OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Mulenga, Chao"

Browsing by Author "Mulenga, Chao"

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Open Access
Examining the mediating and moderating role of psychological capital in the job demands-resources model
(2014) Brouze, Kim Lisa; Mulenga, Chao
Employee wellbeing has become a major concern for organisations globally, with an increased interest in the prevention of burnout and the maximisation of employee work engagement. Burnout and work engagement are of particular importance to organisations due to their respective negative and positive outcomes on employees. While burnout is linked to high turnover intentions and low performance, work engagement has a positive correlation with job satisfaction, life satisfaction and extra-role performance. Accordingly, the job demands-resources (JD-R) model was developed as a theoretical framework, highlighting those work characteristics that predict employee work engagement and burnout. A main criticism of the JD-R model is its lack of consideration for the impact of personal resources on employee wellbeing. Emanating from this concern, the current study used the conservation of resources (COR) theory to empirically test whether the personal resource of psychological capital or PsyCap (conceptualised as self-efficacy, hope, optimism and resilience) interacted within the health impairment and motivation processes of the JD-R model. More specifically, this study examined whether PsyCap moderated the relationship between job demands and burnout and mediated the relationship between job resources and work engagement.
Open Access
Inclusivity and support for employees living with disabilities in the South African Police Service (SAPS)
(2019) Govender, Rachel; Mulenga, Chao
The problem of inclusivity in the workplace has been globally acknowledged as a challenge for employees living with disabilities. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of employees living with disabilities in the South African Police Service (SAPS). Globally, there has been a lot of research conducted on diversity in the workplace; however, research on inclusivity is a rather new phenomenon. A theoretical model on inclusion and diversity in work groups is presented as a framework, which offers insight into the experiences that contribute to feelings of inclusion for a diverse workforce. This model identifies potential contextual factors and outcomes of inclusion. This study further defines inclusion and disability and provides literature on the barriers employees living with disabilities encounter once employed, as well as support structures that could enhance inclusivity for these employees. The study used a qualitative, explorative approach. Fifteen employees of the SAPS were selected for participation, based on their disability type as per the research criteria. A purposive convenient sampling approach was used to identify employees with disabilities, taking into consideration hearing, visual, physical and mobility impairments. Participants varied in age, gender and race and came from stations mostly situated in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, with one participant from George and one participant from Paarl East. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and provide insight into how employees living with disabilities perceive inclusion in the SAPS. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify which negative and positive experiences of inclusion were identified. Irrespective of the provision of disability policies and legislation, which clearly stipulate that no person may be unfairly discriminated against on the grounds of their disability, the findings from this study indicate that employees living with disabilities still experience discriminatory attitudes in the workplace. While some participants had positive experiences of inclusion, other employees reported negative experiences relating mostly to a lack of management support, non-conducive workplaces, lack of disability awareness, as well as negative attitudes towards disability in the workplace. The results of this study indicate that the general feeling of inclusion in the SAPS is, to a certain degree, fair, and that management and co-worker support, together with reasonable accommodation, played an important role in contributing to making employees living with disabilities feel included. This study shows that more research is required in terms of disability awareness, and an understanding of the needs of employees living with disabilities in the workplace, to create an enabling environment of growth for employees living with disabilities. It is proposed that this study be used to provide employers and employees with a greater understanding of how to effectively include and retain employees living with disabilities.
