Liezel Massyn completed her BA Comm, BA Hons in Psychology (cum laude), Higher Education Diploma (cum laude), MA in Counselling Psychology (cum laude), Master`s in Higher Education (cum laude) and PhD in Higher Education at the University of the Free State.

As a student, she received the dean’s medal for the best Honours student in the faculty of Humanities (1995), Honorary Colours from the UFS (1996), and the PPS prize for the best final-year master`s student in the Faculty of Humanities (1998). In 2004, she received the CHESD Magister Award for the best performance in the MA (Higher Education) and in 2010, the Kalie Strydom Prize for the best research done in Higher Education Studies.

She started her academic career in 1999 at the UFS, where she was appointed as a lecturer and coordinator for Industrial Psychology for the Career Preparation Programme. She also taught in the Department of Industrial Psychology. In 2004, she was appointed as the first teaching and learning manager for the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. This position focused on academic development, where she was responsible for training and developing teaching and learning within the faculty. During this time, she presented various workshops in the field of teaching and learning, including online learning, assessment, moderation training, and study material development across various modes of delivery, as well as innovative approaches to teaching large classes. In 2010, she received the UFS Excellence in Teaching Award in the category: Outstanding scholarly contribution in the field of Teaching and Learning.

In 2013, she moved to the Business School, where she taught in both the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and supervised students in the BML, MBA and PhD programmes. She delivered more than 250 undergraduate research projects, more than 50 MBA mini-dissertations, and 4 PhD students. She was the programme director for the BML programme from June 2017 to June 2025 and acting director of the Business School for five months in 2021 and again from October 2022 to October 2023.

She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Psychology and has been registered as a counselling psychologist with the HPCSA since 2000.

ACCREDITED ARTICLES

Massyn, L. & Areskoug Josefsson, K. 2026. A bibliographic mapping of work-integrated learning in South Africa. Current Issues in Work-integrated learning, 2(1):2026, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.64775/ciwil.2026.62499

Massyn, L, Wichman-Hansen, G., Areskoug Josefsson, K. 2026. Confronting decisions related to the termination or continuation of doctoral supervision: A supervisor perspective. Studies in Graduate and Postdoctoral Education, 17(1):1-15.  https://doi.org/10.1108/SGPE-07-2023-0062

Massyn, L. & Areskoug Josefsson, K. 2025. Work integrated learning as a catalyst for enriching the doctoral experience. Innovations in Education and Teaching International p. 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2025.2589265

Massyn, L, Olsson, AK & Areskoug Josefsson, K. 2025. Career crafting using work-integrated learning: A missing part of the PhD journey? Journal of Education and Work, 38(1-4): 130-148. https://doi.org/10.1080/13639080.2025.2576929

Bisschoff, Z. & Massyn, L. 2025. A conceptual soft skills competency framework for enhancing graduate intern employability. Higher Education, Skills and Work-based learning. 15(7): 66-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-08-2023-0239

Njenga, S. & Massyn, L. 2024. Enriching system practice with African Perspectives. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 41:717-725. https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.3056

Ruwanika, E. & Massyn, L. 2024. Rethinking external environmental analysis for sustainable development: The case of a beverage manufacturing industry in a southern African country. Sustainability. 2024, 16, 6759 https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166759

Ruwanika, E. & Massyn, L. 2024. A Leadership Competence Framework for Sustainable Development in the Manufacturing Industry in a Developing Country Context: The Bicycle Metaphor. Cogent Business and Management, 11:1, 2364849. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2364849

Massyn, L. 2023. The wellbeing of academics and some implications for research supervisors: A scoping review. Journal for New Generation Sciences, 21(1). http://doi.org/10.47588/jngs.2023.21.01.a5

Bisschoff, Z & Massyn, L. 2023. Incorporating corporate social responsibility in graduate employability. International Journal of Training and Development, 27:57-74. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijtd.12284

Massyn, L. 2023. Persistence in Doctoral Education: A Part-time Research Student Perspective in a Developing Context. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 25(6):613-631. https://doi.org/10.1177/15210251211007110 Published online on 6 April 2021. 

Kotze, M. & Massyn, L. 2019. The influence of employees’ cross-cultural psychological capital on workplace psychological well-being. South African Journal of Industrial Psychology, 45(0), a1660. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v45i0.1660

Graham, C. & Massyn, L. 2019. Interaction equivalency theorem; towards interaction support of non-traditional doctoral students. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 14, 187-216. https://doi.org/10.28945/4238

Kotze, M. & Massyn, L. 2019. Predictors of academic performance in an adult education degree at a Business School in South Africa. Innovations in Education and Teaching International. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2018.1463862

Massyn, L. 2018. Enhancing completion rates of mini-dissertations for a professional master’s degree: An integrated approach. The International Journal of Management Education, 16(2018)114-120.

