Supply chain management: a human resources perspective in a South African automotive manufacturing organisation

Abstract

This study attempts to examine and comprehend the connection between human resources management (HMR) practices and effective supply chain management (SCM) implementation by means of a conceptual framework and construct developed through a literature study and previous studies conducted in this area. The focus of this study was to determine whether a South African automotive manufacturer, implements identified human resources practices and to establish to what extent these practices enhance effective supply chain management implementation. A quantitative research approach was used to conduct this study. A census survey was used to collect data. Electronic data was collected using a monkey survey, and paperbased questionnaires were collected by the researcher at the participating organisation. Seven hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The data analysis of this research was done for the purpose of testing these hypotheses and achieving the empirical research objectives.

The findings from descriptive statistical analysis summarised the strong HR practices which facilitate the implementation of effective supply chain management in the participating automotive manufacturing organisation, and also focused on weak HR practices which might hinder the implementation of effective supply chain management. Some areas in which improvement is possible were identified. By taking into account that this study focused on one leading South African automotive manufacturer, further research is recommended with an expansive scope of South African automotive manufacturing organisations.

The study aimed to provide recommendations on the adoption of human resource management practices for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of an effective supply chain management. It is of crucial value for the participating South African automotive manufacturing organisation to apply the study’s findings (The South African manufacturer should revise its compensation practices by ensuring that compensation is comparable to what other employees in similar jobs elsewhere are being paid, and it should also provide a sociable and transparent working environment to its workers).