Management and employee perceptions of a black advancement programme
Date
1992
Authors
Van Niekerk, Ignatius
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Abstract
This study adopts an exploratory approach focusing on the perceptions
of lower and middle management levels and their subordinate.
semi-skilled and skilled Black employees.
The purpose of the study was to identify critical factors, as perceived
by White lower and middle management levels as well as semi-skilled
and skilled Black employees, required to run a successful Black
Advancement Programme within specllic organisations. The sample
consisted of seventeen White lower and middle level managers and
sixty-three Black semi-skilled and skilled employees. Each participant
completed e self-administered questionnaire which listed 32 statements
reflecting specific Black Advancement activities. Respondents
had to indicate to what degree they consider the listed activities will
influence the future success of the Black Advancement Programme.
Critical factors were identified by comparing the management and
employee perceptions of each listed activity.
The results of the research confirm that management perceive Black
Advancement progress in a significantly more positive way than
employees do. The perceptions of the two groups indicate a statistically
significant difference regarding the following Black Advancement
activities: management clarification of values and corporate commitment
by top rnanagement, strategic human resources planning, line
management ownership and accountability, targets set or affirmative
action, staff attitudes, two-way communlcation, formal training, addressing
discriminatory practices and monitoring and tollow-up.,
These findings correspond with reasons given by Hofmeyr (1989) and
Human (1991) as to why Black Advancement Programmes fail. In
analysing these findings and the literature it appears that effective Black
Advancement is highly unlikely if done in isolation. Black Advancement
must be part of a larger Human Resource Strategic Plan and the
implementation and reinforcing of plans and policies made. However.
being part of a larger Human Resource Strategy implies that Black
Advancement should not be a programme on its own, but rather be
part of a strategic Staff Deve!opment Programme.
Description
Keywords
Executives -- Training of -- South Africa, Executives, Black -- South Africa., Occupational training -- South Africa., Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions.