South African Journal of Industrial Engineering August 2020 Vol 31(2), pp 62-75
TOWARDS MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE: THE CASE OF SOUTH AFRICAN PROFESSIONAL BODIES
S. Naidoo1* & A. Rajcoomar2
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article details
Submitted by authors
26 Apr 2020
Accepted for publication 26 Jul 2020
Available online
31 Aug 2020
Professional bodies represent practitioners who recurrently seek guidance
on industry-related problems and challenges. Research has revealed that
professional bodies are lacking in effectiveness and need to improve so
that their affiliates can obtain maximum value. The purpose of the study
was to empirically develop a framework for the management of
professional bodies by exploring the views and opinions of 92 participants
employed in the management of professional bodies in South Africa. The
data was collected from interviews (pilot) and from a questionnaire
(primary instrument) that was analysed statistically, predominantly using
factor analysis, to determine the significant factors that contributed to the
development of a framework for professional bodies. Eleven significant
factors emanated from the factor analysis that informed the empirically
developed framework. Government, academics, and management of
professional bodies are key beneficiaries of this framework, as it makes a
unique contribution to the improvement of professional body management.
Contact details
*
Corresponding author
naidoosu@unisa.ac.za
Author affiliations
1
Department of Operations
Management, University of South
Africa, South Africa
2
Department of Management
Systems, University of South
Africa, School of Business
Leadership, South Africa
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.7166/31-2-2355
OPSOMMING
Professionele liggame verteenwoordig praktisyns wat herhaaldelik leiding
en advies vir industrie verwante probleme en uitdagings benodig. Navorsing
toon dat professionele liggame ondoeltreffend is en moet verbeter sodat
hul geaffilieerdes maksimale voordeel kan benut. Die doel van hierdie
studie is om ʼn empiriese raamwerk vir die bestuur van professionele
liggame te ontwikkel deur die uitsigte en opinies van 92 meningspeiling
deelnemers in diens van die bestuur van professionele liggame in SuidAfrika. Die data is versamel deur onderhoude en deur ʼn vraagstuk wat
statisties ontleed is, hoofsaaklik deur faktoranalise, om die
noemenswaardige faktore wat bygedra het tot die ontwikkeling van ʼn
raamwerk vir professionele liggame te bepaal. Elf noemenswaardige
faktore het voortgespruit uit die faktoranalise. Die Regering, akademici,
en die bestuur van die professionele liggame is die sleutel begunstigdes van
die raamwerk, omdat dit ʼn unieke bydra maak tot die verbetering van die
bestuur van professionele liggame.
1
INTRODUCTION
Professional organisations are defined as cultured societies whose purpose includes promoting an academic
field or a group of disciplines [1]. Societies have a range of membership requirements, and may dictate
what minimum qualifications their members must have to practise in the relevant field. Their extensive
activities include organising events, organising training for members, and publishing magazines and
journals. The International Federation of Accountants [2] states that a professional organisation may
recommend codes of practice, either generally or relative to a sector or industry. The body may also exist
with the intention of forming local societies that offer a service to a specific group of practitioners.
The South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) defines NQF levels from 1 to 10. Matriculation
from school, for example, is classified NQF 4. A person who has completed school will normally continue
with tertiary education from NQF level 5 onwards, possibly to NQF level 8 (Honours level). Once the person
enters industry, a professional body is the ideal means of their further skills development. A professional
62
body administers skills development by continuing professional development (CPD). We note that
professional bodies are now considered part of the strategic learning and skilling infrastructure of South
Africa. This relates well to the concept of lifelong learning that is motivated by both personal and
professional development.
Professional bodies are affiliation organisations that act in the interests of a specific profession by
stimulating and supporting professionals [1]. A professional body is characterised as an organisation that
harnesses a body of knowledge and protects it, thereby allowing the professional to act as an agent of
formal knowledge [3]. CPD can be viewed in this light, being a mechanism whereby formal knowledge can
be continually updated to give legitimacy to the professional’s claim. As a mechanism to promulgate
professional competence, CPD is widely applied by professional bodies. In South Africa, professional bodies
may either be concomitant with government or be independent of government. Some professional bodies
are involved in professional certification, and in those instances membership is synonymous with
certification. Furthermore, professional bodies regulate entry to a specific profession, ensuring strict entry
standards.
