African Journals Online
SA Journal of Industrial Psychology
/Tydskrif vir Bedryfsielkunde

Volume 28, Issue 2 2002
Abstracts

Confirmatory factor analysis of the career development questionnaire and the career decision-making self-efficacy scale for South African high school students
De Bruin, G.P.Bernard-Phera, M.J. 1-6

Abstract: 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.

Conceptualising and operationalising work versus career salience
Allen, S.Ortlepp, K. 7-14

Abstract: Career salience was defined and operationalised by Greenhaus in 1971.His scale and conceptualisation of this construct have attracted critical review.Numerous authors have tested various alternative conceptualisations of career salience.However,these approaches have tended to neglect some of the valuable ideas in Greenhaus ' original construct.The present authors suggest that career salience constructs and measures have also been contaminated with an associated but unrecognised construct,namely,work salience.In this study,new work and career salience scales were developed and validated on a sample of 1078 office workers.The data supported the independent definition and measurement of work salience.

'n Ondersoek na die bronne van werkstevredenheid en werkstres onder middelvlakbestuurders in die Wes-Kaap
Strydom, S.C.Meyer, J.C. 15-22

Abstract: The general aim of the study is to investigate the different attitudes and perceptions of middle level managers with regard to sources of job satisfaction,sources which contribute to job dissatisfaction,and to job stress.In this regard it was decided to make use of triangulation by which qualitative and quantitative research methods are used. Thematic analysis is used on the qualitative level to identify the possible sources of job satisfaction,dissatisfaction and job stress.This method is quantitatively supported by a determination of the frequencies and percentages of subject responses by means of semi structured interviews.On the qualitative level it was found that the experience of success is rated as the most important source of job satisfaction and that interpersonal relationships are the most significant source of job dissatisfaction.Finally it seems that work expectations/demands appear to be the major source of job stress.

Job satisfaction in relation to organisational culture
Sempane, M.E.Rieger, H.S.Roodt, G. 23-30

Abstract: The aim of this study was to establish whether a relationship existed between the variables job satisfaction and organisational culture of employees within a service organisation.The population comprised of 200 employees of which 40 were excluded from the study due to poor literacy levels.The Culture and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaires were administered to the sample of 160 employees and 121 usable responses were received.High coefficient alphas were obtained on both the Organisational Culture Questionnaire (OCQ)(0,99)and the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MJSQ)(0,92).Significant differences were found between some biographical variables and responses on the OCQ.A significant relationship was found between scores of the OCQ and the MJSQ. The managerial implications of the findings were further explored in the study.

The construction and evaluation of a scale of employee empowerment
Cloete, V.J.Crous, F.Schepers, J.M. .31-36

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to construct and evaluate a scale of employee empowerment that may benefit organisational transformation.An Employee Empowerment Questionnaire consisting of 90 items was developed and administered to 164 respondents within a large metropolitan council.The study indicated that the Employee Empowerment Questionnaire is highly reliable (rxx=0,982)and sensitive to group differences.

Die verband van leerprosesveranderlikes met leersukses
Lotriet, D.F.Coetsee, W.J.Schepers, J.M. 37-45

Abstract: The relationship between learning process variables and study success.The main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the constructs “meaning orientation ”(in-depth approach to study), “transformational conception ”and “self-regulation ”in the distance education context (TV -learning).A random sample of 1951 participants taken from a large financial institution yielded 263 usable questionnaires.The responses obtained to the 167 items were subjected to factor analysis and item analysis.Thereafter the intercorrelations between the learning process variables “approach to learning ”,“conceptions of learning ”and “regulation strategies ” were computed.The results indicate that although low correlations exist among the constructs “meaning orientation ”,“transformational conception ”and “self-regulation ”,a moderate correlation was found between “reproducing orientation ”,“accumulating conception ”and “external regulation ”.The implications of these findings are further discussed.

Training dependent promotions and wastages
Yadavalli, V.S.S.Natarajan, R.Udayabhaskaran, S. 46-48

Abstract: An attempt is made in this paper to propose and analyse a stochastic model of a labour potential system incorporating training-linked promotions and wastages.A numerical example illustrates and highlights the findings of the model.

Some key principles in implementing knowledge management: the views of employees in a small software company
Wagner, C.Cassimjee, N.Nel, H. 49-54

Abstract: As the Knowledge Era replaces the Information Age the challenge is to transform information into knowledge and use this knowledge to create and sustain the competitive advantage of organisations.In this article four key principles for implementing knowledge management are discussed.These principles were derived from a survey and discussions with employees at a small software company.The four principles are:the need for a common definition of and vision for knowledge management,the interdependence between the human and technology track,the way employees punctuate `knowing'and the structure of a reward system for sharing knowledge.

Construction of a computerised information-processing test battery
Schepers, J.M. 55-66

Abstract: The primary goal of the study was to construct a computerised information-processing test battery to easure choice reaction time for up to and including six bits of information,to easure discrimination reaction time with regard to colour patterns and form patterns,to easure rate of information processing with regard to perceptual stimuli and conceptual reasoning,and to develop a suitable scoring system for the respective tests.The battery of tests was applied to 58 pilots. In order to develop an appropriate scoring system for each of the tests,the various scores (trials) were intercorrelated,and where necessary, subjected to factor analysis.

Rate of information processing and reaction time of aircraft pilots and non-pilots
Barkhuizen, W.Schepers, J.Coetzee, J. 67-76

Abstract: Reaction time and rate of information processing are cited as critical components in the make-up of pilots.A need was identified to establish the validity of various chronometric measures in the selection of pilots.Fifty-eight military and commercial pilots and twenty non-pilots were subjected to Schepers 'Computerised Information Processing Test Battery,which measures reaction time,form discrimination time,colour discrimination time,rate of information processing (perceptual)and rate of information processing (conceptual).Five hypotheses and one postulate were formulated and tested.The results indicate that pilots could be differentiated from non-pilots with 92,3%accuracy.However,the results need to be cross-validated before they are used for selection.

Psychometric testing and human resource management
Van der Merwe, R.P. 77-86

Abstract: This is a cumulative report on the findings of various exploratory research that were done with regard to the practice of psychometric testing in the Eastern Cape.Recent and ongoing developments in the South African labour legislation,and especially the implications of the Employment Equity Act,highlight once again the importance of the validation of all instruments to be used for human assessment and selection purposes. Information was gathered to establish which psychometric tests are used,and for what purposes,in industry today.Biographical information on each organisation is supplied,including the number of employees.The role of psychometric testing in the selection procedure is discussed.The different tests used,as well as the test users,are also indicated.The findings of other,related research,as well as comments,recommendations and shortcomings, are discussed.

Measuring consumer attitudes towards gambling
Rousseau,G.G.Venter,D.J.L. 87-92

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to measure consumer attitudes towards gambling amongst various socio demographic groups in Port Elizabeth.The study was based o past research and used a modified version of a questionnaire developed by various authors.The sample (N=355)was drawn,using a on-probability sampling technique from English,Afrikaans and Xhosa speaking respondents in the Port Elizabeth Uitenhage area.Fieldwork was carried out by students of Industrial Psychology at the University of Port Elizabeth.Results showed significant differences between socio-demographic groups regarding attitudes towards gambling.Cultural influences deduced from home language and religion seems to influence gambling attitudes in particular.These results have important implications for the gaming industry and welfare organisations.