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.
