Theses and Dissertations (Human Resources Management)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10352/219

Browse

Now showing 1 - 13 of 13

Developing strategies to improve the technical and vocational education training system in Swaziland
(2015-01) Mdluli, Grace Sizakele; Grobler, B. R.; Joubert, P. A.
The purpose of this study was to develop strategies to improve Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Swaziland. It has been 68 years since the TVET education was introduced in the country, but it has slowly been coming forth, especially in providing for the needs of society and industry. For this reason, the researcher wanted to find out what could be delaying the progress of the TVET system by developing some strategies to improve this aspect of training. The fundamental research questions were based on the strategies that could be developed to improve the TVET system in Swaziland and the importance of ensuring pre-service and in-service training for special target groups. It was worth mentioning that since the TVET policy had been officially launched and implemented, different stakeholders who would be expected to fully support and understand what the policy entails would recognise its functions. The policy states that skills training should be introduced in the school system at the earlier years of starting the school system to create awareness and love for various skills at an early age. In addition, it is imperative that the country give priority to the TVET versus the academic education as it had been proved through the unemployment rate that the jobs are actually shrinking whilst the work in the market is in abundance. Hence, there was a need to strategise methods of successfully implementing the TVET policy in order to benefit the government’s efforts in the aims and objectives set in the policy The study aimed at examining the challenges faced by the country in implementing the policy so that it could effectively address the TVET education in the most positive and successful manner. The main findings form part of the important basis of the study by providing evidence of research phenomenon that it is anticipated to denote. The findings of the study were discussed according to the participants’ responses collected during focus group interviews and individual in-depth interviews. Further developments for TVET improvement of the study showed the findings portray that there is a need to improve resource efficiency strategy and the private sector/industry should provide support to TVET students, via internships, attachment of identified relevant training staff, sharing of equipment or the provision of training programmes.
The effect of job satisfaction on the organisational commitment of administrators at a University in Gauteng
(2016-09) Thabane, Lerato Judith; Radebe, P. Q.; Joubert, P. A.
Administrative staff members are important human capital in higher education because they perform diverse duties that are essential to the day-to-day operations of universities. As a result, their job satisfaction and organisational commitment are imperative to universities. However, there is a paucity of research focusing on the job satisfaction and organisational commitment of administrative staff members in the South African higher education sector. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effect of overall job satisfaction on the organisational commitment of administrators at a university in Gauteng. To achieve the aforementioned objective, a quantitative survey approach was used to examine the relationship between overall job satisfaction and organisational commitment among 383 administrative staff members. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the levels of both job satisfaction and organisational commitment, results of which were significant, revealing that the administrative staff members were satisfied and committed to the university. Statistics using Spearman’s rho correlation analysis showed that there was a significantly strong correlation between job satisfaction and affective commitment; and significantly moderate correlations between job satisfaction and moral imperative and indebted obligation. However, weak correlations were found between job satisfaction and continuance commitment. Regression analysis revealed that job satisfaction contributed positively to the prediction of affective commitment, moral imperative, indebted obligation and continuance commitment. The findings suggest that managers at the university could enhance the commitment of the administrative staff members by increasing the levels of job satisfaction. The levels of job satisfaction of the administrative staff members at the university could be enhanced through job design, career advancement opportunities and the introduction of fair and transparent policies and rules. Organisational commitment could be improved through the provision of job security, equitable salaries and conducive working conditions.
The effect of selection processes on employee turnover in small and medium enterprises in Sunnyside, Pretoria
(2013-11) Okusolubo, Titilola Olusola; Grobler, B. R.; Joubert, P. A.
