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This paper aims to examine the effects of Internal Corporate Social Responsibility (iCSR) practices on employees' job satisfaction, with specific focus on work-life balance and safety and health within commercial banks in Lusaka. In this paper, it is also aimed to explore the relative role of these iCSR dimensions in shaping job satisfaction in a developing country context where empirical evidence remains limited. We employed a quantitative research design using structured questionnaires administered to employees across 15 commercial banks. A dataset of 205 employees was collected, of which 146 valid responses were analyzed. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 29, applying descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) work–life balance has a strong and statistically significant positive effect on job satisfaction (r = 0.9268, p < 0.001), accounting for 85.9% of the variance and emerging as the most significant predictor; (ii) safety and health shows a positive correlation (r = 0.926), but is not a statistically significant predictor in multivariate analysis, suggesting it functions as a hygiene factor; and finally (iii) iCSR practices can be differentiated into motivational and baseline factors, contributing to theoretical understanding while providing a Sub-Saharan African perspective. The study offers practical implications, indicating that banks should prioritize work-life balance initiatives while maintaining safety and health standards. It also provides guiding knowledge for policymakers and managers seeking to enhance workplace satisfaction and improve iCSR implementation.

This study investigated the effects of internal Corporate Social Responsibility (iCSR) practices on employee job satisfaction among commercial banks in Lusaka, Zambia. The research examined two key dimensions of iCSR: education & training, and pay & benefits. The investigation was motivated by the need to understand how specific iCSR practices influence employee satisfaction in the Zambian banking context, where limited empirical research has been conducted despite the growing importance of human capital management in competitive banking environments. The study employed a descriptive research design utilizing a quantitative research approach. The study was grounded in the positivist research paradigm. Data was collected from 146 employees across 15 commercial banks operating in Lusaka through digital self-administered structured questionnaires, representing a 71.2% response rate from the target sample of 205 respondents. Stratified sampling technique was employed to ensure representative selection across management levels (senior, middle, and lower management). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 29.0, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, standard deviations), Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05 level. The study revealed exceptionally strong positive relationships between pay & benefits and education & training iCSR dimensions and job satisfaction.  Pay and Benefits had a variance of (r = 0.9271, 85.96%. Education and Training demonstrated strong effects (r = 0.8935, 79.84% variance. A conceptual framework was developed that successfully integrated the two iCRS dimensions and their relationship with job satisfaction

Job satisfaction is widely recognised as a critical determinant of employee performance, organisational productivity, and long-term institutional effectiveness across diverse economic sectors. This paper examines the relationship between job satisfaction and employee performance through a comparative lens that considers both developed and developing country contexts. Drawing on a systematic literature review of empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025, the study synthesises evidence from a broad range of industries, including education, telecommunications, banking and financial services, information technology, automotive, healthcare, retail, construction, agriculture, logistics, energy, public administration, and manufacturing.The findings reveal a consistently positive and statistically significant association between job satisfaction and employee performance, either directly or through mediating mechanisms such as work engagement, organisational commitment, and motivation. Across sectors, job satisfaction is shaped by a combination of structural and motivational factors, including working conditions, training and development, leadership quality, compensation, career advancement opportunities, organisational support, and job design. Employees who report higher satisfaction levels tend to demonstrate stronger commitment, greater discretionary effort, higher productivity, and improved service quality.

