A qualitative study of the experiences of employment equity participants in a fast-track management development programme

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the subjective experiences of participants who had completed a fast-track management development programme (FMPD) for hospital managers. The participants in this study were part of a targeted or single-identity group FMDP in a private hospital group in South Africa. Single-identity group management development programmes target women and minorities, and are designed to equip them to fulfil more senior roles. These programmes were introduced by some South African companies in response to the Employment Act 55 of 1998 to ensure that all population groups are represented across occupational levels, including senior management. This study sought to gain insight of the participants’ perceptions of the programme and its effectiveness. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants. The sample consisted of six managers (four men and two women). The developer of the programme was also interviewed. The findings indicate that all of the participants believed there is a need for these types of programmes because of South Africa’s history. However, the interviews also surfaced concerns about the structure of the programme and the stigmatisation associated with being in a single-identity programme. The results suggest a number of theoretical and practical implications for the use of single-identity management development programmes.