College of Economic & Management Sciences
Unveiling management strategies for multigenerational staff
Dr Zamandlovu Sizile Makola, who works as a Postgraduate Supervisor and a Marker in the Human Resources Management Department in the College of Economic and Management Sciences at Unisa, recently completed her Doctor of Philosophy degree. Her research was titled: "An integrated framework for the effective management of multigenerational academic staff members in the South African higher education sector."
Professor Maelekanyo Mulaudzi, the Deputy Executive Dean of the College of Economic and Management Sciences, supervised Makola. She notes: "My research explored the effective ways in which multiple generations of academic staff members could be managed in higher education institutions. My experience as a graduate fellow at Unisa inspired me." Her experience and other fellows' experiences showed different expectations among young fellows entering academia and senior academic staff members who had been in the sector for a long time. Makola explored how heads of departments felt about managing academic staff members from different generations and the means they used to manage different generations to keep their departments effective.
"The doctoral journey is not something unattainable. It needs perseverance, being patient with yourself, being comfortable to move out of your comfort zone and self-discipline," says Dr Zamandlovu Sizile Makola.
She notes that adherence to policies, effective planning and communication, an effective performance management system, consultative management, workload management, work-life balance and an adaptable workplace environment are some of the key strategies to effectively manage different generations of academic staff members. The study makes a valuable contribution by proposing an integrated framework for effectively managing multigenerational academic staff members in the South African higher education sector.
Makola, who emerged as the winner in the doctoral category of the prestigious Research and Innovation Showcase competition in 2022, illustrates her outstanding research prowess and commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. In 2019, she won the master's category, leading her to enjoy a memorable exchange experience at Michigan State University in the USA.
Nevertheless, the path to earning her PhD was fraught with obstacles, as she candidly described balancing her roles as a wife, mother and researcher. Despite fighting the guilt of delegating responsibilities, she found solace and fortitude in her supportive family, who championed her academic ambitions.
Hailing from Madadeni in KwaZulu-Natal, Makola's academic journey is a testament to her grit and academic excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from UCT, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice from the Graduate School of Business at UCT, an MCom in Business Management from Unisa, and a PhD in Management Studies from Unisa.
Considering the future, her aspirations involve becoming a fully-fledged academic luminary. With an intense focus on championing women's empowerment and nurturing future female STEM leaders, her trajectory embodies a beacon of hope for aspiring researchers.
Makola’s academic success and pioneering research not only enrich the academic sphere but also promise transformative change within higher education institutions. As she embarks on the next chapter of her illustrious career, her determination and commitment to societal transformation serve as a beacon of inspiration for scholars and educators worldwide.
"The doctoral journey is not something unattainable. It needs perseverance, being patient with yourself, being comfortable to move out of your comfort zone and self-discipline. I learned from my supervisor that I need to own my study and drive it . He taught me that a PhD is not just a piece of paper; it is also about the skills that you learn during the process. PhD researchers must also not forget to look after their mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being during the process," she concludes.
#Unisa150 #CircleofExcellence
*By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Economic and Management Sciences
Publish date: 2024/04/29
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