POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTING FACTORS FOR MULTI-ETHNIC INTEGRATION IN A MULTINATIONAL ORGANISATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
Date
2012-01-17
Authors
Naidoo, Yogashan Spiro
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to identify the potential contributing factors for
multi-ethnic integration in a multinational corporation in South Africa.
The case site was ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Vanderbijlpark business unit. The
objective of the case study was two-fold:
· Identify what the business unit has done thus far with respect to creating
an inclusive environment for its entire multi-ethnic workforce.
· Identify gaps in the system with associated recommendations to improve
the situation.
Seven research propositions were developed from the literature review. The
research methodology adopted to test these propositions was qualitative
analysis. Data was collected via one-on-one interviews and these were
conducted at a case site i.e. ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Vanderbijlpark business
unit. The data analysis spiral model as proposed by (Creswell 1998) was used to
analyse the data.
The research findings concluded that:
· A leader’s business experience will contribute towards multi-ethnic integration
within multinational organisations in South Africa.
· A leader’s level of international exposure will contribute towards multi-ethnic
integration within multinational organisations in South Africa.
· An organisation’s level of internationalisation will contribute towards multiethnic
integration within multinational organisations in South Africa.
· An organisation’s recruitment practices that actively seek ethnic heterogeneity
will contribute towards multi-ethnic integration within multinational
organisations in South Africa.
ii
· Practicing educational awareness aimed at recognising workforce differences
and benefits will contribute towards multi-ethnic integration within multinational
organisations in South Africa.
· Practicing fair promotion and reward of employees from different ethnicities will
contribute towards multi-ethnic integration within that organisation in South
Africa.
· There is however partial agreement that an organisation’s internal structures
will contribute towards multi-ethnic integration within that organisation.
The key recommendations include:
Vanderbijlpark’s site management needs to make a conscious effort of educating
their employees with respect to the different ethnic groups working at the business
unit. As part of a continuous awareness program, the unit’s business
communication needs to sensitise the employees of the different ethnic groups
present, their important religious ceremonies, holidays and value/belief system
pertinent to those different ethnic groups. An inclusive environment conducive to
multi-ethnic integration needs to be cultured into the organisation.
The business unit needs to develop and implement a policy that dictates
disciplinary action, including the possibility of dismissal, will be enacted upon
those individuals who contravene the shared values of the organisation.
Vanderbijlpark’s management needs to remind its staff that English is to be the
spoken language in any meeting that includes individuals from different ethnic
groups, irrespective of whether they are literate in the language.
The Human Resources team at the Vanderbijlpark site need to investigate and
apply a more effective evaluation system when it comes to testing candidates
applying for management positions. The metrics need to place an emphasis on
the individual’s leadership skills especially their ability to work in multi-ethnic
environments.
iii
As part of their training program, potential leaders of the organisation need to be
introduced to the subject of “glocalisation” and how it is to be applied in
organisational settings.
The Vanderbijlpark site needs to review its selection criteria with respect to who
should attend educational awareness training programs e.g. programs regarding
ethnic diversity awareness. Management representation is imperative at programs
that address leadership issues. At the same time thought needs to be applied
when the groups are selected. There has to be a balance in the group between
cynics and optimists.
“If you believe it you will see it”
Description
MBA thesis - WBS
Keywords
Multi-ethnic integration, Multinational companies