Race and employee engagement in a diversified South African retail group

Abstract

Background: Many South African companies are faced with the challenge of integrating a racially-diverse workforce into a white-dominated environment. This research sets out to assess the relationship between race and engagement activities within the workplace. Significance/Objective of the Research: This study aims to explore employee engagement and how employees of different races perceive their work environment, and in so doing, enhance the employer's ability to respond. Research Methodology: The analysis made use of confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to validate the employee engagement concepts of an empirical survey that was conducted across all trading divisions within the retail group. Ethics Statement: The research survey ensured ethics by assuring respondents voluntarily contributed to the research, whilst guaranteeing them anonymity, honesty and full disclosure. Findings/Conclusion: The study confirms that race, leadership, nature of job, intent to stay, empowerment, relationship and reward are factors influencing engagement amongst employees within the South African retail group.