4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37773

Browse

Subject: search.filters.subject.COVID-19 pandemic

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 17
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Exploring the relationship between job demands, resource, and psychological well-being: A study in the hospitality and tourism industries
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Marks, Joshua Blaine; Donald, Fiona
    Identified as a key factor contributing to elevated levels of individual performance and thus organisational performance, ensuring ideal levels of individual psychological well-being has grown increasingly important within organisations, especially following the onset and recession of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the pandemic having receded, its initial impact left lasting effects on various industries, particularly the tourism and hospitality industries as these industries saw a drastic reduction in workforce size and revenue generated. This has prompted the implementation of nationwide recovery efforts; however, these have been found to be primarily aimed at addressing the financial and economic impacts of the pandemic with minimal consideration for addressing the psychological impacts of the pandemic. This study aimed at evaluating the current state of individual psychological well-being of individuals working in the tourism and hospitality industries in South Africa. Given the broad nature of the psychological well-being construct, attempts to evaluate it in the work context have proved difficult. Hence it is for this reason that this study evaluated psychological well-being with reference to the experience of work engagement and burnout, as these constructs have been conceptualised as indicators of psychological well-being. Therefore individual psychological well-being was assessed through the exploration of the potential relationships between various job characteristics and the experience of work engagement and burnout. The sample consisted of 65 participants from organisations within the tourism and hospitality industries in South Africa. Participants were required to complete a questionnaire that comprised of a demographic information section, the Job-Demands Resources Scale (JDRS), the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Services Survey (MBI-HSS), and the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). The results generated indicated the presence of significant, weak to moderate relationships between the variables of interest, with few exceptions. Furthermore, the significant regression models generated by the analysis provided insight into the relative contributions of the chosen job characteristics to the experience of work engagement and burnout. The results were discussed within the broader literature on the concepts of job demands and job resources, and the experience of work engagement and burnout.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Psychological wellbeing, Organisational support, and Job Satisfaction in Aviation professionals in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-05) Mohottalalage, Isira Jayamanna; Donald, Fiona
    The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the aviation industry, introducing new stressors for employees. This study examined relationships between psychological wellbeing, organizational support, and job satisfaction among 38 South African aviation professionals during the post-pandemic recovery period. Quantitative survey data was analysed using correlational and multiple regression techniques. Results revealed positive associations between organizational support, psychological wellbeing, and job satisfaction. In the multiple regression model, organizational support emerged as the strongest predictor, explaining over a quarter of variance in job satisfaction (β = .52, p < .001). This highlights its crucial buffering capacity amid acute pressures. Psychological wellbeing also exhibited a robust positive relationship with job satisfaction (β = .43, p < .01), emphasizing the importance of personal resources and positive appraisals for fulfilling work. Together, organizational support and psychological wellbeing significantly predicted job satisfaction, indicating their joint salience. Findings align with the job demands-resources model, with organizational and personal resources helping mitigate pandemic-related demands to sustain satisfaction and performance. Practical implications point to investing in supportive cultures, mental health provisions, and work-life balance policies to alleviate COVID-related strains as aviation companies rebuild. 4 However, limitations including the small sample size warrant caution in generalizing results. Addressing methodological constraints through expanded samples, longitudinal tracking, qualitative data, controlled experiments, and cross-national comparisons offers critical directions for subsequent research on optimizing occupational wellness in aviation during post pandemic transitions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Trainee psychologists’ experiences of professional development during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-08) Baloyi, Cindy; Jithoo, Vinitha
