South Africa’s peaceful transition from Apartheid to a democratically elected Government set the scene for a clean fresh start. The country under the leadership of President Nelson Mandela enjoyed every bit of goodwill it could ask for, with offers of support and assistance pouring in. Governments across the world were more than ready and willing to help make South Africa thé success story of Africa. Every achievement was closely followed, accentuated and applauded by local and international media.
After an initial period of glory and worldwide admiration, Government apparently found it more and more challenging to live up to expectations. Unsolved problems began to mount. Criticism grew, with every new incident of malfunction sparking its share of media reaction. With government corruption, political infighting, crime, maladministration and other shortfalls continuously rising, the stream of “negative” information swelled.
Media reports tend to provide accurate and detailed account of incidents. However, the mere volume of information and overwhelming number of incidents reported on, leave many South Africans and those following the country’s affairs abroad, bewildered. People struggle with questions such as: Where does a specific incident fit in? What is the bigger picture? What are the root causes of the shortfalls reported on? What are possible long-term solutions?
The
study utilises a contextual framework of business models, management principles
and practices to give meaning to everyday media reports. The theory embedded in
the framework presents a basis for classifying and interpreting information and
arriving at solutions.
The
contextual framework, hinges
on professional
management of human behaviour and work processes in a chosen field of study, namely
growth and development
within Government since 1994.
Key components of the study are:
A perceptual evaluation of Government growth
and development
Examples of behaviour and shortfalls
restraining normal growth and development
Consequences of growth and development
stagnation
A blueprint for government transformation
“Process”
and “content” are distinct components of the methodology. Process represents
the business framework or principles, theories and practices applied in the
study. It serves as roadmap, providing direction and constantly triggering new
content.
What
to include as content, how to summarise perception created by day to day
information and above all, how to maintain political sensitivity without
sacrificing the “must know”, provided real challenges to the study.
The business
framework utilised, is equally applicable to private institutions in the
service, manufacturing, marketing and other fields of business.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The study has just been “completed”, but the
nature of the topic necessitates continuous updating.
The first few posts will focus on:
This will serve as a framework to
evaluate the ANC Government’s growth and development since 1994.
Look out for the next information. It will be posted
soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment