Unlocking the interplay between Ubuntu philosophy and employee wellbeing in an African context

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Tayali, Esnart Mwaba (2025) Unlocking the interplay between Ubuntu philosophy and employee wellbeing in an African context. Journal of African Business. ISSN 1522-8916 (In Press) (https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2025.2492808)

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Abstract

Despite a heightened focus on improving employee wellbeing for mutual benefits, the influence of social cultural characteristics on employee experiences within organisations remains underexplored. Existing research has largely neglected the cultural underpinnings of wellbeing, prompting studies to investigate how non-Western norms and values, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, impact employee wellbeing. This study addresses this gap by examining the influence of Ubuntu, on employee’s general life and workplace wellbeing. Ubuntu, a philosophy rooted in communal relationships, shared humanity, and mutual respect. This study investigates the interplay between Ubuntu values and general life and workplace wellbeing within three Zambian organisations. This study used an ethnographic methodology with a mixed qualitative approach, including interviews, observations, and document analysis. Data from 50 purposively selected participants including HR managers, line managers, and employees were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal Ubuntu’s cultural relevance in fostering inclusivity, mutual support, and growth, demonstrating its relevance for enhancing organisational practices. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on integrating cultural values into management practices to promote mutual gains. The study not only contributes to the broader understanding of cultural impacts on workplace wellbeing but also underscores the importance of integrating indigenous cultural values in management practices in non-Western contexts.

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