E-Collaboration Framework For Effective Decision-Making In A Namibian Public Organisation

ABSTRACT

The public sector is witnessing a digital revolution and are being challenged by many obstacles as correct electronic platforms are provided for the improvement of collaborative activities, sharing of information and knowledge, regardless of time, space or location. In this study the focus was on three main subject matters: decision-making, tools for collaboration, and challenges that may arise when using these tools for collaborative activities. The empirical part of the thesis employed qualitative techniques to assess the problem context.

A case study design was utilised to enable varied data collection instrument including semi-structured interview, observation and document analysis to investigate the complex phenomena to enable the researcher capture managers’ facet points of view. The findings indicated that there were existing tools of collaboration being used particularly by managers within the public sector. Managers are motivated to use new kinds of collaboration tools due to its effect of enhancing social interaction amongst their peers and are equipped with needed skills to operate them. The large majority of managers have sufficient skills for everyday and routine working practices, however quiet a large number, still have difficulties in finding a meaningful pedagogical use for e-collaboration tools.