An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Understudy Programs: The Case of the Roads Authority Namibia

There is a lack of effective, comprehensive understudy training programs in the Roads Authority (RA) of Namibia, compounded by a lack of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of such programs. Minimal research has been done on the topic of understudy programs and knowledge transfer in Namibia. The ob...

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Main Authors: Chalwa Gladys KASIKA, Fanuel DANGAREMBIZI
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Sciendo 2019-06-01
Series:Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.managementdynamics.ro/index.php/journal/article/view/294/257
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author Chalwa Gladys KASIKA
Fanuel DANGAREMBIZI
author_facet Chalwa Gladys KASIKA
Fanuel DANGAREMBIZI
author_sort Chalwa Gladys KASIKA
collection DOAJ
description There is a lack of effective, comprehensive understudy training programs in the Roads Authority (RA) of Namibia, compounded by a lack of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of such programs. Minimal research has been done on the topic of understudy programs and knowledge transfer in Namibia. The objectives of this study were to investigate the implementation of the RA’s understudy programs and their management and determine the extent to which expatriates comply with the understudy policies. This study adopted a mixed research approach. Data for the study were obtained through face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The motive behind this choice was the need to communicate only with those with experience as mentors or who have been appointed as understudies in the Roads Authority (RA). The overall findings established that the effectiveness of the understudy program was hampered by a lack of commitment, awareness and communication, and a lack of personal growth and development opportunities. In addition, the study revealed conflicting roles in work situations due to incompatible work programs, and scheduling of the program. It is recommended that RA devise formal training programs for understudies appointed to understudy expatriates and ensure that those are strictly enforced. The program should include tacit on-the-job knowledge transfer which is monitored by management on a regular basis. The program should be tailored to suit the employees’ training needs. In addition, regular information sessions should be conducted in order to sensitize all parties involved concerning the understudy policy and Affirmative Action Act, No.28 of 1998.
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spelling doaj.art-628109a2c9ab41d3b4234ed5c3aade1a2022-12-22T03:13:07ZengSciendoManagement Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy2392-80422019-06-017218320510.25019/MDKE/7.2.04An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Understudy Programs: The Case of the Roads Authority NamibiaChalwa Gladys KASIKA0Fanuel DANGAREMBIZI1MANCOSA Graduate School of BusinessMANCOSA Graduate School of BusinessThere is a lack of effective, comprehensive understudy training programs in the Roads Authority (RA) of Namibia, compounded by a lack of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of such programs. Minimal research has been done on the topic of understudy programs and knowledge transfer in Namibia. The objectives of this study were to investigate the implementation of the RA’s understudy programs and their management and determine the extent to which expatriates comply with the understudy policies. This study adopted a mixed research approach. Data for the study were obtained through face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The motive behind this choice was the need to communicate only with those with experience as mentors or who have been appointed as understudies in the Roads Authority (RA). The overall findings established that the effectiveness of the understudy program was hampered by a lack of commitment, awareness and communication, and a lack of personal growth and development opportunities. In addition, the study revealed conflicting roles in work situations due to incompatible work programs, and scheduling of the program. It is recommended that RA devise formal training programs for understudies appointed to understudy expatriates and ensure that those are strictly enforced. The program should include tacit on-the-job knowledge transfer which is monitored by management on a regular basis. The program should be tailored to suit the employees’ training needs. In addition, regular information sessions should be conducted in order to sensitize all parties involved concerning the understudy policy and Affirmative Action Act, No.28 of 1998.http://www.managementdynamics.ro/index.php/journal/article/view/294/257training programsmentoringknowledge transfer
spellingShingle Chalwa Gladys KASIKA
Fanuel DANGAREMBIZI
An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Understudy Programs: The Case of the Roads Authority Namibia
Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy
training programs
mentoring
knowledge transfer
title An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Understudy Programs: The Case of the Roads Authority Namibia
title_full An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Understudy Programs: The Case of the Roads Authority Namibia
title_fullStr An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Understudy Programs: The Case of the Roads Authority Namibia
title_full_unstemmed An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Understudy Programs: The Case of the Roads Authority Namibia
title_short An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Understudy Programs: The Case of the Roads Authority Namibia
title_sort analysis of the effectiveness of understudy programs the case of the roads authority namibia
topic training programs
mentoring
knowledge transfer
url http://www.managementdynamics.ro/index.php/journal/article/view/294/257
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