Abstract
M.A.
This study was conducted within the context of different companies in the Witwatersrand.
The empirical investigation involved 114 employees and 12
managers.
The aim of this study was to describe the perceptions of both managers and employees
on the impact of violence in the work place, in order to determine guidelines for effective
intervention. The perceptions of both the managers and employees on effects of violence
and the impact of violence on the social functioning of employees were explored and
described. Questionnaires were used as a method of gathering data that was required.
The study used an exploratory descriptive design.
It was found from this study that, the political violence that employees have experienced
had an impact on them. Managers of companies acknowledged that employee' social
functioning seems to have been affected as a result of the violence. Employees'
performance also seemed to have deteriorated. Managers also reported coming across
employees. who had problems directly related to the violence e.g.fear of employees going
back home after work. Employees have also indicated changes that they had to go
through as a result of the violence. The fears and anxieties that employees underwent
during the process of violence have grossly affected them. Their health deterioration,
fears of being attacked, not being able to do their jobs as before and the changes in their
lifestyles thereof show the outcomes of the violence they experienced. Appropriate guidelines for intervention were drawn, whereby the importance of knowing
and understanding the needs of these employees were highlighted - before effective
intervention can take place.