Workplace harassment and its impact on staff performance: a case study of a South African Higher Education Institution.
Date
2013
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Abstract
Higher education institutions (HEIs) face many challenges that arise both from the
external environment and from their internal structures. They have to comply with
the Constitution of South Africa and employment legislation.
This case study of a South African higher education institution addressed the very
sensitive issue of workplace harassment and its impact on staff performance. The
central objective of this research was to explore the nature and extent of harassment
and its impact on performance of staff at a selected HEI. The literature review drew
heavily on secondary data.
Empirical data was collected by means of a questionnaire. The total population of
the selected HEI permanent staff (both academic and academic support) was 1 319
in 2012. All were potential participants, and a sample of 200 respondents was
purposefully selected for the study that included management, academic and nonacademic
staff. To ensure the sample was fairly representative of the HEI staff
demographics and for an eventual that the respondents’ views broadly reflect those
of the academic and non-academic staff, and management, a stratified random
sampling method was used for this study.
The study findings supported the conclusion that workplace harassment has impact
on staff performance in a South African higher education institution. A systemic
approach was outlined to address workplace harassment. The study also
highlighted several factors as important determinants of workplace harassment and
its impact on staff performance at the selected HEI.
It is hoped that findings and recommendations of this research will assist in
establishing procedures to be used in dealing with workplace harassment; organising
a range of professional assistance which will help other organisations; and
developing a workplace harassment policy for the HEI.
All in all, by paying attention to the stated recommendations and implementing them,
all stakeholders at the selected HEI will ensure that workplace harassment and its
impact on staff performance will be handled accordingly. It is anticipated that this
study will provide useful strategies for South African organisations on how to protect
their employees from workplace harassment.
Description
Ph. D. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.
Keywords
Harassment--South Africa., Employees--Performance--South Africa., Bullying in the workplace--South Africa., Education, Higher--South Africa--Employees., Theses--Management studies.