Employers invest significant time and resources in employee selection. However, the effectiveness of the selection is not routinely measured. One measure of such effectiveness is employee turnover. Often selection processes do not identify the best applicant for the organisation. Employee selection techniques often lead to employee turnover because the focus is on filling vacancies rather than finding the best candidate. The human resources selection process is important to short-term and long-term success of an organisation because employees are generally regarded as the most valued assets. Selecting the candidates that fit best has an important impact on an organisation’s success. A well-designed and implemented selection process is one that optimises the selection process. Bad selection costs organisations significant money because of the need to reinvest in the selection process and new employee training. Selection is also important in order for an organisation to keep its competitive edge. However, affirmative action, equal employment opportunity and diversity are not to be considered separate actions or initiatives in the selection process as they are part of governmental requirements. As such, the increasing attention on human resource management in small and medium enterprises is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Organisations have realised that the continuance of business will depend on the quality and management of the human resources they possess. Research has shown that positioning the right person in the right position is one of the crucial issues in organisations. If this does not happen, the organisation will not only suffer financial losses, but it may also lose its competitive edge. The dearth of research into selection as a human resource practice in SMEs with particular emphasis on their employee turnover is probably due to the fact that HR practitioners, the managers and or owners of the SMEs, often ignore personnel or human resource issues, such as recruitment and selection, training and development, participation-enhancing work designs, formal dispute resolution and employee counseling. The majority of the empirical studies on human resources management practices (HRMP) in small businesses are still in an explorative stage and mainly descriptive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the selection processes as a human resource management function on employee turnover in small and medium enterprises in Sunnyside, Pretoria. The research methodology used to conduct the study was a combination of a literature review and an empirical study. A non-probability sampling technique involving judgment and convenience sampling procedures was used. The research instrument was a five-point Likert interval scale, which had forty four items and was pretested with 10 persons who were not related to the research sample. The instrument was revised and a pilot survey of 30 questionnaires was administered to respondents one month prior to the main survey. Sections B, C and D were subjected to reliability analysis and the results indicated that the scale has a high reliability value with Cronbach’s alpha of (0.824), (0.520) and (0.910) for sections B, C and D respectively. The reliability analysis suggested that the scale of items C4, C11 and C12 should be reversed. On doing so the alpha value increased to 0.824. For the main survey, 300 questionnaires were administered of which 210 representing 84% response rate were usable for the data analysis. Furthermore, a descriptive analysis of section A was undertaken. Tables depicting frequencies and percentages were used to describe the demographic information of respondents. Inferential statistics, such as factor analysis and bivariate correlations were undertaken on items in sections B, C and D of the research instrument. The empirical investigation indicated that the effect of selection processes on employee turnover was composed of three underlying factors, namely: factors influencing selection procedures; techniques influencing selection procedures; and aspects effecting employee turnover in SMEs. The selection factors were found to be positively correlated to one another but had a negative correlation with the turnover factor. Significant statistical associations were found to be present between the factors and the size of the organisations, marital status, level of educational qualifications, ethnic classification, the extent of influence of the EEA on selection processes, the belief of what the selection process consists of and the frequency of selection process exercises conducted by the SMEs involved.
Effects of organisational citizenship behaviour, employee perception of equity and organisational commitment on intention to stay in Zimbabwean SMEs
(2015-09) Chinomona, E.; Dhurup, M.; Joubert, P. A.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the stronghold of economies and societies worldwide. In Zimbabwe, as in any other country, there is a realisation that SMEs are innovative, flexible and require low startup capital. There is an increased interest in pursuing SMEs as a poverty reduction strategy and as a roadmap to higher living standards. SMEs in Zimbabwe are divided into two sectors, namely the service and the manufacturing sector. SME manufacturers encompass almost every facet of the local economy, such as food processing, toiletry production, the garment, leather and rubber industry, metal fabrication, furniture manufacturing, construction and art. Most research that has been done on the influence of employee perception of equity (EPE), organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) on organisational commitment (OC) and turnover intention (ITS) has been on large organisations and little attention has been paid to SMEs. Studies on employee perception of equity and organisational citizenship behaviour has not filtered down to SMEs in developing countries. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the influence of OCB, EPE and OC on ITS in Zimbabwe’s SME sector. It also sought to ascertain the kind of relationships between OCB and OC, EPE with OC, OCB with ITS, EPE with ITS and finally OC with ITS. This study sought to determine whether there are any group differences with regard to SMEs employees perceptions on OCB, EPE, OC and ITS according to gender, age and industry type. A quantitative research method was used. Structured questionnaires were distributed to SMEs in five major cities. The data were collected from SME employees. The findings of this study show that there is a significantly positive influence of OCB on OC in the Zimbabwean SMEs. There is a significant strong positive influence of EPE on OC. There is also significant positive relationship between employees’ OCBs and their OC in Zimbabwe’s SME sector. There is a strong positive significant relationship of EPE with ITS and there is a strong positive relationship between employees OCBs and employees’ ITS in Zimbabwean SMEs. Finally, the results reveal that gender, marital status and industry type of the respondent influence OCBs, EPE, OC and their ITS in the Zimbabwean SMEs. Given that today’s business environments for SMEs are characterised by high levels of competition, lack of finance and uncertainty, it is recommended that SME managers should adopt good and proper management styles so that they can make good decisions. Scanning the environment is also necessary for competitive advantage not only for SMEs but also for large firms.
