Profiling Government IT Leadership in South Africa: A Demographic and Institutional Mapping of GITOs (n=55).
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Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to explore the limited empirical knowledge of the distribution and capacity of ICT Leadership (Government Information Technology Officers) in the South African public sector with regard to the demographic and institutional factors of these officers. Methodology: A qualitative, descriptive research design was applied using semi-structured interviews with 55 GITOs across national, provincial, and local government institutions. The data were analysed using thematic coding and descriptive profiling to identify patterns in leadership demographics and institutional placement. Findings: The findings show that the majority of respondents were male (72.7%) and were very experienced, with a high proportion at national and provincial level and a low proportion at local government level. The results reveal some key issues concerning gender parity, ageing leadership profiles, lack of institutional succession planning and unequal digital governance capabilities across institutional levels. Implications: The study provides evidence to support the workforce planning, leadership development, and policy interventions to support strengthening capacity for ICT governance within the municipality. It also emphasizes that inclusive leadership pipelines and better institutional representation of digital leadership are needed as well. Originality: The study is one of the few studies that empirically maps the public-sector ICT leadership within a developing country context and provides new insights into the demographic and institutional makeup of digital governance leadership in South Africa.
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