Abstract
Orientation: This research examines the dynamics of South Africa’s technology sector,
focussing on how technology professionals navigate idiosyncratic deal (i-deal)
arrangements.
Research purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the nature of i-deals, the factors
contributing to successful negotiations and the consequences of these negotiations on employee
experiences and organisational relationships.
Motivation for the study: Research on i-deals in the South African context is limited. This
study seeks to address this gap by offering insights into how i-deals are negotiated and their
effects on workplace outcomes.
Research approach/design and method: A qualitative design was employed, using a
convenience sample of 12 mid-to-senior level employees from a large information
communication and technology organisation in Johannesburg. Semi-structured interviews
were conducted, and thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns in the
data.
Main findings: The study found that successful i-deal negotiations enhance job satisfaction
and employee morale, while unsuccessful negotiations can lead to decreased motivation and
strained relationships. Factors such as organisational culture, communication and trust were
crucial in determining the success of i-deal negotiations.
Practical/managerial implications: Human resource (HR) professionals should facilitate
structured and transparent i-deal negotiation processes, provide training for managers
and employees, and regularly monitor the impact of i-deals to ensure they benefit both the
organisation and its employees.
Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the limited literature on i-deals in the
South African context, offering practical insights for HR professionals to enhance employee
retention and satisfaction through effective i-deal negotiations.