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Mataranyika, MM, 2023. Has the Covid-19 pandemic enhanced the professionalisation of funeral directing in Zimbabwe? DBA, Nottingham Trent University.
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Abstract
The funeral industry is vital in providing dignified and respectful services to the deceased and their families. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the funeral industry and its professionalisation. This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the professionalisation of funeral directors in Zimbabwe. Using a qualitative research approach, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 key informants, including funeral directors, public health professionals, and government officials. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the professionalisation of funeral directors in Zimbabwe in various ways. The main themes that emerged from the data were the new rules and regulations introduced by the government and health authorities to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the citizens, the perceptions and experiences of the funeral directors and stakeholders regarding their professional identity, roles, and responsibilities; the interaction and collaboration of the funeral directors with the health care and public health systems in Zimbabwe; and the effects of the pandemic on the professionalisation traits, such as education, training, certification, accreditation, and code of ethics. The study also identified the key drivers and barriers for the professionalisation of funeral directors in Zimbabwe, such as the demand for funeral services, public recognition and appreciation, government intervention and support, and the lack of standardisation and regulation. The study concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need and potential for the professionalisation of funeral directors in Zimbabwe but also revealed the gaps and challenges that need to be addressed. The study contributed to the literature on professionalisation and funeral services by providing empirical evidence from the context of Zimbabwe. It also has practical implications for funeral directors, industry associations, training institutions, and policymakers interested in enhancing the quality and recognition of funeral services.
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Creators: | Mataranyika, M.M. |
| Contributors: | Name Role NTU ID ORCID |
| Date: | November 2023 |
| Rights: | The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author. |
| Divisions: | Schools > Nottingham Business School |
| Record created by: | Melissa Cornwell |
| Date Added: | 31 Mar 2025 14:39 |
| Last Modified: | 31 Mar 2025 14:39 |
| URI: | https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/53328 |
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