Figure 1 illustrates that the NQF comprises three levels. The highest is the Ministry of Basic Education and
the Ministry of Higher Education and Training. Professional bodies are classified at the bottom level, as
they draw support from the different councils, education authorities, and training authorities that occupy
the middle level. According to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) [4], the emergence of the
NQF was an attempt by the government to manage the relations between education, training, and work.
The structure denotes that professional bodies need to stimulate a collaborative relationship with the
education and training authorities in order to optimise the accessible benefits. This configuration further
promotes the desire to enable a learned workforce encompassing the principles of the lifelong learning
edifice.
Figure 1: Lessons from the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) [4]
1.1 Background to the study
SAQA’s policy for recognising professional bodies in South Africa [4] states that it promotes public
understanding of and trust in professions. The objectives include encouraging social responsibility,
promoting pride across all professions, and protecting the public against malpractice. It reiterates the need
to build self-esteem and to encourage internationally recognised good practice and the implementation of
CPD for members. The promulgation of the policy is binding on SAQA-recognised professional bodies, but
only to a lesser extent on those that are not recognised.
According to Fusco, Prescott and Prescott [5], the development of professional attitudes and behaviour is
just as critical to providing high-quality service to customers as is the acquisition of knowledge during
schooling. The process of professionalisation or professional socialisation (the process of inculcating a
profession’s attitudes, values, and behaviours in an individual) cannot be learned from a textbook, but
must be actively acquired [5]. The development of professionals is undoubtedly the mandate of professional
bodies, which also promote proficiency in the field of practice.
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Previous studies on professional bodies have clarified the prevailing positions of selected occupational
groups — notably medicine and accounting. Considering the challenges posed by Industry 4.0, professional
bodies have an opportunity to showcase the value that can be derived from membership. Unquestionably,
all professional organisations have significant contributions to make to the economy. Professional bodies
play a major role in refining productivity in their respective industries, thereby benefitting an ailing
economy [6]. The calibre of support provided by professional bodies can also prove to be a catalyst for
problem-solving in industry, thereby contributing to the stabilisation of the economy [6].
1.1.1 Declining economic climate
According to the South African Institute of Professional Accountants’ annual report for 2012 [7], the dire
economic climate in many countries and the European debt crisis constrained growth in South Africa’s
economy. They further indicate that their members, who are mostly accountants by profession, provide
valuable advice to ailing businesses. The report states that “it is imperative that Professional Accountants
are continuously kept up to date through CPD that allow[s] them to gain new knowledge and skills to support
their SME clients optimally”. It reiterates the need to focus on CPD, acknowledging that the organisation
might be lacking in this area [7].
1.1.2 Declining revenue
Professional bodies are experiencing declining revenues. The South African Council for Natural Scientific
Professions’ annual report [8] shows an 11 per cent decrease in revenues for the 2015/2016 financial yearend, compared with the previous year. It states that membership fees made up 63 per cent of its total
annual revenue, and that collecting these fees from its members posed a challenge. The Health
Professionals Council of South Africa’s 2017/2018 annual report [9]) shows a net deficit in revenue
generated. This was due to increased operating costs, lower membership fees received than budget for, an
increase in building rental fees, increased business process re-engineering project costs, and increased
conference costs. The Engineering Council of South Africa’s annual report [10] shows that revenue
collection decreased substantially. The bulk of their revenue was raised from membership fees. They
attribute poor revenue collection partly to economic factors impacting registered members’ ability to make
payment.
The Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors’ annual report [11] reveals a revenue decline for the
organisation. The professional body (being a statutory body) receives an annual government grant, which
declined from 2015 to 2016 by 13 per cent, to R29 million. This decline resulted in a deficit in income of
R3.1 million for 2016.
Professional organisations’ declining revenues affect their ability to sustain service levels, especially to
their members. Events and other benefits have to be compromised to ensure that expenditure is controlled
in accordance with revenues. A gradual decline in membership may result.
1.1.3 Problem statement
The South African NQF incorporates levels from 1 to 10. Matriculation at school is classified as NQF 4. A
matriculated person normally continues with tertiary education from NQF 5 to possibly NQF 8 (honours
level). Once the person enters an industry, a professional body is the ultimate means of further skills
development. As noted in the introduction, CPD is a key part of advancing and monitoring a professional’s
progress. This relates well to the lifelong concept that is motivated by both personal and professional
development.
Therefore professional bodies need to be proficient enough to provide appropriate support to professionals.
At present there is no framework to drive the processes of professional bodies. Thus the problem statement
is as follows:
There is no framework to manage the operations of professional bodies effectively.