Open Access
Keeping girls in school through better menstrual hygiene management: an evaluation of the Always Keeping Girls in School Programme
(2015) Appollis, Tracey Rose; Mulenga, Chao
This dissertation is an outcome evaluation of the Always Keeping Girls in School Programme. The nationally run programme is a series of workshops and educational talks designed to reduce the absenteeism rates of pubescent girls who live and attend schools in underprivileged areas. The programme regularly supplies participants with sanitary products that they would otherwise not have access due to financial constraints and thus prefer to remain at home when menstruating where they can better manage their personal hygiene needs. During this period of absenteeism girls miss valuable teaching time which has a negative impact on their ability to achieve academically leading to grade repetition and ultimately dropping out of school permanently. Without a basic education girls are at a disadvantage in finding meaningful employment. The literature supports the various facets of the programme but also reveals that other influential factors such as access to adequate sanitation facilities (including water), distance and time spent travelling to and from school, and access to pain medication. The evaluations of similar interventions have produced mixed results, but it is clear that the provision of any one of the tools, such as those provided by the Always Keeping Girls in School programme, does make a positive difference in the life of the participants. One school was selected by the programme manager to provide the necessary secondary data to conduct a time - series quasi - experimental design for the evaluation. A cohort of learners was selected and their absenteeism and school performance data was tracked over a three year period from grade 9 in 2012 until grade 11 in 2014 (their current grade). The data from 2012 formed the baseline data as the programme was implemented in 2013. All of the girls in the cohort are programme participants and fell into the experimental group and as a result all of the boys in the cohort formed a non - equivalent comparison group. There are seven outcomes belonging to the programme, but only two outcomes were evaluated: reduction in absenteeism and improved school performance and the existence of a relationship between absenteeism and school performance. A total of 32 observations of absenteeism and 3 observations of school performance were used. The absenteeism observations were made on a monthly basis, while school performance data was taken at the end of December 2012, December 2013, and June 2014. To conduct the analysis a combination of descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and dispersion) and inferential statistics (Pearson's Correlation and logistic regression analysis) were used. The statistical analysis revealed the programme was successful during the first year when it was implemented (with both the educational workshops and the provision of sanitary products) as the experimental group showed a large decline in absenteeism. However during the second year (only sanitary products were provided) the participants showed an increase in attendance and even surpassed their baseline scores. In terms of school performance both groups showed a small increase during 2013 but in 2014 many learners performed poorly in their June examinations. The logistic regression revealed that there was a very low probability that relationship between absenteeism and school performance existed The finding that the programme is successful when all of its facets are available to the participants is in line with literature that rates the importance of education around puberty and sanitation very highly. The provision of sanitary products alone is important to the well - being and dignity of the participants but it is insufficient to bring about the sustained desired behavioural change.
Open Access
Outcome evaluation of the Beautiful Gate Ministries' Programme for vulnerable children
(2009) Shiri, Sostina; Mulenga, Chao
This report presents the findings of the outcome-based evaluation of the Beautiful Gate programme for vulnerable children. The evaluation seeks to ascertain the extent to which the programme is producing the intended results and whether those results include unintended side effects. The Beautiful Gate programme is a social programme aimed at providing care to vulnerable children, their families and the community. The objectives of the programme are to meet the medical, physical, emotional and social needs of vulnerable children, particularly those that are affected by HIV/AIDS in the communities of the Nyanga Health District in Cape Town, South Africa. The programme provides an interim safe environment for children, whilst actively working towards their reintegration into society. The evaluation utilised a descriptive design. Multiple data collection methods were used, which included a questionnaire-based survey and review of programme records. A paper based questionnaire was administered to the programme staff, which consisted of caregivers, administration staff and pre-school teachers. Results from this evaluation study revealed that children who participate III this programme exhibit improved quality of life. Research findings have shown that the children's welfare, personal development and social conditions significantly improved through access to a safe environment, proper nutrition, medical services, education, as well as psychosocial support.
Open Access
Perceived enablers of upward mobility of female employees in a financial services organisation
(2018) Moyana, Matilda; Mulenga, Chao
Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify enablers of upward mobility into middle and senior management positions among female employees in a particular organisation of the financial services sector. Motivation for the study: In the South African context, it was demonstrated that although women comprised 51.2% of the adult population in 2016 (numbering approximately 28 53 million and were supported by progressive legislation and had a 45.8% representation in the workforce, they occupied a relatively low percentage of management positions. South African research on enabling factors that are important for the career progression of women has been conducted in national banks, South African business schools and the education sector. The findings revealed that enabling factors for the career progression of women include supervisor support, education, social networks, top management support and family-friendly policies. Identifying such enabling factors is important since there is strong evidence that the promotion of women into management roles is not only morally right but can also increase business performance. Research design and method: The research design was descriptive. A cross-sectional qualitative approach was used to collect the primary data. Data analysis was exploratory. Since the aim of the study was to investigate perceptions of female employees in middle and senior management positions through their lived experiences, in-depth one-on-one interviews with 15 female employees were completed. Purposive sampling was used to secure the research participant sample. The results from the qualitative data were collected and analysed using content analysis. Themes extracted were used to report the findings of the study. Findings: The results show that organisational support structures (i.e. supervisor support and career development), employee competence (i.e. education and social networks) and strategic interventions (i.e. top management support and family-friendly policies) are important factors for the career progression of women in the financial services sector under investigation. Practical implications: The enabling factors identified in this study can be used to enhance interventions for the advancement of promotion of women into senior management positions. Contribution: The findings of the study indicate that organisational support structures, employee competence and strategic interventions are important factors for the career progression of women, adding to the discourse of the promotion of women into senior management positions.
