Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

George K. Kieh

Abstract

This study was intended to address lack of knowledge regarding how the social security system in Zimbabwe is perceived by recipients and government employees and what policy reforms could be sought. The study explored perceptions of participants regarding the existing social security system in Zimbabwe. The welfare state theory guided the detailed inquiry. A qualitative case study research design was used to extract feelings, thoughts, and intentions of recipients of social security and government employees and to explore how the results could be applied to improve social security policy in Zimbabwe. Data were collected from a nonrandom purposefully selected sample of 20 recipients of social security and former government employees residing in Kadoma. Data analysis included using Yin’s five-phased cycle, and NVivo to identify themes. Perceptions that emerged involved sustainability of social security as a means of livelihood, changes in living standards resulting from inadequate social security coverage, and the institutional framework governing social security. The need of determining if there were a convergence of perceptions between government employees and social security recipients from other sectors of the economy remains. The results of this study may be used by the government to create social change by decentralizing power and creating mediation mechanisms for dealing with diverse forms of interest within the social security system.

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