Massyn, L. & Wilkinson, A. 2015. The design of an adult learning programme: A theory-guided evaluation of learning needs. Journal of New Generation Sciences 13(2):62-79.

Massyn, L. & Wilkinson, A. 2014. Adapting to the contemporary learning environment: from instructional design to Learning Design. Progressio 36(1):93-107.

ACCREDITED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS IN COLLABORATION WITH MASTERS AND PHD STUDENTS

Ndivane, M. & Massyn, L. 2025. Harnessing Gen Z paradoxes for sustainable change in a Clinical Research Organisation. The Annual South African Institute of Management Scientists (SAIMS) 36^th Annual conference. Accredited conference proceeding. Sun City. 15-17 September 2025. ISBN: 978-1-0370-9898-7. Pp. 1083-1100.

Sinra, R. & Massyn, L. 2025. Beyond the books: Exploring the well-being support needs of MBA students. The Annual South African Institute of Management Scientists (SAIMS) 36^th Annual conference. Accredited conference proceeding. Sun City. 15-17 September 2025. ISBN: 978-1-0370-9898-7. Pp. 962-969.

Ridgard, M. & Massyn, L. 2024. Next-Gen Integration: Navigating the Onboarding Maze for Gen Z in Today`s Workplace. International Business Conference (IBC). Accredited conference proceeding. 22-25 September 2024. ISBN: 978-0-7961-8362-0, pp. 2162-2182.

Takadi, K. & Massyn, L. 2021. Gender equality in top managerial positions in a South African Mining Company. International Business Conference (IBC). Accredited conference proceeding. Virtual. 20-21 September 2021. ISBN: 978-0-620-95933-9.

Isaacs, T. & Massyn, L. 2021. Stressing about work: How are academics doing? The Annual South African Institute of Management Scientists (SAIMS) 32^th Annual conference. Accredited conference proceeding. Virtual. 13-14 September 2021. ISBN: 978-1-928472-48-3.

Mafata, P. & Massyn, L. 2021. Corporate bullying in the banking sector in Gauteng: Myth or reality? The Annual South African Institute of Management Scientists (SAIMS) 32^th Annual conference. Accredited conference proceeding. Virtual. 13-14 September 2021. ISBN: 978-1-928472-48-3.

Bisschoff, Z & Massyn, L. September 2019. Employability in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A theoretical perspective. International Business Conference (IBC). Accredited conference proceeding. Arabella, South Africa. 22-26 September 2019. ISBN: 9780620853231. Edited by SP van der Merwe, pp. 163-178.

Letele, M. & Massyn, L. September 2019. Perceptions of stakeholders on the effectiveness of unionisation on enhancing employee satisfaction in the textile and garment industry in Lesotho. International Business Conference (IBC). Accredited conference proceeding. Arabella, South Africa. 22-26 September 2019. ISBN: 9780620853231. Edited by SP van der Merwe, pp. 892-904.

Ruwanika, E. & Massyn, L. September 2019. Leadership competencies for responsible management in disruptive times. The Annual South African Institute of Management Scientists (SAIMS) 31^th Annual conference. Accredited conference proceeding. Port Elizabeth. 8-10 September 2019. ISBN: 9781928472186 (ebook). Edited by SM Farrington, pp. 639-650.

Letele, M & Massyn, L. 2018. Applicability of the classical and contemporary theories of employee satisfaction in today’s work environment. The Annual South African Institute of Management Scientists (SAIMS) 30^th Annual conference. Accredited conference proceeding. Stellenbosch, 16-19 September 2018. ISBN: 978-0-7972-1729-4 (ebook). Edited by E. Theron & L. Theart, pp. 754-771.

Tau, M & Massyn, L. 2018. Employee engagement: What are the influence of biographical attributes? The Annual South African Institute of Management Scientists (SAIMS) 30^th Annual conference. Accredited conference proceeding. Stellenbosch, 16-19 September 2018. ISBN: 978-0-7972-1729-4 (ebook). Edited by E. Theron & L. Theart, pp. 874-898.

Du Plessis, P. & Massyn, L. 2017. A systems approach to work engagement: Igniting work engagement beyond the individual. International Business Conference (IBC). Accredited conference proceeding. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. 23-27 September 2017. ISBN: 978-0-78005-6. Edited by CA Bisschoff & JA Jordaan, pp. 557-568.

Jensen, J & Massyn, L. 2017. Employee engagement: The magic bullet for all corporate ills. The Annual South African Institute of Management Scientists (SAIMS) 29^th Annual conference. Accredited conference proceeding. Bloemfontein, 10-12 September 2017. ISBN: 978-0-620-76376 (ebook). Edited by J Nel, pp. 420-445.

