Impact of HIV/Aids on the workplace. A case study on selected organisations in Ndola, Copperbelt Province

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2010 in the subject Psychology - Work, Business, Organisation, grade: B, , course: Human Resource Management, language: English, abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of HIV and AIDS on the workplace in Ndola based organizations. The study was conducted on six (6) organizations namely; Lubuto High School, Ndola City Council, Zambia Prevention Treatment and Care, National Airports Corporation Limited, Tropical Diseases Research Centre and Zambia Breweries in Ndola, Copperbelt Province of Zambia. The study involved ninety (90) respondents from the selected organisations who held top, middle and low level management positions and also members of the general workforce. The numbers were arrived at in order to validate the data which was collected so that almost plausible conclusions could be drawn from the data collected. The data was collected through a self administered questionnaire, interviews and observation. The questions in the questionnaires were closed ended. Data collected was manually processed and analysed. The responses were coded and grouped to establish the emerging themes in the study. Data was later presented using tables and figures. Purposive sampling methods were used for top and middle level managers. Random sampling method was used lower level managers and the employees. This study it was learned that HIV/AIDS in the workplace is to some extent affecting the functioning of the organisations in Ndola. The impact of the HIV/AIDS at the workplace is in threefold and these are declining productivity, declining profits and increased costs. Organisations are also with the social and legal challenges as regards to HIV/AIDS at the workplace. The research established that the productive age group of 18 and 40 and those in employment in Ndola are the most affected by the pandemic with females be the most hit in this age group. In light of the findings, this research gives a number of activities that organisations should undertake to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on the workplace. It also provides workable means to halt or significantly reduce the transmission of HIV in the work place. These recommendations include: condom promotion and distribution; creating a non-discriminatory working environment; HIV and AIDS awareness; and HIV/AIDS education and training. All these recommendations revolve around a well defined workplace policy or program if the question of HIV/AIDS is to be properly addressed.

Fondly known as Chipo, I was born in 1984 in Haambala a hamlet in Nachibanga, Choma District in Southern Zambia. My parents being both educationists, moved from school to school in their working life, and hence I did my primary education at various schools in Zambia namely Kacheta Primary School in Lusaka; Chabota Basics School in Mumbwa; St. Columbus School in Kabwe; Katondo Primary in Kabwe; and Nakatete Primary School in Kafue. I received my Secondary Education at Malundu School (where I became vice headboy) in Kafue and was the best graduating student of 2001. My most striking and indelible experience at primary school was my encounter with teacher Moffat Chibwe who always found time to talk about careers during or after lessons. Who kept reminding me that I could be whoever I wanted to be in future with the correct education. The School anthem at Malundu School titled "A will a way" left a positive and indelible impact on my life. Soon after Secondary School, I worked as a lawn and flower tender at a motel and then as a storekeeper in Kafue, Zambia. My first tertiary education experience was at Kitwe School of Nursing on the Copperbelt Province. Whilst here, I got a job with the Government of the Republic of Zambia as a Junior Executive in one of the security wings. I worked there for 9 years. My second and third tertiary education encounters were with the University of Zambia. Here I obtained Certificates in Law and the other in Human Resource Management. I later enrolled at the Copperbelt University (CBU) in Kitwe and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management in 2010. In years 2012 to 2014 I went to CBU where I earned myself a generic Master of Business Administration degree. I am currently a Human Resources Advisor at one of the copper mining giants in Zambia called Mopani Copper Mines on the Copperbelt Province. My next move academically is to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Business Administration (DBA).