1.2 Research objective
To develop a framework that will enhance the management capability of professional bodies.
Since inadequate research has been undertaken on this topic, it was envisaged that the study would
significantly develop further theory on professional bodies’ achievement of proficiency, contribute to the
body of knowledge, and provide a springboard for further study on this and related topics.
64
2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 NQF recognition benefits for professional bodies
According to SAQA’s policy (2018) [4], SAQA-affiliated professional bodies derive identified benefits. They
enjoy a quality assurance role and a qualification development role in collaboration with the Quality
Councils. Professional bodies participate in building the national education and training system. They are
obliged to provide effective career advisory services to members. They must inspire internationally
dominant practices and promote moral practices by professions. Professional bodies must have a good
corporate standing, and enhance understanding of, and trust in, professions. An added responsibility is to
promote social responsibility and liability in professions. Above all, professional bodies are mandated to
uphold the protection of the public [4]. All aspiring professional bodies will ultimately want to be affiliated
to SAQA, as the benefits are significant: they increase the value proposition of the organisation, and
ambitious professionals will be enticed to join the organisation. Practitioners stand to gain as well,
eventually resulting in capable individuals being prepared for industry’s challenges.
2.2 Relationship marketing in associations with membership
Figure 2 presents a model that was empirically developed, representing a professional association’s
relationship-building efforts.
Figure 2: Model for professional associations [12]
2.3 Membership behaviours: Retention, participation, and co-production
‘Retention’ refers to members who opt to remain affiliated to the organisation. The research determined
that member retention is a key dimension of an association’s performance. Member ‘participation’ is
defined as the extent to which the membership makes use of the association’s services, such using a
website, reading the trade magazine, attending local meetings, and purchasing additional products and
services such as journal subscriptions and educational programming [12]. ‘Co-production’ is the extent to
which members are involved in the production of the association’s products, services, and/or marketing.
2.4 Membership commitment
‘Commitment’ is viewed as a motivational phenomenon in the context of the model. Gruen, Summers and
Acito [12] describe ‘membership commitment’ as the degree of the members’ psychological attachment to
the association. ‘Continuance commitment’ is described as the extent to which members are
psychologically attached to the organisation, based on their perceived moral obligation to it [12]. ‘Affective
commitment’ is focused on the degree to which the members are psychologically bonded to the
organisation, based on how favourably they feel about it.
65
2.5 Relating commitment to behavioural outcomes
The three dimensions of commitment are considered to have a positive relationship with behaviour in
organisations. Gruen et al. [12] emphasise that people who have high levels of commitment and are
affectively committed to the organisation are willing to give something of themselves to support its wellbeing. The members’ loyal payment of prescribed fees represents an initial economic investment in the
relationship. This creates a potency that motivates the members to optimise their investments; therefore
a link between continuance commitment and participation is predicted. Joining as members and
maintaining membership are indicative of a commitment to remain loyal to the organisation.
2.6 Relationship management activities
The following analysis of relationship management activities is extracted from Gruen et al.’s study [12]:
Core services performance. The foundation of any buyer–seller relationship is the supplier’s ability
to deliver essential value to the customer. In this context, ‘core services performance’ is defined as
the extent of the quantity and quality of the planning and delivery of the association’s primary
services. Membership organisations that consistently deliver a large range of quality programmes
create more opportunities to develop stronger affective attachment in members than those that offer
fewer programmes.
Recognition of contributions. In business-to-business marketing, the benefits that the customer
receives from co-production activities may be found in the customisation of the products/services to
suit the customer’s needs better, in lower prices, and/or in improved delivery. In membership
situations, the benefits of co-production co-marketing may be less direct, and much of the motivation
is fundamental or, when identification plays a strong role, occurs through continuity with or
enhancement of self-esteem.
Interdependence enhancement. This is defined as the extent to which the organisation offers its
members the motivation, opportunity, and ability to exchange value with one another. One of the
consistently highest-rated benefits of being a member of the association is the ability to network with
other members. Enhancing members’ interdependence is expected to affect normative commitment
positively. Therefore, these members develop an improved belief that they ought to remain in the
organisation so that they do not abandon the other members.
Dissemination of organisational knowledge. Increasing its knowledge of the customer — or, as
popularly stated, ”getting close to the customer” — is a crucial ingredient of an organisation's attempts
to provide value to its customers. Dissemination of organisational knowledge is a means of improving
the socialisation of the members. Members’ awareness of the politics, processes, and personnel of the
organisation helps them to function more efficiently in the relationship.
