Abstract

TSHABALALA, Sibongile  and  DHANPAT, Nelesh. Exploring idiosyncratic deal arrangements in a technology-based organisation. SAJHRM [online]. 2025, vol.23, pp.1-15. ISSN 2071-078X.  https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v23i0.2813.

ORIENTATION: This research examines the dynamics of South Africa's technology sector, focussing on how technology professionals navigate idiosyncratic deal (i-deal) arrangements RESEARCH PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to explore the nature of i-deals, the factors contributing to successful negotiations and the consequences of these negotiations on employee experiences and organisational relationships MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: Research on i-deals in the South African context is limited. This study seeks to address this gap by offering insights into how i-deals are negotiated and their effects on workplace outcomes RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD: A qualitative design was employed, using a convenience sample of 12 mid-to-senior level employees from a large information communication and technology organisation in Johannesburg. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns in the data MAIN FINDINGS: The study found that successful i-deal negotiations enhance job satisfaction and employee morale, while unsuccessful negotiations can lead to decreased motivation and strained relationships. Factors such as organisational culture, communication and trust were crucial in determining the success of i-deal negotiations PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: Human resource (HR) professionals should facilitate structured and transparent i-deal negotiation processes, provide training for managers and employees, and regularly monitor the impact of i-deals to ensure they benefit both the organisation and its employees CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD: This study contributes to the limited literature on i-deals in the South African context, offering practical insights for HR professionals to enhance employee retention and satisfaction through effective i-deal negotiations

Keywords : i-deals; idiosyncratic deals; work arrangements; customised agreements; technology professionals.

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