Modern Quarrying January-February 2016

It was the vision of the 2010 Mining Charters to facilitate sustainable transformation growth.

INDUSTRY INSIGHT TRANSFORMATION

to analyse transcribed verbatim data. A summative approach to qualitative con- tent analysis was used, which entailed counting and comparing quotations, keywords, or paragraphs, followed by the interpretation of the underlying context. The coding and theme identifi- cation process was prepared in Atlas.ti, which is a qualitative data analysis soft- ware package that offers support for the interpretation of text (Muhr, 1991, p.349). Categories and code names emerged from the data and quotes, keywords, or paragraphs were counted and compared followed by interpretation of the underly- ing context (Rosengren, 1981). Discussion of findings Themes were aligned with research ques- tions and categorised to identify initia- tives employed to promote and execute transformation, as well as challenges experienced in the process of transfor- mation, in a manner that addresses the research objectives. It is important to firstly discuss the interpretations of the meaning of transformation by partici- pants before a discussion on initiatives to promote transformation and challenges experienced in transforming the min- ing industry. This forms part of the next discussion. Common understanding It was found that the participants had varying interpretations of transformation, although common terminology regard- ing transformation understanding was that transformation is a cultural change but not a racial issue involving replacing white individuals by black individuals in specified positions. Transformation was regarded by par- ticipants as a mind-set change, the act of embracing diversity, equalising rights and creating opportunities, and doing what is right for organisations. The majority of participants acknowledged that transfor- mation is a process that will take a long time to realise. Part II of this paper in MQ’s April- May issue, concludes with the partici- pant interviews and the fact that open dialogue and trust are key requirements for addressing current transformation challenges.

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MODERN QUARRYING

January - February 2016