Orientation: Since the advent of democracy, various laws and policies have been enacted to redres... more Orientation: Since the advent of democracy, various laws and policies have been enacted to redress past inequalities concerning women’s inclusion in mining.Research purpose: The study aimed to investigate factors influencing women’s attraction to technical positions in the South African mining industry and to also uncover what could be done to encourage their successful participation in the industry.Motivation for the study: Despite the availability of opportunities in the mining industry, women’s occupancy of technical positions is moving at a snail’s pace.Research approach/design and method: The research was conducted using a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design, with a sample consisting of women in technical mining positions and employer representatives.Main findings: The exploratory factor analysis identified four factors as important for attracting women to technical mining positions. These were application and development value, interest value, economic value and ...
Purpose/objectives: In the absence of a socio-economic transformative business agenda, our purpos... more Purpose/objectives: In the absence of a socio-economic transformative business agenda, our purpose is to propose a transformative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) management model for businesses in South Africa. Design/methodology: A case study design was followed, using document analysis and a questionnaire as data collection methods. Thirty respondents, representing nine businesses from the banking, food and telecommunication sectors, were sampled. Findings: The results suggest that businesses do not follow a systematic, uniform reporting format annually and do not fully comply with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards or B-BBEE compliance targets. Furthermore, no clear evidence could be found in the sampled companies’ sustainability reports of how much money was contributed annually to socio-economic development, and no progressive CSR trends could be discerned. Practical implications: A practical model with guidelines is presented to assist South African businesses t...
The Covid-19 pandemic rapidly changed and is still changing the way people live and work on a glo... more The Covid-19 pandemic rapidly changed and is still changing the way people live and work on a global scale. During the pandemic, most organisations are forced to implement a work-from-home solution, irrespective of employees’ preferences, abilities, and the nature and extent of jobs. In this research, we aimed to explore perspectives on employee engagement, work from home and an employee wellness programme in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic among employees of an organisation that focuses on outsourced debt collections. The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative cross-sectional, survey design was employed. Total population sampling was used. Data were collected from 95 respondents through a web-based survey using a coded questionnaire. From the results of study, it became evident that the proactive approach taken by the leadership of the organisation early in 2020, in anticipation of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, resulted in positive ...
Orientation: Workplace bullying is a common occurrence in organisations worldwide, and higher edu... more Orientation: Workplace bullying is a common occurrence in organisations worldwide, and higher education institutions are no exception.Research purpose: This study was conducted with the aim of determining the perceptions of workplace bullying amongst academic and support staff at a higher education institution in South Africa and to ascertain how they are affected by selected sociodemographic variables.Motivation for the study: Currently, there are limited published research studies reporting on the prevalence and/or experience of workplace bullying at tertiary education institutions in South Africa.Research approach/design and method: The study used a quantitative-based survey design. The research setting was limited to one higher education institution in South Africa. The target population of the study comprised all academic and support staff of the institution. A web-based standardised questionnaire was used to collect the data.Main findings: The results revealed that the respond...
For decades women have battled for a place in the mining industry. In South Africa, the newly ele... more For decades women have battled for a place in the mining industry. In South Africa, the newly elected democratic government (1994) initiated a number of actions to redress injustices of the past. Among others, new mining legislation was introduced and enforced, which demands of employers to meet specific targets towards recruiting a workforce that reflects the country's demographic make-up. Various studies have aimed to reveal the barriers and challenges experienced by women regarding their integration into the traditional 'harsh male-dominated' labour force. However, very few studies endeavoured to investigate the challenges experienced by male co-workers in this regard; hence, this research aimed to determine such challenges experienced by male co-workers. A qualitative research design was followed. Data were collected by means of individual and group interviews. From the research it is evident that the integration of women into the core business of mining poses unique...
Journal of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2012
Historically, in the South African mining industry, race and gender determined the composition of... more Historically, in the South African mining industry, race and gender determined the composition of the employee base, which ultimately resulted in a male-dominated industry. Women were legislatively prohibited from employment in the South African mining industry. Together with exclusion factors such as attitudes and stereotype opinions, this has led to the current state of low representation of women in the mining sector. The situation seems to be changing due to the introduction of equality, as well as mine-specific, laws that lead to a noticeable increase in the number of women involved in mining. With the expanding economy and better acceptance of women in traditionally maledominated workplaces, women need to take their place in the workplace of choice. Women need to be able to participate in jobs and industries that were previously reserved for men, as females comprise approximately 52.2% of the total population in South Africa1. The Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development A...
