An appreciative inquiry of selected elements of staff well-being at a higher education institution

[摘要] English: This study explored identified elements of well-being of support services staff of a South African higher education institution (HEI), and ways of optimising their well-being by means of Appreciative Inquiry (AI). The study was underpinned by the research paradigm of social constructionism and the belief that reality is socially constructed through our language.The principles of social constructionism entail that people determine their own destiny by envisioning their desired future. The same principle of dreaming about a desired future is supported by AI �?hence this theme was strengthened by both the social constructionism paradigm that underpinned the study, and the research method that was followed (AI).The institution under research has gone through a process of institutional restructuring from 2007 to 2011. It became evident from an institutional climate survey conducted at the institution in 2013 that elements related to staff well-being had been affected, either through the restructuring or by other factors.A literature review of well-being revealed that very little research has been done relating to the well-being of support services staff of HEIs, and particularly so in the South African higher education (HE) context. This study was aimed at addressing that gap. The literature review included a study of current perspectives and theories on staff well-being and the research method of Appreciative Inquiry (AI).During the empirical phase of the study the strengths of the HEI were identified, as well as some positive developments that support services staff members of the institution would like to see in order to enhance their well-being. The research participants�?social world was interpreted in an attempt to understand their own reality in terms of the language they used during an AI workshop. A qualitative research design was followed, and action research was conducted by means of an AI process. The study identified the positive core of the organisation to be its hard-working and dedicated staff, positive relations between colleagues, supervisors and subordinates, a willingness of staff to adapt to change, good remuneration and benefits offered to staff, job security and a supportive work environment. It transpired that through its positive core, the institution could enhance the well-being of support services staff by valuing and acknowledging contributions made by support services staff, by establishing equality between support services and academic staff, appointing adequate support services staff to do the work, ensuring manageable workloads, creating opportunities for promotion for support services staff, and by doing more to address the overall well-being (physical, psychological and emotional well-being) of support services staff.As there are limited studies available pertaining to the well-being of support services staff at HEIs, this study will make a contribution to the body of knowledge in that field. It is hoped that the institution will realise the importance of the role of support services staff as the gears that keep the machine running, and that their well-being should be a matter of high priority.The applicability of AI as research method in such a study was illustrated, as the statement of positive, provocative propositions rather than problems created a positive context or climate for the participants within which to work, which resulted in positive findings rather than complaints as often is found to be the case with other types of staff surveys.

[发布机构] University of the Free State