A Survey of Strategic Human Resource Management and Labour Governance in Botswana's Mining Sector (2000–2026)

{ "background": "Strategic human resource management (SHRM) is critical for sustainable development in capital-intensive industries. The mining sector in Botswana, a cornerstone of the national economy, faces persistent challenges in labour governance, skills retention, and aligning HR practices with long-term strategic goals, necessitating a comprehensive sectoral analysis.", "purpose and objectives": "This survey research article aims to systematically document and analyse the evolution, current state, and perceived efficacy of SHRM and labour governance frameworks within Botswana's mining industry. It seeks to identify prevalent practices, key challenges, and future strategic priorities from the perspective of HR professionals and senior management.", "methodology": "A structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a census of HR managers and senior executives across all operational mining companies. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while thematic analysis was applied to open-ended qualitative responses to capture nuanced perspectives.", "findings": "A significant finding was the misalignment between formal SHRM policies and on-the-ground implementation, with over 60% of respondents indicating that strategic workforce planning was often superseded by short-term operational demands. Furthermore, a dominant theme emerged regarding the tension between expatriate expertise and the strategic development of local managerial talent.", "conclusion": "The study concludes that while SHRM frameworks are formally established within the sector, their strategic integration and execution remain inconsistent. This gap undermines optimal labour governance and the sector's long-term human capital sustainability.", "recommendations": "It is recommended that mining firms institutionalise dedicated SHRM oversight committees, enhance metrics for tracking localisation and talent development programmes, and foster stronger tripartite dialogue between companies, government, and labour unions to co-create governance standards.", "key words": "Strategic Human Resource Management, Labour Governance, Mining Industry, Botswana, Survey, Workforce Development", "contribution statement": "This paper provides the first comprehensive, sector-wide dataset on SHRM practices in Botswana's mining industry, offering an evidence-based diagnostic tool for