Transformation in the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa: the role of internships
Published: 04 Jul 2018
Scholar-ready metadata
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.
Article History
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. https://doi.org/10.24052/JBRMR/V12IS04/ART-19
Citation Context
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. https://doi.org/10.24052/JBRMR/V12IS04/ART-19
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. https://doi.org/10.24052/JBRMR/V12IS04/ART-19
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). https://doi.org/10.24052/JBRMR/V12IS04/ART-19
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. https://doi.org/10.24052/JBRMR/V12IS04/ART-19