Abstract
M.B.A.
The impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the South African physical existence
has already made visible inroads on the demographic, economic, political
and social realities of the country. The small and medium business
enterprises are not exempt from this tragic situation. This research, though on
a very small and limited scale, has revealed in a microscopic manner the
larger reality of the global South African context. The battle against HIV/AIDS
is not only the isolated endeavour of certain governmental departments.
What is required are corporate, humanitarian and methodical efforts that
remedy the economic, social and educational systems that undermine the
sound performance of all areas of service and productivity. Corporate
responsibility and accountability exercised by small business leadership,
management, employees and employers alike occupy a critical position that
could assist in exposing and addressing the underlining causes of this
epidemic by making it a prime priority in the business environment. While no
work place is exempt from the catastrophic consequences and implications of
the HIV/AIDS endemic, the small businesses are challenged to face the
commercial concerns conveyed and portrayed by the provoking evidence of
persons, events and situations ascertained and relayed by the descriptive research of this work. The identifiable need of a HIV/AIDS policy in the
workplace communicates the concern for the well being of all involved in the
world of commerce and employment. A concrete commitment to the
maintenance of a healthy workforce is of benefit not only to an individual
business enterprise, but also to the nation as a whole. This implies
harnessing all the conceivable resourcefulness of those who can make a
meaningful contribution towards combating this disease as well as providing
humanitarian measures for those already afflicted.