AN EVALUATION OF FACTORS RESTRICTING MIDDLE MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES IN A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION: A CASE STUDY OF THE CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, FREE STATE

Abstract

The existence and survival of an individual and/or organization, such as a Higher Education Institution (HEI), have always depended on the ability of this individual or organization to control the environment in which it exists. This person or organization should overcome certain threats and obstacles that may cross its path by means of simple, pre-constructed plans. The situation must thus be managed in order to ensure the continuation of the person or organization.

In this study the focus is on the functional tasks of the middle management team in an HEI. Middle management is concerned with the near future and is therefore responsible for medium- and short-term planning, organizing functional areas, leading by means of departmental heads, and controlling the management activities of the middle managers’ own departments.

This study wants to identify factors in the different functional areas of middle management that could hamper the productivity of this area, and thus the institution as a whole.

A qualitative study, with questionnaires as data capturing tool, was employed. Various factors that may hamper proper functioning were identified in the study. Lack of intra- and inter-departmental communication, staff shortages due to the restructuring process, countless policies and procedures in place (to streamline the execution of duties) hamper more than assist staff members in the execution of their duties. It was found that the staff members seek a sense of security, as this will lead to improved productivity.