Understanding the impact of organisational design on organisational effectiveness and employee engagement in a corrections environment

Abstract

This research is a result of experience the researcher had when conducting organisational design in different environments. The researcher noticed that different models and approaches were used in organisational design, yet those involved with organisational design behaved as if there is a universal model and homogenous knowledge. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in South Africa is tasked with incarceration of convicted criminals, rehabilitating and releasing them back into community as law abiding citizens. Incarceration must be done in a humane manner and programmes provided in a safe and secure environment ensuring that inmates do not escape. The department also implements programmes in support of government initiatives including the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 and attends to various stakeholder needs. Most research focuses on inmates; yet the department is committed to an ideal correctional environment with an ideal correctional official. This study attempts to provide a different perspective. The study makes use of mixed method approach, supported by an exploratory and explanatory, sequential design. It is a multidisciplinary study, that makes use of primary and secondary data to understand if organisational design and organisational effectiveness consists of elements that makes it complete as in a model. If these elements are universal, and are present in a corrections environment. The study investigates if there is an impact of organisational design on organisational effectiveness and employee engagement. If this impact is present in a corrections environment and can be sustained over a period of time. The study discovers that there are at least seven organisational design, organisational effectiveness and employee engagement models, all with different elements specific to that model. Organisational design has an impact on organisational effectiveness and employee engagement. Employee engagement in a corrections environment, is confirmed as clarity of roles, responsibilities and allocation of resources. The study observes that the impact of organisational design on organisational effectiveness can be sustained for three years or more. There is an understanding that organisational design can ease transitioning to 4IR, contribute positively to Sustainable Development Goal 16.7 as well as support management of pandemics such as the COVID-19.