Summary

The reader is reminded of the following: The references and the editorial style prescribed by the Publication Manual (5Ih edition) of the American Psychological Association (MA) were followed in this thesis. This practice is in line with the policy of the Programme in Industrial Psychology of the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) use APA style in all scientific documents as from January 1999. The thesis is submitted in the form of three research articles. The name of the promoter appears on each research article as it was submitted for publication in national and international journals. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to extend my gratitude to various individuals who, at various stages during the writing of this thesis, were prepared to help, guide and support me to complete this research successfully. I am deeply grateful to my Creator, Lord and Saviour, who gave me the talent, opportunity and strength to complete this research