Supervision of casual labour during fruit harvesting: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the diploma of horticultural management

Abstract

Contained in this report are details of a study made of NZ fruit grower's supervisory methods for casual labour during the fruit harvest "season". Research was by means of case study, using a standardised questionaire, of a total of twelve fruit growing properties, in three regions - Auckland, Nelson and Canterbury. The properties chosen for the study employed sufficient casual labour for supervision of this labour to be an identifiable need, and between them showed a range of fruit crops and labour force characteristics. The questionnaire aimed at defining the supervisory practices and problems of these growers. Results from the case studies, together with a discussion based on review of relevant literature, are presented. The report concludes with recommendations for supervisory methods to be considered in the selection of supervisors for casual harvest labour, and for general staff policy.