Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the lived work experiences of black managers at a construction company in South Africa in order to identify factors that might have constrained their retention and commitment. An exploratory qualitative research approach and interpretive phenomenological research design were utilised, and interviews were conducted with 15 black managers to obtain data. The researcher used thematic analysis to analyse the data. The research findings indicated that factors, such as lack of managers’ support, promotions, unfairness and inconsistency in giving rewards and recognition, and a lack of defining the career path of employees, could have contributed to the lack of employee retention and commitment in the construction company under study. This research study recommended measures that the company could put in place to ensure the retention and commitment of its employees. These recommendations included implementing a retention strategy by the company’s human resources department, effecting fair reward and recognition practices, outlining clear career paths, and focusing on issues of race, gender and discrimination in the workplace. Recommendations for further study were also made, and the limitations of the study were described.
Key terms: employee retention; employee commitment; compensation; retention factors; supervisory support; recognition and rewards; training and development; work-life balance.