An analysis of the Johannesburg regional office of the Government Communication and Information System using the MC Kinsey 7-S framework

Abstract

Government communications within the new democratic government in South Africa is a relatively recent phenomenon. The Government Communication and Information Service (GCIS) was promulgated as part of the Public Service Act (Section 7 of 1994) and officially launched in 1998. Its vision is to “help meet the communication and information needs of government and the people” and to “ensure a better life for all”. The GCIS uses various modes of communication both internally and externally to communicate regularly with various stakeholders. The GCIS is structured as having one Head Office in Pretoria, and nine Provincial Offices, one in each province, with a fairly flat structure having a Deputy Director as head, and three line functionaries consisting of a group of Senior Communication Officers, an Administration Office and an Information Resource Centre. The aim of this study is to analyse the efficacy of one of the regional offices, the Johannesburg Regional Office of GCIS, using the McKinsey 7-S model. The research question is: How can the Johannesburg Regional Office of GCIS be improved and become more “world class” as benchmarked against the best public service organisations abroad. The research methodology will include gathering data by eliciting responses from all fourteen members of the Johannesburg Regional Office (JRO) of GCIS, by administering fourteen questionnaires, and then confirming the results and recommendations through one interview with two personnel at the JRO. In answering the research question above, it is hoped that the Johannesburg Regional Office of GCIS will be improved and brought in line with other “world class” organisations operating similarly in other countries abroad. By assessing its operations using the McKinsey 7-S model, it will be in a position to respond effectively to prevailing challenges and provide quality service to its customers. The study will identify weaknesses within the Johannesburg Regional Office of GCIS with a view to harness its potential to become a key player and leader in the field of public service communication.