Empirical Findings on the Impact of Affirmative Action on the Training and Development of Black Managers for Corporate Organizations in South Africa

Abstract

The implementation of affirmative action is an important consideration in organizational dynamics and a strategic priority in South Africa. Training and developing blacks to fill managerial positions is also fraught with the concern to avoid tokenism and is compounded by the shortage of skilled black managers. Some organizations have adopted a proactive stance to accelerate the advancement of blacks into supervisory and managerial roles. Companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and elicited from a special survey of top companies were the target population for the study. The simple random sampling technique was used to draw a sample. Primary data for the survey were collected by means of a structured questionnaire, which was personally administered by trained field research assistants. A response rate of 83 percent was obtained. Key findings emerged with regard to the implementation of affirmative action as a strategic business intervention.

The New Breed of Black South African Senior Managers: Helping South African Businesses Meet the Challenge of a Transforming Economy

“…Even though there is empirical evidence that most organizations do not support legislated affirmative action, the same study found that firms that developed a written black management development policy were significantly more committed to the development of black managers (Jinabhai, 2004).…”

“…Organizations such the Black Management Forum (BMF) have proposed goals and timetables with specific focus on recruitment and promotion (Horwitz, 1996). While the organizational transformation is slower than many desire, there is strong empirical evidence that SA firms recognize the importance of training and development of black managers and are committed to supporting the principles of affirmative action (Jinabhai, 2004).…”