Browsing by Author "Van der Berg-Ross, Ashlene"

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    An assessment on managing workforce diversity in public sector organisations : the case of the Department of Local Government Western Cape (WC)
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-12) Van der Berg-Ross, Ashlene; Isaacs, Deyana; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis examines the perceptions of the staff of the Department of Local Government in the Western Cape (WC) regarding workforce diversity as part of diversity management. A literature review is presented and this research shows that organisations in South Africa and around the world have come a long way with regard to understanding and appreciating workforce diversity. The literature review also revealed the important facilitating role HR diversity management plays in improving the performance of organisations, as well as in creating unity amongst employees. What is also important is the fact that organisations now understand and realise the important role diversity management programmes and practices play in their own survival. Therefore various steps are available for organisations to ensure that the benefits are achieved from having diverse employees in their workplace while effectively integrating these employees into the organisation. A background on the Department of Local Government (WC) is provided, which highlights the Department’s priorities and Key Performance Areas (KPAs) as set out in its Annual Performance Plan (APP). The KPAs of the Department are dynamic and not influenced by political shifts, as in the case of municipalities. However, the priorities of the Department are similar to the strategic objectives that are embedded within the 30 municipalities. The priorities of the Department are parallel to those of the municipalities’ priorities in order to ensure that the Department and municipalities achieve their objectives together. It is therefore the Department’s responsibility to assist municipalities in achieving their strategic objectives by constantly monitoring and evaluating their level of performance. If a municipality performs badly, the Department must assist where necessary. The research findings regarding diversity management show that the employees are unaware whether a diversity management policy has ever existed or whether any training of such a nature has been conducted within the Department. Data show that limited effort has been made by the Department to develop a diversity management policy. The findings also indicate that more diversity management programmes and training are needed, in order to bring about awareness of workforce diversity and the successful management of diversity. What was also clear is that not enough diversity audits have been conducted to determine the level of diversity within the Department; and most importantly it is also illustrated that a limited number of staff is housed within the HR unit to assist the Department in creating a strong diversity environment that supports the wellbeing of the staff and the Department. Finally, the thesis provides recommendations for the Department on how to be an inclusive entity, but these recommendations can only be successful if top management and HR have the necessary ability to successfully implement the following recommendations (interventions): develop a diversity management policy to guide the Department on diversity issues; develop diversity management programmes to ensure that all staff members are briefed on all diversity issues; and create a monitoring system to ensure that the policies and programmes are updated as new entrants enter the Department. It is therefore a requirement that these interventions are placed in the Department’s Employment Equity Plan and, more importantly, form part of their Annual Performance Plan (APP). If there is commitment from HR, top management and the employees, these interventions will create a safe, friendly, and hard-working environment with good performance levels.