Employees' perceptions of corporate social responsibility and the relationship with organizational commitment and intention to stay in a telecommunications company
(2015-04) Ndjama, J. D. Ngo; Joubert, P. A.; Dhurup, M.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of employees of their organisation’s CSR activities and their effects on employees’ organisational commitment and intentions to stay. This study advocates that the way employees perceive their organisation’s CSR practices influences the types of attachment they have towards their organisation and reinforces their intentions to stay in their current organisation. The fact that employees play a central role in the realisation of an organisation’s goals makes it critical for any organisation to have employees who are willing to go beyond what is required of them and who are willing to stay in the organisation at least until the completion of their duties or contracts. In this study, a quantitative research paradigm and a descriptive research method were used to investigate a sample size of 350 employees working in one of the telecommunication organisations in Cameroon. In order to minimise the study bias, simple random sampling was used to ensure that the sample accurately reflects the larger population (N=670). Data was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and the results of the correlation analysis revealed that all four CSR dimensions are significantly and positively related to organisational commitment variables as well as to employees’ intentions to stay. CSR also showed strong predictive relationships with the various facets of organisational commitment. Organisational commitment in turn also showed strong predictive relationships with intention to stay within an organisation. Findings and recommendations of this study are important to employers as it provides crucial information regarding the types of activities organisations could engage in, and for employees to consider them as socially responsible. Such involvement in CSR activities can improve employees’ organisational commitment and reinforce their intentions to stay in their current organisation.
Impact of induction on employee perceptions of health and safety at ArcelorMittal
(2015-02) Samosamo, Mothusi George; Marais, C.; Joubert, P. A.
Workplace health and safety is a global concern. South African companies are bound by the stipulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) (85 of 1993), which regulates employer and employee duties to identify and eliminate hazards, thereby controlling and minimising the risk to health and safety within the working environment. Employees are regarded as the strength of ArcelorMittal. The on-board programme of this employer is designed specifically to support the integration of new employees into ArcelorMittal’s environment and enable them to maximise their contribution to the performance of their team, implementation of a business plan and strategy and realisation of the group’s objectives. This study investigates the perceptions that ArcelorMittal (Vanderbijlpark) employees uphold regarding the effectiveness of the health and safety induction they received. The iron division was identified purposefully for selection of the target population because of its high rate of health and safety incidents. Simple random sampling was used within a quantitative research design to select 317 respondents out of 634 employees. Accordingly, questionnaires were distributed within the demarcated division and a total of 160 questionnaires were completed and returned. The collected data were statistically analysed and presented. The results indicated that the majority of employees perceive the health and safety induction they received to be effective. Respondents also indicated that ArcelorMittal was effective in providing them with the support they need towards their health and safety. Hence, it is recommended that the zero tolerance approach towards safety hazards be reinforced on a continuous basis within the work context of this leading steel manufacturer.
