Abstract
M.A. (Industrial Relations)
The objective of this study is to examine the way in which
the traditional role of the supervisor in South African
industry is changing in the context of the social, political
and economic transformation of the country.
Because the author is on an overseas posting for the duration
of the study period, it is not possible to conduct empirical
research of any depth. Therefore, the dissertation is mainly
a literature study based on the historical and present
development of labour relations and the changing role of the
supervisor. Where possible, the literature study is
supplemented by unstructured interviews with training,
personnel and industrial relations managers, supervisors and
trade union representatives and workers in Scotland, Kenya
and South Africa.
It will be found that the changes to the position and role of
the first line supervisors in the USA, UK, and Germany are
more extensive than in South Africa. However, there is clear
evidence that the management of South African firms are
realising the advantages of long term strategies of
empowering their employees, sharing information, and of good
training and development programmes. within this context the
study will establish that the role and position of the South
African supervisor is indeed changing.
It will also be pointed out that a significant problem facing
firms in the "new" south Africa is a shortage of managers who
are not only trained within their own sphere of work, but who
are capable of recognising the role they and their
subordinates play in the labour relations climate of their
firm. The supervisor, at the interface between management,
workers and shop stewards, is a key actor responsible for
shaping and maintaining the firm's labour and human
relations...