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THEUNS PELSER

rof Theuns Pelser is the executive director Management, which still today, is one of the top enjoys celebrating moments of success as positive
at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manu- business schools in Europe. feedback and recognition makes a difference in
facturing Studies (TWIMS). In addition, he “Unfortunately, as a South African, just coming out of other people’s lives.
Palso holds the CFAO Research Chair.
Apartheid, getting a work permit was very difficult. I INTRINSIC MOTIVATION
Theuns’ education started directly after school when got a temporary permit to get into the country and
he embarked on a BCom degree at the Vaal Triangle every second week I had to go to the foreign police, “My wife knows I’m a task achiever; completing a
campus of Potchefstroom University. Theuns went on and I was treated like a criminal.” task gives me the energy and inspiration for the next
to obtain honours in business management. On the This treatment continued for six months and really challenge. Overall, I think my intrinsic motivation
completion of his honours’ degree, he commenced frustrated Theuns as he was unable to focus on his is my real north compass – where the drive comes
his academic career as a junior lecturer at the North- studies. After reaching the limits of his tolerance, from achieving something that adds value and
West University in 1995. is meaningful.” Theuns obtains his inspiration by
Theuns returned to South Africa and finished his setting challenging goals that grow him to move
Reflecting on his career highlights, Theuns said, “I doctoral degree in a year and a half, and before he forward to achieve tangible results.
think all academics would say the accomplishment turned 30. “The failure situation, turned into a winning
that makes them most proud is the day they attained situation because I focused on the big picture. I wanted He added, “I think that’s why I’ve taken this position
full professorship, and for me it’s exactly the same. to achieve the doctorate,” explained Theuns. as executive director at TWIMS. I’ve been fortunate
Most people outside of academia don’t understand enough to lead a couple of business schools in the
the pressures and challenges to be promoted to a BE RESILIENT public sector, but this is the first one with a very
full professor.” Another time of stress was during his stint at Mafeking niche campus, as well as a very comprehensive
campus as director of the Business School. Regrettably, offering in terms of a particular mandate. I would
Speaking on his current role, Theuns says, “My like to not just achieve the goals we set but exceed
purpose includes the development of TWIMS a fellow academic accused him of plagiarism. Theuns those.”
into Africa’s foremost manufacturing business said, “I had to do something drastic to save myself,
education institution, to foster relationships within because I knew I was innocent. I realised one needs In certain workplaces, Theuns believes that he would
the manufacturing sector and to ensure TWIMS’s to be resilient but also to be guided by experts. I get bored and stale because he would not see them
immediately contact a local lawyer.”
financial sustainability.” as achieving something to the betterment of the
organisation or to the individuals with whom he is
The case went to the North-West High Court, following
BE TRUE TO ONESELF which a defamation case was brought against this interacting. As such the education sector provides
individual, as it was proven that Theuns was not guilty much motivation as the benefits are evident.
Commenting on the best advice he has received
Theuns says, “Always play on your strengths and be of plagiarism and was cleared by the university’s He explains, “Through some of the things that we
true to oneself.” internal processes. teach in our classes and in our research and in the
way we conduct ourselves in this community, we
Personally, explained Theuns, “I don’t like conflict
During his school years, Theuns was an introverted can actually empower some of the players in the
child, with some anxiety issues, and he wasn’t a however, conflict is always in the workplace. There’s ecosystem to be able to thrive. I know it’s impossible
confident public speaker. A class teacher gave him a lot of disagreements, small things, nuances in for a little institute to make big differences, but
with the opportunity to present to the class, which he what you say or not say, body languages, etcetera. I through this small ripple effect, hopefully we can
experienced as very traumatic. However, he received think the first thing for me is transparency and open get other players in the ecosystem to take the
positive feedback from the teacher who indicated communication.” challenge up.”
that through his analytical research and presentation, Secondly, explained Theuns, a supportive environ-
he showed the traits of a lecturer. This feedback set ment is critical because within conflict you will have In conclusion, Theuns explains that as he is internally
Theuns on an academic research career path. opposing individuals and opposing groups. “If there quite religious, his motto relates to the saying of Jesus
is a supportive environment, it channels a lot of that which says, ‘The one of you who is without sin let him
However, his path has not always been smooth be the first to throw a stone’. “I think sometimes we
sailing, as he has experienced some challenges. negative energy towards more positive energy in are very hard on our staff or on our peers without
terms of resetting.”
Theuns wanted to obtain a doctoral degree at realising that we’re not perfect ourselves. We need to
an Ivy League university and was successful Theuns does not believe in micromanaging individ- understand that we need to give enough scope so
in his application to the Rotterdam School of uals but works to empower his team. He also that they can be able to strive for that perfection.”
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