The role and impact of trade unions on the implementation of change in South African organizations

M.B.A.The research looks at the role of trade unions in the implementation of change in organizations and some of the factors that determine the success or failure of these initiatives. The need for this research came as a result of the many stand off's experienced between management and trade unions operating in organizations. The research focuses on the mining industry, which, historically, is heavily unionised. Since South Africa's first democratic elections, there have been many initiatives by government to try and uplift the previously disadvantaged. To be able to do this there need to be a shift in paradigm and the way of doing thins. This means a change in the way in which things are done and the way of thinking. For this to be possible several factors come into play for there to be successful implementation of change. The research aims to explore these factors and assess the extent to which such factors play a role in the success or failure of change in the South African context. The parameters or factors that were identified as key in change implementation are identified through an in depth literature study. These factors are tested in the South African context by means of a survey using a questionnaire developed using the finding derived from the literature study. The research targets individuals at different levels of the organization, who are key in determining the success or failure of change initiatives. The survey included Managers, trade union leaders and their members. The finding obtained from the questionnaires were collated and interpreted. These findings were validated through follow-up interviews with individuals from the different levels of the organization. Although South Africa is almost 10 years into its democracy, the research found that South African organizations were far from becoming democratic, which is one of the factors essential to the successful implementation of change in organizations. From the findings of the research recommendations have been made to assist in effective implementation of change in organizations