Evidence of compliance-based and voluntary-based diversity management initiatives in South African companies.

• Main Authors: Zwelibanzi Sam Webber, Amanda Werner, Marianne Doubell
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AfricaJournals 2018-02-01
• Series: African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
• Subjects: Diversity; diversity management; organisational change; women; disabilities
• Online Access: https://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_26_vol_7_2__2018.pdf

Since 1994, with the advent of the first democratic elections, organisations in South Africa have embarked on a road of transformation to increase diversity in the workplace. This paper investigates the nature of diversity management initiatives and the extent to which companies in South Africa implement compliance-based and voluntary-based diversity management initiatives. Although literature on diversity management does exist, a paucity of research on compliance-based versus voluntarybased diversity management initiatives is noted. A survey with a web-based questionnaire was conducted among a sample of 342 employees from five TOPCO 500 South Africa’s Best Managed Companies. The findings indicated that a holistic approach towards diversity management is required. In this respect, a formal diversity change strategy and programme, in addition to an employment equity plan and strategy, should be developed and implemented, and a more concerted effort is required from organisations to recruit, promote and empower women, as well as recruit and accommodate people living with disabilities.