Masters Degrees (Sociology and Social Anthropology)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Sociology and Social Anthropology) by Subject "Affirmative action programs -- South Africa"

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    Evaluating the implementation of employment equity in a pharmaceutical company : a case study
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03) Mputa, Constance Kholeka; Heinecken, Lindy; Vorster, Jan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Sociology and Social Anthropology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This qualitative single case study explored the implementation of employment equity in a pharmaceutical company referred to as Medco and the factors that played a role in that regard. A case study design was used to conduct the research using mixed methods of data collection such as qualitative interviews (face to face and telephone), focus group and company documents. Despite the introduction of the Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998 (as amended) 17 years ago to deal with inequalities and discrimination, the South African labour market remains hierarchical with blacks concentrated at the lower levels and white males occupying decision making positions. The results show that designated groups who managed to reach top echelons in the company are fewer than the 35% recommended threshold for critical mass to have a meaningful voice. Using the business case approach to respond to diversity in Medco ensures the continuation of the white male agenda to conceal white privilege, and ignore issues affecting diversity. By concentrating on numerical representation to ensure legal compliance to the Employment Equity Act, consideration for profits and market dominance, the company did not pay attention to the power dynamics and privilege affecting the different groups in the company. The failure of the company to achieve its equity targets has been largely due to external factors such as volatile business environment affecting employers in the pharmaceutical sector as a result of globalisation. The limited pool of employees from designated groups available that employers compete for as a result of shortages was another factor affecting employers in the sector. Instead of investing in training employers embark on quick fix solutions of poaching from competitors to comply with legislative requirements by offering designated groups improved packages. The slow pace of transforming the South African labour market implies that it will be some time before equality is reached and see the end of Employment Equity Act.