An empirical investigation into in-service training at North West Provincial Department of Agriculture

Farmers’ (emerging and commercial) results do not only reflect performance but also depict the quality of learning and teaching that they have received. However, the focus seems to be only on farmers’ results, particularly emerging farmers results’ (rural areas), without regard to other facets of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Environment which have a direct impact on the farmers’ results. Amongst others, there are extension officers and inservice trainers who need to be taken into account to ascertain the quality of service that farmers receive. This study focuses on the provision of in-service training through the cascade model of training in the North West Provincial Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Environment (DACE). While their training approaches are varied and enjoyed by most extension officers, there are inconsistencies in terms of the evaluation of the in-service training sessions. The results show, both the in-service trainers and extension officers are satisfied with in-service training in the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Environment. However, in-service training in general needs to be reviewed in order to maximize the implementation of effective skills development within of the department.Key words: Farmers, in-service training, North West Provincial Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Environment (DACE), extension officers, cascade model,  skills development

Developing a framework for assessing the influence of public service motivation on core work evaluation and counterproductive work behaviour

The outcomes of low levels of public service motivation are low job satisfaction, organisational commitment, engagement and high levels of counterproductive work behaviour. This study’s primary aim was to develop a framework to assess the influence of public service motivation on core work evaluation (job satisfaction, organisational commitment, work engagement) and counterproductive work behaviour among employees at 11 North West provincial government departments The study was conducted within the quantitative research paradigm using a cross-sectional correlational survey design. The population included 61 954 public-service employees. The study used a stratified random sampling method consisting of four subgroups: senior management, middle management, junior management, and elementary employees. The results revealed a positive correlation between PSM and JS, while OC positively correlated with PSM. Work engagement, PSM, OC and JS are positively related, while CWB negatively affects PSM, JS and WE. The measuring instruments were reliable and valid in the North-West provincial government departments.This study provides a theoretical and conceptual framework that public-sector managers can use to assess the impact of public service motivation on core work evaluation and counterproductive work behaviour.NWU IB