4. CHAPTER ONE: Forming Phase - Criteria for Evaluating ANC Governance since the end of Apartheid

Yardsticks for Evaluating ANC Governance since the end of Apartheid

The information following, paints a picture of the "ideal" characteristics and behaviour  associated with each development phase. Once described this information will serve as yardsticks for evaluating ANC Governance since the end of Apartheid.

The description will start with Phase One, the Forming Phase. It will be followed by
information on Storming, Norming, Institutionalising and Performing, which will be covered as topics of future posts. Clear understanding of the theory underlying the evaluation, is crucial to interpreting the study findings.

 
A DESCRIPTION OF FORMING... The first criterion for evaluating the growth and development of the ANC Government

When a new leader takes office or if the composition of a group changes significantly, a process of forming or reformation, realignment and “start-up” is required. This is a period of interdependency where members look at the leader and more senior members for guidance and direction.

Deep-seated feelings and behaviour during the forming phase include:

•       Members are aware that they could be judged on first impressions and are hence careful of what they say and do.

•       Members feel that sound relationships with the leader and influential members could positively influence their career progression. They say and do things they sense would show their undivided support.     

•       Members support dominant ideologies, ideas and philosophies to show unconditional commitment to the organisation and its course.

•       Members are reluctant to express their real opinions and views, and opt to conform. The leader’s ideas are seldom confronted and challenged.

•       Members’ behaviour could be describes as “obedient”, polite, with apparent openness to other’s ideas. At this stage people tend to keep a low profile, avoid conflict and do not “rock the boat”.

•       Supporting inclusiveness, involvement, consultation and participation is regarded as the “right thing to do”, leading to opening up communication channels with stakeholders and role players.

The forming phase is the most appropriate time for “team building”; clarifying expectations and mobilising members behind a common vision, irrespective of party or group differences. This includes developing or revisiting the constitution to provide a basis for strategic directives e.g. policies, legislation and departmental mandates.

Forming presents favourable opportunities for nation building, which includes creating a feeling with members of different groups that they are “interrelated” (part the same “family”) and “interdependent” (needing each other); showing that everyone’s skills and capabilities are appreciated. This includes “joining, stringing, moulding together” or emotionally uniting people of different background behind the constitution.

There are two equally important factors to any constitution, common vision or purpose statement intended at providing long-term direction, namely:

•         Quality (Q): Is the content relevant? Has it been researched properly?

•         Emotional Commitment (EC): Are people psychologically connected to it? Do they emotionally accept and support it?

A “good” constitution is characterised by a combination of both High Quality (Q) and High Emotional Commitment (EC). Q x EC = Real Purpose i.e. a purpose that can withstand the test of time. A lack of Emotional Commitment to the Constitution (Q x ec) will minimise it resulting in little value for the country and its people.

A constitution reflects a system of fundamental laws and principles that prescribes the nature, functions and limits of government. Emotional Commitment hence implies:

•         Officials unconditionally accepting all fundamental constitutional laws and

      principles, including the Bill of Rights, norms, values, supporting ideologies and 

      culture they represent.

•          A state of mind of putting Government’s goals above personal objectives.

•         Officials assuming accountability to pursue a common goal i.e. the provision of

      excellent services.

Failure to create this mindset, could activate, set in motion or encourage personal objectives and channel energy and effort towards self-centred behaviour.

The necessity to maintain the development of effective and efficient directives, team building and nation building beyond the first phase, is essential. Too often potential long-term benefits of forming are minimised or nullified during the next phase.

 •          KEY POINTS:
 

o    Any new group or group, of which the composition has changed notably, requires forming or reformation.

o    The forming period is characterised by deep-seated feelings and distinctive behaviour such as visible support for dominant ideologies, ideas and philosophies.

o    The forming phase is the most appropriate time for team building.

o    Forming also offers favourable opportunities for nation building. If not fully utilised it could give rise to personal objectives and channel energy and effort towards self-centred behaviour

 

How does ANC  Governance live up  to the characteristics set-out here?
( See future posts)