https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/80 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:47:27 GMT 2026-04-09T21:47:27Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4048 Title: The effects of outsourcing on labour productivity : a case of Sino - Zimbabwe Cement company Authors: Moyp, Virginia Shorai Abstract: The study investigated the effects of outsourcing on labour productivity at Sino Zimbabwe Cement Company. A sample of 6 participants from SZCC management and 3 managers from outsourced labour companies was selected using judgmental sampling technique. Quota sampling technique was used to select 23 non managerial participants from SZCC employees and 15 participants from outsourced labour. Outsourcing was done to reduce costs and to access technical skills. It reduced level of commitment for SZCC employees leading to low labour productivity. Outsourced labour showed higher level of labour productivity because their level of commitment was high because they wanted to secure their jobs. The study showed that the level of output for outsourced labour was high which led to higher labour productivity. Outsourcing led to reduction costs due to efficient utilisation of labour which translated to higher labour productivity. Innovation was only evident in outsourced catering services. Other outsourced labour and SZCC workers did not depict any innovative ideas which reduced their level of labour productivity. In terms of labour flexibility outsourcing gave SZCC the opportunity to hire labour when most needed which ensured efficient utilisation of labour leading to higher labour productivity. The study also found that turnover for outsourced labour was low which implied that its labour productivity was high. As for SZCC turnover was high which implied that its labour productivity was low. The research found that SZCC was not providing its workers with training opportunities which led to reduction in level of commitment leading to low level labour productivity. The study recommended that for outsourcing to enhance labour productivity it must ensure job security, remuneration for subcontracted workers must be competitive to promote high labour productivity and training and development must be undertaken to both client and subcontracted workers to enhance labour productivity. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4048 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Moyp, Virginia Shorai https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3969 Title: Survivor syndrome and labour productivity in the Zimbabwean Timber Industry: the case study of Border Timbers Limited Authors: Sauti, Christian Abstract: In light of massive restructurings and unceasing downsizings in Zimbabwe, the main thrust of the research was to examine the implications of survivor syndrome on labour productivity in Zimbabwean Timber Industry, using a case study of Border Timbers Limited. The study was guided by the Integrated Counterproductive Workplace Behaviour (CWB) and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) Model by Spector and Fox (2002). Qualitative research approach was used. Quota, convenience and purposive sampling were used to draw forty-one (41) participants at BTL. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. The tables, matrixes, narratives and descriptive format were used for data presentation whilst thematic approach was used to analyse data. The research found that survivor syndrome is caused by fear for job insecurity, breach of psychological contract, and perceived witchcraft. The research revealed positive effects of survivor syndrome on labour productivity arguing that it enhances employee morale, motivation and commitment as employees are happy to secure jobs. However, survivor syndrome enhances counterproductive behaviours as employees suffer health problems and concentrate more on personal survival at the expense of the firm. The study highlighted that lack of proper strategies can heighten the effects of survivor syndrome on real output per labour unit. The study identified challenges such as poor planning and financial crisis as weakening the company’s ability to manage survivor syndrome. The researcher recommended BTL to invest in honest communication, development of a dignity policy at workplace, involvement and participation of employees to manage the effects of survivor syndrome on labour productivity. Lastly, the study concluded that survivor syndrome is a reality; it is a detrimental cancer for labour productivity. It has far reaching consequences which require management support and a sober thinking in rebuilding trust and cultivating a new culture as to aid rapid growth of organisational citizenship behaviours. Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3969 2017-11-01T00:00:00Z Sauti, Christian https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3702 Title: Role of emotional labour in managing job stress for frontline officers in a service industry: the case of National Social Security Authority Authors: Doro, Lissa Abstract: Frontline officers play an important role in organisations, as they are directly involved with customers and clients who are the lifeline of any organization. It is because of this function as the go- between the company and the customers that front line officers effectively need to manage stress so as to effectively deliver quality service. Coupled with various stressors such as role overload, role ambiguity, socio-economic stressors, work/life imbalance, and rigid organizational policies as well as disgruntled customers, frontline officers are bound to experience job stress on a greater magnitude than other employees. The researcher observed that NSSA does not have a stress management policy in place, hence this particular study. The main objective of this dissertation was to examine the role of emotional labour in managing job stress for frontline officers in a service industry. This study used a qualitative research approach. A sample size of 35 participants was drawn from 70 frontline employees at the NSSA Head office and Harare Regional Office, however there were a total of 31 respondents. Semi structured interviews and open ended questionnaires were used for this study. The main causes of job stress that were highlighted by respondents are work overload, economic uncertainties, nature of work, work-life imbalance, management/leadership style and difficult customers. It was discovered that deep acting is the emotional labour strategy that is effective in stress management as compared to surface acting. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3702 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z Doro, Lissa https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3614 Title: The impact of work-life balance on employee performance: a case study of national employment council for the food and allied industries in Zimbabwe Authors: Chamunorwa, Samantha Abstract: The research sought to assess the impact of work-life balance on performance of employees. The major drive of the research was the necessity for it to demonstrate the value of work-life balance in nurturing accomplishment of organisational goals through employees. Research was carried out at the National Employment Council for the Food and Allied Industries Head Office. Using a qualitative descriptive research approach, the researcher collected data from a sample of 17 participants who were drawn from various categories which included senior management, middle management, and non-managerial. In selecting these participants, the researcher made use of purposive non-probability sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary data collection tool. Thematic analysis was adopted in analysing the data. Major inferences from the research revealed that the major drivers of work-life imbalance include gender, high work-load, long working hours and technology in the name of flexibility eradicating the chronological boundaries between home and work. Employees were left with little or no option but to succumb to the pressures posed by the organisation in a bid for the organisation to gain a competitive edge over its competitors such as NEC Agriculture and NEC Commercial which offer fairly lower rates unlike NEC food. This pushed Designated Agents to conduct more industrial inspections in order for the clients to feel they are being provided the service. Work life imbalance has catastrophic implications on employee performance, as quality of work is affected by tardiness, reduced morale, job satisfaction and motivation to perform. Findings revealed that when proper practices pertaining to work-life balance are adopted, they provide an inspiring effect on performance of employees and in enhancing of overall organisational productivity. Findings of the research indicated that regardless of the efforts put by NEC food staff to separate family and work sphere, the two remain interconnected or inseparable domains. Failure to sustain a balance between the families and work sphere remains the major source of physical and psychological strain for the participants. From the foregoing, recommendations were made for the management at NEC FOOD to involve employees in policy formulation and ensuring gender-mainstreaming in order for both males and females to benefit from these. When organisations invest in policies and practices pertaining to work-life balance and employee involvement this immensely assists in enhancing employee performance. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/3614 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z Chamunorwa, Samantha