A Critical Analysis of Stakeholder Engagement in Skills Development in Namibia

Abstract

In recent years, stakeholder management is increasingly been discussed at national

and international levels, primarily due to the many corporate failures across different

services. Furthermore, companies are being held responsible for participation in

broader social functions that extend beyond their normal routine responsibilities.

This study investigates stakeholder engagement practices in skills development in

Namibia, in view of the position of the Namibian Training Authority (NTA) as the

custodian of skills development in Namibia. The study explores a number of

challenges experienced in the process of stakeholder engagement ending with the

recommendation for change.

Furthermore, the research findings indicate that the current stakeholder engagement

process is inclusive of a variety of stakeholders, however, the process is identified as

having a number of challenges. The Level of Engagement model by Arnstein (1969)

was used to determine the level of stakeholder engagement by the NTA, this found

that a consultation approach was the most common. To improve the practice, it is

proposed that the level of stakeholder engagement should be nurtured and progressed

to the level of partnership, where all key players are recognised to play their part in

determining what is fit for purpose. It was found that the current practice of

stakeholder engagement at NTA varies from one activity to another and from one

stakeholder group to another, leaving the process of engagement un-satisfactory for

many stakeholders.

A number of engagement challenges were identified by the study ranging from lack of

recognition of stakeholders needs, lack of communication with stakeholders and poor

involvement of stakeholders in skills development activities. The study also

recommends a number of changes required to mitigate these situations. These include

the recognition of stakeholders’ inputs and commitment to skills development by all

parties involved in the process.