Organisational culture and employment equity implementation in a South African mine .
Date
2016
Authors
Sehloho, Jacob Teboho
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Abstract
This study set out to describe cultural dimensions that are perceived to have an impact
on the implementation of employment equity (EE) within the mining industry in South
Africa.
To this end, the study is premised on a theoretical model of four (4) cultural dimensions.
The cultural dimensions in this study are (1) individualism vs. collectivism, (2) power
distance, (3) uncertainty avoidance, (4) masculinity vs. femininity.
A qualitative research methodology was employed with data collected through a semistructured
questionnaire applied to employees at Exxaro coal mine in Mpumalanga
province. Exxaro coal mine was a case study from which the theoretical model of cultural
dimensions was employed. Data gathered was synthesised into codes, these were then
grouped in manageable themes from which analysis was drawn.
The results of the research indicated that it is not that easy to ascribe a single dimension
to the prevalent culture that influences employment equity implementation. It is rather a
combination of dominant dimensions that influence the organisational culture. However,
at Exxaro, it was very evident that the masculine cultural dimension had a direct impact
on the organisational culture towards gender transformation in the workplace. The study
also concluded that the employment equity policy has also created job insecurity among
most white employees. As a result of white male dominance in senior mining positions,
employment equity implementation has been very slow because of the paradox that
management find themselves in. Research also noted that organisations characterised
by a high level of care (femininity) for their employees are most likely to be reciprocated
by loyalty which promotes a positive climate for employment equity implementation.
Description
MBA
Keywords
Organizational behavior -- South Africa.Discrimination in employment -- South Africa. Affirmative action programs -- South Africa.Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa.