The role of the psychological contract among blue-collar workers in the nderground coal mining industry

Abstract

This research focuses on the employment contract of low and unskilled workers in the underground coal mining industry in South Africa and aims to link the concepts of psychological contract, blue-collar workers, race and gender diversity. Due to the recent economic crisis, mining companies are under pressure to increase productivity and reduce cost. It is therefore important for mining companies to understand and manage the employment contract of blue-collar workers in order to improve labour productivity and effectiveness. Quantitative research was conducted among 179 low and unskilled workers in a major coal mining company by means of a modified Psycones psychological contract questionnaire. The following key results were obtained: • Employer obligations in the psychological contract for blue-collar workers in the underground coal mining industry are not fully met; • Significant differences were found in the level of fulfilment of the psychological contract of Black males, Females and White males. The level of fulfilment for Black males is significantly lower than White males. Females have the highest level of employer obligation expectations. • The level of fulfilment of the psychological contract decreases with length of tenure. The results of the research confirms the importance of the fulfilling of employer obligations such as providing “opportunities to grow” and providing an environment to “work together in a pleasant way”.