Reliance on external membership requirements. This is defined as the extent to which the
association attempts to persuade an intermediary (e.g., an employer) to use its authority to encourage
or require the individuals under its authority (e.g., employees) to join and to sustain their membership
[12]. The marketing channel concept of ‘contact efficiency’ speculates that the intercessor generates
value for the association through its ability to contact several members, which allows the association
to concentrate its marketing effort on a small number of intermediaries.
The model looks at some of the critical areas that an association with members should contemplate in order
to remain relevant and credible. The emphasis on membership commitment highlights the human aspect,
enticing members into being loyal to the association. The motivation to stay affiliated is highlighted as a
driver of membership retention.
2.7 Sustainability
In their research, Dickson and Arcodia [13] provide some themes that cast light on the sustainability of
professional bodies.
Corporate social responsibility. This is the first theme deliberated on, and alludes to the notion
that professional bodies are obligated to society, and have to plough back added value.
Training programmes and certifications. The need for professionalism and to uphold the highest
standards is essential for a professional body. The nature of a professional occupation is that it
encompasses lifelong learning principles — i.e., the required degree of training and education [14],
or the application of a unique set of knowledge and skills.
Benchmarking. Dickson and Arcodia [13] suggest benchmarking as a strategy for improving the
operations of a professional body. They indicate that one of the primary functions of a professional
66
body is to provide leadership and guidance to members about best practice, both regionally and
internationally.
2.8 Functions and management of the professional body
Prudent management of a professional body provides many challenges. Theory indicates that there are
fundamental functions that the management of an organisation must undertake. Distinguishing between
two management function principles, Burns and Stalker’s [15] interpretations have been adopted in
deliberating on the mechanistic and organic structures.
Table 1: Comparison between mechanistic and organic structures [33]
Mechanistic structure
Stable environment: This organisational structure
works best when the environment is relatively stable.
Low differentiation of tasks: Tasks will not be
differentiated much because each subtask is relatively
stable and easy to control.
Low integration of departments and functional areas:
Due to the stability of tasks, there will be low
integration between departments and functional areas,
because tasks stay relatively stable and because
functional areas are not heavily dependent on one
another.
Organic structure
Dynamic and uncertain environment: This
organisational structure works best when the
environment is relatively dynamic and uncertain.
High differentiation of tasks: Tasks are changing, and
therefore differentiation may be required, so specialists
are required, with each one being responsible for a few
tasks and able to respond quickly.
High integration: In complex environments, rapid
communication and information sharing is necessary.
The departments and different functional areas need to
be tightly integrated.
Centralised decision-making: When the environment is
stable, there is no need for complex decision-making
that involves people at lower levels. Therefore decisionmaking is centralised at the top of the organisation.
Centralised decision-making: When the environment is
dynamic and uncertain, there is a need for complex
decision-making that involves people at lower levels.
Therefore decision-making power should be distributed
to the lower ranks.
Standardisation and formalisation: When tasks are
stable, tasks should be standardised so that operations
can run smoothly without breakdowns.
Little standardisation and formalisation: When tasks
change rapidly, it is unfeasible to institute standardised
formalised procedures. Instead, tasks should be
manually adjusted so that each sub-task is balanced
with other sub-tasks.
Professional body management needs to be vigilant by classifying their tasks as either dynamic or stable,
and then deciding which management structure to adopt. An organic organisational structure provides for
decision-making at lower levels, which may sometimes be viewed as morale boosting to employees if
carefully administered. Employees are given the opportunity to work closely in teams rather than being
frustrated by a bureaucratic structure. As employees’ well-being is provided for through flexibility,
adaptability, and job redefinition, innovation can be promoted easily, concomitant with performance.
3
METHODS AND PROCEDURES
The methodology encompassed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The sample
comprised the population of professional bodies in South Africa. All of the professional bodies were
targeted; thus no sampling was undertaken. For this study, the qualitative strategy was adopted by
conducting interviews, and then the quantitative strategy was used for the analysis of the data. These were
effective in that the interviews helped to gain first-hand knowledge from the participants. The interviews
also helped to validate the draft questionnaire for professional bodies, which was finalised afterwards. The
quantitative approach helped to develop the factors for the framework.