Despite the rapid expansion of remote work, traditional human resource practices remain largely designed for office-based environments and are insufficiently aligned with the unique demands of remote work.  Furthermore, existing theoretical approaches do not clearly explain how HR practices can be systematically designed as organisational resources that mitigate remote work demands and enhance employee engagement and performance. This conceptual paper proposes a multi-dimensional framework to enhance employee engagement and performance in a remote work environment. Thes study seeks to bridge the gap in human resource practices by offering practices suitable for remote workers. Guided by the Job Demand-Resources model and the Ability, Motivation and Opportunity framework, this study employed a conceptual methodology that combined theory adaption and model-building. A systematic literature review using Boolean operators was conducted across Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Scopus.  Twenty-five peer-reviewed studies published 2020 and 2026 were identified and thematically analysed.  Furthermore, the review revealed five job demands: social isolation, blurred work-life balance, communication complexity, technological strain, and performance visibility.  Consequently, these job demands can be mitigated by implementing strategic human resources practices such as recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, compensation, and work-life balance.  By proposing a human resource management framework that may enable efficient remote work practices, promote sustainable development and the evolving business ecosystem.  The framework contributes to SDG 3 and by promoting employee well-being and productive work practices. The study also offer useful information for business looking to create robust HRM plans that maintain worker performance and engagement is digitally connected business ecosystem.

Financial pressures in South Africa’s public sector have increased efforts to control the wage bill, raising concerns about the long-term effects of stagnant remuneration on employee performance, retention, and service delivery. Although the link between pay and motivation is well known, less attention has been given to how prolonged salary stagnation, within a constrained fiscal environment, affects both employees and service delivery outcomes. This paper addresses this gap by examining the effects of stagnant remuneration in the South African public service. The paper used a qualitative narrative review of secondary data, including academic literature, government reports, and policy documents. Sources were selected based on their relevance to remuneration, employee performance, and service delivery, and were analysed thematically. The findings show that stagnant remuneration is not only a Human Resource issue but also a service delivery issue, as it directly affects employee motivation and institutional capacity. Guided by Equity Theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and the paper’s conceptual model, the results indicate that perceived unfairness and rising living costs reduce motivation, increase turnover, and weaken organisational capacity, especially in sectors such as health, education, and local government. This creates a tension between fiscal sustainability and workforce effectiveness, which ultimately affects service quality. The paper contributes by linking remuneration challenges to service delivery outcomes and indicates the need for a balanced approach to managing the public sector wage bill.

This study investigates how managerial employees perceive workplace practices as conditions that enhance organisational performance using a qualitative approach. Although organisational performance has been analysed through quantifiable managerial and structural factors, there has been insufficient focus on the relational dynamics that influence how managers perceive daily workplace practices as either facilitating or hindering performance. The study adopted an exploratory research design to provide an in-depth understanding of workplace practices as conditions that enhance performance. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select 10 participants from a population of approximately 1200 employees. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with managerial employees to obtain a comprehensive understanding of their perceptions of how workplace practices influence the ability and willingness of employees to perform. Through a thematic analysis, four key themes were uncovered from the dataset: clarity in communication, perceived fairness in remuneration and working conditions, feeling supported within the working environment, and feeling valued through appreciation and recognition. The results indicate that these practices function as relational signals within the organisational ecosystem, influencing managerial perceptions of clarity, fairness, support, and value. These perceptions serve as mediating factors that facilitate the conversion of workplace practices into performance results. This research enhances the literature on organisational performance by redirecting focus from static organisational factors to the relational and perceptual processes that facilitate performance in practice. From a strategic viewpoint, the results emphasise the significance of aligning workplace practices with organisational objectives through Human Resource governance frameworks that promote equity, support, and recognition.

Investigations into establishing a framework for incentivising non-academic personnel in universities have been scarce. The research sought to establish a paradigm for motivating non-academic personnel in institutions. The study was informed by Herzberg’s two-factor theory and Adams’ equitable theory of motivation. The research employed a quantitative methodology, wherein a sample of 216 non-academic personnel at the Zimbabwe Open University filled out closed-ended questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 30.0. The resulting framework details the obstacles, intrinsic motivators, extrinsic motivators, and performance outcomes of university non-academic personnel. The report advises colleges to utilise the framework to create motivational programs for non-academic personnel.

In South Africa, productivity is crucial for individual livelihoods and business performance.  A workplace that fosters employee engagement and participation is a means to cultivate an environment that attracts motivated teams for enhanced productivity.  This perspective supports the notion of employee engagement.  This study investigates the impact of employee engagement on enhancing labour productivity in South African automobile parts manufacturing firms.  Employee involvement denotes the degree of commitment and participation that employee exhibits towards their organisation. The study goals were fulfilled by analysing the production and associated experiences of the automobile parts manufacturing organisation that implemented an employee involvement strategy to enhance labour productivity.  The corporation functions within the eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa.  The study was conducted by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on absenteeism, spoilage, and attained production targets.  Nevertheless, findings indicate that the employee participation ideology lacks the capacity to enhance labour productivity within the automobile parts manufacturing sector in South Africa.  There is no correlation between absenteeism and spoiling rates, nor with the production standards attained, in connection to labour productivity following the implementation of the employee involvement strategy. This study reveals the advantages and disadvantages of employee engagement on labour productivity within automobile parts manufacturing firms in South Africa. 

Employee turnover is a significant issue for organizations worldwide, affecting stability, productivity, and innovation. In South Africa, public service departments face challenges in retaining qualified personnel as they migrate to higher-paying jobs. The study aims to investigate factors contributing to high turnover of Heads of Department or Accounting Officers within the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) in Mpumalanga Province. In order to gather information from a sample of 67 employees and to propose empirically supported strategies to lower employee turnover, increase retention, and boost organisational effectiveness, the study used qualitative research methodology, interviews, and semi-structured interviews. Main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) employees are leaving due to negative factors within the department and short-term employment contracts (ii) employees with limited skills or experience being placed in key positions, further contributing to dissatisfaction and high turnover (iii)due to a lack of attention to addressing employee turnover, the department suffers from low morale, poor service delivery, and negative public perception, ultimately impacting the organization's performance. The findings are recommended for sharing with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and other government departments in South Africa as it could provide a reliable approach of dealing with staff turnover throughout the public sector.

The mining sector is vital for economic growth, yet it encounters considerable workforce challenges, such as hazardous working conditions, fluctuating job security, and low levels of employee motivation. This study investigates the motivation strategies implemented by Tronox KZN Sands to tackle these issues, offering insights that can be beneficial for the broader mining industry. Utilizing Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory as a foundation, the study assesses the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, leadership, and organizational culture on employee engagement and productivity. A quantitative methodology was adopted, with data collected from 100 employees at Tronox KZN Sands. The findings indicate that concerns regarding job security, limited recognition, and insufficient financial incentives notably affect motivation levels. The study emphasizes that while hygiene factors, such as workplace safety and equitable compensation, are critical for preventing dissatisfaction, motivators—including career development opportunities and recognition programs—are essential for enhancing engagement and performance. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified workforce challenges, highlighting the necessity for adaptive motivation strategies. The research advocates for a balanced approach that integrates both hygiene factors and motivators to maintain employee commitment. Recommendations include enhancing financial incentives, establishing structured career development initiatives, and promoting a culture of recognition and empowerment. Furthermore, organizations should emphasize transparent communication and workforce stability to alleviate uncertainty and improve job satisfaction. These insights offer practical guidance for stakeholders in the mining sector aiming to formulate effective motivation strategies to enhance workforce productivity and retention.

This study examines employees' perceptions regarding employment relationships, work engagement (WE), and performance management systems (PMS) within specific South African National Departments. This subject has not been thoroughly investigated in prior research within a comparable context. Despite extensive research on PMS, employment relationships, and WE, there remains a notable gap in comprehending employees' perceptions of these elements within the chosen South African National departments. This research aims to address the existing gap and provide a thorough understanding of these important aspects. This research is of significant importance and urgency. The research employed quantitative and cross-sectional designs. This study included 400 administrative employees, who were purposively selected from a population of 10,660. The research focused on employees at job levels 1 to 12, specifically those who were permanently employed and possessed a minimum of five years of experience within the department. A structured questionnaire was utilised as the primary instrument for data collection, comprising closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS to evaluate the reliability of the measurement instrument. The study results revealed mixed perceptions among respondents; nonetheless, there is a predominantly positive view regarding compliance, fairness, good faith, and truth within the selected government departments. The study indicated that respondents exhibited a notably positive perception of vigour, dedication, and absorption in their work. A moderate positive perception was noted regarding the understanding of PMS, PMS alignment, and the focus on performance management. This study presents practical implications, emphasising the importance for managers to prioritise employee attitudes towards the performance management system (PMS), alignment of performance management, organisational culture, and the employee performance review process, rather than solely comprehending the PMS process itself.