The influence of rewards on talent attraction and retention at a further education and training college in Gauteng
(2015-10) Mabaso, C.; Moloi, K. C.; Joubert, P. A.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of employee rewards on talent attraction and talent retention. Furthermore, the study intends to unearth the influence of rewards on employee attraction and retention and to suggest strategies that could be employed by FET colleges in Gauteng in the Sedibeng district of Gauteng. The attraction and retention of employees continues to be a key priority not only of human resource professionals but also of FET colleges generally in South Africa and in the Gauteng province in particular. The most valuable asset available to an organisation is its people, and consequently, retaining employees in their jobs is crucial for any organization. In South Africa, the retention of highly skilled employees is critical, particularly because of the need to contribute to economic growth, innovation and poverty eradication. Owing to the competition for scarce skills, the attraction and retention of quality employees has emerged as the biggest challenge in human capital management and this phenomenon has also arisen in FET colleges. To attract and retain employee, organisations need novel reward systems that satisfy employees. This study employs a quantitative research paradigm and a survey method was used to investigate a sample of 154 academic employees at Sedibeng FET College, Gauteng. A personal method was used to collect data using semi-structured questionnaire and the results of the correlations shows that employee rewards are significantly positively related to talent attraction and talent retention. Findings and recommendations of this study are important to employers as they are supposed to design a remuneration package that attract and retain the best candidates and satisfies their employee’s expectations, in that it is fair, equitable and free of bias. A remuneration package is one of the most important factors that influence people to take up employment and stay with the organization.
Job satisfaction and the intention to quit by employees in a steel manufacturing company in Gauteng
(2015-09) Mgiba, Steven; Joubert, P. A.
The main purpose of the study was to examine the level of job satisfaction and intention to quit, by employees in a steel manufacturing company. The research methodology used to conduct the study was a combination of a literature review and an empirical study. Due to the small size of the population, no sampling was done although a census had been drawn. The primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The measuring instrument contained 25 items. For the main survey, data from 181 respondents were collected and analysed. Participants in the study involved engineers, operators, technicians, artisans, administrative staff and safety, health and environmental specialists in the steel manufacturing company. Data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the measuring instrument were computed to establish construct validity. Content validity of the scale was ascertained by pre-testing the questionnaire with employees in the steel manufacturing company. Factor analysis was conducted for variables in Section B of the research instrument. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics on the demographic information of respondents. The results were also interpreted through the factor analysis and correlation analysis. The findings regarding employee’s perceptions or feelings about job satisfaction and employees’ intentions to quit their current organisation revealed that the supervision variable is positively correlated with job variable while it is negatively correlated with intention to quit. In addition, job variable is also negatively correlated with intention to quit. This means that effective supervisors are likely to improve employees’ job satisfaction hence decrease their intentions to quit their current organisation and vise versa. In addition, when employees are satisfied with their job environment, this will decrease their intentions to quit their current organisation and vise versa. Judging from the results from respondents, it is clear that when employees are provided with a job that rewards them for their effort and provides opportunities for advancement, they will be satisfied and therefore more likely to stay in the organisation. Hence, the employees at Babcock Ntuthuko Generations are satisfied and they are not intending to leave the organisation. The research information collected through this study can be used to encourage Babcock Ntuthuko management to continue providing employees with a conducive working enviroment to ensure that current and new employees are retained.
Job satisfaction, organisational commitment, turnover intention, absenteeism and work performance amongst academics within South African Universities of Technology
(2015-09) Ntisa, Atang Azael; Joubert, P. A.; Dhurup, M.