Abstract In 1994, the newly elected democratic government of South Africa adopted a number of str... more Abstract In 1994, the newly elected democratic government of South Africa adopted a number of strategies to open up the mining sector to historically disadvantaged South Africans which include women, as part of its economic empowerment policy. Although well intended, the integration of women into the traditionally maledominated workforce created many challenges. The main objective of the study on which this paper was based was to critically analyse workplace relations struggles, accompanying the deployment of women in the core business of the mining sector. Quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were used. The research revealed numerous workplace relations challenges including, among others, acceptance by male co-workers, inequality issues, discrimination and sexual harassment. The paper concludes by making recommendations that can be implemented and used by employers, employee relations practitioners and labour experts to create a work environment free from conflict and conducive to constructive and harmonious workplace relations.
In recent years, various initiatives, protocols and legislation have been developed globally to p... more In recent years, various initiatives, protocols and legislation have been developed globally to promote gender equality and address existing discrimination against women. South Africa is no exception to this trend. In the global mining industry, equal opportunity and mining legislation introduced by various countries, including South Africa, have opened up former bastions, such as mining, to women.Since the introduction of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 and the accompanying Broad-Based Socio- Economic Empowerment Charter, in 2004, the number of women in the mining industry has increased significantly. However, the “gender issue” still remains contentious and very problematic in the industry and women are still subjected to various challenges.This article aims to reveal the barriers women encounter in the industry. This study adopted a qualitative research design. Data were collected by means of semi-structured individual and group interviews. The rese...
ABSTRACT Leadership has traditionally been associated with men; however, some women have elevated... more ABSTRACT Leadership has traditionally been associated with men; however, some women have elevated themselves above the socially enforced constrictions caused by gender expectations. These gender expectations specifically pertain to women's roles as mothers and wives and, as such, present particular implications for women to establish a constructive work-life balance in their careers. A general increase in women appointed in leadership positions, particularly in academic contexts, indicates that contemporary women desire a balance between their private and domestic spheres, avoiding a spill-over between the two. The main objective of this qualitative sociological study was to explore how the “spill-over model” influences white female academics in leadership positions at a South African university. The research revealed the challenges associated with establishing a work-life-balance for female academic leaders. It can also be concluded that de-traditionalisation and re-traditionalisation are interrelated factors that influence the way in which female leaders execute their dual responsibilities.
Orientation: Globally, women have become an essential part of the mining workforce. Among other j... more Orientation: Globally, women have become an essential part of the mining workforce. Among other jobs, they fulfil management positions, operate heavy machinery and are involved in artisanal mining processes. In South Africa, new mining legislation not only prohibits the exclusion of women but requires from companies to actively change the demographic profile of their workforce. Mining companies are obliged to also employ women in core mining activities. Although well intended, women appointed in core positions work side by side with men, often in isolation, and are frequently at risk of sexual abuse and/or harassment.Research purpose: This research determined perceptions regarding the occurrence of sexual harassment among women working in core mining positions.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a paucity of published data on the occurrence of sexual harassment in the mining industry.Method: A mixed-method research design was used including quantitative and qualitative res...
In 2005 the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction introduced the ‘Hyogo Fr... more In 2005 the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction introduced the ‘Hyogo Framework for Action’ (HFA) aimed at mainstreaming disaster risk reduction. Subsequently, the ‘Global Network for Disaster Reduction’ (GNDR) was formed to support the implementation of the HFA. The GNDR initiated a country-based, international research project called ‘Views from the Frontline’ (VFL) in order to measure progress at local level in terms of compliance with the HFA. The VFL 2011 project focused on local risk governance, which is critical for effective implementation of policy and provision of resources at grassroots level. This article provides insight into the findings for South Africa. The project made use of quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was gathered by means of a survey and/or questionnaire consisting of 20 questions on ‘indicators’ which assessed progress toward the goals of the HFA. The surveys also provided for qualitative commentary. The target p...
Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since ... more Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since 2008. The youth is regarded as the most at-risk group in the South African labour market and unemployment amongst the youth is considered one of the most critical socio-economic problems in South Africa. Increasing one’s employability is essential to securing employment and enhancing one’s well-being.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a scarcity of published research on the self-perceived employability amongst undergraduate students at higher education institutions in South Africa.Research approach/design and method: The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative-based cross-sectional survey design was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the students who were included in the survey. Data were collected...
Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
SYNOPSIS Historically, the mining industry, on a global level, was male-dominated, as many govern... more SYNOPSIS Historically, the mining industry, on a global level, was male-dominated, as many governments had prohibited women from working at mines, particularly underground. In South Africa, the government introduced the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA) and the Broad-based Socio-economic Empowerment Charter to address the imbalances and rectify previous inequalities in the mining industry. Since the inception of MPRDA, women's representation in the South African mining industry has increased, from 3% in 2002 to 15% in 2018. Although government has good intentions, gender equality in the mining industry remains a challenge. Research on women employed in South African mines revealed that women still face barriers to some extent. This research explores women's current workplace experiences in the South African mining industry. A literature review and an empirical study were conducted. The study followed a positivistic research approach, an...
African Journal of Employee Relations (Formerly South African Journal of Labour Relations)
New mining legislation aims to rectify previous inequalities and disadvantages in the mining sect... more New mining legislation aims to rectify previous inequalities and disadvantages in the mining sector and specifically provides for the inclusion of women in core mining activities. Although there is no lack of good will, the achievement of gender equality in the male-dominated mining sector remains one of the biggest equity challenges in the country and numerous problems accompany the deployment of women in core mining activities. The main objective of the study was to critically analyse gender issues in the mining sector and then to develop a conceptual framework that will enable the mining sector to contribute to and ensure the sustainable employment of women in this sector. A literature review was carried out to gain an in-depth understanding of the variables that have an impact on women in the mining sector specifically. An empirical study was conducted to identify and investigate relevant gender-related issues in the mining sector. Quantitative and qualitative research paradigms...
Orientation: Globally, people engage in work and sell their services to an organisation in exchan... more Orientation: Globally, people engage in work and sell their services to an organisation in exchange for compensation. This compensation can have a significant effect on employees’ attitude towards their work, resulting in either job satisfaction or job dissatisfaction. A high level of job satisfaction can increase organisational effectiveness and, subsequently, the organisation’s performance, whereas job dissatisfaction can cause employees to be less motivated, which can in turn decrease their productivity, effectiveness and individual performance.Research purpose: This study was conducted with the aim to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of the factors affecting job satisfaction.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a paucity of published research on the views of undergraduate students on the factors affecting job satisfaction.Research approach/design and method: The study took a positivistic research approach, and a quantitative design was used. A stratified ...
Orientation: Since the advent of democracy, various laws and policies have been enacted to redres... more Orientation: Since the advent of democracy, various laws and policies have been enacted to redress past inequalities concerning women’s inclusion in mining.Research purpose: The study aimed to investigate factors influencing women’s attraction to technical positions in the South African mining industry and to also uncover what could be done to encourage their successful participation in the industry.Motivation for the study: Despite the availability of opportunities in the mining industry, women’s occupancy of technical positions is moving at a snail’s pace.Research approach/design and method: The research was conducted using a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design, with a sample consisting of women in technical mining positions and employer representatives.Main findings: The exploratory factor analysis identified four factors as important for attracting women to technical mining positions. These were application and development value, interest value, economic value and ...
Purpose/objectives: In the absence of a socio-economic transformative business agenda, our purpos... more Purpose/objectives: In the absence of a socio-economic transformative business agenda, our purpose is to propose a transformative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) management model for businesses in South Africa. Design/methodology: A case study design was followed, using document analysis and a questionnaire as data collection methods. Thirty respondents, representing nine businesses from the banking, food and telecommunication sectors, were sampled. Findings: The results suggest that businesses do not follow a systematic, uniform reporting format annually and do not fully comply with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards or B-BBEE compliance targets. Furthermore, no clear evidence could be found in the sampled companies’ sustainability reports of how much money was contributed annually to socio-economic development, and no progressive CSR trends could be discerned. Practical implications: A practical model with guidelines is presented to assist South African businesses t...
The Covid-19 pandemic rapidly changed and is still changing the way people live and work on a glo... more The Covid-19 pandemic rapidly changed and is still changing the way people live and work on a global scale. During the pandemic, most organisations are forced to implement a work-from-home solution, irrespective of employees’ preferences, abilities, and the nature and extent of jobs. In this research, we aimed to explore perspectives on employee engagement, work from home and an employee wellness programme in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic among employees of an organisation that focuses on outsourced debt collections. The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative cross-sectional, survey design was employed. Total population sampling was used. Data were collected from 95 respondents through a web-based survey using a coded questionnaire. From the results of study, it became evident that the proactive approach taken by the leadership of the organisation early in 2020, in anticipation of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, resulted in positive ...
