Thesis
Unlocking mutual gains through Ubuntu : a reimagined approach to human resource management practices and employee well-being : a case of Zambia
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2025
- Thesis identifier
- T17460
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 202054397
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Human Resource Management (HRM) serves as a basis for organisational success and a key determinant of employee well-being. However, HRM's traditional focus on organisational outcomes has been increasingly criticised for its insufficient attention to employee well-being, and prioritising employer gains. Consequently, HRM has progressively evolved into a mechanistic function, usually at the expense of its human centric core functions. This imbalance highlights the necessity for a more holistic approach, one that integrates employee well-being alongside organisational performance, fostering a mutual gains approach. Less recognised is the role of contextual sociocultural values in shaping employee well-being and fostering mutual gains. The thesis addresses this gap by exploring how HRM practices, informed by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, can advance employee and employer outcomes. Grounded in the ideologies of mutual respect, collective care, and shared humanity, Ubuntu provides a culturally relevant framework for a more synergistic model of HRM. Using constructivist research paradigm, the empirical study utilised an ethnographic methodology involving a mixed qualitative approach, including interviews, observations, and document analysis to gather diverse insights from three Zambian case study organisations (one in the public sector and two in the private sector). Data was collected from 50 purposively selected participants, including HR managers, line managers, and employees, and analysed thematically. Findings underscore Ubuntu's vital role in fostering ethical policies, employee autonomy, social support, constructive feedback, personal growth, and a positive business reputation in organisations. By analysing Ubuntu’s existence and application in people management practices, this study highlights the role of contextual sociocultural values in shaping employee well-being and fostering mutual gains. The study’s contributions manifest across four interconnected theoretical domains including, challenging Western informed HRM theorisation, enhancing contextual cultural sensitivity in well-being theorisation, mutual gains through contextual culture, and enhancing the Job Demands Resources model with a contextually sensitive perspective.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Scholarios, Dora
- Sambajee, Pratima
- Resource Type
- DOI
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PDF of thesis T17460 | 2025-09-30 | Public | Download |