    The declaration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in March 2020 resulted in unprecedented and transformational effects on professional psychology programs. Professional psychology programs were confronted with several legal, practical, and ethical challenges associated with delivering appropriate training while also ensuring the safety of trainees, supervisors, and clients. An emergency remote teaching and supervision plan was launched to mitigate these challenges. However, the online platforms were a foreign territory for most trainees and trainers and required familiarisation before mastery. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of trainee psychologists’ professional development during the COVID-19 pandemic in South African universities. The current study was also undertaken to explore trainees’ experiences of online practical work. Participants in this study were distinctive because they were the first cohort of professional trainees to be exclusively trained online. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of twelve intern psychologists. Subsequently, the data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings suggested that only the delivery mode in which learning and teaching took place changed, but the curriculum remained the same. However, the change in delivery had implications for trainees’ mental health, academic goals and expectations. Trainees reported initial anxiety and uncertainty associated with the unknown use of online platforms. Despite support from the university and their lecturers, they noted challenges related to constant academic changes that were implemented on a trial-and-error basis, studying from home in suboptimal environments, managing home and work balance, and counselling clients in a new and different therapeutic framework. Psychological assessments and community work were difficult to adapt to online platforms. In addition to the challenges faced, however, there were unexpected opportunities that positively impacted trainees’ learning and acquisition of profession-wide competencies.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The implementation and adoption of information and communication technologies for remote learning within South African private schools
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Lekoto, Ntlabo Samuel; Sibanda, Tendaria
    The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously impacted the global economy including lockdown regulations which resulted in school closure across the world. Due to this, schools had to consider the alternative to provide primary education in-person. As a result of the pandemic, this study aims to investigate the implementation and adoption of information and communication technologies for remote learning within South African private schools. A qualitative research methodology was utilised in this study. This approach was used in an effort to gather the thoughts, opinions and experiences of the participant to deduce insightful findings through a case study research design. A purposive sampling was adopted with empirical information gained through interviews. The analysis of the data was conducted through a qualitative thematic analysis in an effort to generate common themes which can be grouped together. The study helps to bridge the gap of understanding the challenges which policy makers need to address to swiftly implement a successful integration of technology pedagogy. The findings of the study indicated there was lack of detailed policy during the implementation of remote learning during the pandemic. The importance of upskilling teachers not only technically, but also with the ability to understand the pedagogical approaches of integrating technology within a teaching and learning environment was also evident. Furthermore, the findings highlighted the technical, social and psychological challenges which may impact learners, teachers and parents during remote learning. The findings also indicated lack of social interaction as a concern during remote learning which can result in social anxiety for the learners. The results of the study indicated that policy makers need to develop a detailed policy which address some of the common problems relating to remote learning. Innovative ways on how to develop digital pedagogy were also highlighted as a result of the study
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The experiences of grade 6 children at a mainstream urban primary school in Johannesburg on the effect of COVID-19 on their wellbeing
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Nakaonga, Chitalu Ruth Sokoni; Watermeyer, Jennifer; Pretorius, Edmarie
    The COVID-19 pandemic produced a plethora of mental and physical health issues. It was well understood that COVID-19 had affected the world in various ways, but little existed on how children in schools had been affected. With COVID-19 bringing about never seen before issues, this study explored how children were impacted by it. This research study allowed for an exploration of the experiences of grade 6 children in terms of how COVID-19 influenced their wellbeing whilst expected to focus on their schoolwork. As explored within this study, children in the school setting already have other school related stresses to deal with, COVID-19 was an unnecessary addition. A qualitative research approach and a phenomenological design was used in this research study. This research approach allowed for an in depth understanding of the children’s experiences. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling was used to sample seven grade 6 children to participate in the study. Data was collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. The collected data was analysed thematically. The research found that children were affected by COVID-19. Children shared how their learning looked different due to COVID-19 and how their relationships with others looked different due to the pandemic. This study also highlighted the level of understanding children had of what COVID-19 was. Through this study, there was a highlight on the importance of healthy relationships and dynamics within children’s immediate family. Their family played the greatest role in supporting them (the children) as they experienced life and school differently.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Experiences of stroke survivors with aphasia and their significant others during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ekurhuleni, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Kathrada, Nabeelah Ebrahim; Kater, Kelly-Ann; Neille, Joanne
