Evaluation of career development strategies on the sustainable growth of manufacturing Small to Medium Enterprises in Masvingo Urban, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The major objective of the study was to evaluate the implications of career development strategies on the sustainable growth of manufacturing Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Masvingo Urban. The qualitative study focused on 20 purposively selected SMEs that have been in operations in the same business for not less than ten years because of their business experiences. Structured interviews were used to collect data which was analyzed and presented using themes. Study findings showed that SMEs that strengthen career planning for employees not only provide them with growing and most potential progress opportunities, reduce turnover intentions, and increase quality. Furthermore, research findings show that career development creates promotion opportunities within SMEs, provides training opportunities, and skills development to improve employees' employability in the external and internal labor market. Additionally, research findings reflected that career development helps foster continuous improvement and innovation culture within SMEs. Based on the study results, the conclusions drawn were that the existence of career management provides the necessary support for developing knowledge, skills, and behaviors essential for both SMEs and individual success. A longitudinal study needs to be done on the challenges of all SMEs in adopting career development strategies in Zimbabwe