Agricultural Sector Skills Development: Multiple Case Study Approach

Skills development in the agricultural sector A multiple case study approach Jandr Jansen van Rensburg Prof. Dr. Ronel du Preez M.Comm. Industrial Psychology University of Stellenbosch

Agenda Introduction Framework Research Methods Results Application Conclusion Agenda

Introduction Imperative of the study: As part of a research niche area; Exploring a neglected realm of knowledge; Developing and evaluating a framework of variables; and Establish groundwork for future research Introduction

Introduction Skills development is needs driven: Macro-level State PESTEL Meso-level Micro-level Employers Sustainable Profitability Individual Organisation / Farm Employees Livelihood Introduction Government / Sector

Combined framework Framework development

Multiple Case Study method Potential concerns with validity, reliability, objectivity Case Selection Active skills development Larger employers (25+ permanent staff) Sound labour relations Research methods

Results Case overviews Case 1: Rooibos farm 1, Clanwilliam Close corporation R 2.5 million remuneration spend 40 permanent employees R 25,000 skills development levies; R 50,000 training budget Training focus: Functional / operational training focus Empowerment programme Results

Case overviews Case 2: Rooibos farm 2, Clanwilliam Privately owned R 1.3 million remuneration spend 50 permanent employees R 13,000 skills development levies; R 26,000 training budget Training focus: Functional / operational training focus Social development training (e.g. HIV / AIDS workshops) Planned empowerment programme Results

Case overviews Case 3: Fruit farm, Citrusdal Privately owned R 11.8 million remuneration spend 165 permanent employees R118,000 skills development levies; no fixed training budget Training focus: Functional / operational training focus Basic managerial skills training (when available) Empowerment trust Results

Case overviews Case 4: Wine farm 1, Franschoek Private Company Unknown remuneration spend 123 permanent employees Unknown skills development levies; unknown training budget Training focus: Broad training and development focus Two empowerment trusts Social development focus Results

Case overviews Case 5: Wine farm 2, Paarl Corporate owner Unknown remuneration spend 26 permanent employees Unknown skills development levies; unknown training budget Training focus: Functional / operational focus Social development training Results

Case overviews Case 6: Wine farm 3, Paarl Corporate owner Unknown remuneration spend 61 permanent employees Unknown skills development levies; unknown training budget Training focus: Functional / operational focus Social development training Results

Adapted framework Results

Application Purpose of research: results are not prescriptive Inhibited by methods and lack of existing research Introductory study: complex framework Broad framework of variables established Organisational variables Individual variables Application

Basic practical conclusions Organisational Variables Strategy and planning Culture Meso-level Labour relations Organisation / Farm Climate Systems Application

Basic practical conclusions Individual Variables Inherently complex individuals Ability Actual and Perceived Micro-level Motivation Locus of control Individual Attitude Application

Conclusion Development is a South African imperative Agricultural sector is especially important Significant negative impact of past practices are still prevalent and need urgent redress By considering the framework provided, it is hoped that more can be done in this sector Conclusion