Crispen Chipunza

Attrition and Retention of Senior Academics at Institutions of Higher Learning in South Africa: The Strategies, Complexities and Realities

Abstract The competition for top academics across the higher education and research landscape of South Africa has assumed a prominent dimension and this phenomenon has resulted in the ever increasing attrition of this category of employees from one institution to the next. This paper seeks to identify and evaluate factors that facilitate the attrition and retention of senior academic employees in South African universities. The study adopted survey research method using quantitative research design. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather primary data from respondents. The study examines the influence of certain work attributes on the retention of 255 senior academic staff in 10 universities across South Africa. Results of the study indicates that most of the respondents place greater importance on challenging work, inter-personal relationship, access to research resources and job security. Results are discussed in terms of the implications for retention practices in the universities.

The Influence of Downsizing Organisational S trategies on Survivor Qualities in an Economically Volatile Environment

Abstract Research evidence has tended to trivialise the influence of downsizing strategy variables on survivor qualities after downsizing (Rinkwest 2003). This study examined the influence of communication, victim and survivor support on survivor quality components (attitude, commitment and motivation) after downsizing in selected manufacturing organisations in an economically unstable environment. One hundred and fifty survivors (n = 150) participated in the study. Using the no intercept multivariate multiple regression analysis, results showed that communication alone had a significant influence on survivor attitude, while communication and victim support had significant influence on survivor motivation and commitment. Suggestions for the effective management of survivors after downsizing are provided.

Effect of Role Clarity and Work Overload on Perceptions of Justice and Job Insecurity after Downsizing

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between justice perceptions and job insecurity and how such relationship was affected by the perceptions of role clarity and work overload amongst survivors of downsizing in an economically volatile environment. The research was conducted in selected public and private sector organisations in Zimbabwe. Using a quantitative research approach and a sample of 100 survivors, the results showed correlations amongst workers’ perceptions about the relationship, on one hand, between justice and job insecurity and on the other hand, between work overload and role clarity. The study revealed that survivors of the organisations investigated in this study received treatment that exposed them to job insecurity, which is synonymous to injustice. Exposing workers to this type of treatment during and after downsizing created negative perceptions about downsizing exercise and the attendant effect on workplace justice and job security in the volatile work environment.

An Assessment of Psychosocial and Empowerment Support Interventions for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe

Abstract This study assessed the different psychosocial and empowerment interventions offered provided to orphans and vulnerable children in a peri-urban district of Zimbabwe. A qualitative design was adopted with the aim of documenting and capturing the views and narratives of the participants. Data was collected through focus-group discussions and personal interviews with thirty (30) children who were purposively sampled. The results of the study show that despite the growing number of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe, very few interventions have been designed and initiated to meet the psychosocial and empowerment needs of orphans and vulnerable children. Most of the interventions and programmes in existence are mainly centred on meeting the material and day-to-day needs of these children. Interventions singled out as accessible to orphans and vulnerable children included cash transfers, narrative theatre, educational support and therapeutic counselling.

Corporate Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Comparing Corporate Priorities within the South African Mining Industry

Abstract The study compared corporate priorities of corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and sustainability within the South African mining industry. Using descriptive content analysis, data for 10 mining organisations listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange was quantitatively analysed and compared using Global Reporting Initiative sustainability reporting dimensions. Results showed social performance as the most highly reported sustainability dimension although other sustainability dimensions were also fairly high. The relatively high social reporting was attributed to increased pressure on the social front from the general society, labour and government on mining organisations as the country continues to make a transition towards a new inclusive dispensation from an exclusive socio-economic and political history.

Attributes Utilised By Knowledge Workers in Identifying Employers of Choice: Focus on Accountants and Information Technology (IT) Specialists in South Africa

Abstract Most employers seem to know the importance of knowledge workers, yet they still have difficulties in attracting, retaining and predicting the future needs of this group of human resources. This study intended to identify the attributes regarded as important by Accountants and IT specialists from the banking, automobile and retail sectors when identifying employers of choice. The sample consisted of 70 Accountants and 53 IT specialists, purposefully selected. A quantitative research approach was used to analyse the collected data. Results indicated that common attributes utilised by both IT specialists and Accountants, in order of importance, are competitive pay, career progression, challenging and interesting work, freedom to plan independently, training and development. The study provides a starting point, not only in understanding what Accountants and IT specialists view as the most important attributes of their ideal employer, but also in providing strategies that organisations can use to attract and retain Accountants and IT specialists and other knowledge workers in future.

Radio broadcasting in the era of HIV/AIDS: Can this be the magic bullet?

In this study, we assessed the relevance and effectiveness of radio broadcasting as a strategy that facilitates the adoption and use of safer sexual practices among students at a South African university. Based on ethnographic data, the article highlights that the essential and critical contribution of campus radio lies in its ability to create a social space for HIV/AIDS communication. The overall aim of this study was to assess the relationship between exposure to radio broadcasting messages and the adoption of safer sexual practices. Our analysis suggests that campus broadcasting can be instrumental in promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and education.

Community-based Responses to HIV/AIDS in South Africa: An Evaluation of a Children's Radio Programme

Abstract Children community radio programmes are among the very few programmes in Southern Africa that seek to raise HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness on children. These programmes are designed to enable children to learn useful life skills as well as contribute to broader public awareness on issues facing Southern African children in the context of poverty and the HIV epidemic. The idea of ‘child-participation’ forms the core of children radio programmes. It locates the child as having a fundamental responsibility in the response to HIV/AIDS. The assumption is that children need to be capacitated with HIV/AIDS information to build awareness. This article focuses on the results of a process evaluation of a children radio programme conducted in South Africa. The purpose of the evaluation was to gather information related to programme implementation and performance. For this evaluation, qualitative methods comprising semi-structured interviews, observations and document analysis were used. In this evaluation, inductive thematic analysis was employed to establish how the children’s radio programme was being implemented. The results of the evaluation showed high levels of implementation fidelity.

Neighbourhood Social Capital and HIV/AIDS: Assessing Neighbourliness and Social Attachment in Rural South African Villages

Abstract Although neighbourhood social capital is considered useful and beneficial for individual health, supporting evidence in South Africa is very scant and thin. Against this backdrop, this study assessed the association between neighborhood social structure as a source or dimension of social capital and HIV/AIDS prevention. The purpose of the study was to assess the roles of a neighbourhood measure of social capital and its effects on HIV/AIDS avoidance. It draws mainly on qualitative ethnographic data gathered in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect information from villagers who were purposively sampled. In this study, the researchers aimed to establish the net effect of neighbourhood social capital on individual health particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS. Evidence gathered in this study tends to single out the rural neighbourhood as a rich source of HIV/AIDS knowledge and information that can benefit every citizen who is actively engaged or involved in it. The study also established that neighbourhood social capital in rural communities is responsible for the avoidance of HIV/AIDS infection and transmission. Community networks and associations have been identified useful in facilitating the sharing of critical information on HIV/AIDS. Associational membership and the asymmetric exchange of HIV/AIDS knowledge including instrumental resources has been found to be correlated to the adoption of protective behaviour and HIV/AIDS prevention.