67
Philosophy
Constructivism
Approach
Deductive
Strategy
Survey
Method
Mono-method
Timescale
Cross-sectional
Technique
and
procedure
Questionnaire and
factor analysis
Figure 3: Outline of research philosophy and approach [17]
The research onion (Figure 3), as developed by Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill [17], postulates a flow of
academic research. The flow entails the philosophy, approach, strategy, method, timescale, and technique
and procedure.
As part of the research strategy, the constructivist worldview was adopted. The research was
dependent on the views and opinions of the selected individuals. Ultimately the researcher had to
interpret the meaning others had about the problem being studied.
As further illustrated in Figure 3, a deductive reasoning approach was undertaken, as it enabled the
researcher to test theory based on the literature that had previously been obtained.
The descriptive path was endorsed, espousing the survey methodology as part of the research strategy.
The qualitative approach that was followed entailed interviews with three professional bodies; this
was viewed as the pilot phase. The sessions were aimed at testing the primary instrument, the main
questionnaire, by ensuring that it adequately covered the pertinent areas to be researched. The
quantitative approach was then adopted for the analysis of the data using statistical methods. Factor
analysis was used to determine the most significant factors that informed the development of the
framework for professional bodies.
Adopting the cross-sectional study approach for the study enabled the gathering of data at a particular
point in time.
As part of the technique and procedure, the questionnaire was structured so that it was precise,
informative, and attractive. The front page explained the rationale of the study, and tried to provide
a sense of comfort to the respondent by indicating the ethics clearance number from the UNISA School
of Business Leadership (SBL) for the research as consent to undertake the research. The first section
of the questionnaire was related to the biographical information of the respondent, the profile of the
professional body, general yes/no questions, and constructs with related sub-questions. The
questionnaire contained statements and questions that adequately addressed the primary and
secondary research objectives, as well as the research question. Consideration was given to the fact
that respondents would grow weary of a questionnaire with too many questions. Only the most
important questions were included because they were believed to contribute valuably to the design
of the framework for professional bodies.
68
3.1 Research design
Punch [16] asserts that the perceived role of a research design is to form a link between the research
questions and the data. Design resides between the two, denoting how the research questions will be
connected to the data, and the tools and procedures to use in responding to them. The research design
essentially must follow from the questions and fit them to the data.
The design of this research was closely linked to the exploratory category. Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill
[17] indicate that the techniques of conducting exploratory research are the following:
The search of the literature — journals and books were used for this study.
Interviewing subject matter experts — interviews were separately conducted with three professional
bodies.
An extensive search for apposite literature was conducted using journals, books, and other published works.
The results of the literature review and the interviews enabled the preparation of a comprehensive
questionnaire, ensuring that all the significant themes were covered. The interviews with professional body
managements allowed for the questionnaires to be enhanced. All ambiguous questions were excluded. The
questionnaire was posted online so that respondents could participate in the study in the most objective
and dispassionate manner.
3.2 Response rate
Table 2: Population and sample size
Target population
119 professional bodies
Responses received
92
Rejected
0
Accepted population
92
As can be seen from Table 2, the response rate was high, with 92 (77%) of the targeted 119 professional
bodies participating in the research.
4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Table 3 presents the participants’ response statistics and the reliability statistics for the 11 significant
factors.
Table 3: Reliability statistics
Item
number
Concept
Factor 1: Mandate of professional body
1
Keep members well informed and
knowledgeable about the latest elements and
operational procedures of the best
professional projects and strategic plans being
implemented locally and globally.
2
Promote adherence to benchmarks for
standards as accepted by the best
practitioners in the world.
3
Encourage programmes to implement the
continuous professional development of
existing members.
4
Devise, enforce and administer a
comprehensive code of ethical standards and
procedures.
5
Make a range of considered benefits available
to all the accredited members.
6
Oversee the development of training
programmes and the certification of
professional qualifications.
7
Act in the interests of the public in relation to
the services provided by members and the
associated risks.
8
Promote the imperatives of the government
and enforce legislation.
Cronbach’s
alpha for
each factor
0.643
Cronbach’s
alpha if item
deleted
Mean
Standard
deviation
6.522
0.502
0.673
5.891
0.313
0.667
6.783
0.440
0.601
6.957
0.253
0.613
6.598
0.515
0.568
5.196
0.497
0.589
6.109
0.654
0.578
3.902
0.785
0.620
69
Item
number
9
Factor 2:
10
11
12
13
14
15
Factor 3:
16
17
Factor 4:
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Factor 5:
27
28
29
Factor 6:
30
31
32
33
34
35
Concept
Recognise suitable education and training
providers, and be involved in the curricula of
learning programmes offered by education
and training providers.
