Browsing by Subject "Thematic Analysis"

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    Open Access
    An Exploratory Study on the Experiences of Emerging Academics at the University of Cape Town (UCT)
    (2021) Odiase, Osareme Nathan; Kessi, Shose; Malinga, Mandisa
    The quest for institutional transformation has created a need to continually challenge traditional notions of what an academic is and should be. While several studies have explored academics' experiences to engender transformation systems, few studies have focused strictly on emerging academics (permanently working scholars within the first five years of academic careers). These early-career academics are faced with the challenge of adapting to the institutional culture and meeting disciplinary standards of performance. Their novelty in the system makes them more vulnerable to the effect of these challenges. This study aimed to identify how they navigate these challenges, what defines them as academics, what impacts their academic freedoms, how they challenge disciplinary standards of performance, and the extent to which institutional culture affects their experiences. Through a purposive and snowball sampling strategy, 20 academics were selected from the University of Cape Town (UCT) to study. They were interviewed using a semi-structured approach and were asked openended questions with an interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data as it utilized an ideographic approach in providing insights into the participants' lived experiences. This methodological approach also helped prioritize how the study is carried out and explore participants' meaning-making processes. The participants perceived being an academic as an opportunity for subjective self-expression and a character-building process. They conceded that being an academic required genuine intellectual curiosity and a platform to engender innovation. The study also uncovered the effects of UCT's institutional and transformative plan on assimilating into the academic space. Academics perceived the performance appraising structure as too prescriptive and affirmed their desire to harness their positions to build strong interpersonal relations with students. The study recommends a more comprehensive and longitudinal approach to studying academic experiences focusing on the psycho-social factors influencing these experiences. The research further suggests a streamlined and faculty-based approach to further strengthening educational support systems at UCT.
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    Open Access
    Leadership strategies employed in the public sector for promoting urban climate transition: the case of Cape Town, South Africa
    (2025) Hess, Gonzalo; Taylor, Anna
    Despite the success of the Paris Agreement on achieving a global compact between nations to act on climate change, cities have emerged as interesting locations for studying climate leadership due to the failure at the national scale to translate adequate climate actions to meet the goals set. Cities have served as important agents in governance interventions, experiments, and networks, leading the way in resilient, low-carbon, and sustainable urban development, and driving innovative climate governance that spurs climate action. Understanding how to effectively lead the urban climate transition poses a significant challenge due to the involvement of diverse public and private actors who need to engage in collaborative climate action. Additionally, there is a lack of practical knowledge regarding how city actors implement climate leadership, highlighting a research gap in this area. This study examines the leadership strategies and mechanisms present in Cape Town, a city in South Africa with a strong track-record in climate action planning, focusing on co-creational leadership. It contributes to knowledge of urban public leadership by analysing the strategies employed by governing actors to facilitate the transition toward climate-resilient and low-carbon development in Cape Town, South Africa. This qualitative study employed an abductive logic and a single case study approach focused on the City of Cape Town. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders were used to explore their challenges, dilemmas, and coping strategies in promoting the urban climate transition. Thematic analysis using NVivo software was employed for data analysis to identify co-creational leadership strategies through iterative coding. Findings indicate that actors involved in pursuing Cape Town's climate goals, whether working in local government entities, private businesses, or international networks, must address specific challenges related to political will, legislation, budgeting, and communication matters to effectively implement the climate action plan and facilitate a successful transition. The dissertation concludes that Cape Town's urban climate transition context reveals collaborative leadership strategies, diverse actor involvement, and institutional constraints. Context-specific leadership and adaptability are pivotal for sustainable urban development. Cape Town's experiences offer crucial lessons for global cities facing climate challenges, emphasizing the significance of tailored approaches. These insights serve as a guide for cities worldwide in driving transformative change towards sustainability within their unique contexts