Systems approach to the influence of human resource management practices on Zimbabwean state-owned enterprises’ survival

Abstract

Human resource management systems and practices are essential to organizational survival. The thesis addresses the appropriate use of Human Resources Management (HRM) practices as well as internal and external challenges and issues, in the context of Zimbabwean State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The thesis argues that following international best practices and putting policies and standard operating procedures in place is key to survival and sustainability of an enterprise. The research problem is that these need to be operationalised cognizant of the context of an enterprise and that of the country, to minimise issues while improving organizational outcomes. The study examined issues related to the inappropriate application of HRM practices as well as internal and external challenges arising within state-owned enterprise environments. The study followed a Soft Systems Methodology to explore and explain human resource management practices within state-owned enterprises. Purposeful sampling was used to source data from participants selected from three chosen state-owned enterprises. Semi-structured interviews provided the profound data and insights. Findings showed that inflation, natural disasters, political interferences, leadership style, recruitment and selection were derailing the efforts of HRM practices in supporting organizational survival. The study also found that lack of professionalism within SOEs allows corruption, in different shades. This subsequently leads to organizational instability, often forcing the organization to close or cease its operations. The original contribution of the thesis is a theoretical and practical HRM framework, which may inform the improvement of HRM practices for State-Owned Enterprises’ survival, notably in Zimbabwe. This framework is informed by interpretation of the study findings and the existing literature. The conceptualised HRM framework may greatly help managers and legislators by offering insightful information about organizational culture, employee experiences, and the efficacy of current standard operating procedures. A contextualised approach to organizational growth, policy implementation, and personnel management may be informed by this framework. The effectiveness of human resource management practices may subsequently contribute to the improvement and support organizational survival, notably in the context of Zimbabwe State-Owned Enterprises.