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between job satisfaction, organisational commitment, turnover intention, absenteeism and work performance amongst the academics within South African universities of technology (UoTs). South African higher education has gone through numerous changes in terms of restructuring and transformation. Rapid changes of this nature within a higher education system necessitate alternative work restructuring and arrangements, which could have a potential negative influence on the behaviour of academic staff. Research addressing these problems on the academic staff within UoTs in the context of developing countries such as South Africa has remained scarce. This study, therefore, was conducted to fill this gap. Universities of technology in South Africa employ approximately 2987 (N) academic employees. In order to measure the study constructs, the survey material was designed interactively in a form of a structured questionnaire. Participants were asked to complete five test instruments, namely, job satisfaction survey (JSS), organisational commitment questionnaire (OCQ), intention to stay questionnaire (ISQ), absenteeism questionnaire (AQ), and individual work performance questionnaire (IWPQ). 600 questionnaires were distributed to the identified sample of academics of which 494 (n) responded. A correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the strength and effect size of the relationship between the variables. The maximum correlation value between the constructs were 0.442 thus providing evidence of discriminate validity. Factor analysis was performed for organisational commitment questionnaire (OCQ) and individual work performance questionnaire (IWPQ) through statistical software package SPSS version 22.0. Organisational commitment revealed four factors and all of them accounted for satisfactory total variance explained of 65.2%. Work performance revealed three factors, which also accounted for satisfactory total variance explained of approximately 65%. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to test whether males and females were similar in perception in terms of study constructs. Statistically significant differences were found between gender and four study constructs except work performance. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to examine the differences of the various age categories, which revealed statistically significant differences between the various age categories and study constructs. The reliability results confirmed that all constructs reached the generally agreed upon minimum scale range for Cronbach’s alpha of 0.70. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to establish scale accuracy. All measures conformed to acceptable model fit and composite reliability (CR) and revealed that the scales used in this study are reliable. Finally, the structural model was tested; seven postulated hypotheses were supported and one hypothesis (H8) that postulated the relationship between organisational commitment and work performance was rejected. As such, it was concluded that the conceptual model captured accurate relationships among the variables and that organisational commitment has no significant influence on work performance. After reviewing the results, the conclusion was drawn that the study has both theoretical and practical value as envisaged. Theoretically, this research has contributed by further strengthening organisational commitment as a multidimensional construct. Contrary to some previous studies that reported high levels of significance between organisational commitment and work performance this study found no significance between these constructs. These results contribute more to the expanding body of knowledge. The current study added practical value by providing an integrative model that can be used as an important tool by management within the South African universities of technology to understand and manage job satisfaction, organisational commitment, turnover intention, absenteeism and work performance of academics. The results of this study can also be used for future organisational planning and policymaking. A number of recommendations have been made for the attention of relevant stakeholders in the academic environment. Future research possibilities and limitations of the study have also been highlighted.
Job seekers' perceptions about the PNet website as an E-recruitment tool within South Africa
(2013-07) Lesuthu, Kali; Grobler, B. R.; Joubert, P. A.
E-recruitment is one of the e-commerce applications that has enjoyed a multiple growth since its introduction in the early 1990s. There have been many variations regarding sophistication, types and success; as a result, this has posed a number of challenges to all stakeholders in these technologies. Thus, specific stakeholders may find specific applications suitable for their needs or within their reach to utilise. Companies can use these applications by implementing their own e-recruitment systems or by buying e-recruitment services provided by the third party, or a combination of both, depending on their objectives. The current study is focused on e-recruitment service providers who use general-purpose job boards that are fairly advanced in sophistication, such as the PNet recruitment website. These e-recruitment service providers are mostly recognised as online firms that manage their operations through their websites. However, behind these websites the physical ordinary businesses utilise the Internet as a means to perform their operations. Like other businesses, these e-recruitment service providers constantly face rapid shifts in technology, which places a considerable amount of pressure on them, as they persistently have to seek ways to stay ahead of their competitors. The competitiveness of every business lies in their knowledge of the market in which it operates in, as well the extent to which it is able to meet the needs of its customers. This study extends market knowledge and satisfaction of customers’ needs in the context of e-recruitment. It views the job seekers as the major customers for sustainability and competitiveness for e-recruiting companies or firms. The study was conducted using a survey method, sampling with n = 717 job seekers who use the PNet website to search for jobs. The primary data was obtained from the sample by means of a 6-point Likert questionnaire ranging from 1=strongly disagree to 6=strongly agree, measuring factors that influence the perceptions of job seekers regarding their use of the website. The questionnaire was administered via the Internet using the Sogo-Survey online tool. The main objective of the study was to evaluate job seekers’ perceptions about the PNet website as an e-recruitment tool, as well as to discover which factors are the best predictors of the continued use of the PNet website. The job seekers’ perceptions about the PNet website, as an e-recruitment tool in South Africa, were founded on the nine theoretical factors used in the questionnaire. From these factors, statistically significant differences in the factor means were present within the two independent groups, namely qualifications and gender. Using the standardised Beta value (β) the findings revealed that the attitude towards the website (.285) was the most important predictor, followed by information timeliness (.231), then attraction to the website (.182), usefulness of the website (.180) ease of use of the website (.170) and quality of website (.167). Findings and recommendations of this study are of importance to recruitment service providers and employers as it provides crucial information regarding their markets and how to improve the profitability of their businesses.
