The Impact of Human Resource Management on Social Worker's Performance in Rural Areas: Evidence From Selected Social Workers at Capricorn District in Limpopo Province

Abstract

There is no doubt that social workers are rendering professional quality services to vulnerable groups across the globe. In South Africa, however, social workers face challenges impacting their daily performance. This study explored the impact of Human Resource Management and Infrastructure (HRMI) on social workers' performance in rural areas. A qualitative research method was used to collate in-depth information from 30 social workers. A purposive sampling method was employed to purposefully select social workers who met the criterion. Primary data was obtained through Semi-structured interviews with social workers and secondary data from books and journals. The findings revealed that there is a lack of office space, a shortage of equipment such as official phones, computers, and stationery; and poor supervision which affects service delivery. The findings further revealed that the infrastructure consists of old buildings that are not conducive to human habitation or office space and of lack transport. Therefore, this paper proposes the following recommendations: that all necessary resources for the effective performance of social work duties be provided. It is further recommended that the infrastructure of the office space should be rehabilitated for a conducive working environment and there should be a provision of transport