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Survey reveals two-thirds of NZ employees want more work-life flexibility – How should employers respond?
(The Conversation Media Group Ltd, 2022-09-16) Macpherson W; Tootell B; Scott J; Kobayashi K
Decolonising mahi : a Kaupapa Māori theory and practice framework : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health at SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, Aotearoa-New Zealand
(Massey University, 2023) Emery-Whittington, Isla Te Ara o Rehua
The thesis is a narration of a process to reclaim theoretical space where everyday acts are once again regarded as mahi and as māori. It is a philosophical decolonial examination of both Western theories and notions of occupation (activities, acts, work, deeds) and Kaupapa Māori praxis of mahi. The aim of this Kaupapa Māori study is to examine the relationship between ‘colonisation’ and ‘occupation’ and specifically, how this relationship contributes to both the reproduction of colonialism and decolonisation of everyday life for Māori peoples. This provides a basis for formalising the Māori Occupational Therapy Network’s theorising of a Kaupapa Māori theory of mahi and practice model. Kaupapa Māori methodology provided a foundation that privileged tikanga and mātauranga through the study. Wānanga as theory making, writing to understand, publishing to disrupt and building antiracist collectives were the Kaupapa Māori methods utilised. These methods supported a critical examination of the links between occupation and colonisation. Specifically, notions of ‘occupation as a series of separations’, ‘occupations as having’, and ‘occupational justice’ were examined for their utility in reproducing and maintaining colonialism. A taxonomy of human occupations in settler-colonial states captured the observations and is outlined alongside emerging Indigenous and critical occupational therapy and occupational science literature. This study used a ‘thesis with publications pathway’ to collaboratively disrupt colonial reckons about occupation and carved new spaces to share how decoloniality is generated and transforms everyday tasks of life. Guidance for antiracist, Tiriti-based praxis is designed into a Kaupapa Māori Theory of Mahi and a practice framework called Ngā Mahi a Rehua. The study was tasked with noticing, examining and explaining how the ‘colonised’ struggle is lived and transcended in the minutiae of everyday occupations. In so doing, it also highlighted the links between institutionalised dehumanisation practices within occupational therapy and occupational science, and monocultural theorising of occupation. Despite this, the study also highlighted how an Indigenous way of being, is transformative and necessary. Evidently, despite the chronic, multi-layered, and shape-shifting nature of ‘being colonised’, mahi is a potent and abundantly accessible site of decoloniality.
Bringing multiple job holding out of the moonlight : understanding the heterogeneity of multiple job holders in Aotearoa New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2021) Port, Zoë Margaret Joy
Multiple job holding is a form of non-standard work for which research reports mixed experiences for those individuals involved. It has been suggested that heterogeneity among multiple job holders may explain the divergence in reported experiences. The aim of this research was to explore this heterogeneity to develop a meaningful, nuanced method for conceptualising multiple job holders which can be utilised for future research, policy development and practice. A two-study, mixed methods research design was utilised. As a methodological precursor to the main study (study two), an investigation was undertaken to shed light on how multiple job holders select their ‘main job’ (a requirement in most quantitative research in this area) as the traditional methods for this selection were considered somewhat arbitrary and potentially inaccurate. Thus, a semi-structured interview design using vignettes was employed to explore the criteria used by multiple job holders when directed to select a main job. Study one concluded that an extensive array of criteria were used and therefore one main job indicator should not be imposed universally. Rather, the most appropriate method should be to allow individuals to self-select their main job, while at the same time capturing their rationale for the selection. Incorporating this method of main job indicator selection, the second and main study utilised a quantitative cross-sectional survey design that captured situational variables and outcomes. Latent class analysis showed that, based upon their situational factors, four distinct types of multiple job holder were identified. These ranged from those with markedly positive situations (the privileged type) and in contrast, those forced into the practice with negative situations (the compelled type). Furthermore, and as predicted, the more negative types experienced more adverse outcomes. This research achieves its intended purpose around conceptualising the diverse types of multiple job holder that exist. Specifically, it advances knowledge about multiple job holding by suggesting that these people constitute a highly heterogeneous population – one that should not be subject to generalisations or assumptions – and that their experiences appear to be shaped by the nature of their situations. In doing so, the research provides a more nuanced illustration of these unique groups of individuals that can be utilised by future researchers, policymakers and practitioners/employers alike to more appropriately understand multiple job holders.