Organisational commitment and job satisfaction as antecedents of organisational citizenship behaviour at the water utility company in Gauteng
(2016-09) Motaung, Thembi Laura; Radebe, P. Q.; Joubert, P. A.
Organisations need employees who are willing to go beyond the requirements of the job to contribute to the organisation’s effectiveness. An evolving trend in the organisational behaviour literature indicates that job satisfaction (JS) and organisational commitment (OC) are attitudes that have a major impact on organisational outcomes such as productivity, job performance, turnover intentions and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB). Although the relationship between the aforementioned constructs is considered important, there is a paucity of research about the relationship between these constructs in the context of the water utility company. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of organisational commitment and job satisfaction on organisational citizenship behaviour at the water utility company in Gauteng. A quantitative research approach and a survey-based descriptive research method were used to achieve the primary objective. A structured questionnaire was issued to 400 randomly sampled respondents. Furthermore, means and factor analysis were performed to determine the level of job satisfaction, organisational commitment and organisational citizenship behaviour of employees and to establish the underlying factors of the constructs respectively. Additionally, a correlation analysis was conducted to establish the strength and direction of the relationship between the factors. Finally, a regression analysis was performed to confirm the predictive relationship between factors. The findings of this study showed a positive correlation between affective commitment, indebted obligation and moral imperative; JS and OCB; and no predictive relationship was observed between continuance commitment and OCB. Based on the findings, it was recommended that JS should be improved through mechanisms such as job-fit, job enrichment and career advancement. Furthermore, performance-related pay and mentorship programmes should be introduced to improve employees’ organisational commitment. Finally, recognition should be given to employees to encourage them to maintain their willingness to display citizenship behaviours.
Quality management of short courses at higher education institutions in South Africa
(2013-03) Brits, Maria Magretha; Joubert, P. A.
This study is an attempt to conceptualise and enhance the quality management of the short course offerings at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). The Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) conducted its first cycle of institutional audit exercises from 2004 – 2009 at private and public universities in South Africa. This study follows on the HEQC audit panel’s report, with reference to VUTs offering of short courses (SCs). The HEQC informed the institution that the quality assurance system of SCs is not on par with the requirements of the HEQC. Therefore, it does not meet the minimum standards for an effective quality management system for SCs. It is imperative for the institution to conceptualise the quality management of SCs and to develop a system that ensures ongoing improvement. This study addresses this gap by conceptualising the quality management of SCs on national level in higher education. The study draws on good practices on national level that can inform the refinement of the existing quality assurance system for SCs at VUT. The empirical study was conducted with public institutions of higher learning in South Africa. Quantitative data were collected from dedicated SCs and/or quality assurance or quality management offices at all 23 public institutions of higher learning. Five universities were identified as institutions with good practice, based on quantitative information that was gathered, analysed and interpreted during this study. The study revealed that it is imperative for higher education institutions to develop quality assurance systems that are based on cyclical processes of ongoing improvement, such as the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), PIRI (Plan-Implement- Review-Improve) and ADRI (Approach-Deployment-Results-Improvement) models. A key assumption of the research is that quality assurance for SCs at VUT should be aligned with the institution’s quality assurance system. The study highlights the value of the principles of Total Quality Management, the notion of continuous improvement, self-evaluation and external monitoring. Recommendations in this study suggest that VUT should conduct further institutional benchmarking exercises with the five institutions that received commendations and full delegations, in order to develop a conceptual model for understanding and enhancing its SC offerings.
