A public service perspective on senior management thinking, learning and training delivery methods

Abstract

In 2000 the Public Service Senior Management cadre (SMS) was introduced to the Public Service. It was envisaged that the SMS will resolve the service delivery challenges of the Public Service and lead the public servants to a shared vision and improved results. Even so, the National Planning Commission (2011) found that the SMS are still not sufficiently knowledgeable or skilled and has not shown their commitment to lead the Public Service to provide the services as expected by the Constitution (1996). The study made used of a mixed method research design to analyze and better understand the Thinking Style Preference and Learning Style Preference profile of the SMS, and describes the factors that motivate the SMS to participate in learning and professional development interventions. The comprehensive analysis of the legal frameworks governing the SMS, and the professional development of the SMS, shows that, even though a well-designed and supportive policy regime exists, this has not resulted in a sufficiently skilled, knowledgeable, and committed SMS (National Planning Commission, 2011). The in-depth literature review provides a clear theoretical foundation for an understanding of the role of cognitive preferences and motivational factors in learning and professional development of the SMS. Literature confirms the link between personality and learning ability and concludes that rigidity and inflexibility negatively impacts on the ability to learn The study found that, considering individual and organisational needs on an equal basis will enable the SMS to perform better at a practical, competency level, and at a higher level of self-awareness, enabling them to lead the Public Service to successful service delivery