Job security and employee motivation are crucial factors that contribute to organizational stability, productivity, and overall success. This study explores the relationship between job security and employee motivation at Tronox KZN Sands, a mining and mineral processing company based in South Africa. Utilizing Social Exchange Theory (SET) as a theoretical framework, the research examines how perceptions of the workplace influence levels of commitment and job satisfaction among employees. Employing a quantitative research methodology, data was gathered from 100 employees through a structured questionnaire, with statistical analysis conducted using SPSS 30 software. It was noted that job uncertainty often arises from economic downturns, industry fluctuations, and organizational restructuring, which can result in diminished motivation and job satisfaction among employees. Additionally, the study identifies demographic variations in perceptions of job security, revealing that younger employees typically express greater concern about job stability compared to their older counterparts. Factors such as workplace support, transparent communication, and opportunities for career development significantly influence the interplay between job safety and employee motivation. Effective communication regarding job stability, investment in employee career advancement, and the promotion of a supportive work environment are essential measures that organizations can adopt. Companies can enhance employee morale, reduce turnover rates, and improve overall organizational performance by prioritizing these strategies. The findings of this study contribute to the broader discourse on the relationship between human resources and workplace dynamics, offering practical insights for policymaking in South Africa's mining regions, as well as for manufacturers and management professionals.

The decline in labour productivity in the South African manufacturing industry is a course for concern.  The majority of South Africans expect greater prosperity that can be achieved through greater employment and high productivity.  Thus, the industrial sector turns to employees for innovative productivity improvement initiatives.  This sentiment underpins the concept of employee engagement.  Hence, this study examines the effectiveness of employee engagement for productivity improvement in the selected industrial packaging organisation in South Africa.  Employee engagement is the degree of dedication and involvement an employee has towards his/her organisation.  The study was quantitative in design and examined production and the related experiences of the industrial packaging organisation that have adopted an employee engagement strategy for productivity improvement.  The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data.  The company operates in the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.  The study was achieved by collecting pre- and post-quarterly data for the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), spoilage rate and labour productivity.  The results establish that employee engagement philosophy does not have a relationship with OEE and labour productivity.  However, it has an influence on the rate of spoilage.  The original value of this paper is its approach in uncovering strengths and weaknesses of employee engagement for productivity improvement in South Africa. This includes leadership engagement and the alignment of employee incentives with productivity goals.

This paper investigates how work-life balance affects job satisfaction and organisational commitment among academic and non-academic personnel in higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.  Increasingly, in recent years, institutional pressures and professional expectations have come under fire for their influence on the well-being and motivation of university staff members.  Though work-life balance affects job happiness and organisational commitment in the higher education sector concurrently, few empirical research in South Africa have looked at this in light of the worldwide movement towards employee health.  Rooted on the interpretivist paradigm, this study uses a qualitative, descriptive approach.  Ten academic and administrative staff members at the Richfield Institute of Graduates were interviewed semi-structured to gather data.  Long working hours, administrative pressure, and lack of personal time were identified by the study to harm worker satisfaction and impair organisational commitment.  Many of those who answered said they felt emotional tiredness and work-related stress, which led to lower motivation and performance.  Employees showed more job satisfaction and greater emotional connection to the company where institutions encouraged flexible work policies, management assistance, and team-oriented workplace cultures.  The research shows that a good work-life balance increases general well-being among employees as well as more organisational loyalty and drive.  It advises universities to adopt unambiguous rules and support systems meant to enhance staff work-life integration.  Inclusive settings that assist personnel holistically help to sustain human resource practices and improve institutional performance.  This study adds to the larger conversation on human resource management in academia and provides useful ideas for university administrators, legislators, and HR experts trying to promote better working conditions in South Africa's higher education scene.