Succession planning: current practices, internal succession barriers and the relationship with intentions to leave within a public service in a developing country
(2015-09) Pita, Nomalinge Amelia; Dhurup, M.; Joubert, P. A.
In today’s globally competitive and modern environments, organisational plans often fail due to the lack of succession planning. However, numerous organisations often fail to prepare for the inevitable departure of employees, especially in strategically high-level positions. Succession planning is a means of identifying critical management positions starting at lower level management and extending up to the highest position in an organisation. Unlike workforce planning, succession planning focuses more on advancing the employees’ skills in order to achieve the organisational objectives. There is no organisation that can exist forever in its present composition as there must be some form of succession or else the organisation will become obsolete. Succession planning plays an imperative role in today‘s competitive world. There are many factors that influence the stability of an organisational workforce, among which are illness and attrition. Another essential factor, which has taken the world by storm, is the retirement of the baby boomer generation in both in the private and the public sector. This is presenting a challenge within organisations, as they are going to lose talented and experienced employees and makes succession planning more needed more than ever before. Succession planning is an ongoing process that assists the organisation to align its goals with its workforce, as well as preserving the best talent for the future. It makes the organisation ready to face the challenges presented by the vacant key and critical positions. Succession planning is one of those human resource planning strategies utilised to forecast the talent demand that the organisation will require for achieving its future goals. The main purpose of this study was to examine the succession planning current practices and internal succession barriers, and determine their relationship with intentions to leave within the public service of a developing country. The research methodology used to conduct the study is a combination of a literature review and an empirical study. The probability sampling technique, which involves using simple random sampling, was utilised to select the sample for the study. The primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The measuringinstrument contained 25 items. The instrument was pilot-tested with 87 respondents one month prior to the main survey. The questionnaire was hand delivered to all the participants. For the main survey, data from 250 respondents were collected and analysed. Participants in the study involve officers, managers and directors in the public service of a developing country. Data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the various sections of the measuring instrument were computed to establish construct validity. Content validity of the scale was ascertained by pre-testing the questionnaire with employees in the public service. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted for variables in Section B of the research instrument. Convergent validity was assessed through correlation analysis using Pearson’s correlation coefficient in order to establish relationships between succession planning current practices and intentions to leave, as well as between internal succession barriers and intentions to leave the public service. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics on the demographics information of respondents. The results were also interpreted through the exploratory factor analysis, correlation and regression analysis. The results showed that two major factors of succession planning, namely replacement planning and grooming, correlate negatively with intentions to leave. The internal succession barriers also have a negative correlation with intentions to leave. Subsequent to these findings, it is recommended that the public service implement succession planning appropriately and eliminate the barriers thereof in order to retain its workforce. Based on the findings emanating from the empirical survey it was revealed that if succession planning is implemented appropriately and factors such as replacement planning and grooming are taken into consideration, employees holding key positions may be likely to be retained. Therefore, it was recommended that prior to undertaking succession planning a mission, vision and values that accommodate the contributions of employees should be developed. It was recommended also that when implementing succession planning, clear, transparent and objective criteria should be followed to achieve the optimal results. It is further recommended that the following succession planning best practices should be adopted by the public service to ensure that succession planning is implemented and practised successfully: Facilitation of an outside private consultant − for succession planning to be effective and rewarding in the public service it should be facilitated by an outside private consultant. Understanding of factors that influence succession planning − the public service should understand the necessity to know and address factors that influence willingness to share knowledge by employees. The study concludes by recommending that barriers that hinder succession planning should be avoided by adhering to the following suggestions: Longer terms of appointment should be provided for top public service employees Succession planning should be listed as one of the priorities in the public service strategic plan in order to be included in the budget Young vibrant and competent employees be motivated, groomed and prepared to apply for leadership or key positions in the public sector

Browse

Browsing Theses and Dissertations (Human Resources Management) by Author "Joubert, P. A."

Results Per Page

Sort Options