Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)
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Item The impact of work design on job satisfaction : a case study of the Electricity Stores department, eThekwini Municipality(2023-06) Maniram, Dhanesh; Chetty, GopalkrishnaThis study sought to examine the relationship between work design factors and job satisfaction with the eThekwini Electricity stores as the case study. The primary objective of the study was the assessment of the impact of work design factors on job satisfaction. Job satisfaction plays a crucial role in employee motivation and productivity that generally contributes to the attainment of organisational goals. Studies globally suggest that practicable work designs are associated with the enhancement of employee morale and motivation, hence increasing job satisfaction. In South Africa municipalities have come under scrutiny for buildings and offices that are derelict in appearance. Moreover, due to the deficiency of capital resources by local government, the maintenance and refurbishing of buildings, equipment and machinery are generally being neglected. Acceptable work designs are dependent on meticulous building infrastructure and appropriate machinery and equipment; hence, this study is devoted to the eThekwini Electricity stores’ environment in Durban. eThekwini Electricity has twelve (12) stores located within the Metropolitan region that holds and supplies stock for maintenance and construction purposes. The study findings are based on a sample of 65 respondents with a response rate of 92.30% for the self-administered questionnaires. As part of a mixed methods research approach, five (5) participants were also interviewed. The study’s theoretical framework is undergirded by the Work Design Questionnaire of Morgeson and Humphrey (2006) and the motivation theory by Herzberg that uses motivators as factors that seek to enhance job satisfaction, while the job characteristics model by Hackman and Oldham employs skill, variety, task variety, task significance, autonomy and feedback as factors to be incorporated into work design to enhance employee morale . The results from this study suggest work design factors such as autonomy and task variety are perceived by employees as significant contributors to job satisfaction, while work design factors job complexity, information processing and problem-solving point to an appreciable proportion of contribution toward job satisfaction, but equally does not contribute to job dissatisfaction. This study also revealed a pronounced dissatisfaction with work design factors such as ergonomics, physical demands and work conditions. The findings in this study point to arenas within eThekwini Electricity stores that can be improved upon in respect of work design. The appropriate managerial interventions ought to address the perceived deficiencies. Review of existing work methods together with appropriate training and development can be employed to address work factors such as job complexity, information processing and problem solving, while the use of appropriate technology and mechanisation ought to be used for work design factors such as ergonomics, physical demands and work conditions. Additionally, it is proposed that improved health and safety standards together with ‘green environment’ initiatives be encouraged to enhance job satisfaction outcomes with employees. The study used the Work Design Questionnaire and adapted it uniquely to suit the eThekwini Electricity Municipality stores’ environment. The approach and methodology utilised in this study could certainly be adopted in any warehousing environment, especially in a local government setting.Item Using consumer behaviour theories to analyse the relationship between green technology and customer expectations(2021-11-17) Manqele, Mxolisi BongumusaGreen technology has become a welcome and popular development in most parts of the world, possibly due to the wide belief that green technology is a concept whereby nature and the environment are protected, retaining the environment’s ecosystem. Various actions exist that may lessen environmental impact, yet much difficulty is encountered in converting customer intentions to action, highlighting the importance of bridging the existing gap between customer intent and action; not only in safeguarding the environment but also for business to meet sustainability goals. In this regard, literature highlights a fast-growing interest in innovation for sustainability, while studies draw attention to the development of green industries and green jobs, suggesting that “green” will grow into an important measure for companies and brands, with commendations based on environmental references featured strongly in consumer decision-making. Within this context, the current study hopes to examine green technology-based products, in terms of customer expectations in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of South Africa (SA). Research shows customer expectations as the desires or wants of consumers, in terms of what they feel a service provider should offer, while customer expectations of service have been further presented as subjective and based on the needs and desires customers expect to fulfil in using the service. This study concedes that green technology-based products can contribute effectively to achieving customer expectations. The mode of green technology-based products could be used to achieve this objective thus becomes the key thrust of this research. Using a quantitative methodology, this study is predicated on the assumption that because green technology preserves the environment, it is an interesting and effective method of achieving customer expectations.