INFORMATION AND CONSENT

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this survey about personal values, strengths, work satisfaction, spirituality and religiosity. The aim of the survey is to test theoretical relationships between various constructs including values, resilience, spirituality/religiosity, emotional intelligence, personal well-being, and work satisfaction. The survey is being conducted by Rabindra Kumar Pradhan, at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur; Cesar A. Merino Soto, at San Martin de Porres University in Lima, Peru; and Conrad Zygmont, at Helderberg College in South Africa.
The survey consists of a number of well researched and empirically validated scales. Completing the survey should take you between 20 and 40 minutes. Your information will be kept strictly confidential, and you may drop out of the study at any time by simply closing the browser window.
Before you continue with the study please read the informed consent form below carefully, and feel free to ask the research assistant who contacted you should you have any questions regarding any of the items, or the survey in general. If you still have questions or concerns, these can be addressed to the study project leader, Conrad Zygmont, at zygmontc@hbc.ac.za
This survey is intended to measure a number of constructs related to spirituality, personal strengths, personal well-being, values or moral foundations, and job satisfaction. Ultimately, the data will be used to examine the relationships between these variables and examine differences between countries and religions. You are welcome to ask the research assistant that contacted you or research supervisor any questions you may have.
1. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The data collected during the survey will be analysed in order to look for relationships between these constructs, test the validity and reliability of the measures, and examine differences between people of different religious faiths and in different countries.
2. TYPE OF RESEARCH BEING CONDUCTED
This is a quantitative study that uses an on-line survey design to collect descriptive data, which is used to understand the views of participants in respective groups and explore relationships between theoretical constructs. The data is not evaluated on an individual basis.
3. PROCEDURES
If you volunteer to participate in this study, we would ask you to complete this questionnaire as honestly and accurately as possible. The questionnaire includes questions about your attitudes to your work organisation and job, various moral positions, your well-being and satisfaction with your life, resilience and emotional intelligence, and spirituality. Some of the questions may seem repetitive - they are measuring similar constructs - please think carefully about your responses to such items.
4. SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS
Participants are chosen by research assistants based on their affiliation to denominations included in the study, having worked recently or being currently employed, and geographic location.
5. POTENTIAL RISKS, DISCOMFORTS AND/OR BENEFITS TO PARTICIPATION
There are no envisaged risks or discomforts to taking part in this survey. Your personal identifying information will remain confidential and will never be shared with someone either during or after this study.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY
Your personal information will only be used in administrative processes, but will not be shared with anyone outside of the research project management team. Any information that is obtained in connection with this study and that can be identified with you will remain confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or as required by law.
7. PARTICIPATION AND WITHDRAWAL
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. Furthermore, you may withdraw at any time without consequences of any kind. You may also refuse to answer any questions that you do not want to answer and still remain in the study. The investigator may withdraw you from the study if circumstances arise which warrant doing so.
8. SHARING OF RESEARCH FINDINGS
The results of this research may be published in academic journals, or presented at professional meetings. However, no confidential information like your email address or name will be made available in any of these scientific publications. You are welcome to request a copy of the results from the researcher supervisor.
9. IDENTIFICATION OF INVESTIGATORS
If you have any questions or concerns about the research, please feel free to contact Conrad Zygmont, study supervisor, on (021) 850-7525 / zygmontc@hbc.ac.za.
10. RIGHTS OF RESEARCH SUBJECTS
You may withdraw your consent at any time and discontinue participation without penalty. You are not waiving any legal claims, rights or remedies because of your participation in this research study. If you have any questions about your rights as a research subject, contact any member of the Helderberg College Research Coordinating Committee, or visit the following site for more information http://www.hpcsa.co.za/Uploads/editor/UserFiles/downloads/conduct_ethics/rules/generic_ethical_rules/booklet_6_gen_ethical_guidelines_for_researchers.pdf
By clicking on next you acknowledge: I have read all the information presented above, and understand what it is about. I have been given the opportunity to ask questions, which have been answered to my satisfaction. I understand the researcher's commitment to protect my privacy, and my right to participate or withdraw at any time. I consent voluntarily to take part as a participant in this study, and will adhere to answer honestly and openly.

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