Background

It becomes almost impossible to ignore the rights of all parties involved in labour relations when one is an academic in human relations and Labour studies. The concept of the theory is immediately transformed into a practical concept, unlike in philosophy studies. This research was triggered by the lack of research reports on this particular focus. Since the role of human relations personnel is to meet the needs of the company without sacrificing the needs of labour in the workplace; it became an urgent calling to shift business attention to this untapped field.

Research into the informal sector shows not only the help that this sector brings in alleviating unemployment but also the help that draws labour demand and supply curves closer to equilibrium. Furthermore, in stable environments where the minimum of unemployed individuals is minimal, this sector helps to stabilise those conditions. This is done through hiring those employees who would normally be disqualified from entering the formal sector because of lack of academic or practical skills. Nevertheless, foreigners who are employed in the informal sector are likely to have an education of some sort (Hunter & Skinner, 2001:13-14).
Governments hold power in decision making [Full Stop]. The government determines what happens in the country.

The government consisting of different people with different interests; some are interested in helping the helpless while some are interested in power and self-growth (Finkel, 1999:1, 2-4). However, this should not be a surprise because it is not something new; in 1979, Perrow wrote that our world is made of different men and women who have different needs, wants and interests. On the other hand, culture, which is extensively defined in the literature as norms, values and lifestyle, has taught us that a group with a dominating interest will tend to have more power over others.

One of the most important factors this approach neglects is the existence of some individuals’ perspectives, which may not be articulated because of these factors:

(i) Inferiority – Superiority
It is argued that foreigners are, by default, vulnerable parties. This is a result of a popular theory known as Erving Goffman's theory of social stigma. Goffman defined this behaviour as ‘the process by which the reaction of others spoils normal identity.

(ii) Foreignism - Nationalism
Foreigners, unlike nationals, lack a right to vote; therefore, they lack a right to articulate views which may help alleviate negative actions aimed against them which, at most, hinder the process outlined by the Constitution.

Some theories have proved that demographics are an influence in the way people perceive the world.

(iii) Informal sector - Formal sector
The requirements and regulations set in a normal sector make it hard for entry in the labour market. However, it has been proven that in South Africa, the government plays a key role in forming and establishing certain regulations. This, however, does not only affect the formal sector but individuals who wish to join the market.

(iv) No qualifications - Qualifications
Workers with less or no appropriate qualifications may fit in the informal sector; a lot of research reports agree that workers who are less skilled and who get to work in the formal sector are more likely to be treated as slaves because of that, they get less respect and recognition for the roles they play.

(v) Lack of experience – Experience
Others are disqualified from entering the formal sector by default. They then opt to join the informal sector which, as a lot of scholars agree, does not require extensive skills or experience.