Die betroubaarheid en geldigheid van 'n assertiwiteitsvraelys vir toesighouers in die goudmynbedryf

Abstract

Assertiveness training forms an important component of training in the gold mining industry, because it affects productivity as well as the nature of interpersonal relationships. Assertion involves standing up for personal rights and expressing thoughts, feelings and beliefs in direct, honest, and appropriate ways which do not violate another person's rights. Surveys have indicated that supervisors at the Vaal River Gold Mine have limited skills of assertiveness. This deficiency raises problems in interpersonal relationships in the work situation and has a negative effect on productivity. A reliable and valid questionnaire to determine the assertiveness of the Vaal River Gold Mine Supervisors is therefore a necessity. The general aim of this research was to investigate the reliability and validity of an assertiveness questionnaire at the Vaal River Gold Mine. The research hypotheses were tested by using a survey design as well as an experimental design. Two research groups were used for the research. The research groups were comprised of supervisors of the Vaal River Gold Mine. The first group was exposed to the survey design with the following Paterson job gradings: 201 supervisors of the B5; B6/7 grading; 69 supervisors of the C1, C2 and C3 grading; 129 supervisors of the C4/5 grading; and finally 23 supervisors of the D1/2 grading. The second group consisted of 62 supervisors selected at random from a group of 126 supervisors that were targeted for assertiveness training. The measurmg instruments applicable to this research were the Vaal River Gold Mine assertiveness questionnaire, the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF). The results of the empirical survey indicated that the questionnaire currently being used were not reliable and valid and did not satisfy the requirements of the evaluation of supervisors at the Vaal River Gold Mine. The questionnaire was statistically analysed, and an improved questionnaire was statistically processed.