Orientation: Workplace bullying is a common occurrence in organisations worldwide, and higher edu... more Orientation: Workplace bullying is a common occurrence in organisations worldwide, and higher education institutions are no exception.Research purpose: This study was conducted with the aim of determining the perceptions of workplace bullying amongst academic and support staff at a higher education institution in South Africa and to ascertain how they are affected by selected sociodemographic variables.Motivation for the study: Currently, there are limited published research studies reporting on the prevalence and/or experience of workplace bullying at tertiary education institutions in South Africa.Research approach/design and method: The study used a quantitative-based survey design. The research setting was limited to one higher education institution in South Africa. The target population of the study comprised all academic and support staff of the institution. A web-based standardised questionnaire was used to collect the data.Main findings: The results revealed that the respond...
For decades women have battled for a place in the mining industry. In South Africa, the newly ele... more For decades women have battled for a place in the mining industry. In South Africa, the newly elected democratic government (1994) initiated a number of actions to redress injustices of the past. Among others, new mining legislation was introduced and enforced, which demands of employers to meet specific targets towards recruiting a workforce that reflects the country's demographic make-up. Various studies have aimed to reveal the barriers and challenges experienced by women regarding their integration into the traditional 'harsh male-dominated' labour force. However, very few studies endeavoured to investigate the challenges experienced by male co-workers in this regard; hence, this research aimed to determine such challenges experienced by male co-workers. A qualitative research design was followed. Data were collected by means of individual and group interviews. From the research it is evident that the integration of women into the core business of mining poses unique...
Journal of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2012
Historically, in the South African mining industry, race and gender determined the composition of... more Historically, in the South African mining industry, race and gender determined the composition of the employee base, which ultimately resulted in a male-dominated industry. Women were legislatively prohibited from employment in the South African mining industry. Together with exclusion factors such as attitudes and stereotype opinions, this has led to the current state of low representation of women in the mining sector. The situation seems to be changing due to the introduction of equality, as well as mine-specific, laws that lead to a noticeable increase in the number of women involved in mining. With the expanding economy and better acceptance of women in traditionally maledominated workplaces, women need to take their place in the workplace of choice. Women need to be able to participate in jobs and industries that were previously reserved for men, as females comprise approximately 52.2% of the total population in South Africa1. The Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development A...
Abstract In 1994, the newly elected democratic government of South Africa adopted a number of str... more Abstract In 1994, the newly elected democratic government of South Africa adopted a number of strategies to open up the mining sector to historically disadvantaged South Africans which include women, as part of its economic empowerment policy. Although well intended, the integration of women into the traditionally maledominated workforce created many challenges. The main objective of the study on which this paper was based was to critically analyse workplace relations struggles, accompanying the deployment of women in the core business of the mining sector. Quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were used. The research revealed numerous workplace relations challenges including, among others, acceptance by male co-workers, inequality issues, discrimination and sexual harassment. The paper concludes by making recommendations that can be implemented and used by employers, employee relations practitioners and labour experts to create a work environment free from conflict and conducive to constructive and harmonious workplace relations.
In recent years, various initiatives, protocols and legislation have been developed globally to p... more In recent years, various initiatives, protocols and legislation have been developed globally to promote gender equality and address existing discrimination against women. South Africa is no exception to this trend. In the global mining industry, equal opportunity and mining legislation introduced by various countries, including South Africa, have opened up former bastions, such as mining, to women.Since the introduction of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 and the accompanying Broad-Based Socio- Economic Empowerment Charter, in 2004, the number of women in the mining industry has increased significantly. However, the “gender issue” still remains contentious and very problematic in the industry and women are still subjected to various challenges.This article aims to reveal the barriers women encounter in the industry. This study adopted a qualitative research design. Data were collected by means of semi-structured individual and group interviews. The rese...
ABSTRACT Leadership has traditionally been associated with men; however, some women have elevated... more ABSTRACT Leadership has traditionally been associated with men; however, some women have elevated themselves above the socially enforced constrictions caused by gender expectations. These gender expectations specifically pertain to women's roles as mothers and wives and, as such, present particular implications for women to establish a constructive work-life balance in their careers. A general increase in women appointed in leadership positions, particularly in academic contexts, indicates that contemporary women desire a balance between their private and domestic spheres, avoiding a spill-over between the two. The main objective of this qualitative sociological study was to explore how the “spill-over model” influences white female academics in leadership positions at a South African university. The research revealed the challenges associated with establishing a work-life-balance for female academic leaders. It can also be concluded that de-traditionalisation and re-traditionalisation are interrelated factors that influence the way in which female leaders execute their dual responsibilities.
