HR issues and trends
- Globalisation and change
Economic slowdown resulting from the events of September 11th has highlighted the importance of enabling organisations and employees in particular to manage and cope with change. Employee empowerment and striving for internal locus of control (self-management) as opposed to external locus of control (what the company/manager must do for me) is a challenge that HR is facing at the moment. The focus is on what contribution people can make to be competitive and be able to take advantage of the economic upswing.
At the same time there is a concerted effort to promote a different management style that is proactive and people-centred. Research has shown that short-term cost cutting, downsizing and restructuring do not deliver sustainable results. Sustainability can only be achieved through people.
- HRD
HR has gone through some major changes in focus. For the past few years the emphasis has been on employment equity and labour relations. South Africa has taken another step forward by promoting skills development. The development of people is a key factor that will ensure that South Africa improves its productivity as well as becoming globally competitive.
The Department of Labour is currently working with 40 companies representing a cross-section of private companies and government departments to pilot the Investors in People (IIP) initiative. This is done in collaboration with IIP based in the UK. The pilot has been received with enthusiasm, is at an advanced stage and will soon be rolled out nationally.
- AIDS
The national concern about the impact of this pandemic on the population and the economy is at its highest. Government and the private sector are working collaboratively to bring it under control and stop it from spreading any further. Even the unions are agreeing to voluntary testing by employees so that companies can have a clearer picture of the size of the problem and be able to plan for it in terms of the spending on health, recruitment, employee wellness programmes, family and community training and counselling, social responsibility programmes, etc.
- NEPAD
The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) focusing on economic growth and development is not only addressed at the political level through interaction between African countries and the G8. It is an initiative that has been embraced by many South African companies. Business traffic is gaining momentum between African countries.
The IPM is engaging with the Office of the President in South Africa to develop a comprehensive HR strategy that will contribute to the success of NEPAD. Mpho Makwana, IPM President, is driving this process in collaboration with the Black Management Forum
