مجلة بحوث الإدارة والاقتصاد
Volume 5, Numéro 1, Pages 83-105
2023-03-09

A Mixed Methods Exploration Of Measurement, Impact And Strategy For Affirmative Action And Socio-economic Justice In The South African Financial Sector

Authors : April Richard . Govender Cookie .

Abstract

- Aim/Purpose: Socioeconomic transformation in post-apartheid South Africa is regulated by affirmative action (AA) and employment equity legislation. The aim of this paper is to report on the empirical exploration into the measurement, impact and strategy for affirmative action and workforce transformation in the South African financial sector. - Design/Methodology/Approach: Mixed method research design underpinned by the pragmatism paradigm and transformational leadership theory was employed. Qualitative interview data using a purposive sampling strategy (n=20) was analysed thematically. Quantitative survey data using random sampling selection (n=100) was factor analysed. These constructs were measured: AA measurement; AA perception; AA transformation; AA business impact; and AA strategic framework. - Findings: Qualitative findings indicate that AA targets are being measured as per legislation; yet transformation is slow and hindered by barriers. Quantitative findings reveal that AA strategy is significant and requires management commitment to represent all population groups in all jobs, provide regular communication on AA, transform previously disadvantaged youth and women, and create a diverse workforce that offers socioeconomic justice. - Research implications/limitations: The proposed AA framework emerging as the study epistemology has implications for theoretical and practical application. Research limitations included reluctant interviewees, poor survey response rate and limited generalisability of findings. - Originality/value/contribution: Theoretically, the study adds to the body of knowledge on affirmative action, workforce transformation and socioeconomic justice. The research contribution is the mixed method approach to gather, analyse and synthesise social science data. The 10-step AA strategic management framework emerged as a practical contribution of the study.

Keywords

affirmative action measurement; AA perception; AA transformation; AA strategy; business impact