An investigation of the validity of a section of a theoretical model to predict work physiology parameters from age and weight : a research project presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies at Massey University
(Massey University, 1984) Jeffrey, Glyn
Work physiology is the study of physiological parameters of the body during work. Two of these physiological parameters are commonly measured to assess the cost of work : oxygen consumption and heart rate. In 1979 a theoretical model was developed to estimate some ergonomic parameters from age, height and weight. While this model predicted anthropometric, biomechanical and work physiology parameters, the present research was concerned only with the section of the model predicting work physiology parameters of oxygen consumption and heart rate from age and weight. In this study oxygen consumption and heart rate values were obtained from measurement of seven subjects working on an ergometer. These values were then used to test three of the equations in the predictive model. Two of the equations were found to be unreliable as predictors of oxygen consumption and heart rate for this sample, while one of the equations was found to be reliable. Further research with a larger sample is necessary before any firm conclusions about this section of the model may be made.
The use of heart rate indices and subjective questionnaires in the determination of fatigue in motor-manual tree felling and delimbing operations in New Zealand exotic plantation forests : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Ergonomics at Massey University
(Massey University, 1996) Kirk, Patrick Michael
This study assessed the use of heart rate indices and subjective questionnaires in the determination of fatigue in motor-manual tree felling operations in New Zealand exotic plantation forests. The research design consisted of a causal study utilising an amalgamation of both observational and ex post facto data collection techniques employing a cross sectional case study approach within a field study research environment. Findings from the research indicate that motor-manual tree felling and delimbing are tasks not necessarily analogous with excessively high levels of fatigue, even though the physiological measures categorised motor-manual felling and delimbing as being moderate to heavy workload tasks. Chronic fatigue was avoided, and acute fatigue mitigated by the effective use of the fallers self-pacing mechanism, combined with both structured and spontaneous rest breaks analogous with the work method adopted by motor-manual fallers. Consequently, production was not negatively affected by the progression of the working day. Poor work postures commonly adopted by the fallers encourage the progressive development musculo-skeletal damage. Hazards encountered by the subjects followed national trends for felling and trimming. Significant decreases in thermal comfort and sensation ratings occurred, accompanied by an increase in the skin wettedness rating and higher thermal regulation ratings for the majority of the fallers. No discernible increase in mental fatigue could be identified during the study. The ambient thermal environment and work site terrain had minimal effect on the subjects performance levels or physiological and psycho-physiological loadings.
The effects of traffic congestion on Auckland commuters : an examination into the consequences and solutions of commuting stress for organizations : a thesis presented in a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University
(Massey University, 2002) McCombe, Iain Keith
Auckland's roadways are choked for up to two and a half hours every morning as employees commute to their jobs. Car ownership figures reported for Auckland are high in international comparison, the number of private cars is rising faster than the population. A quasi experimental field study was conducted on 33 Auckland commuters, as a pilot, to assess the effects of traffic congestion on state stress and job performance, using the State Driver Stress Inventory and peer and self assessments. A direct link between traffic congestion and job performance has not been studied before, however previous research posits to a relationship between traffic congestion and task performance. This study expands on previous work by including average speed and number of obstacles in its definition of the independent variable impedance. It was found that commuting by any mode of transport is regarded as stressful for some individuals. Heavily impeded participants had poorer peer ratings of performance. The State Driver Stress Inventory, travel logs, and behaviour bases observation scales received further validation and were found to be appropriate for New Zealand samples. Ways of minimising the impact of traffic congestion on commuters in the region are suggested. Limitations of the study and projected future investigations are discussed.
