HIV/AIDS in the workplace and the impact on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness: The South African manufacturing industry as a case study

Abstract

The aim of the article was to determine the extent of the negative impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness. The South African manufacturing sector was used as a case study. The above-mentioned research was deemed necessary, as very limited research has been published specifically on the technical measuring of the extent of the impact of HIV/AIDS on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness in South Africa. A survey questionnaire was designed for use in the research in order to capture the extent of the impact of HIV/AIDS on all levels of firm efficiency and firm competitiveness. A detailed statistical analysis of the results of the survey questionnaire and the parameter estimates of impact log-linear econometric power functions indicated that the negative impact of HIV/AIDS on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness was becoming more prevalent and serious, as it is underpinned by the statistical significance of the results and the high elasticity coefficients of the estimated log-linear power functions. It is recommended that human resource managers implement and manage HIV/AIDS programmes more effectively in order to counter the extent of the negative impact on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness.<p><strong>How to cite this article:</strong></p><p>Van Zyl, G., & Lubisi, C. (2009). HIV/AIDS in the workplace and the impact on firm efficiency and firm competitiveness: The South African manufacturing industry as a case study.<em> SA Journal of Human Resource Management/SA Tydskrif vir Menslikehulpbronbestuur, 7</em>(1), Art. #206, 14 pages. DOI: 10.4102/sajhrm.v7i1.206</p&gt

The impact of incentive schemes on employee productivity in the South African workplace

“…The research forms part of a broader individual research project in which the impact of various aspects of employee dynamics on employee productivity is estimated, quantified and explained. In this regard the impact of HIV/AIDS on employee productivity (van Zyl & Lubisi, 2009), the impact of employee remuneration dispersion on employee productivity (van Zyl, 2010), the productivity effect of part-time employees (van Zyl, 2011), the geographical and industry differences on remuneration gap-enhanced employee productivity levels (van Zyl, 2012), relative employee productivity contribution of different age-skill categories , the impact of employee training externalities on employee productivity and the impact of employee diversity on productivity (van Zyl, 2014) have been researched and published. Limited economic-focus research has been published for developing economies (such as the South African workplace) on the relationship between incentive schemes and employee productivity.…”

Should HIV and AIDS workplace programmes still be advocated in the automotive industry?

“…Despite global, national and regional efforts to prevent new HIV infections and to lower the number of AIDS-related deaths (UNAIDS, 2009), the pandemic continues to threaten employee health as well as organisations' competitiveness and profits (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs/Population Division, 2009). For instance, Van Zyl and Lubisi (2009) describe a rising trend in the incidence of HIV and AIDS in the manufacturing sector of the South African economy, with a consequent negative impact on skill levels, productivity, labour costs and production costs. This trend is despite the fact that many larger companies are more aware of the threat of this pandemic and commit resources towards managing HIV and AIDS in the workplace through appropriate programmes (Global Business Coalition [GBC] & International Finance Corporation [IFC], 2010).…”