Reputation management at local government level : a case study of Amahlathi Local Municipality

Abstract

This mixed methods study, titled "Reputation Management at Local Government Level: A Case Study of Amahlathi Local Municipality" aimed to explore the Amahlathi Local Municipality’s (ALM’s) reputation among stakeholders, assess how media reports reflect community members' opinions, evaluate stakeholders' expectations, and identify sustainable strategies for reputation management. The research employed a convergent parallel design, with a sequential mixed method data collected and integrated during analysis. Surveys and interviews were conducted with diverse stakeholders, including residents, Eastern Cape Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs representatives, and municipal employees. The findings revealed a mixed reputation for ALM. While some stakeholders expressed satisfaction with service delivery and infrastructure development, others criticised the Municipality for perceived corruption and lack of transparency. Stakeholders' expectations focused on improved service delivery, increased transparency, and stronger accountability. Based on these findings, the study identified sustainable strategies for managing ALM's reputation, including fostering open communication, enhancing transparency, promoting community engagement, and strengthening accountability mechanisms. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on reputation management at the local government level, providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve the public perception and performance of municipal institutions.