JPAS (Journal of Public Administration Studies)

Perceptions of Human Resource Practitioners on the Value of Electronic Human Resource Management: The Case of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

2024-11-15T05:25:11+00:00

Using the perspectives of human resource practitioners, this study sought to determine whether the implementation of the e-HRM in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality increased the efficiency of the human resource practices. Manual human resource practices may be time consuming, error prone, and difficult to measure. They are further associated with time-consuming data management and analysis due to paper-based systems and spreadsheets. e-HRM enables businesses to increase organizational efficiency while saving time and effort by automating human resource procedures. The study was conducted within the theoretical lens of the Technology Acceptance Theory (TAT) which analyses the adoption factors, including external influences like COVID-19 and unique challenges like load shedding. The study applied a qualitative exploratory research design to acquire rich and descriptive information about the perceptions of human resource practitioners concerning the introduction of e-HRM. The intention of the study was not to generalise the findings to the study population. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from fifteen (15) research respondents. The study shows that human resource practitioners have a positive attitude towards the introduction of the e-HRM. In addition, E-HRM has been credited with improving the operational efficiency of human resources. The introduction of a recruitment portal has enabled the municipality to better meet the deadline for filling posts within the three months period. In addition, the municipality was able to reduce the costs associated with employee trainings by utilizing online training programs. Additionally, other respondents expressed skepticism regarding the introduction of e-HRM in the municipality. The respondents believed that the use of e-HRM would result in the loss of jobs in the long run. It is evident from the perceptions of the human resource practitioners that technological tools such as e-HRM can be used by public servants to significantly enhance human resource functions.

Examining the Contribution of Hybridity and Co-Production towards Enhancing the Delivery of Potable Water in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2024-12-10T07:34:07+00:00

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which hybridity and coproduction have been adopted and implemented in local governments` quest to provide portable water services in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. To achieve the study objectives, we used a qualitative research approach, a case study design where the Eastern Cape Province was used as a case. In addition, data was collected using expansive literature, and thematic analysis was utilized to analyze data. The study revealed that the implementation of hybridity and coproduction mechanisms in the province have remained marginal. These mechanisms are multiple-use water services (MUS), public-private partnerships (PPPs), and water schemes. Despite these hybridity and coproduction mechanisms' existence, potable water delivery has not improved due to many challenges, including the top-down approach to water delivery, resistance to sharing power and resources, lack of coordination across departments and community skepticism towards the government. We recommend adopting a decentralised approach, enhancing coordination across departments, building community trust and capacity and incentivising innovative solutions from the private sector. Its critical examination of existing hybridity and coproduction mechanisms, revealing their inadequacies while proposing actionable strategies that integrate community engagement and decentralised management to enhance potable water service delivery thereby advancing both practical solutions and theoretical insights within the body of knowledge on coproduction.

Effects of Internal Control Mechanisms on Operational Efficiency of State-Owned Enterprises: Evidence from Malawi

2024-12-10T07:46:43+00:00

Internal controls are crucial in ensuring the efficient utilization of resources to accomplish organizational objectives. When implemented effectively, they enhance operational efficiency. In the case of public institutions, operational efficiency is critical given that these entities deliver services paid by taxpayers and whose interest revolves around resource optimization. The study investigates the effect of internal control mechanisms on the operational efficiency of State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Malawi. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data was collected through a questionnaire and was analyzed using the least squares multiple regression model. The results showed that control environment and information and communication have significant positive effects on operational efficiency. On the other hand, although control activities and monitoring and evaluation positively influenced operational efficiency, their relationships were not statistically significant. Similarly, although risk assessment negatively influences operational efficiency, the relationship was not statistically significant. The results demonstrate the importance of a supportive environment and effective information sharing in enhancing operational efficiency in SOEs.

Optimizing the Role of Regional Regulations in Promoting the Growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises

2025-02-24T03:01:36+00:00

This study examines the role of regional regulations in fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), focusing on a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of deregulation versus strict regulation. Within the framework of regional autonomy, local governments have the opportunity to innovate through policies that support local economic potential. The study employs a qualitative research method with a case study approach. The findings reveal that deregulation, such as the use of regulatory sandboxes, significantly accelerates MSME growth by simplifying licensing processes and providing regulatory flexibility. However, this approach poses risks related to inefficiency and inadequate quality control. On the other hand, strict regulation ensures high product quality standards but often hampers MSME growth due to complex and slow administrative procedures. The in-depth analysis also highlights that the successful implementation of regulations depends heavily on the capacity of local governments, including their human and financial resources. Therefore, a hybrid policy approach balancing flexibility with oversight is deemed most effective in supporting inclusive and sustainable MSME growth.

Diagnosing Organizational Accountability for Inclusive Public Service (A Case Study Using the Burke–Litwin Transformational Framework)

2025-02-24T03:06:25+00:00

Balai Bahasa Provinsi Sumatera Utara (BBPSU), as a public organization, is responsible for providing equal services to all society. Data from Dinas Pemberdayaan Masyarakat dan Desa Provinsi Sumatera Utara shows that around 24,492 or 0.16% of the disabled in North Sumatra have not received access to equal language certification services. This study aims to determine the supporting and inhibiting factors for language certification services for the disabled by diagnosing the Burke-Litwin transformational factors model. This study uses a qualitative approach with case studies. Data collection was carried out through interviews, observations, distributing questionnaires, and reviewing documents. Data were analyzed with New Public Service theory that are oriented towards community needs. The results of the problem identification diagnosis indicate that accountability at BBPSU shows a number of problems that indicate challenges in implementing organizational responsibilities to the public. This problem emerged in several accountability indicators identified during the study, as evidenced by the lack of commitment and focus of the organization's work on the needs of language certification services for people with disabilities. The results of the study indicate that the four Burke-Litwin transformational factors, including the organization's vision, mission, and strategy, external environment, leadership, and organizational culture, mutually influence BBPSU's performance in language certification services for people with disabilities. There needs to be an intervention to improve performance through mission and strategy reformulation, organizational structure arrangement, and improvement of the human resource management system through empowerment of the organizational structure by forming a special work unit for people with disabilities.