Abstract
M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)
A qualitative study was conducted utilising the repertory grid
technique to identify personal constructs. From the personal
constructs mental models emerged which provided an indication of
the management paradigm of each participant. The study consisted
of eight participants that were based on wine farms in the Western
Cape. Following the labour unrest on the wine farms a study was
conducted to determine whether the farmers are functioning within
the emerging paradigm of management. It is suggested that a new
paradigm of management is emerging which is critical for the
sustainability of organisations. The paradigm of sustainability
consists of three broad areas namely: financial, environmental and
social sustainability. These three areas have to be present within the
organisation for it to be sustainable. The results of the study indicate
that the paradigm within which the farmers manage their farms are
not aligned with the emerging paradigm. There are areas that
correspond and other critical areas that do not.