Structural Constraints and Strategic Gaps: Understanding Corporate Governance and IS Failures in South Africa’s Public Sector
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Abstract
Purpose: Widespread adoption of corporate governance frameworks throughout South Africa's public sector seemingly seems to fail to stop information systems (IS) failures which affects service delivery and restricts digital transformation initiatives related to national strategic goals set up by Government. The authors investigated systemic origins of corporate governance and IS failures by conducting interviews with 55 Government Information Technology Officers (GITO) from national and provincial departments. Qualitative interpretive methodology enabled the researcher to collect interview data for Atlas.ti analysis which produced recurring failure patterns in the public sector. Management showed minimal involvement in oversight along with structural challenges from bureaucratic regulations that existed within government bodies according to GITOs in national and provincial organizations. Research shows governance systems fail to produce desired information system performance due to systemic obstacles alongside insufficient capacity levels. The research finds that governing institutions require a strategic solution based on dynamic capabilities to address governance deficiencies.
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