Orientation: Globally, women have become an essential part of the mining workforce. Among other j... more Orientation: Globally, women have become an essential part of the mining workforce. Among other jobs, they fulfil management positions, operate heavy machinery and are involved in artisanal mining processes. In South Africa, new mining legislation not only prohibits the exclusion of women but requires from companies to actively change the demographic profile of their workforce. Mining companies are obliged to also employ women in core mining activities. Although well intended, women appointed in core positions work side by side with men, often in isolation, and are frequently at risk of sexual abuse and/or harassment.Research purpose: This research determined perceptions regarding the occurrence of sexual harassment among women working in core mining positions.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a paucity of published data on the occurrence of sexual harassment in the mining industry.Method: A mixed-method research design was used including quantitative and qualitative res...
In 2005 the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction introduced the ‘Hyogo Fr... more In 2005 the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction introduced the ‘Hyogo Framework for Action’ (HFA) aimed at mainstreaming disaster risk reduction. Subsequently, the ‘Global Network for Disaster Reduction’ (GNDR) was formed to support the implementation of the HFA. The GNDR initiated a country-based, international research project called ‘Views from the Frontline’ (VFL) in order to measure progress at local level in terms of compliance with the HFA. The VFL 2011 project focused on local risk governance, which is critical for effective implementation of policy and provision of resources at grassroots level. This article provides insight into the findings for South Africa. The project made use of quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was gathered by means of a survey and/or questionnaire consisting of 20 questions on ‘indicators’ which assessed progress toward the goals of the HFA. The surveys also provided for qualitative commentary. The target p...
Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since ... more Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since 2008. The youth is regarded as the most at-risk group in the South African labour market and unemployment amongst the youth is considered one of the most critical socio-economic problems in South Africa. Increasing one’s employability is essential to securing employment and enhancing one’s well-being.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a scarcity of published research on the self-perceived employability amongst undergraduate students at higher education institutions in South Africa.Research approach/design and method: The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative-based cross-sectional survey design was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the students who were included in the survey. Data were collected...
Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
SYNOPSIS Historically, the mining industry, on a global level, was male-dominated, as many govern... more SYNOPSIS Historically, the mining industry, on a global level, was male-dominated, as many governments had prohibited women from working at mines, particularly underground. In South Africa, the government introduced the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) (MPRDA) and the Broad-based Socio-economic Empowerment Charter to address the imbalances and rectify previous inequalities in the mining industry. Since the inception of MPRDA, women's representation in the South African mining industry has increased, from 3% in 2002 to 15% in 2018. Although government has good intentions, gender equality in the mining industry remains a challenge. Research on women employed in South African mines revealed that women still face barriers to some extent. This research explores women's current workplace experiences in the South African mining industry. A literature review and an empirical study were conducted. The study followed a positivistic research approach, an...
African Journal of Employee Relations (Formerly South African Journal of Labour Relations)
New mining legislation aims to rectify previous inequalities and disadvantages in the mining sect... more New mining legislation aims to rectify previous inequalities and disadvantages in the mining sector and specifically provides for the inclusion of women in core mining activities. Although there is no lack of good will, the achievement of gender equality in the male-dominated mining sector remains one of the biggest equity challenges in the country and numerous problems accompany the deployment of women in core mining activities. The main objective of the study was to critically analyse gender issues in the mining sector and then to develop a conceptual framework that will enable the mining sector to contribute to and ensure the sustainable employment of women in this sector. A literature review was carried out to gain an in-depth understanding of the variables that have an impact on women in the mining sector specifically. An empirical study was conducted to identify and investigate relevant gender-related issues in the mining sector. Quantitative and qualitative research paradigms...
Orientation: Globally, people engage in work and sell their services to an organisation in exchan... more Orientation: Globally, people engage in work and sell their services to an organisation in exchange for compensation. This compensation can have a significant effect on employees’ attitude towards their work, resulting in either job satisfaction or job dissatisfaction. A high level of job satisfaction can increase organisational effectiveness and, subsequently, the organisation’s performance, whereas job dissatisfaction can cause employees to be less motivated, which can in turn decrease their productivity, effectiveness and individual performance.Research purpose: This study was conducted with the aim to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of the factors affecting job satisfaction.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a paucity of published research on the views of undergraduate students on the factors affecting job satisfaction.Research approach/design and method: The study took a positivistic research approach, and a quantitative design was used. A stratified ...
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Papers by Doret Botha