    Background and Aim: Stroke, a neurological condition, can lead to communication impairments, including aphasia, and has been associated with increased burden of care for significant others. With changes in stroke care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was considered essential to explore the perspectives of stroke survivors and their significant others. This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with stroke and aphasia during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their significant others, within the South African context. Methodology: Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, this study utilised homogenous purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven stroke survivors with aphasia and their significant others. Interviews were conducted individually or as a unit, depending on participant preference. Data analysis followed an inductive thematic approach, with interpretation guided by the biopsychosocialtech model. Findings: The study's findings reveal challenges faced by participants as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges encompass difficulties related to facility admission, interactions with healthcare workers, loss of autonomy, limited communicative abilities, reduced social networks and engagement in pre-stroke activities, struggles with re-entering the work environment, changes within family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, as well as evidence of burden of care for significant others. While technology was acknowledged as a potential valuable resource and telerehabilitation a possible successful intervention approach, their effective use posed challenges and limitations. Although rehabilitation was deemed beneficial, the need for potential transformation within the field of aphasia rehabilitation is outlined, particularly with respect to the active involvement of persons with aphasia and their significant others as well as the use of technology in a South African context. Implications and Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of the lived experiences of persons with aphasia and their significant others within the South African context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings have the potential to inform policy and practice by emphasising the importance of addressing client needs based on their lived experiences. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of active family involvement in treatment and highlights the need to investigate barriers to implementation in this regard. The findings further emphasise the necessity of developing policies that outline the use of technology in rehabilitation and call for improved considerations in healthcare workers' interactions with individuals with aphasia.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The impact of remote working post COVID-19 in the construction industry of South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Singo, Ramano Victor
    This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on the South African construction industry, focusing on remote working. It was identified that the COVID-19 pandemic crisis was an ideal case study for this study since it has wide-ranging impacts and implications for the construction industry of South Africa. This thesis examines the impact of remote working on the construction industry. Construction differs greatly from other industries in that most project participants must be on site. In light of this unforeseen situation, understanding how the construction industry handles it is crucial (Gamil, 2020). Coronavirus Disease, COVID-19 had a catastrophic and long lasting economic impact on many industries in South Africa and the world at large (Ogunnusi et al., 2020). A global calamity, COVID-19, left all economic sectors paralysed, including construction. COVID- 19, declared a pandemic in March 2020, has devastated world economies. The prevalence of the disease has grown exponentially since the first case was reported in January 2020. The first death occurred on 29th February 2020, leading to dramatic actions on the part of individuals and governments (Angelucci et al.,2020). During this time, stores and restaurants were closed, as were schools and non-essential businesses. The pandemic brought the world to a complete halt, with impacts extending to sectors such as construction (Alsharef et al., 2021). One of South Africa's most crucial industries for economic development is construction. Although this sector is mostly unorganized and human-driven, many people work here. In 2017, Statistics South Africa reported that the construction industry contributed about 4% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provided more than 1.4 million jobs (Statistics South Africa, 2017). The construction industry faced multiple challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most construction sites were closed due to Coronavirus infection. (Dlamini,2012) points out that the construction industry contributes to economic growth in direct and indirect ways. Every country benefits from the construction sector's power to empower its economy and development
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Caregivers’ Perceptions of the Influence of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Well-Being of Secondary School Learners in the Vosloorus Area, Gauteng, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mqadi, Slindile Alicia; Pretorius, Edmarie
    The COVID-19 pandemic did not only impact the education system in South Africa but as affected the lives of learners when remote learning was introduced to the education system. This new way of learning affected the well-being of learners in different ways. The purpose of the study was to explore the caregivers' perception of how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the well-being of secondary school learners in Vosloorus, Gauteng, and South Africa. The ecological perspective was the theoretical framework underpinning the research study. A qualitative research approach and a phenomenological design was used to focus on the social meaning that individuals attach to their circumstances, experiences, and situations. The design allowed exploring the caregivers’ perceptions on how COVID -19 pandemic affected the well-being of their grade 10-12 school going children. The population of the study was caregivers of grades 10 to 12 learners, at a secondary school in Vosloorus Gauteng. Purposive sampling was used to sample eight caregivers of grades 10-12 learners. The research instrument used was a semi-structured interview guide and the method of data collection was face-to-face interviews with caregivers. