Department of Industrial Pyschology

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Browsing Department of Industrial Pyschology by Subject "Job creation--South Africa."

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    Adopting employer-driven human resource development as a strategy in bridging the skills gap in South Africa
    (University of Fort Hare, 2010) Samuel, Michael Olorunjuwon
    Skills shortage has been generally and consistently identified as the single most important constraint to accelerated and sustainable economic growth in South Africa. The government is targeting an annual economic growth rate of 7%, but economic analysts and experts have predicted that government may not be able to achieve this objective unless there is a remarkable transformation of the skills profile presently obtainable in the country’s labour market. This has necessitated a growing concern that a skill crisis was becoming a ‘binding constraints’ on development, prompting new government interventions prioritising ways to address skills shortages and mismatches. The primary objective of this study therefore was to conduct an empirical study in order to determine the contribution of employers and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) towards employee training and development. In addition, the study evaluated the impact of affirmative action policy as it affects the shortage and turnover of highly-skilled South Africans. Equally central to this study was the need to establish the degree of misalignment between the skills that are being produced locally by the Higher Education and Training institutions on the one hand, and those skills that are needed for continuous economic growth in the country on the other hand. In order to achieve these objectives, 160 organisations, both in the public and private sectors of the economy were surveyed. A questionnaire, measured on a five-point Likert scale, and also containing some ordinal questions was used to collect primary data from respondents (Training and Development Managers). The data collected was analysed using various statistical methods in order to arrive at a meaningful interpretation and conclusions. The major findings of the study presented evidence of employees’ participation in various training programmes provided by employers and SETAs. However, these training programmes were not conducted within the context of the National Qualifications Framework band. This failure makes certification and national recognition of such training and development outcomes to be difficult. The study further finds that employers were almost equally divided on the extent to which implementation of the affirmative action policy (through the Employment Equity Act, Act 55 of 1998) in the workplaces has contributed to skills shortages and turnover of highly skilled employees and professionals in South Africa. Statistical data of bachelor degree graduates from 2005 – 2008 was collected from six comprehensive universities and universities of technology. The data indicates the fields of study by undergraduate bachelor degree graduates. This was done in order to assist in determining the supply-side of skills trajectory. The data was analysed and compared with the demand-side characteristics of skills, which was established through literature review. The result of the analysis shows that there was a significant misalignment between the demand and supply side trajectories. This suggests that the demand for certain skills that are needed for sustainable economic growth far outstrip those currently produced by the Higher Education and Training system. The study made appropriate recommendations to the Education and Labour authorities in South Africa based on the findings of the research. Limitations of the study were identified and possible directions for future research were highlighted.