Transformation in the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa: the role of internships

Siphokazi Koyana; Roger B Mason

Article Details

Research Article Volume 12 Issue 4

Transformation in the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa: the role of internships

Siphokazi Koyana • Roger B Mason

Published: 04 Jul 2018 Issue:Volume 12 Issue 4 Jul 2018 Author details below

Siphokazi Koyana

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town

Roger B Mason

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town

Intern Retail South Africa Graduate placement Career advancement Skills development

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Abstract

Research summary

This paper presents an investigation into internships in South Africa’s retail sector. The research questions it seeks to answer are: (i) What are the benefits (strengths) of this sector-sponsored internship programme (ii) What are its limitations (weaknesses), and (iii) What changes, if any, can be recommended to improve the programme? The methodology used was a case study of a retail sector internship, with data gathered via a survey of 12 retail firms, two focus groups of 15 interns, and four depth interviews with retail managers who had previously been interns. The study found that the programme is very beneficial to the participants, as they get exposure to real work opportunities and the previously disadvantaged are empowered with requisite skills for the sector, assisting with career advancement and upward mobility. This was despite the weaknesses of an inadequate stipend for interns and inefficiencies in the internship administration.

This paper has confirmed that the retail internship is achieving the expected benefits, but highlights some critical aspects needed for future success. Further, it has provided knowledge in an under-researched area, namely internships in the retail sector. These findings could be beneficial for other sectors.

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Article History

Published 04 Jul 2018

How to Cite

Koyana, S. & Mason, R. B.. (2018). Transformation in the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa: the role of internships. Journal of Business and Retail Management Research, Volume 12 Issue 4.

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APA

Koyana, S. & Mason, R. B.. (2018). Transformation in the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa: the role of internships. Journal of Business and Retail Management Research, Volume 12 Issue 4.

MLA

Koyana, Siphokazi, and Roger B Mason. "Transformation in the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa: the role of internships." Journal of Business and Retail Management Research, Volume 12 Issue 4, 2018.

Chicago

Siphokazi Koyana and Roger B Mason. "Transformation in the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa: the role of internships." Journal of Business and Retail Management Research Volume 12 Issue 4 (04 Jul 2018).

Harvard

Koyana, S. & Mason, R. B. (2018) Transformation in the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa: the role of internships. Journal of Business and Retail Management Research, Volume 12 Issue 4