Abstract
Purpose
The objective of any company is to attain higher throughput. The role of individuals within a
company is essential in the management and continued existence of the business. Employee
performance is influenced by a set of human resource management (HRM) practices. Equally,
the practice of attracting, developing, and maintaining talented and energetic workers to
support the organisational objectives is the aim of HRM. The purpose of this case study is to
examine HRM in a South African construction company. In addition, this study identifies
common HRM practices and comprehensively explores how well these practices have been
implemented, as well as their impact on employee performance. Furthermore, employee
performance and factors affecting employee performance have been evaluated. Finally, the
study highlights factors that motivate employees.
Methodology
The data used in this study have been derived from both primary and secondary sources. Fifteen
questionnaires were circulated to Human Resource Management Personnel, Senior
Management, Departmental Managers, and Union Representatives in the construction
company were selected for the study. Since the respondents were purposively selected, a return
rate of 87% was attained. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social
Science (SPSS).
Findings
The results of the analysis reveal that some HRM practices, such as training and development
(T&D), performance management and performance appraisals and compensation and benefits,
have been adopted. However, performance management and performance appraisals were not
fully implemented throughout the firm. Hence, it is suggested that HRM practices should be
efficiently employed to enhance employee performance. This would gain a sustainable
competitive advantage for the company. Additionally, the study observes that motivated
employees perfom at a higher level making it easy for management to motivate them, thus
achieving individual and firm objectives.
Originality
The study adds to existing literature on human resource management in South African
construction companies.
M.Tech. (Construction Management)