Role of members
Members serve on committees/ councils
formed within the body.
Members provide advisory services to the
board of directors/ councils/ committees.
Members are involved in the administration of
the body.
Members provide articles for publication
purposes.
Members offer voluntary assistance to the
operations activities of the body.
Members assist with the planning of
conferences and workshops or other
functions.
Leadership provided to members
The leadership style of the organisation
empowers members.
Members are supportive of the leadership
style of the organisation.
Offerings and benefits
Assists with job placements.
Develops standards of practice.
Assists with career development.
Promotes training, conferencing, workshops
and seminars in terms of CPD.
Offers opportunities to network with other
members.
Encourages contribution to newsletters and
other publications.
Provides knowledge and support to members
through helplines.
Provides a system of grading members.
Ensures members are up to date with the
practices needed by the professional.
Assurance mechanisms
The organisation monitors practitioners’
performance and progress.
The organisation regularly communicates best
practices to practitioners.
The organisation has a quality plan in place.
Financial analysis
The organisation is financially sustainable.
The organisation has many sponsors/ donors.
The organisation receives financial support
from industry.
The organisation receives some financial
support from Sector Education and Training
Authorities (SETAs) and other government
structures.
The organisation has a prescribed fee
structure in place for each grade of
membership.
The intention of the professional body is to
make a profit.
Factor 7: CPD support
36
CPD is concerned with maintaining
knowledge, skills and competencies; in other
words, CPD is about keeping up-to-date.
Cronbach’s
alpha for
each factor
Cronbach’s
alpha if item
deleted
0.580
Mean
Standard
deviation
5.250
1.323
5.620
1.090
0.626
5.630
0.540
0.612
3.670
1.000
0.670
6.070
0.530
0.758
5.730
0.920
0.554
6.750
0.620
0.629
6.010
6.011
6.000
6.000
5.910
6.100
6.290
6.420
0.590
0.330
0.760
0.540
0.570
0.667
0.577
0.707
6.020
0.150
0.724
6.020
0.150
0.724
5.890
1.260
0.596
5.920
5.790
0.540
0.900
0.595
0.588
5.707
0.806
0.377
5.870
0.338
0.812
5.543
0.831
0.690
0.828
0.678
0.699
0.354
0.559
5.970
5.690
5.550
0.350
0.810
1.290
0.525
0.528
0.442
2.720
1.580
0.564
6.410
0.500
0.540
4.860
1.250
0.462
6.260
0.470
0.851
0.847
70
Item
number
Concept
37
CPD improves and broadens knowledge and
skills; in other words, CPD is intended to
support future professional development.
38
CPD is intended to develop the personal
qualities and ethical capacities necessary to
execute professional and technical duties.
39
CPD should enable professionals to improve
their performance in their current role.
40
CPD should enable professionals to take on
new roles.
41
CPD should improve career prospects with
current employers or in current practice.
42
CPD should support career progression to new
employers or to different practices.
Factor 8: Partnerships and collaborations
43
The organisation works in partnership with
businesses in industry.
44
The organisation is actively involved in
standards setting with the South African
Bureau of Standards and other stakeholders.
Factor 9: Research activities
45
The organisation is actively and continuously
involved in research projects.
46
Practitioners produce articles and papers that
are published in journals.
47
Research is conducted for the benefit of the
sector.
48
Research is conducted for the benefit of the
country.
49
Research is conducted for the benefit of the
association.
50
Research is conducted for the benefit of the
members.
Factor 10: Events and activities
51
Only local speakers are used to present at
events.
52
Only international speakers are used to
present at events.
Factor 11: Importance of professional body
53
The organisation sets standards that guide the
industry.
54
The organisation is involved in the skills
development of practitioners in collaboration
with SAQA.
55
The organisation mentors practitioners on
methods to transfer skills effectively to young
talent.
56
The organisation lobbies government
organisations such as SETAs and the Quality
Council for Trade and Occupations (QCTO) so
that the profession can benefit.
57
The organisation acts in the best interests of
the public.
