"Space creation" : a strategy for achieving employment equity at senior management level

Abstract

This research set out to establish whether "space creation" is a viable strategy for accelerating employment equity. In this exploratory qualitative research a series of in-depth interviews were conducted with acknowledged experts in the field. The data from these interviews were analysed to assess "space creation" and other employment equity approaches. A model was developed which links the affirmative action and "space creation" strategies to the organisation's human resource strategy and planning activities, its strategic business objectives and ultimately the business case for change. A second model has been developed which links the "space creation" strategies to their associated risks and rewards to enable organisations to choose the strategy that best fits their circumstances.