The BMZ Academy @ 061 262
THE BMZ ACADEMY
@061 262 1185/068 053 821
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213
, The BMZ Academy @ 061 262
TITLE: The Public Manager's Role in Directing Resources Towards Strategic Objectives in
South Africa
In the dynamic landscape of public service delivery in South Africa, the application of strategic
management has become increasingly vital for ensuring effective governance and meeting the
evolving needs of communities. At the heart of this application lies the crucial role of the public
manager, who is tasked with directing all available resources towards the achievement of the
institution's strategic objectives (Ferlie & Ongaro, 2022). This responsibility demands a
comprehensive understanding of the internal and external environments, the ability to mobilize
and allocate resources effectively, and a commitment to performance and accountability.
Understanding and Translating Strategic Objectives
A fundamental aspect of the public manager's role is to thoroughly understand the strategic
objectives of their institution. These objectives, often derived from broader national or regional
frameworks, provide the long-term direction for the public entity. As noted in the sources,
traditional government planning has often been reactive, and strategic management offers a
proactive, future-oriented approach (Hunger, 2020). Public managers are instrumental in
translating these overarching strategic goals into specific, actionable plans within their
respective departments or units. This requires not only comprehension but also the ability to
communicate these objectives clearly to their teams, ensuring alignment and shared purpose.
Strategic Resource Mobilization and Allocation
Once the strategic objectives are understood, public managers are responsible for identifying,
mobilizing, and strategically allocating the necessary resources (Overman, 2016). This
encompasses a wide range of resources, including financial capital, human capital (skills and
expertise), technological infrastructure, and information. In the South African context, where
the effective use of scarce resources is paramount, this function becomes particularly critical.
Public managers must assess the resources currently available, identify any gaps, and develop
strategies to secure the required resources, which might involve budget proposals, recruitment
and training initiatives, or the acquisition of necessary technologies. The allocation process
necessitates careful prioritization, ensuring that resources are directed towards initiatives that
will yield the greatest impact in achieving strategic goals, while also considering the political
and public accountability inherent in the public sector. In a South African municipality aiming
to improve access to basic services (a strategic objective), a public manager in the infrastructure
department might need to identify funding sources (financial resources), recruit qualified
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213
THE BMZ ACADEMY
@061 262 1185/068 053 821
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213
, The BMZ Academy @ 061 262
TITLE: The Public Manager's Role in Directing Resources Towards Strategic Objectives in
South Africa
In the dynamic landscape of public service delivery in South Africa, the application of strategic
management has become increasingly vital for ensuring effective governance and meeting the
evolving needs of communities. At the heart of this application lies the crucial role of the public
manager, who is tasked with directing all available resources towards the achievement of the
institution's strategic objectives (Ferlie & Ongaro, 2022). This responsibility demands a
comprehensive understanding of the internal and external environments, the ability to mobilize
and allocate resources effectively, and a commitment to performance and accountability.
Understanding and Translating Strategic Objectives
A fundamental aspect of the public manager's role is to thoroughly understand the strategic
objectives of their institution. These objectives, often derived from broader national or regional
frameworks, provide the long-term direction for the public entity. As noted in the sources,
traditional government planning has often been reactive, and strategic management offers a
proactive, future-oriented approach (Hunger, 2020). Public managers are instrumental in
translating these overarching strategic goals into specific, actionable plans within their
respective departments or units. This requires not only comprehension but also the ability to
communicate these objectives clearly to their teams, ensuring alignment and shared purpose.
Strategic Resource Mobilization and Allocation
Once the strategic objectives are understood, public managers are responsible for identifying,
mobilizing, and strategically allocating the necessary resources (Overman, 2016). This
encompasses a wide range of resources, including financial capital, human capital (skills and
expertise), technological infrastructure, and information. In the South African context, where
the effective use of scarce resources is paramount, this function becomes particularly critical.
Public managers must assess the resources currently available, identify any gaps, and develop
strategies to secure the required resources, which might involve budget proposals, recruitment
and training initiatives, or the acquisition of necessary technologies. The allocation process
necessitates careful prioritization, ensuring that resources are directed towards initiatives that
will yield the greatest impact in achieving strategic goals, while also considering the political
and public accountability inherent in the public sector. In a South African municipality aiming
to improve access to basic services (a strategic objective), a public manager in the infrastructure
department might need to identify funding sources (financial resources), recruit qualified
BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213
