Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 9(5), pp. 957 - 962
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090508
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Teachers' Views on Workplace Adversities: A South African Perspective

Phindiwe Old John , Letlhoyo Segalo ^*
Department of Educational & Professional Studies, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa

ABSTRACT

This paper explored teachers' views on workplace adversities in one district of education in South Africa. Life is fraught with challenges and teachers are no exception. Teachers face various workplace challenges and some of these challenges may be the mundane occurrences of everyday life, while others may seem insurmountable. Each of these challenges requires teachers to adapt, rather than succumb to perceived adversity. The ability to adjust to challenging circumstances is essential for human development and teaching is no exception. For example, teaching profession demands that teachers continuously develop their skills and aptitude to changing workplace environment such as workplace adversities. Workplace adversity is understood to be the primary reason teachers fail to flourish in the workplace and eventually leave the teaching profession. The major elements of workplace adversity in teaching are negative and dissatisfactory working conditions, the work environment and the daily challenges faced by teachers during their work. An interpretive qualitative research method was undertaken. Participants in this study were nine teachers (5 women and 4 men) 100% black, age ranged from 26-43 years and were purposively recruited. Data was collected by means of a semi-structured interview and was analysed thematically using open codes. The findings of the study revealed that school teachers face workplace adversities, such as, poor management, sanitary problems, demands from parents and lack of collegiality.

KEYWORDS
Teachers, Workplace, Adversities, Profession, Teaching

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Phindiwe Old John , Letlhoyo Segalo , "Teachers' Views on Workplace Adversities: A South African Perspective," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 9, No. 5, pp. 957 - 962, 2021. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090508.

(b). APA Format:
Phindiwe Old John , Letlhoyo Segalo (2021). Teachers' Views on Workplace Adversities: A South African Perspective. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 9(5), 957 - 962. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090508.