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data. The main findings showed that the COVID-19 pandemic left most homes in devastating condition, it left many mourning for their loved ones. Many learners were left orphaned or with one parent. Very few families did not experience the death of a loved one during this time, if it wasn’t a death of a family member, it was the passing on of a schoolteacher, a friend, or just someone you knew. This resulted in learners being bereaved, developing anxiety, and living in fear. Following the death of loved ones, the high rate of job losses was catastrophic. For caregivers and learners, the loss of employment or receiving a decrease in income added to their already poor socioeconomic status and it had other consequences for families and learners. Another major finding was that learners experienced overwhelming emotions, like fear, anxiety, and loneliness. There was also a high rate of grades dropping and learners being pushed to the next grade. Lastly caregivers perceived that COVID-19 contributed to the use of substances among learners.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The impact of human resource practices on employee productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic in the South African construction industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Makanza, Patience; Mati, Jacob
    The study examined the impact of human resource practices on employee productivity in the South African construction industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, the study investigated four human resource practices - training, employee wellness, compensation, and employee engagement - to determine their impact on productivity, with the Covid-19 pandemic as the intermediary variable. The study found that training had a positive impact on productivity, indicating that regular training opportunities should be provided to employees to enhance productivity. However, no conclusive evidence was found to support the hypothesis that training improved productivity during the pandemic. The study further revealed that compensation was strongly linked to productivity, but participants were indifferent about the impact of changes in compensation during the pandemic. The empirical evidence showed that although superiors offered support to their subordinates, participants were neutral about the link between employee wellness and productivity. Although it was discovered that employee involvement has a beneficial effect on productivity, participants were unable to affirm if it enhanced their performances during the epidemic as also reiterated by Ramakrishnan and Yogarajah (2021) The results of the study have important repercussions for the South African construction sector, notably during the Covid-19 epidemic as also stated by Amoah and Simpeh, (2021).Construction businesses should follow the study's advice and pay attention to employee wellness, as it has a significant impact on productivity. Furthermore, companies should consider increasing compensation packages to improve productivity, and they should promote employee engagement as it positively impacts productivity. Overall, this study highlights the importance of human resource practices in improving employee productivity during the Covid-19 pandemic in the South African construction industry. The recommendations presented in this study are crucial for construction companies in South Africa as they provide a basis for optimising employee productivity during challenging times. This study contributes to the existing literature on the impact of human resource practices on employee productivity during the Covid-19 pandemic vi and calls for further research in this area to enhance the understanding of the best practices in human resource management during such crises.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The legal position of excessive pricing in south africa pre, during and post the Covid-19 pandemic
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Pillay, Ian
    The Competition Amendment Act 18 of 2018 (the Amendment Act) and the COVID-19 pandemic each had a significant impact on the legal position of excessive pricing in South Africa. Prior to the Amendment Act excessive pricing was prohibited in terms of the Competition Act 89 of 1998. However, the Amendment Act introduced a reverse onus requiring a dominant firm to refute the prima facie case against it by showing that prices charged are reasonable. It also introduced a broader and more discretionary benchmark in determining whether prices are excessive. The disruption of the competition conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a different assessment in establishing market power in excessive pricing cases. Coincidentally, the first excessive pricing cases to be adjudicated under the Amendment Act occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The overlapping of these two events resulted in an important distinction between excessive pricing cases under conditions of normal and effective competition, versus excessive pricing cases under conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it became clear that context is relevant when interpreting the excessive pricing provisions of the Amendment Act. The aim of this research report is two-fold. First it aims to identify the legal position of excessive pricing in South Africa pre, during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. By doing so the report explains how the legal position of excessive pricing has changed. The report also highlights the difference between excessive pricing under normal and effective competition conditions, verses excessive pricing under conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly it aims to determine whether the Amendment Act, particularly sections 8(2) and (3), adequately address the shortfalls in excessive pricing. Section 8(2) requires a prima facie case to be proved and introduces a reverse onus, and section 8(3) introduces a broader benchmark in determining whether prices are excessive.