Employment of personnel for local authorities : a comparative analysis of the existing system in South African cities with special reference to professional employees

Abstract

Includes bibliographical references.The value judgements of senior officials in the five largest local authorities in South Africa were considered to influence personnel policy. Employment in a municipality was viewed as a special class of employment with specific public personnel management and professional considerations. First round delphi ranking and weighting scenarios were conducted with forty-five senior officials using focussed interviews. Results of the questionnaire were descriptively analysed on a privilege-communication base. There was significant agreement, certainty and consistency among senior officials of different professions for attracting and maintaining professional staff in local government. Job satisfaction was ranked the highest factor. Management terminology was preferred to administration. A co-ordinated interdependent personnel function was needed. Greater use should be made of emerging semi-professionals or technicians. More delegation to officials resulted in an increased public scrutiny