Abstract
M.Com. (Business Management)
As insignificant as it might be considered, career management is a vital framework for human capital utilisation in any organisation. This relatively new concept, especially in the South African public service context, has moderately proved to enable organisations to achieve a competitive advantage in the modern global business landscape. Theoretically, many organisations regard employees as the most important asset and strive to position themselves as the employer of choice in the labour market. However, it seems this ideology has not been implemented as well it could have been in public service, through career management practices and programmes, which were the focus of this research.
The purpose of the study was thus to explore the value proposition of career management practices in a government department through the implementation process. A literature study was conducted in an effort to gain an understanding of career management as well as related human resource management concepts underpinning people utilisation. As an empirical study, the research employed both quantitative and qualitative methodological data collection techniques. The mixed method approach enabled data to be triangulated. Through the usage of the research methodology, primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire. The questions were aligned with the aim and objectives of the research.
An analysis of the data revealed a severe lack of understanding of the value proposition of career management efforts. There is a need to review current policies and programmes, which are in place. The sentiments expressed by the interviewed respondents in the management hierarchy were echoed by those respondents on salary levels one to 12 in the data obtained through the questionnaire.