Employment equity and employee morale at a selected public service organisation in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: Employment equity measures have been blamed for creating tensions in the workplace, impacting employee morale.

Research purpose: This study investigated the relationship between perceptions of employment equity and employee morale and whether these differed based on self-identified race and gender.

Motivation for the study: Given the negative impact of employment equity initiatives on employee morale, it was necessary to investigate the correlation between these variables.

Research approach/design and method: A quantitative research design was applied using self-administered questionnaires administered to 200 employees of a public service organisation. All questionnaires were returned; however, only 167 were usable.

Main findings: Significant correlations were observed between dimensions measuring employment equity and those measuring employee morale. Women held positive perceptions regarding the morale dimensions of management commitment and workload. White respondents viewed management commitment, professional development opportunities, respect for cultural practices and managers possessing the skills to manage a diverse workforce positively than non-whites.

Practical/managerial implications: The findings indicate employment equity initiatives correlate with employee morale. Human resource management within organisations should manage the process through which employment equity initiatives are implemented, taking cognisance of the impact on employee morale.

Contribution/value-add: This study contributes academically and practically. Academically, this study adds to the existing literature within the field of human resource management. There is a plethora of literature on employment equity; however, this study focuses on the impact it has on employee morale specifically for the public service organisation. This study thus fills the gap in literature about employment equity and employee morale.