Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
School of Public Management and Administration
School of Public Management and Administration
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
This study investigated the merits of multi-site qualitative research methodologies in public administration, based on condensed field research or action research work as a method of conducting applied research. The study further examined ‘new’ qualitative research avenues in public administration needed for critical thinking with respect to conceptually sound and triangulated methodological paradigms in conducting research. It circumvents to explore the viability and possibility of the application of a variety of non-traditional approaches, which could directly impact on the role of subjectivity and consensus in qualitative research methodologies. Furthermore, it addresses the issues of ethics, including the collaboration between internal and external researchers, validity, generalisability and reliability, and the utilisation of such research findings. Finally, the study showed that, from a synoptic research overview, with respect to one's perceived construction of qualitative reality, such an approach could be dependent on the methods of a paradigmatic engagement, which may be employed for such research purposes. Qualitative research methodologies, in particular, can give insight into what is happening on an equal playing field, and it is expected to reveal unintended consequences of an innovation or programme. A multi-site case study research design is appropriate whenever policy-makers need an up-to-date understanding of a situation for the determination of the most expedient policy implementation strategy. Qualitative research in respect of policy-oriented studies has, above all, a concern with process, as well as outcome. It has the capacity to reflect the subjective reality of the people being studied and to provide descriptive detail, which makes situations comprehensible. The researcher found that one arena, which is always identified as a potential source of innovation, is the field of public administration and management. In the face of apparently intractable social, political and economic problems, there have been repeated calls for academics and practitioners in the discipline to become more relevant and address the immediate issues of public concern and interest. The researcher suggested that the discipline of public administration and management, in promoting scholarship, should not ignore the fiscal structure in which public services are delivered. The discipline of public administration, in its search for research excellence, must address the issues of performance and service delivery. In the quest to redefine public management theory, one must move from a generalised study approach of the norms and values in public sector organisations to one that addresses the issues of the delivery of public goods and services in an articulated manner enhanced by adequate research and intellectual substance. The researcher recommended that different groups of researchers must have the methodological freedom to utilise different theoretical approaches in the applied conduct of research and that each should have its peculiarity in an attempt to forge new paradigmatic enquiries in the quest for new discoveries. The study also emphasises that no approach can hope to monopolise the pursuit of intellectual truth and alacrity
Contact person: Prof JO Kuye.
The researchers explored the impact of leadership to overcome organisational cultural differences and examined the critical success factors (governance and accountability) crucial to bridge the challenges posed to integrated service delivery. They found that global deconcentration of economic activities has extended local governments' available resources. However, it also resulted in increased pressure on government to perform more effectively and efficiently. In addition, the strengthening of government's reach from central to local spheres of government has become a critical element in achieving success, not only in finding ways that support national unification and democratisation, but also to realise greater efficiency and equity in the use of public resources with the purpose of introducing participative governance. Decentralisation forms an overarching framework to execute government's ideologies. The impact of ideologies on the architecture of governance and state interventions therefore translates directly into different forms of cooperation and collective decision-making. Providing public services through a single window (one-stop delivery, access, clustering and multiple service channels) becomes the main objective and demands a framework that is able to cross traditional boundaries of jurisdiction towards integrated service delivery outcomes. Organisational culture differences are a principal challenge in bridging opportunities for integrated service delivery, mainly because departments prefer to work in silos instead of partnering with each other, which often complicates partnerships due to the absence of a common vision. The researchers concluded that in the attainment of a seamless approach, a new collective vision, underscored by decentralised approaches, must be aligned with governance and accountability structures in order to increase access, choice and citizen engagement
Contact person: Prof DJ Fourie.
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