authors: Coleman A. , Herselman M. E. , Jacobs S. J.
Published: August 2012

This research investigated the factors that influence the use of the public Internet terminal (PIT) system in the Taung and Ganyesa communities. The PIT system is placed in many post offices in these communities but the service is not adequately used by these rural community members. The overall objective of this study was to investigate, develop and recommend a solution for providing the rural communities of Taung and Gyanesa with a simple and effective way to access and utilize the PIT service and the information on it. A case study approach was used for the purpose of this study which gathered a number of findings, including lack of awareness of PIT services, lack of computer skills and confidence, and fear of technology. Other findings were the overloading of information on the PIT, use of language (not the mother tongue), and the slow response of the PIT system. The findings from this study led to some recommendations and a model for PIT use in rural communities.
Combating the corporate paper war: Electronic mail abuse
Authors: Botha M. M. , Hoffman E. C.
Published: August 2012

The primary objective of the research was to investigate the mailing practices and filing methods in a computer support or administrative environment involving the resulting abuse of paper. In applied research, an exploratory investigation focused on selected higher education institutions in Gauteng with a structured questionnaire as measuring instrument. In the analysis and interpretations of the findings, correlation and cross-tabulation on all sets of variables determined whether any meaningful associations could be found. The investigation indicated that the war against paper abuse is not over by any means. Perceptions regarding a paperless office and assumptions that technology could assist organisations to combat paper abuse were unfounded, mainly because of a lack of guidance, training interventions and control measures. Consequently, follow-up research is presently conducted whereby models will be designed and implemented concomitant with specified computer software features in order to counteract the abuse of paper and facilitate the effective use of information and communication technology interfaced work processes and procedures. This article focuses only on the electronic mail and filing components of the investigation.
Competititive intelligence and competitivenes
Authors: Muller Marié-Luce
Published: August 2012

With the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 4 to 6 June 2008, Africa and South Africa's competitiveness once again fell under the spotlight. The latest WEF Global Competitiveness Report (2008) mentions that African businesses can become more competitive but that African governments, in partnership with global players, should provide the right support in the form of improved access to finance, improved infrastructure and better institutional capacity. In turn, corporates could, in partnership with governments, NGOs and bodies like the UN and World Bank, provide more focused corporate citizenship.
Trends in the theoretical and research methodological approaches applied in doctoral studies in information and knowledge management: an exploration of ten years of research in South Africa
Authors: Mearns M. A.
Published: August 2012

The past ten years have seen the field of information and knowledge management develop and implement new and improved technologies. Because of the ease with which information is exchanged the contribution to information overload has increased exponentially and the need for information and knowledge management is more real than ever before. Research in itself is a science of knowledge creation that continuously evolves in line with newly developed theories and research methodologies. An investigation of the theories and research methodologies that doctoral theses, completed in South Africa, ascribed to over the past ten years were conducted. Search strings containing 'information management', 'knowledge management' and 'information and knowledge management' were searched within citation, abstract and subject fields. A sample of 30 theses from a possible 47 in the relevant population was identified. Qualitative and mixed methods research design was favoured, making use of case studies and surveys, but paying little attention to theoretical approaches or paradigms. The boundaries between disciplines are continuously re-defined, new disciplines evolve and traditional disciplines suffer under the pressures of changing problems of the world. The importance of research in the field of information and knowledge management being grounded in the most recent scientific thought is emphasized.
Internet applications, sites, trends and happenings
Authors: Raitt David
Published: August 2012

This column aims to draw your attention to various interesting Web sites which I have come across and which might appeal to you, and to keep you up to date with news and views on Internet trends, developments and statistics. It offers essentially a personal selection rather than comprehensive coverage. Although some sites may not cover products or services available in South Africa, they are included because they may inspire you to either contribute missing data or become an entrepreneur and create a similar local site.
Maximising the value of knowledge workers
Authors: Steyn Piet , Du Toit A
Published: August 2012

