Work engagement in female academics at an open distance learning and a contact university in South Africa - a review and critique

This research focused on the work engagement as represented by the sub-dimensions of vigour, absorption and dedication in female academics at two universities in South Africa. An open distance learning (ODL) university, as well as a traditional contact university were targeted. A positive psychological paradigm perspective guided the research. A cross-sectional survey design was used. In total 187 permanently employed female academics at the two universities completed the survey. The findings included that the work engagement scores of the female academics were just above average. It is recommended that universities introduce a management strategy to facilitate, nurture and encourage the experience of work engagement among female academics and that these academics take personal responsibility for their own wellness. Furthermore, they need to act on the initial signs of decreasing work engagement, rather than dismissing it as mere fatigue or lack of energy.