The significance of efficient human resource management for organisational sustainability cannot be overstated. Essential to efficient management is the retention of skilled staff to enhance production, achieved through rewards and perks. This study investigated the impact of rewards and bonuses on the motivation of allied health professionals in a public hospital. The study aimed to evaluate the nature of rewards and benefits offered, as well as their perceived motivational impact. A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed. The study sample, encompassing the complete target group, consisted of 91 individuals. Participants were provided with self-administered questions. The findings indicated that the chosen hospital offers rewards and advantages that comply with national standards. Furthermore, a beneficial impact of rewards and benefits on motivation was demonstrated. According to Herzberg's theory, the findings indicated that the participants considered both hygiene and motivational aspects significant for motivation. Participants expressed that the absence of what they deemed essential characteristics was demoralising. The report advocates for a unified approach to elucidating policies and procedures pertaining to benefits and rewards. This study's managerial consequences necessitate the implementation of policies that employees comprehend and appreciate. The research enhances understanding of employee motivation within a public sector hospital context, where personnel frequently migrate to metropolitan regions.

Administrative employees are essential in delivering services to both internal and external stakeholders. Their function is to facilitate the seamless execution of daily operations within the organisation. Meeting the needs of these employees fortifies professional relationships and improves employee retention. This study investigates the perception of job satisfaction among administrative employees in the South African public sector. The study employed a quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional design, examining 180 administrative employees selected from a total population of 1,150 employees. Descriptive statistics were utilised to fulfil the primary objectives of the research. The study identified three out of ten ranked factors that hinder job satisfaction: supervision, relationships with co-workers, and fringe benefits. The determinants of job satisfaction were prioritised in the following order: (1) Pay, (1) Recognition, (2) Nature of work, (3) Appreciation, (4) Supervision, (5) Promotion, (6) Relationship with co-workers, (8) Communication, (9) Fringe benefits, (10) Growth. The study demonstrated a positive correlation between years of service and job satisfaction, indicating that employees with longer tenure exhibit greater job satisfaction. This research contributes to the existing literature by identifying the factors that influence employee work satisfaction. The findings highlight particular opportunities for advancement in South African public sector management, especially concerning barriers to job satisfaction and factors influencing employee satisfaction. Based on the findings, South African public sector policymakers ought to formulate strategies aimed at enhancing supervision, communication, and career advancement opportunities. This study suggests the development of a job satisfaction framework specifically designed for South African public administration by management.

Organisations are experiencing significant transformations that necessitate modern strategies to maintain pace. Motivation has emerged as an essential element of the workplace for organisational success. Motivated employees are often more effective and productive in achieving corporate goals and objectives; nonetheless, this concept continues to pose a challenge for contemporary businesses. The research investigated the impact of motivation on staff efficiency and production inside a specific Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in South Africa. Data were gathered through interviews utilising a non-probability quota sampling method from a sample of 11 people in a qualitative study. Thematic analysis was conducted on the data, facilitating the identification of patterns and the development of themes. The findings indicate that (i) the motivational strategies predominantly employed by the FMCG organisation pertain to the workplace environment, remuneration, well-being, and professional development; (ii) elements such as training and development, sense of belonging, equity and fairness, and career advancement significantly impact the efficiency and productivity of the study participants, with training and development being the most essential. Despite the beneficial effects of motivation, apprehensions arose regarding diverse training requirements and team management. The report advocates for a requirements assessment to identify and address skill deficiencies, prioritise good team management, cultivate a culture of continuous learning, and improve employee engagement through a sense of belonging, equity, justice, and career advancement. These proposals synchronise motivational tactics with organisational objectives, hence enhancing staff productivity and competitive edge. This study provides valuable insights into improving staff efficiency and productivity through motivation in the dynamic FMCG sector in South Africa, with extensive implications for managerial practices and employee engagement.