This article focuses on the role of knowledge workers and their contribution to the achievement of an enterprise's objectives. Knowledge workers do not have enough time to keep abreast of new knowledge and need more than motivation to assist with the capturing of tacit knowledge. The purpose of the empirical survey was to determine the role and contribution of knowledge workers to the objectives of a South African technology-orientedcompany. A high percentage of respondents indicated a positive relationship between a worker's position on the organisational hierarchy and the opportunities for the worker to make knowledge contributions. The metrics applied to measuring the contribution of knowledge workers need to be considered carefully.
Researchers' perspectives on open access scholarly communication in Tanzanian public universities
Authors: Dulle F.W. , Minishi-Majanja M.K.
Published: August 2012

This research explored the awareness, usage and perspectives of Tanzanian researchers on open access as a mode of scholarly communication. A survey questionnaire targeted 544 respondents selected through stratified random sampling from a population of 1088 university researchers of the six public universities in Tanzania. With a response rate of 73%, the data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The study reveals that the majority of the researchers were aware of and were positive towards open access. Findings further indicate that the majority of researchers in Tanzanian public universities used open access outlets more to access scholarly content than to disseminate their own research findings. It seems that most of these researchers would support open access publishing more if issues of recognition, quality and ownership were resolved. Thus many of them supported the idea of establishing institutional repositories at their respective universities as a way of improving the dissemination of local content. The study recommends that public universities and other research institutions in the country should consider establishing institutional repositories, with appropriate quality assurance measures, to improve the dissemination of research output emanating from these institutions.
Developing content frameworks for intranets with information audits
Authors: Abel A. , White M.
Published: August 2012

To follow
Impact of information on the value chain of an enterprise in the new economy
Authors: Coelho Eli
Published: August 2012

To follow
A framework for pricing the information products of self-funded corporate information services
Authors: Smallman C.G.
Published: August 2012

To follow
Developing a Web-based agricultural community information centre for rural farmers
Authors: Letshela Zacharia
Published: August 2012

To follow
Access to the Web and its use in Southern Africa
Authors: Jensen Mike
Published: August 2012

To follow
Alternatives to 1984: issues on securing information assets
Authors: Berner S.
Published: August 2012

Information security is a necessity, but it raises many social and financial issues – from freedom of information, to privacy and return on investment. In this issue, we look at why it is important to secure information assets and who the primary beneficiaries of the process are.
Internet applications, sites, trends and happenings
Authors: Raitt David
Published: August 2012

This column aims to draw your attention to various interesting Web sites that I have come across and that may appeal to you. It also aims to keep you up to date with news and views on Internet trends, developments and statistics. It offers essentially a personal selection rather than comprehensive coverage.
Key word placing in Web page body text to increase visibility to search engines
Authors: Kritzinger W. T. , Weideman M.
Published: August 2012

The growth of the World Wide Web has spawned a wide variety of new information sources, which has also left users with the daunting task of determining which sources are valid. Many users rely on the Web as an information source because of the low cost of information retrieval. It is also claimed that the Web has evolved into a powerful business tool. Examples include highly popular business services such as Amazon.com and Kalahari.net. It is estimated that around 80% of users utilize search engines to locate information on the Internet. This, by implication, places emphasis on the underlying importance of Web pages being listed on search engines indices. Empirical evidence that the placement of key words in certain areas of the body text will have an influence on the Web sites' visibility to search engines could not be found in the literature. The result of two experiments indicated that key words should be concentrated towards the top, and diluted towards the bottom of a Web page to increase visibility. However, care should be taken in terms of key word density, to prevent search engine algorithms from raising the spam alarm.
Nine drivers of knowledge transfer between universities and industry R&D partners in South Africa
Authors: Van Zyl A. , Amadi-Echendu J. , Bothma T. J.D.
Published: August 2012

This article presents part of the findings of the Research Marketing and Technology Commercialization Survey conducted in South Africa during 2005 and 2006. Part IV (Q4) of this survey was designed to examine nine drivers of knowledge transfer between South African universities in their research and development (R&D) collaborations with industry firms. Respondents from a judgemental sample ranked the knowledge transfer for R&D collaboration between university departments and industry as: (a) the need to extract appropriate knowledge at the right time to make critical decisions; (b) the perception that knowledge is a valuable resource; (c) the emphasis on getting a return on investment in research; (d) the need to protect knowledge for competitive advantage; (e) the need to close the knowledge gap; (f) international trade; (g) the need to protect intellectual property such as patents and trademarks; (h) geographic proximity between the knowledge source and recipient; and (i) war, terrorism and natural disasters.
Conceptual analysis of business intelligence
Authors: Pirttimaki V. H.
Published: August 2012

The literature review shows that business intelligence (BI) has a long history even though its systematic use in the business context is more recent. Despite the importance of systematic BI, the concept is still trying to find a footing in both academia and the business world. From the literature review, one sees that there are numerous intelligence concepts and that their categorization is ambiguous. The BI concept is also multidimensional as there is no precise or universal conception of what BI is. The article aims to provide an analysis of BI definitions and related intelligence concepts, such as the content of each key concept, what it describes and how intelligence concepts relate to each other. Another objective of the article is to increase the academic understanding and status of this recent field of research on intelligence activities.
Information management: The adoption of order processing for B2B e-commerce
Authors: Voges F. W. , Warden S. C.
Published: August 2012

The management of information flow in the order processing activities of small enterprises is not always understood. An inefficient supply chain is often the result of the lack of timely and accessible inter-firm information and data exchange. Small suppliers often do not have the technology infrastructure and capable resources available for proper integration with supply chains. This research investigated suppliers and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) retailers, adopting business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce. Small businesses are the focus of this research, as they contribute to a large portion of the South African economy and play an important role in the supply chains of retailers. Case study research using evidence obtained from nine small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and suppliers located in the Western Cape, South Africa, was used. It was found that small suppliers have different processes for conducting business with various retailers. Literature revealed little evidence of using the Internet as an enabling technology in on-line order processing. From the analysis, nine improvement areas were identified to enhance the conduct of efficient B2B order processing and associated information flow. These improvement areas were merged with four factors that were identified in a framework when adopting e-supply chains. This resulted in the proposition of guidelines for small suppliers when adopting B2B e-commerce for order processing.
Assessment of current practices in creating and using passwords as a control mechanism for information access
Authors: Wessels P. L. , Steenkamp L. P.
Published: August 2012

One of the critical issues in managing information within an organization is to ensure that proper controls exist and are applied in allowing people access to information. Passwords are used extensively as the main control mechanism to identify users wanting access to systems, applications, data files, network servers or personal information. In this article, the issues involved in selecting and using passwords are discussed and the current practices employed by users in creating and storing passwords to gain access to sensitive information are assessed. The results of this survey conclude that information managers cannot rely only on users to employ proper password control in order to protect sensitive information.
Investigating e-mail overload in the South African banking industry
Authors: Burger E. , Rensleigh C.
Published: August 2012

The information workers of today have a wide range of information sources available to make valuable decisions, so much so that it can lead to information overload. The purpose of this research was to investigate the extent of information overload in the South African banking industry. The empirical part of this study was done at the Standard Bank of South Africa, where 115 questionnaires were distributed to three categories of employees. It was found that e-mail is one of the most used computer-mediated applications and is used more than the World-Wide Web, instant messaging or peer-to-peer file sharing. Of the respondents, 65% felt overwhelmed by the amount of e-mails they received as 25% received more than 60 e-mails per day. A third of the respondents dedicated three hours or more to e-mails per day. Respondents agreed that the implementation of policies is important to ensure compliance with legislation, protection of privacy rights and copyright, and the filtering of spam. In conclusion, the respondents indicated that formal training in e-mail management should make a significant difference in the usage of e-mail within the organization and reduce e-mail overload.
Do corporate Web sites in Africa communicate investor information according to best practice guidelines?
Authors: Nel G. , Baard R.
Published: August 2012

Corporate Web sites have become very popular media of information over the past decade. The Investor Relations Society published best practice Web site guidelines in December 2006 to guide companies seeking to improve the quality of their on-line communication with investors via their corporate Web sites. Guidelines were given for presentation (the way in which information is communicated) and content (the information that is communicated). This study focused only on content. A 20-point checklist was developed from the prescribed best practice. The checklist focused on the six categories of best practice that entail company information, annual reports of the current year and archive, relevant news, shareholder information, bondholder information, corporate governance and corporate responsibility. Seventy-eight companies in Africa (40 from South Africa and 38 from the 'rest of Africa', that is Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and Tunisia) were evaluated against this checklist. Companies from the 'rest of Africa' rated lower than South African companies in all categories on the checklist. Although South African companies received ratings above 90% for all categories, besides bondholder information, many of these companies do not supply shareholder, corporate governance and corporate responsibility information via dedicated sections on their corporate Web sites. The results for companies from the 'rest of Africa' were disappointing, especially with regard to communication of annual reports, shareholder information, bondholder information and corporate responsibility. Although possible reasons for these disappointing results are discussed in this study, further research should be conducted to determine the reason(s) why important elements of information are not communicated via corporate Web sites.
Die benutting van bestuurstalent met verwysing na die invloed van leierskapstyl en tydspan
Authors: Augustyn J. C. D.
Published: August 2012

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. Opsomming In 'n gekontroleerde laboratorium- en kontrolestudie is die verband tussen leierskapstyl en bestuursdoeltreffendheid onder verskillende tydspantoestande bepaal. Resultate toon aan dat beide leierskapstyl en tydspan 'n invloed uitoefen op bestuursdoeltreffendheid. Doeltreffendheid kan beskou word as 'n funksie van die aanpassing van basiese leierskapstyl by die betrokke situasie. Die gevolge wat hierdie bevindings vir verdere navorsing en bestuursontwikkeling mag inhou, word bespreek.
Investigation of the Psychological factors determining the Magnitude of Auditory Sensation
Authors: De Jager L. C.
Published: August 2012

This research deals with some psychological factors that may influence the determination of the magnitude of auditory sensation or pure loudness. Several factors and their influences are discussed. 17 Male and 3 female subjects between 18 and 26 years of age were tested under several different experimental conditions using the method of constant stimuli. Results are discussed in terms of both future research and implications for industry. OpsommingTwintig toetslinge, 17 mans en 3 dames, tussen die ouderdomme 18 en 26 jaar is onder verskillende eksperimentele situasies getoets om die invloed van 'n aantal sielkundige faktore op die bepaling van luidheid te bepaal. Die metode van konstante stimuli is gebruik om die luidheidspeil onder die verskillende eksperimentele situasies te verkry. Die resultate van die ondersoek word bespreek in terme van toekomstige navorsing op hierdie gebied asook die implikasies wat dit vir die bedryf inhou.
'N Pragmatiese benadering tot die Ontwikkeling van Geweegde Aansoekvorm
Authors: Fick L. J.
Published: August 2012

Simplified procedures for the development of a weighted application blank to combat labour turnover of co loured employees in the clothing industry are outlined and discussed. Opsomming Vereenvoudigde prosedures vir die ontwikkeling van ‘n geweegde aansoekvorm ter bekamping van arbeidsomset onder gekleurde werknemers in die klerasiebedryf, word sistematies bespreek.
Ergonomics - Future Perspectives
Authors: McCormick E. J.
Published: August 2012

Ergonomics (a synonym for human factors engineering) has contributed significantly to fundamental effectiveness of people, but needs a new emphasis and wider applications in future. A basic distinction is drawn between the areas of application and the focus of ergonomists. Although applications have been relatively successful in the military and industrial fields, ergonomics should also be applied to consumer products, architecture, transportation and recreation. In future, the primary challenge will be to improve the "quality of life" by enhancing human satisfaction and allowing people to function at higher value levels. In work activities the basic task of ergonomics has been to simplify and standardise jobs, but future focus should be on enlargement and enrichment of jobs. Because of individual differences probably not all jobs could be made completely satisfactory to all workers. However, significant contributions could be made through continued efforts to “humanise” work activities.Opsomming Ergonomika ('n sinoniem vir "human factors engineering") het reeds heelwat bygedra tot die doeltreffende funksionering van die mens, maar nuwe gesigspunte en toepassingsvelde sal in die toekoms nodig wees. 'n Fundamentele onderskeid word getref tussen die gebiede van toepassing en die fokus van beoefenaars van die ergonomika. Hoewel toepassings in die militêre en industriële sfere redelik suksesvol was, behoort ergonomiese beginsels ook op verbruikerswese, argitektuur, vervoer en ontspanning toegepas te word. Die grootste uitdaging in die toekoms sal egter wees om "lewenskwaliteit" te verbeter deur tevredenheid te verhoog en mense te help om doeltreffender te leef en in die proses hoër waardevlakke te handhaaf. In werksaktiwiteite was die hoofdoel tot dusver om werk te standaardiseer en te vereenvoudig, maar dit word al hoe noodsaakliker dat poste verruim en verryk moet word. Waarskynlik sal alle poste nie vir alle bekleërs volkome bevredigend gemaak kan word nie, maar dit sou tog nuttig wees om heelwat meer aandag aan die "humanisering" van werksaktiwiteite te gee.
Die invloed van sekere possleutelfaktore op werksprestasie
Authors: Van Der M. Sieberhagen G.
Published: August 2012

The relationship between 6 job "core dimensions" (variety, autonomy, task-identity, feedback, dealing with others and friendship opportunities) and the total work performance of 93 employees was investigated. No significant correlations were obtained except for the core dimension "autonomy" (r = ,24, p is smaller than 0,05). No statistically significant improvement in predictory work performance could be accomplished by adding the remainder of the core dimensions.Opsomming Die verband tussen 6 possleutelfaktore (verskeidenheid, outonomie, taak-identiteit, terugvoering, skakeling met ander persone en die geleentheid tot vriendskapsverhoudinge en die totale werksprestasie van 93 werknemers, is ondersoek. Behalwe vir die sleutelfaktor outonomie (r=,24, p is kleiner as 0,05) is geen beduidende korrelasie gevind nie. Die oorblywende possleutelfaktore kon nie beduidend hierop verbeter nie.
Job Satisfaction of a selected group of hospital dietitians
Authors: Van Heernden Leonie E.
Published: August 2012

Research on the job satisfaction of a selected group of hospital dietitians is reported in an attempt to explain the interrelationship of various aspects contributing to such satisfaction. General job satisfaction, satisfaction with specific aspects of the job and personality profiles of a newly developed Job Factor scale. The study is a further contribution to the understanding of job satisfaction of professional women in a specific work environment - in this case professional dietitians in hospitals.Opsomming Die werkstevredenheid van hospitaaldieetkundiges word ondersoek na aanleiding van die interverwantskap van verskillende aspekte wat tot 'n beter verklaring daarvan kan lei. Die algemene werkstevredenheid, werkstevredenheid met spesifieke aspekte van die werk en persoonlikheidstrekke van dieetkundiges word met bestaande skale en ‘n ontwikkelde meetmiddel ondersoek. Die studie is 'n bydrae tot die verdere verklaring en moontlike bevraagtekening van die werkstevredenheid van professionele vroue in 'n bepaalde werksomgewing - in hierdie geval professionele dieetkundiges in hospitale.
Personeelbestuur as toepassingsgebied van die bedryfsielkunde met verwysing na die implikasies wat dit inhou vir die arbeidsituasie in Siud-Afrika
Authors: De Villiers W. S.
Published: August 2012

Industrial Psycho logy is a relatively young discipline. In recent years, however, it has been characterised by accelerated development and today covers various areas of application. The most rapid progress in this respect was perhaps experienced in the field of personnel management. Personnel management can be defined as the planning, organising, directing and controlling of the procurement, development, compensation, integration and maintenance of people for the purpose of contributing to organisational goals. In the past some personnel departments rendered merely screening services which included little more than preliminary interviews of applicants, wage and salary administration and other routine administrative work. Personnel management has, however, undergone drastic changes in which the trend has been clearly towards broader and more important assignments. From narrowly prescribed chores, its responsibilities have grown wider and deeper. The personnel manager of the modern organisation is undisputably a participant in top management, where he provides leadership in developing policies and programmes for manpower management.Opsomming Wetenskaplike personeelbestuur kan gedefinieer word as die beplanning, organisasie, rigtinggewing en kontrole van die voorsiening, ontwikkeling, vergoeding, integrasie en instandhouding van personeel om sodoende 'n bydrae tot organisasiedoelbereiking te lewer. Waar die vroegste "personeeldepartemente" hul hoofsaaklik bemoei het met aktiwiteite soos rekrutering en keuring van werkers, loon- en salarisadministrasie en ander roetine en administratiewe take, het daar in die laaste aantal jare drastiese veranderinge na vore gekom. Die personeeldepartement het tans heelwat meer komplekse take van 'n bestuurs- en uitvoerende aard. Die senior personeelamptenaar is dan ook tans deel van die topbestuur van die onderneming waar hy leiding gee in die ontwikkeling van beleid en programme vir doeltreffende mannekragbenutting.
Die individualisme van organisasies: Edward E. Lawler III se bydrae tot die bedryfs-organisasie sielkunde
Authors: Coetsee L. D.
Published: August 2012

