Employees’ Perceptions of Procedural Fairness of Employment Equity in a Multinational Pharmaceutical Company in South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: All employment procedures need to be fair and free of discrimination for all employees. Perceptions of fairness of EE is associated with high staff morale, high performance, and overall satisfaction with the company. When employees have negative perceptions of fairness of EE procedures, this may be disruptive for the organisation and impact on employees’ job satisfaction, morale, and create a racial division among employees. This can only be harmful to organisations trying to achieve an equitable environment for all. Understanding of such perceptions by organisations allow for implementation of programmes that will allow dialogue and corrective actions and implementing appropriate programmes. Perceptions on EE fairness needs to be heard from both designated groups and previously advantaged groups.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the state of employees’ perceptions of EE procedural fairness, and to determine the impact of employees’ perception of EE procedural fairness of management & leadership practices (HR practices, performance appraisal and conflict management) on employees’ general satisfaction with the workplace.

Methodology & Results: A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from employees in one company. Of the 104 electronic surveys shared with employees, 63 respondents returned the questionnaire and only data for 62 employees analysed. The study showed overall positive employees’ perceptions of EE procedural fairness. The study showed that positive perceptions of HR practices and conflict management increased overall satisfaction of employees with the workplace. Race, gender, and age had no influence on employees’ fairness perceptions in this study.

Conclusion: When companies apply fair and consistent processes in HR, including conflict management, general employees’ satisfaction with the workplace increases. Positiveperceptions of procedural fairness will have a positive impact on companies, as employees are satisfied. Companies need ensure that all EE procedures are free from discrimination and are applied in a consistent manner across the organisation.