Gaps and paradoxes in theory and practice: the public sector human resource management discourse in South Africa

bibliographic database
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Periodical article

Title:	Gaps and paradoxes in theory and practice: the public sector human resource management discourse in South Africa
Author:	Van der Westhuizen, E.J.
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Politeia: Journal for Political Science and Public Administration
Volume:	27
Issue:	3
Pages:	1-20
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	human resources personnel management civil service
Abstract:	There is currently a gap between the work of academics and that of human resource (HR) practitioners. This is due to specific paradoxes inherent to the field, such as 'bureaucratic measures enhance workplace democracy', 'public servants are not valuable resources', 'experience/age will land you a position', which impact on employment relations in the South African public service. Within this paradoxical context, the author reflects on a future framework for public sector human resource management (PSHRM) thought and practice in South Africa. A synthesis of three distinct models which currently shape thinking in PSHRM - the traditional, the reform and the strategic model - provides a human resources focus and framework which emphasizes the people factor. The article is based on the author's inaugural lecture at the University of South Africa on 7 November 2006. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]