Lawler's research publications over a large number of topics. His primary scientific interest, however, is job motivation and how it influences human behaviour in the world of work. Lawler emphasizes that the causes of motivational and job dissatisfaction problems are rooted in the fact that organizations are designed for the hypothetical "average person" and that any given labour force possess few, if any, average persons. The various methods which Lawler proposes to individualize organizations are described in this article. It includes new views and recommendations regarding topics such as rewards and fringe benefits, selection, job design and job enlargement, leadership, hours of work and training. Opsomming In Lawler se navorsingspublikasies word 'n wye verskeidenheid onderwerpe aangeroer. Sy basiese wetenskaplike belangstelling is egter werksmotivering en hoe dit menslike gedrag in die beroepswêreld beïnvloed. Hy lê klem daarop dat motiverings- en werksontevredenheids-probleme veroorsaak word deur die feit dat organisasies ontwerp word vir die hipotetiese “gemiddelde persoon” en dat enige gegewe arbeidsmag oor min, indien enige, “gemiddelde” persone beskik. Die verskillende metodes wat voorgestel word om die organisasie te individualiseer word in hierdie artikel beskryf. Dit sluit nuwe benaderings en aanbevelings aangaande onderwerpe soos vergoeding en byvoordele, keuring, posontwerp en posverruiming, leierskap, werksure en opleiding in.
'n Wetenskapsteoretiese benadering tot die voorsiening van mannekrag aan 'n organisasie
Authors: Meyer Joan
Published: August 2012

Within an organization as a system, the activities of personnel management form cycli of recurring events which are influenced by energy input. Man is one form of energy input and can by virtue of his creative cognitive powers influence his own role in system activities. Because subsystems can mutually influence each other, man could by his impact on the manning function of personnel management create for himself system activities which satisfy his specific human needs. This goal can be realised to a greater extent if, in the planning of personnel management activities, greater emphasis is placed on human qualities. The implementation of this theoretical approach is analysed with regard to some personnel functions.Opsomming In hierdie ondersoek word die hipotese gestel dat elke handelsbank oor 'n unieke en gedifferensieerde verbruikerbeeld beskik. Deur middel van 'n faktoranalitiese ondersoek word 'n semantiese differensiaal ontwikkel ten einde verbruikerbeeldskale op verskillende faktore daar te stel vir die verkryging van 'n spektrum van verbruikerevaluasies van elke bank. Uit die resultate word vasgestel dat handelsbanke in terme van 14 dimensies evalueer word. Die hipotese wat in die toekoms ten opsigte van talle navorsingsoogmerke aangewend kan word.
Die opleiding van bedryfsielkundiges aan die universiteit van Suid-Afrika
Authors: Vlok A.
Published: August 2012

Die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika rig hom hoofsaaklik tot die eksterne student. Onder die geledere is daar 'n aansienlike aantal volwasse persone wat vanweë werksverpligtinge of ander omstandighede nie in staat is om voltyds of deeltyds aan 'n residensiële universiteit te studeer nie. Daar is ook diegene wat 'n studie van die bedryfsielkunde wil aanpak of voortsit.
The dilemma of the academic industrial psychologist
Authors: Orpen C.
Published: August 2012