Open Access
The predictive validity of the occupational personality questionnaire (OPQ 32I) in assessing competence in the workplace
(2006) Forbes, Adelaide; Mulenga, Chao
The dearth of studies available examining the personality-performance relationship have raised criticisms about the predictive validity of personality assessment in recruitment and selection. The Employment Equity Act (Act No.55 of 1998) stipulates the use of scientifically proven, valid and realiable assessment instruments. This study investigated the validity of the Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ 32i) as a valid predictor of job performance at a large financial services institution in South Africa. The extent to which specific personality dimensions could be correlated with job performance was determined. The sample participants comprised 132 employees, performing different roles, across different grade levels in the Administration and Finance job families. The performance rating was the criterion measure against which the predictive validity of the OPQ 32i was measured. This study produced low indices of validity between the criterion and the predictor. The OPQ 32i subscales produced high internal consistency, demonstrating the reliability of the OPQ 32i as an assessment tool. The results do not support previous findings of specific personality dimensions being valid predictors of performance across job categories. The numerous limitations have however highlighted implications for future research, particularly for the human resource performance appraisal process. The need for identification and measurement of specific personality dimensions during the performance appraisal has been suggested, as well as the use of more than one criterion measure to improve the reliability estimates of the criterion.
Open Access
A process evaluation for the HIV/AIDS project for the Mbekweni Area Development Programme
(2010) Dube, Sithembile; Mulenga, Chao
This dissertation is a process evaluation of Mbekweni Area Development Programme (MADP)'s HIV/AIDS project. The MADP is a programme that is implemented by World Vision South Africa. The aim of the process evaluation was to assess whether the HIV/AIDS project was implemented as intended. HIV/AIDS is a global problem, particularly prominent in South Africa. It has negatively affected families and communities resulting in increased social and economic burdens. The HIV/AIDS project at MADP uses prevention and care programmes to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS in targeted areas of Mbekweni. In order to achieve this aim, the project uses the following programme activities: home visitation, home-based care, life skills, material support and awareness campaigns. To conduct the process evaluation, programme records, interviews with three key informants and questionnaires with 35 programme staff were used to assess the programme?s implementation. Findings from the evaluation show that the programme activities are largely being implemented as intended by the organisation. The HIV/AIDS project is being delivered to the intended beneficiaries and all the activities are being implemented as intended by the organisation. However, to improve the effectiveness of the project a structured
Open Access
Psychological capital and work engagement : an investigation into the mediating effect of mindfulness
(2015) Tabaziba, Kudzai Rejoice; Mulenga, Chao
The importance of employee work engagement in modern organisations is evident in the global interest in human capital development. Positive outcomes associated with work engagement, such as job satisfaction and job performance, have been linked to constructs such as psychological capital. Mindfulness is a fairly new construct that has not been widely applied to work settings. Deriving from this lack of application of mindfulness to the work setting, this study sought to expand on the relationship between psychological capital and work engagement through the introduction of mindfulness as a mediator variable. A descriptive cross-sectional study of white-collar workers was conducted in South Africa and Zimbabwe. A survey was distributed to a sample of 203 participants, of which 52% were female and 47% were male. Consistent with previous research, the current study found that psychological capital was a predictor of work engagement, indicating a positive relationship between the constructs. Unique to this study was the result that psychological capital and work engagement both had positive relationships with mindfulness, and that mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between psychological capital and work engagement. This study also found that there were differences in the perceptions of psychological capital between South African and Zimbabwean employees in this sample. The findings of this study indicated the positive benefits that organisations can derive from developing psychological capital and mindfulness in their employees, such as improved work engagement, job satisfaction and organisational success. This study also provided unique contributions that can be investigated in future research.
Open Access
A theory, implementation and short-term outcome evaluation of lifematters foundation's literacy intervention
(2013) Grigg, Denver; Mulenga, Chao
Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Browsing by Author "Mulenga, Chao"

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