Work ethics of employees in the platinum mine industry

Abstract

There are different factors that contribute to the development of work ethics. One such factor is the individual in relation to the work, the organisation and the environment. Work ethics are believed to be related to performance, productivity and the disciplining of extreme misconduct. Work ethics are also associated with economic success. It is recommended that the organisation should find out more about work ethics and how work ethics could be to the advantage of the organisation. The general aim of this research was to determine the work ethic of the employees in the Platinum mine industry. Work ethics were defined in detail from the literature and the most important factors that influence it were analysed. A qualitative research design based on the phenomenological approach was used. The purpose of this was to understand the individual in his or her totality and to make a qualitative analysis of a person's conscious world. A questionnaire and interviews were used to determine employees' experience of work ethics. Content analysis was done to define, examine, analyse, quantify and interpret the research findings. The results of the empirical study were discussed according to the themes of religion, culture, individualism, group dynamics and organisational factors. It was found that factors influencing work ethics have different effects on different people. Etiology, determinants and work-related beliefs in different settings must also be taken into account. It was evident that people who espouse work ethics are more productive, successful and satisfied. Recommendations for future research were indicated.