Abstract
M.Phil.
Management practices have far-reaching implications for both employee wellbeing and organisational outcomes such as job satisfaction, performance, absenteeism, employee engagement and employee turnover. Line management plays a pivotal role in the promotion of employee wellbeing. The aim of the study was to explore the influence of line management on employee wellbeing. Employee wellbeing was explored from the perspective of emotional, mental, physical and spiritual dimensions within the workplace context. Line management practices which enable, as well as undermine, employee wellbeing were comprehensively highlighted.
A qualitative case study approach was adopted for the study. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted to gather primary data. The research participants were purposely selected as per non-probability sampling guidelines. Primary data and secondary data were analysed through both content and thematic data analysis methods. The interpretive paradigm prominently facilitated the analysis and the interpretation of research findings.
From the findings, four prominent themes emerged, namely i) practices enhancing wellbeing; ii) practices undermining wellbeing; iii) the impact of wellbeing-enhancing and wellbeing-undermining practices; and iv) best practices to promote wellbeing. The practical contribution of the research pertains to its proposal of guidelines and practices that can be incorporated into management training and development programmes. These programmes aim to improve people management practices in the workplace, while enhancing employee wellbeing. Lastly, the policies, strategies, skills development competencies, and the creation of a culture conducive to wellbeing in the workplace were articulated within the findings. Future research could explore the impact of line management or leadership on employee career wellbeing with regard to career progression and regression.