Using strategic management process to achieve governmental goals and objectives : a case study of Limpopo Department of Agriculture

Abstract

The importance of achieving governmental goals within the spheres of government is a valuable dimension of service delivery through which communities realise the fulfilment of promises made by government. The strategic management process is one of the tools to be used to achieve governmental goals. This study shows the importance of using strategic management process in achieving governmental goals: A case study of Limpopo Department of Agriculture. The problems and challenges identified during the process are highlighted for probing. There is a need for the department to acknowledge and recognise the strategic management function by fully utilising the process thereof in order to see its positive contribution to service delivery. The following areas were investigated by the researcher; demographics profile of therespondents; the challenges in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategy; the importance of proper management of strategy; the role of strategy in achieving governmental goals, the mechanisms of communicating departmental strategies. The collected data was categorised into themes and subthemes to accommodate proper analysis and interpretation. In conclusion the study gave recommendations on how strategic management processes can be improved through proper consultations both internally and externally, effective communication processes, and bottom-up approach as part of the consultation processes. It also indicated the importance of management team taking ownership of the strategic management processes. However, the recommendations given are not cast in stone towards improving strategic management process. The senior management team of Limpopo Department of Agriculture should consider recommendations in this study together with other solutions to improve service delivery to the citizens of Limpopo in the agricultural sector.