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Assessing the functionality of the department of the education in disruptive times using the Viable System Model: Case of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Emmanuel Mutambara

    (Master of Commerce & Leadership Student –Graduate School of Business & Leadership, Westville Campus. University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

  • Cele Thanduxolo J

    (Professor & Academic,Graduate School of Business & Leadership, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

Abstract

Organisational functionality is critical for ensuring that the organisation remains focused on providing its performance mandate, especially in times of disruption such as the Corona Virus Pandemic, natural disasters caused by floods, earthquakes, and civil unrest. In times of disruption, organisation could enhance their functionality by applying the Viable System Model (VSM). The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDOE), experienced functionality-related challenges during the Pandemic which hindered the delivery of teaching and learning across most schools. Therefore, the study aimed to enhance the department's functionality using the VSM. The target population consisted of 300 senior managers, principals, and educators at the KZNDOE. The study employed an exploratory research design gathering data from 14 respondents through interviews as the data collection instrument. Data were analysed thematically using the NVivo 12 model. The study findings revealed that KZNDOE was not prepared to deal with the complexity presented by the Corona Virus Pandemic due to a dysfunctional structure, lack of resources, and skills incompetency to deal with complexity. To address the challenges, the department reviewed the functional structure which was last reviewed in 2011 to one that is adaptive in responding to the complex environment. The review would include the change of structure by creating new structures within the department that can deal with the Pandemic. For example, the study recommended a specific structure that deals with enhancing performance, Corona Virus Pandemic communication network, empowerment structures for educators, and structures to provide for remote learning and pre-learning materials. The study however recommended that a similar study could be conducted in other provinces to have a balanced view before making national inferences. Key Words:Functionality, Viable System Model, Viability, Corona Virus Pandemic, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education

Suggested Citation

  • Emmanuel Mutambara & Cele Thanduxolo J, 2023. "Assessing the functionality of the department of the education in disruptive times using the Viable System Model: Case of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, South Africa," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 12(2), pages 513-528, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:12:y:2023:i:2:p:523-528
    DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v12i2.2377
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