The perceptions of social workers on the implementation of the Occupation Specific Dispensation policy (OSD) within the Department of Social Development in the Johannesburg Region

Abstract

The Occupation Specific Dispensation (0SD) policy was introduced in the public service for social workers in 2009 as a strategy to recruit and retain social workers with the introduction of new salary scales, career pathing, pay and grade progression and recognition of appropriate experience. The perceptions of social workers on the implementation of the OSD policy have not been established and this lack of knowledge leaves a gap in understanding the perceived impact this policy has had on social workers. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of social workers on the implementation of the Occupation Specific Dispensation policy within the Department of Social Development in the Johannesburg Region. Since implementation of the policy, there has been research studies conducted on the outcomes of the OSD policy within the public health sector yet no studies have been conduct that focus on the challenges encountered by social workers in the implementation of the policy. The study utilised the qualitative research approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The collective case study design was adopted. A sample of ten social workers and three key informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis. The key finding was that the OSD policy was not effective in recruitment since it is rigid and inflexible. Another concern raised was the long period it took to move from one occupational level to the next resulting in a demotivated and demoralised workforce. The study also found that there was management bias in the implementation of the performance management and development system. The study contributes to our understanding of the perceptions about the unintended consequences of the OSD policy and how these are perceived to have impacted negatively on the recruitment and retention of social workers.