Dairy farmers as employers in Canterbury

Abstract

This study establishes base data and determines the actual staff management practices followed by a sample of dairy farmers in Canterbury. A person-centred approach was followed in which respondents were simply asked what they were doing and why, so as to find out what is actually happening on farms in terms of managing staff and the management tools used. At the same time, an effort was made to understand the farmer as a person: a unique individual who makes choices based on his personality, values and circumstances.