Couple-owned business in New Zealand : how couples in business manage the complexities of their lifestyle : a 152.800 thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management, Massey University
(Massey University, 2007) Hodgson, Kim Florence Ashton
Given the increasing phenomenon of couples in business and prevalence of SME's in New Zealand, this study contributes to the limited extant literature on couples in business by providing a New Zealand perspective. It also addresses a gap in the research by presenting a step towards building a profile of New Zealand couples in business for interested parties such as New Zealand business, the government and other research projects. The key research aim in this thesis was to examine the dynamics at play within this business lifestyle as couples simultaneously manage both their work and home relationships. Data were collected using a two-phased research methodology. The first phase of the study was exploratory and employed a qualitative methodology (Focus Groups and Case Studies). Phase One of the study established what key themes were relevant to New Zealand couples. This exploratory phase then guided the construction of a survey instrument. The second phase of the study utilised a survey and employed quantitative data analysis techniques. The survey investigated whether factors such as gender and dependents living at home defined differences in the characteristics profiles of entrepreneurial couples in New Zealand. The study also investigated satisfaction and tension levels in the sample. Using summary statistics, cluster analysis, and multivariate techniques, this research found that a couple's personal relationship impacted on all facets of their lives, including their work and life satisfaction levels. Couples who were satisfied with their relationship also experienced less business tension. In essence, the relationship was the fulcrum on which the business and the home balanced. The findings of this research were compared with the limited international data and a degree of similarity was found. The findings also have built on these similarities by offering a unique New Zealand perspective and focusing on the relationship as the keystone to the copreneurial lifestyle. The findings were also examined for relevance to the New Zealand context and it was found that predominant cultural factors affect the couples' lifestyles, home, and work decisions. Further potential for future research was highlighted, for example, investigating eastern cultures, same sex relationships, and industry or targeting specific demographics. Key words: Couples in Business, Entrepreneurial Couples, Copreneurship, Relationship Satisfaction, Business Tension, Cluster Analysis, Multivariate Analysis, New Zealand Business, Home, Work, Family, Dependents, Gender.
Relationships among work adjustment variables : a thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University
(Massey University, 1993) Skinner, Monica Jessie
In the context of changing patterns of work and a growing trend for individuals to occupy more than one position during their working life, knowledge about the factors affecting work adjustment becomes increasingly important to employee and employer alike. The present research investigated the application of aspects of a dominant but relatively unchallenged psychological theory of work adjustment (and its instrumentation) of Dawis and Lofquist ( 1 984). The aspects of particular interest in this area of Occupational , Industrial/Organisational and Vocational Psychology, were the effect of work need correspondence (as moderated by satisfactoriness) on job satisfaction and tenure and the use of the adjustment styles of active, reactive, perseverance and flexibility. A critical evaluation of the theory raised concerns about possible omissions of important variables, about inconsistencies (such as having the key variables of j ob satisfaction and satisfactoriness act mutually as moderators yet be relatively independent of each other) and about the apparent failure of an orthogonal model to represent the relationships among work need factors accurately. The underlying factor structure of work needs was explored using confirmatory factor analytic techniques and the linear structural relations model (LISREL) . Dawis and Lofquist's work need factor analyses were reworked in an empirical study and as part of a meta-analysis . The work adjustment theory was expanded to take account of relationships among constructs with a more cognitive component (such as subjective wellbeing, self-efficacy and locus of control), among social constructs (such as social support and social reference group influences) and among non-work variables (such as satisfaction with quality of life domains) . Vocational issues such as the relationship between occupational fantasy and actual position taken up were explored. The study was of a two-stage longitudinal design with questionnaires administered to a relatively homogeneous group of 377 volunteers from a range of academic disciplines in a New Zealand university towards the last third of their final year of study, prior to graduation and to the 288 remaining in the study sample a year later, the majority of whom were in work. Data about the characteristics of the respondent group including information about their parents and individual work expectations were gathered at stage one. Stage two repeated measures of self-efficacy, locus of control and subjective well-being and sought information to evaluate aspects of work adjustment theory, non-work factors and the work/non-work relationship. The psychological instruments in addition to those of work adjustment theory used were Holland's (1965) Vocational Preference Instrument, The Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory (Hansen, 1985) and the measures used by Campbell, Converse and Rodgers (1976) of happiness, subjective well-being and personal competence. The criticisms of the theory appeared valid and the expanded model outlined fitted the data better than the original of Dawis and Lofquist with the additional variables performing as well or better in the prediction of tenure. Job satisfaction was found to be a better predictor of work adjustment than expected tenure. Job attachment explained more of the variance in the work adjustment model than did expected length of tenure itself. Although correspondence between work needs and work reinforcers usually occurred, only certain work needs when reinforced affected job satisfaction. The factor structure of work needs was found to be hierarchical with two second order factors. One second order factor was interpreted as being intrinsic and involving personal development and growth aspects while the other was more extrinsic in nature involving the work setting, management and working conditions. Just as the first level factors correlated so did the second order factors to produce a single, general work need factor. Not all work needs may need to be reinforced for job satisfaction to occur and perhaps as few as five need to be measured. Adjustment style did not moderate correspondence between all work needs and their reinforcers. The social reference group and the degree of social support were found to be an important influence on the subjective wellbeing of respondents. When taken together a greater amount of variance in subjective wellbeing was accounted for by leisure satisfaction and social support than by job satisfaction. Perceived job satisfactoriness was a better predictor of tenure than job satisfaction. Non-work factors and the relative importance of work and job/lifestyle compatibility were found to be of importance to work adjustment. The implications of the apparent limitations of Dawis and Lofquist's theory of work adjustment are discussed along with the effect of the emergence of a different work need factor structure on the theory's instrumentation.