Mean
Standard
deviation
Cronbach’s
alpha for
each factor
6.350
0.500
Cronbach’s
alpha if item
deleted
0.851
6.080
0.540
0.834
6.850
0.510
0.809
6.770
0.630
0.808
5.990
0.350
0.808
6.150
0.590
0.846
5.598
0.839
2.163
0.893
5.163
1.207
0.587
5.076
1.162
0.623
5.924
0.559
0.572
5.228
0.648
0.617
5.304
1.340
0.630
5.949
0.428
0.591
2.196
0.802
2.022
0.444
6.080
0.310
0.875
4.790
2.510
0.731
5.410
1.420
0.807
4.120
1.940
0.702
6.020
1.660
0.705
0.601
0.645
0.601
0.824
Table 3 shows each factor with the related sub-questions and statistics. The ‘Cronbach’s alpha for each
factor’ and the ‘Cronbach’s alpha if item is deleted’ are shown for each sub-question. Where the reliability
value was low, the highest ‘Cronbach’s alpha if item is deleted’ value was deleted in order to increase the
overall reliability of the construct. The statistical reliability of each construct is therefore above the limit
of 0.600, which justifies the conclusion that each of the 11 factors may be regarded as relevant.
71
4.1 Development of significant factors and discussion
Table 4: Empirically significant factors and relevance
1.
Significant factor
Member and
industry support
2.
Professional
development
3.
CPD support to
members
4.
Assurance
mechanisms
5.
SAQA
collaboration
6.
Member
involvement
7.
Standards setting
for industry
8.
Standardisation
9.
Events and
activities
10. Regular
communication
11. Benchmarking
Relevance to the research
Through the research, it emerged that support from the professional body is lacking, and
is most needed by members and industry. ‘Support’ refers to the professional body taking
charge of the career progression of members and collaborating with industry to solve
problems. Professional bodies should coordinate advances in innovation and stimulate the
uptake of new practices and technologies. The support should also result in spin-offs such
as industry financial support to professional bodies.
Professional development arose from the sub-factors of education, workshops, and
training. Respondents agreed that the professional development of members is a core
output of professional bodies, and requires impetus. Professional bodies are urged to
organise more events and workshops that involve members as contributors to professional
development. Industry tours are also considered part of the development roadmap for
members.
The research showed that some professional bodies do not offer CPD. Using a point
allocation system is common practice in most professional bodies; it works well as a
measurement tool, and obligates members to participate in developmental activities.
SAQA requires all affiliated professional bodies to administer CPD to members.
The research showed that robust quality assurance mechanisms in professional bodies are
lacking. Mechanisms such as regular auditing of member development, logs and
checklists, monitoring systems, and communication tools are not used by professional
bodies.
Since several professional bodies are not recognised by SAQA, they do not collaborate
with SAQA, and so certain benefits offered by SAQA are not accessible to them. Benefits
such as funding, training, and development for members are absent. According to SAQA
[4], professional bodies must engage with the QCTO and other educational bodies to
design learnerships for their members.
The research showed that member involvement in the organising of events, the
development of training programmes, etc. is required so that members’ self-esteem can
be raised. Members also want to be involved in research projects that may be related to
problem-solving in the industry.
Professional bodies long to be considered custodians of standards setting for industry.
Through increased research and collaboration, professional bodies can control standards
in specific industries to help promote uniformity. This will lead to the adoption of best
practices that can improve the quality of service and products.
Research conducted by PARN [18] showed that, when members work towards specific
benchmarks, employers and the public are assured of good service. Standardisation in a
professional body is considered beneficial, but it could also be detrimental, especially
when a sensible solution to a problem differs from the prescribed standards. This could
lead to some members being frustrated with the standard processes that may not meet
their needs at times. Standardisation can at times stifle innovation. It is therefore
recommended that professional bodies carefully consider the implications of standardised
processes and continually re-evaluate them.
There is a strong desire for members to be involved in events and activities. This adds to
members’ development, and provides them with the opportunity to get away from their
work places and to engage with their professional bodies. It also gives members the
opportunity to network with one another, discuss industry-related problems, and seek
solutions collectively.
Regular communication has many advantages, and serves to keep members up-to-date. It
promotes a good impression of the professional body.
As part of SAQA’s mandate, international collaboration with other professional bodies is
encouraged and supported. Benchmarking against international standards can be achieved
quite easily if professional bodies seek international affiliation.
There were eleven factors that were statistically significant. Table 4 outlines the final developed significant
factors, which emerged from the statistical analysis as those that most informed the developed framework.
