The changing role of firstline supervisors in shopfloor relations

M.A. (Industrial Relations)The objective of this study is to examine the way in which the traditional role of the supervisor in South African industry is changing in the context of the social, political and economic transformation of the country. Because the author is on an overseas posting for the duration of the study period, it is not possible to conduct empirical research of any depth. Therefore, the dissertation is mainly a literature study based on the historical and present development of labour relations and the changing role of the supervisor. Where possible, the literature study is supplemented by unstructured interviews with training, personnel and industrial relations managers, supervisors and trade union representatives and workers in Scotland, Kenya and South Africa. It will be found that the changes to the position and role of the first line supervisors in the USA, UK, and Germany are more extensive than in South Africa. However, there is clear evidence that the management of South African firms are realising the advantages of long term strategies of empowering their employees, sharing information, and of good training and development programmes. within this context the study will establish that the role and position of the South African supervisor is indeed changing. It will also be pointed out that a significant problem facing firms in the "new" south Africa is a shortage of managers who are not only trained within their own sphere of work, but who are capable of recognising the role they and their subordinates play in the labour relations climate of their firm. The supervisor, at the interface between management, workers and shop stewards, is a key actor responsible for shaping and maintaining the firm's labour and human relations..