Perceptions of managers of affirmative action in ABSA Bank, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Abstract

The effects of affirmative action (AA) in the workplace have sparked serious debate in South Africa and have attracted criticism from various population groups. This study investigated the perceptions of managerial employees on the implementation of AA at Absa Bank in KwaZulu-Natal. The objectives of the study were to elicit managerial perceptions of the implementation of affirmative action in ABSA; to investigate the manner in which affirmative action is being sustained at ABSA; to understand managerial perceptions regarding the performance of affirmative action candidates in the ABSA; to establish management willingness to mentor affirmative action candidates; and to establish the bank’s reasons for complying with Employment Equity policy. The research approach adopted in this study is the mixed-methods approach, which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The study is both exploratory and descriptive, which is used to share participants’ perceptions regarding the implementation of affirmative action in their workplace. The questionnaire and an interview schedule were the primary tools used to collect data from managerial employees at ABSA. The quantitative data collected from the respondents was analysed with SPSS version 23.0; and the qualitative data was analysed through NVIVO software. The quantitative results were presented through the descriptive statistics in the form of graphs, and cross tabulations; while the inferential techniques included the use of correlations and chi-square test values, which were interpreted using the p-values. Both thematic and content analyses were used for the qualitative study. The findings in this study suggest that about 84% of the respondents feel that the implementation of AA at ABSA Bank is effective. The findings further indicate that 80% of the respondents perceive the practice of AA at ABSA Bank as consistent with those of the banking industry. About 63% feel that the management of ABSA Bank considers the opinions of employees when AA policies are implemented.