There is a disconnect between corporate communication and employee engagement which often leads to poor organizational culture and ultimately poor performance. Therefore, the study aims to address this phenomenon and connect corporate communication to employee engagement for organisational success. Organizations are aware of the indisputable connection between their success and employee engagement in the current competitive environment. With a qualitative method using an interpretivism research paradigm, this study explores how corporate communication at Bakoena Services Pty Ltd. promotes employee engagement. Senior, middle, and junior staff members provide detailed perspectives. The study used semi-structured interviews to investigate how employees feel about the channels of communication that are currently in place, as well as how effective they are perceived to be and how they affect engagement. It also looked at tactics and planned communication enhancements that Bakoena Services Pty Ltd. might use to encourage employee engagement. This study added to our knowledge of the complex interplay within a particular organizational setting between corporate communication and employee engagement as well as made contributions theoretically to the stakeholder theory which underpinned the study. The conclusions provided Bakoena Services Pty Ltd. with insightful information about modifying its communication strategies to foster a workforce that is more engaged, content, and eventually more productive. The study's findings give suggestions for enhancement as well as insight into the role of corporate communication in promoting employee engagement at Bakoena Services Pty Ltd. The study's main recommendation is to strengthen the role of human resources, which is crucial in addition to communication reform. The study also concludes that human resource staff members ought to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in communication, engagement strategies, feedback management, and leadership development.

Since today’s market is highly competitive and constantly evolving, organisations are striving to achieve high levels of productivity and low levels of turnover. One of the key factors in achieving this goal is organisational commitment. Thus, the study advocates that the level of employee commitment and willingness to continue working with the organisation is reflected in their intention to stay. Based on the theory of reasoned action, this study aims to investigate how the dimensions of employee commitment influence their decision to stay with the organisation in the long term within a telecommunication company. The study adopted a postpositivist perspective, a descriptive approach, a quantitative research method and a structured questionnaire to collect numerical data. In addition, descriptive, factor, correlation and regression analyses were performed through SPSS version 26.0. The study population consisted of 470 employees working in different departments, ranging from entry-level positions to consulting engineers. A sample of 298 employees was selected through a simple random sampling to minimise bias. Regression results indicated a moderate positive relationship between organisational commitment and intention to stay. The study recommends organisations to prioritise strategies that promote and sustain organisational commitment for improved intention-to-stay outcomes. This can be achieved through various means such as providing opportunities for professional development, recognising and rewarding employee contributions, and promoting open communication.

Efficient internal branding is essential for aligning employees with an organization's ideals, especially in service industries such as banking. This study examines the influence of employee engagement on the efficacy of internal branding activities in commercial banks located in Urban Masvingo, with the objective of understanding the impact of these initiatives on staff commitment and service quality. A quantitative survey design was utilised, focussing on management-level employees, shop floor personnel, and customers from certain banks, employing stratified random sampling to guarantee a varied participant pool. The results demonstrate that although the majority of internal branding efforts focus on frontline employees, there is a significant deficiency in engagement among shop floor personnel. The lack of established recognition procedures and allocated funding for internal branding undermines effectiveness. Strong managerial support and employee participation in branding activities were recognised as essential factors for improving engagement and alignment with brand values. To enhance internal branding, banks must to conduct frequent evaluations of employee engagement, incorporate branding into HR operations, establish formal recognition systems, and promote the co-creation of branding initiatives. These measures will foster a unified organisational culture and enhance service performance, hence augmenting brand equity in a competitive marketplace. This report provides actionable ideas for banks to enhance employee involvement in internal branding and sustain a competitive advantage in a fluctuating market..