A prototype integrated change management model for enhancing sustainable administrative effectiveness in KwaZulu-Natal municipalities

Abstract

Significant changes within the local sphere of government continue to confront South African municipalities. These changes adversely impact organisational structures and policy approaches, contributing to the poor performance of some municipalities. Models aimed at addressing change management tend to be overly simplistic and change management research specific to South African municipalities is limited. The aim of this study was to discover and examine critical factors that affect the effective management of change in selected municipalities in KZN and to suggest the adoption of a prototype integrated change management model for implementation by these municipalities to enhance sustainable administrative effectiveness. A qualitative methodology, employing the grounded theory approach, underpins this study. This study selected three KZN municipalities for the sample size using the purposive sampling technique. This investigation adopted thematic data analysis. The study's findings highlight that current change management practices in the local government sphere have led to the instability and ineffectiveness of South Africa's municipalities. These practices include shortcomings in strategic planning, stakeholder involvement, managerial support, ineffective communication, and inadequate staff development. The study argues that these key factors influence the adoption of change management for sustainable administrative effectiveness in municipalities. The study, drawing from comprehensive literature on various change management models and empirical research, proposes that municipalities adopt an integrated change management model to effectively manage change, navigate political transitions, and enhance administrative sustainability amid environmental challenges. This study fills knowledge gaps in South African municipal governance and advances the conversation on change management and sustainable administrative effectiveness in local government, which benefits both local and national policymakers. In the end, the suggested model is an attempt to encourage municipalities to navigate change for better service quality, guaranteeing more dependable and adaptable governance