Critical role players in ensuring organisational functionality in disruptive times at the Kwazulu-Natal Department of Education, South Africa

Abstract

Organisational functionality is critical for ensuring that organisations remain focused towards delivering performance, especially in times of disruption, such as the Corona Virus Pandemic, natural disasters caused by floods, earthquakes, and civil unrest. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZNDOE), experienced functionality-related challenges during the Corona Virus Pandemic, which negatively affected the delivery of teaching and learning throughout the province. The aim of the study was therefore to assess and determine critical role players in ensuring organisational functionality during this disruptive period. The target population study consisted of 300 senior managers, principals, and educators. The study employed an exploratory research design gathering data from 14 respondents through interviews. Data were analysed thematically using the NVivo 12 model. The study revealed that KZNDOE lacked the support of critical role players to deal with the complexity presented by the pandemic. In particular, KZNDOE needed support from the department of Health, the national department of education, teachers’ union, parents, school principals, educators, learners to play their part if the department was to continue delivering teaching and learning throughout the disruptive period. Considering that the functionality of KZNDOE relied on the engagement of critical role players, the study recommended that KZNDOE should appoint a stakeholder engagement officer to spearhead a stakeholder engagement strategy that would consolidate the stakeholder engagement process across the department. Through the stakeholder engagement strategy, KZNDOE would systematically identify, analyse, plan, and implement actions designed to influence stakeholders to provide a cohesive engagement in times of disruption.