Work, study and home demands : an investigation of their interrelationship, coping, and satisfaction : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
(Massey University, 2012) Parr, Annabel Susan
Escalating tertiary fees, user pay systems, and high living costs are some of the reasons students are combining paid work with study. In tertiary institutions there are a large proportion of students studying while working. Working students of all ages have home commitments, be it household management, family, pet, or flatmate responsibilities. The aim of this research was to look at how working students manage interrole conflicts between work, study, and home. This included how interrole conflicts, satisfaction, and coping related to one another and whether task-focussed coping and emotion-focussed coping mediated and moderated the interrole conflict and satisfaction relationships. Three hundred and twenty seven students who had been undertaking paid work during the semester completed an online survey. Results showed that although there were some mediational and moderational relationships, overall coping made little difference to the relationships between interrole conflict and satisfaction. It was found that the domain that gave rise to interrole conflict was also the domain where most dissatisfaction was experienced, suggesting the source of the conflict is more resented than the role affected by the conflict. The highest conflict was time-based study interfering with home, and the second highest conflict was time-based work interfering with study. Tertiary institutions need to extend hours for their services, and evening and weekend availability of lecturing staff. Ongoing promotion through seminars of ways to successfully manage home commitments with study commitments would be useful for working students as well. It is also important that workplaces promote initiatives such as flexible hours to help students combine work and study successfully. Postgraduates experienced interrole conflict more than undergraduates in 5 of the 6 interrole conflicts so it is important that they are specially targeted for attention. Future research might like to compare larger samples of postgraduates and undergraduates and see if each group experiences similar or different mediational or moderational effects such as coping. Future research should also continue to differentiate between time and strain-based interrole conflict as working students experience them differently.
Work patterns in research organisations : a case study of some social aspects of scientific knowledge development : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University
(Massey University, 1980) Hes, Richard Lubomir
This thesis involved an investigation of some social aspects of scientific knowledge development. In particular, it focused on the "work patterns" of problem solvers and the "effects" research organisations have on them. The proposed theories were tested in one government research organisation. The "work patterns" of problem solvers were defined in terms of three stages of work (the Work Programme Development, the Idea Generation of specific projects, and the Problem Solving of these specific projects). It was hypothesised and substantiated, using the log-linear modelling technique, that each stage of work is associated with a distinctive pattern of communication, conceptualised in terms of six dimensions (sources of information, types of information, circumstances and modes of information transfer, and the effects of the information). It was shown that the Work Programme Development occurs in response to information, passively received, from external sources during formal circumstances. Ideas for specific projects are generated on the basis of scientific information acquired from journals. In solving specific projects, problem solvers actively consult internal sources, in informal circumstances. The "effects" of organisations on the work patterns of problem solvers were considered by investigating the effects of (a) three organisational properties (analytic, structural, and global) on internal flows of communication, and (b) those environmental properties on external patterns of communication which could have been investigated in a case study situation. Hypotheses were derived from the resource dependence theory of organisations which was proposed by Pfeffer and Salancik (1978). The investigation of the effects of the research organisation on the internal flows of communication used locally optimal tests and showed that all three properties of organisations influence the formation of these communications. Internal communications occurred mainly within structural and global constraints, and among people who had similar attributes (analytic properties). Some evidence was found that close physical proximity, which had a strong influence on internal communication, could be overcome by colleague networks, which formed among people with similar analytic properties (autonomy, work related orientations and socially recognised work competence). Informal networks also played an important role in the formation of colleague networks. The investigations of the effects of the research organisation on the patterns of external communication indicated that the vast majority of information which was received from external sources came from other research organisations, and the amount declined with increasing distance from the focal organisation. The very limited communication with the client communities was not geographically constrained. Implications for research administrators were discussed. Consistent with attitudes of the respondents toward the roles of research administrators, the findings of this study suggest that the most important role of research administrators should be in facilitating communication, contacts, and the provision of resources.

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