Exploring Workplace Adversity And Resilience Among Teachers In The Lejweleputswa District: The Need For Supprort Programmes For Teachers

Abstract

Despite volumes of research work on workplace adversity and resilience internationally, much remains unknown about the adversities and resilience among teachers in South Africa. The aim of this research study is therefore clear in its title: Exploring workplace adversity and resilience among teachers in the Lejweleputswa district: the need for support programmes for teachers. It was envisaged that the findings of this study would make it possible for strengthbased, resilience-focused interventions to be developed in order to support teachers and prevent staff turnover. Workplace adversity negatively impacts teachers’ performance. A generic qualitative study was conducted. This study is phenomenological and exploratory in nature. The design of the study was a multiple case study research and qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The findings taken from the participants’ narratives were categorised. The study documented individual and environmental processes that enabled teachers to function resiliently despite the adversities they face at work. Teachers attributed their ability to thrive in the midst of workplace adversity ultimately through the following factors: personal resilience, support from their families and community, professional assistance, religious practices and beliefs as well as seminars and workshops. Workplace adversity negatively impacts teachers’ performance. It is therefore essential to give them the necessary support in the form of structured programmes to assist them in performing well consistently despite the adversities they face in the workplace.