Resumen
AbstractThe aim with this study was firstly to determine the degree of discrepancy between the work experiences and work preferences of staff, on the one hand, and the prediction of the farmer in this regard on the other; and secondly, to analyse farmers' perceptions on efficient and inefficient personnel management practices. A Likert-type personnel management audit (PMA) was implemented in eight types of farming with 234 workers and eight farmers. In general, the effectiveness of the motivation, communication, work performance, staff control and leadership systems leaves room for improvement. The knowledge of the farmers in the case-studies as regards efficient and inefficient staff management systems can be improved considerably, especially their perceptions on the role of training in worker productivity and work satisfaction. With the necessary knowledge of management, the farmers can manipulate the human relations practices effectively. It ought to be determined to what degree consultative management systems are used on farms, while the staff members prefer participative personnel management practices.