The university industrial psychologist is often faced with a conflict between his roles as an 'academic scientist' and as a 'professional technician'. It is argued that this problem of 'dual allegiance' can be resolved to a large extent if the industrial psychologist: (i) reminds himself (and his students) that industrial psychology is not a special discipline on its own, but is an integral part of psychology-in-general, (ii) does not view his subject as just a mirror of professional practice, (iii) has regard for his subject as a scientific discipline, and not just as a useful tool for management, and (iv) convinces practitioners of the value of the subject in a variety of areas, ranging from testing to consumer behaviour.OpsommingDie bedryfsielkundige aan die universiteit kom dikwels te staan voor 'n konflik tussen sy rol as "akademiese wetenskaplike" en "professionele tegnikus". Dit word beweer dat hierdie probleem van "tweeledige verbondenheid" tot ‘n groot mate opgelos kan word as die bedryfsielkundige (en sy studente): (a) dit in gedagte hou dat bedryfsielkunde nie wesentlik 'n onafhanklike dissipline is nie, maar 'n integrale deel van sielkunde-in-diealgemeen vorm, (b) nie sy vak as slegs 'n weerspieëling van die professionele praktyk beskou nie, (c) agting vir sy vak as 'n wetenskaplike dissipline het en nie net as 'n gerieflike werktuig vir bestuur beskou word nie, en (d) die praktyk kan oortuig van die waarde van die vak in 'n verskeidenheid gebiede, wat strek van toetsing tot verbruikersgedrag.
Die opleiding van bedryfsielkundiges aan die universiteit van Fort Hare
Authors: Botha W.
Published: August 2012

Die Departement Bedryfsielkunde aan die Universiteit van Fort Hare is 'n relatiewe jong departement en het eers in 1965 tot stand gekom. Voor hierdie datum is Bedryfsielkunde as 'n kort kursus deur die departement van suiwer Sielkunde aangebied en een van die destydse dosente, Dr. W. Backer, het die inisiatief geneem om 'n selfstandige departement van Bedryfsielkunde in die Fakulteit van Ekonomiese Wetenskappe op die been te bring.
The rise (and fall) of industrial democracy. A lesson for industrial psychologists
Authors: Orpen C.
Published: August 2012

An examination of historical trends reveals a greater willingness on the part of managers to share power with their rankandfile employees than previously. This willingness has been taken up by some commentators who have argued that employees should have at least as much ultimate authority in work organizations as managers (industrial democracy). The present paper argues that this view represents an over- simplification that is not justified by industrial research. Instead, it is claimed that the optimum balance of power between managers and employees depends on circumstances, such as employee propensity to participate, kind of technology, and nature of task environment ('contingency' approach). Because of differences in these circumstances, it is suggested that for efficiency and employee satisfaction to be maximized it may be 'best' if employees in South Africa have less relative power vis a vis managers than their counterparts in western industrialized countries, like the United States.Opsomming'n Ontleding van geskiedkundige tendense toon 'n toenemende mate van bereidwilligheid by werkgewers om hul gesag met werknemers te deel. Hierdie bereidwilligheid word verder onderskraag deur die uitlatings van sommige "industriële demokrate" wat meen dat werknemers in organisasies minstens soveel gesag moet hê as bestuurders. In die artikel word aangevoer dat dié standpunt ‘n oorvereenvoudiging is wat nie deur bedryfsielkunde navorsing verantwoord kan word nie en dat die optimum magsbalans tussen bestuurders en werknemers eerder van omstandighede afhang, soos bv. oriëntasie van werknemers tot werkersdeelname, aard van die werk, werksklimaat en so meer. Weens omstandigheidsverskille word dit aanbeveel dat vir maksimale doeltreffendheid en werknemersbevrediging, werknemers in Suid-Afrika in verhouding minder gesag sal hê as hulle eweknieë in Westerse nywerheidslande soos die Verenigde State.
Die vrae wat ons altyd wou gevra het
Authors: Augenstyn J. C.D.
Published: August 2012

The development of industrial psychology as a discipline and personnel management as a profession is scrutinized against the background of the present economic situation. Unanticipated consequences of rapid growth in the field of personnel management are discussed and suggestions are made for improvement.OpsommingDie wyse waarop die bedryfsielkundige en die personeelbestuurder vir hul 'n plek in die Suid-Afrikaanse volkshuishouding voorberei het word krities onder die soeklig geplaas. Die skynbare onvermoë van die personeelbestuurder om tans sy funksie binne die onderneming te regverdig, word bespreek en areas waar onmiddellike bydraes wel moontlik is word kortliks aangetoon.