CONFERENCE PAPERS

Massyn, L., Areskoug Josefson, K. & Olsson, AK. Future academic careers: Perspectives from doctoral students and supervisors. Quality in Postgraduate Research, Adelaide, Australia. 15-17 April 2026.

Olsson, K. & Massyn, L. Solving the conundrum of leadership development through WIL – reflections on developing leaders already in leadership positions. WIL conference, Oslo, Norway 22-24 September 2025. The Future of WIL- Innovation, digitalisation, societal and worklife transition, pp. ISBN:

Massyn, L, Olsson, AK & Areskoug Josefsson, K. The supervisor’s role in promoting career crafting through work-integrated learning activities for doctoral students. 9th Biennial conference on Research into Postgraduate Supervision, March 2025.

Massyn, L. 2024. Responding to the changing world of work: Career crafting as a graduate attribute. International Business Conference (IBC). 22-25 September 2024. Stellenbosch.

Massyn, L. 2024. Using examiner’s reports as a quality enhancement tool. The Annual South African Institute of Management Scientists (SAIMS) 35^th Annual conference. Stellenbosch, 8-11 September 2026.

Massyn, L, Areskoug-Josefsson, K & Olsson, A-K. 2024. Take charge of your future career – Crafting the post PhD career path using the principles of Work-integrated learning (WIL). Presented a workshop at 5th WACE International Research Symposium 2024 in Trolhätten, Sweden (12-14 June 2024)

Massyn, L, Olsson, A-K. and Areskoug-Josefsson, K.2024.Exploring your career path using the principles of Work-integrated learning (WIL) during your PhD journey. Conference presentation at 5th WACE International Research Symposium 2024 in Trolhätten, Sweden (12-14 June 2024). Proceedings of the 5 the WACE International Research Symposium on Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education, 2024, University West, Sweden p. 187-191. ISBN: 978-1-7386618-2-4.

Massyn, L, & Areskoug-Josefsson, K. 2024. Crafting your career path using the principles of Work-integrated learning (WIL) during your PhD journey. Workshop. SASUF (South Africa Sweden University Forum), Malmo Sweden. 13-17 May 2024.

Areskoug Josefsson, K., Olsson, A., Assmo, P., Massyn, L., Gustavsson Nyckel, J., Jacobs, H. 2024. Feed-forward academic writing together. Workshop SASUF (South Africa Sweden University Forum), Trolhatten, Sweden. 13-17 May 2024.

Massyn, L. 2024. Exploring academic coaching in PhD programmes. Quality in Postgraduate Research Conference, Adelaide Australia 17-19 April 2024

Areskoug-Josefsson, K & Massyn, L. 2024. Work-integrated learning in PhD education. WIL conference. 3-5 April 2024 in Kampala, South Africa

Massyn, L. 2022. Well-being of supervisors: A scoping review. 8^th Postgraduate Supervision Conference. 15-18 March 2022. Virtual Conference.

Massyn, L. September 2018. Design elements of a formal undergraduate qualification: Developing quality graduates. Prague, 19-21 September 2018. 26^th CEEMAN Annual Conference.

Massyn, L. April 2018. Engaging doctoral students to stay on track: A part-time doctoral student’s perspective. 17-19 April 2018. Adelaide, Australia. Quality in Postgraduate Research.

Graham, C. & Massyn, L. March 2017. Adopting the Interaction Equivalency Theorem to the doctoral learning environment. Spier, Stellenbosch. Postgraduate Supervision Conference.

Massyn, L. & Fourie, M. March 2017. Pastoral care as part of the supervisory relationship: Key contributor or playing with fire? Spier, Stellenbosch. Postgraduate Supervision Conference.

Massyn, L. April 2016. Professional degrees: Strategies to increase completion times. Adelaide, Australia. Postgraduate Supervision Research.

Massyn, L. April 2016. Exploring student support mechanisms from a student perspective: What is really assisting them to complete? Adelaide Australia. Postgraduate Supervision Research.

Massyn, L. March 2013. The St Edwards-Free State Connection: International Collaboration through Blackboard. Panel discussion with students and lecturers. World History Conference 

See above

Her field of interest is in sustainable careers through the lens of employability and work-integrated learning. She is also interested in personal resilience and work-life integration. Previously she focused on persistence of working adults in higher education and beyond and the competencies needed. 

In the Department of Industrial Psychology : Psychological Assessment (Hons)

At the Business School: Modules in the Leadership domain of the BML programme, focusing on Personal and leadership development and Career Psychology

Research Methodology (MBA programme)