Strategic training and development in private sector employment in South Africa with special reference to Pick 'n Pay.

Abstract

This study focuses on the strategic employee training and development initiatives of private sector employment as a means to develop employees in gaining a competitive advantage in the market. This study takes a theoretical and descriptive stance as it draws from the work of authors in the field of human resources and strategic training and development. There is a strong focus on human relations and the transformation of human resources in South Africa that brings to light practices of human resource management. Furthermore, the concepts training, education and development are defined and discussed as cornerstones to the employee growth process. Theories, techniques and models are used as a tool in highlighting the needs analysis and designing of training programmes in the South African private sector. Business strategy and its connection to training and development are expanded upon as this topic entails a strong future-oriented approach. Pick In Pay was chosen as a case study as it is a South African company. The company's training and development policies and procedures are discussed, unstructured interviews were conducted with Jackie Suhr who is the Senior Human Resource manager, Ravi Naidoo who is the Area manager at Durban North as well as staff members from Pick In Pay. The information gathered will be discussed to evaluate the effectiveness of the company's training and development initiatives as a means to empowering, developing and positively reenforcing their employees.