4.2 The developed framework
The framework for the management of professional bodies is presented in Figure 4. It provides empirical
evidence of the pertinent areas that require particular consideration by professional bodies. It also
incorporates the theoretical underpinnings of the output that is needed, which is the excellence that a
professional body will achieve. Through the prolonged use of this framework, it is envisaged that
professional bodies will improve their operations in each of the areas, and ultimately achieve management
excellence.
72
Figure 4: Framework for professional body excellence (source: authors)
4.3 Ethical considerations
The respondents participated in the survey willingly, and their identities were not disclosed, in accordance
with their request.
5
CONCLUSION
The conclusion is discussed with reference to the achievement of the objective.
5.1 Achievement of the objective
To develop a framework that will enhance the management capability of professional bodies.
The collated management activities of a professional body are ratified and informed by the empirical
findings and related literature. The prudent practice of professional bodies is dependent on effective
management.
The factors that were significant for the management of professional bodies are: member and industry
support, CPD support to members, member involvement, events and activities, operational efficiency,
regular communication, standardisation, assurance mechanisms, and benchmarking. Each of these factors
is empirically viewed as the focal areas for a professional body to practise with proficiency.
One of the myths of good service delivery by professional bodies is that ceremonial activities must be
adhered to, for example organising an annual conference for members. The lack of flexibility associated
with ceremonial activities results in compromised performance, which is mostly detrimental to the
credibility of such bodies. The other concern is that ceremonial rules are transmitted from multiple parts
of the environment, which results in rules conflicting at times. These inconsistencies raise concern about
effectiveness when tight coordination and control are problematic. The last area of concern is that
professional bodies decouple structure from activities. The more highly institutionalised the environment,
the more that time and effort are directed to manage the organisation’s public image and status, and the
less that time is devoted to boundary-spanning activities. The bureaucratisation of professional bodies is
considered a hindrance to the execution of certain tasks, and threatens the efficiency of their operations.
The operations of professional bodies should be aimed at satisfying their members as part of their basic
functions. Members today have a demanding mindset, with which the professional body needs to keep up
with. ‘Member involvement’ emerged from the data as a significant factor. The respondents indicated that
members displayed heightened discontent in the absence of professional body support and limited
opportunities.
73
In SAQA’s policy for the recognition of professional bodies, the importance of the professional body applying
sound principles in recognising a community of experts is highlighted. Emphasis is also placed on providing
learnerships for members with the QCTO and other educational bodies. SAQA also stresses the protection
of community interests in relation to the services rendered. The development of designations is an added
responsibility of professional bodies. A code of conduct to manage members is mandatory for all
professional bodies. Career-related information and advice must be a standard service of all professional
bodies.
Professional bodies need to take a leading role in improving productivity within their respective industries.
Productivity improvements can be intensified if professional bodies increase efficiency in their operations.
The impact of their role in increasing the skills level of members and the general capability of the workforce
and management by promoting best practices and sharing the latest innovations should not be
underestimated. The contribution of professional bodies is also indirect in promoting trust and reducing
uncertainty. Furthermore, professional bodies help to co-ordinate advances in innovation and stimulate the
uptake of new practices and technologies.
SAQA views professional bodies as part of the nucleus of the NQF, and they must pursue international
affiliation at all costs for the benefit of their members. SAQA reiterates that professional bodies’ mandate
is to provide members with a set of professional standards, either through local development or through
custodianship of international standards.
5.2 Benefits of the study
Professional bodies can make use of the framework developed through this research by implementing it in
their organisations. This research has identified areas that require changes in the practice of professional
bodies in order to promote efficiency. Their engagement in research will encourage members by giving
them the opportunity to contribute to publications that can be made available industry-wide. Members
should be given the opportunity to be more enthusiastically involved in the operations of their professional
bodies. The research identified this area as apposite in motivating members. Professional bodies should
collaborate actively with academia, the SETAs, and the QCTO so that the development of their members
can be structured in a meaningful way.
5.3 Limitations
Limitations reduce the extent of the study, and may affect the end results and, by extension, the paucity
of empirically grounded theory on professional bodies in South Africa and internationally. However, this
study was valuable in addressing the lack of a framework for professional bodies.
5.4 Recommendation
The determination and implementation of international best practices can contribute to new ways of doing
things that are accepted by the international community. Professional bodies are encouraged to develop
relationships with academia and skills development authorities for the purpose of determining the key
training and development needs of their members. This can result in the right programmes to empower
members.
6
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