Conference Agenda

1. Problem statement

In contexts where the sustainability of public universities are a primary concern for university leaders, key dimensions of leadership become markedly significant. This research paper explores the critical role of trust within a public higher education institution in South Africa which undertook a considerable organisational redesign process during 2017-2020. It further examines the dynamics of trust among various stakeholders, including academic and administrative staff, students, and governance structures, and how these relationships impact the sustainability and effectiveness of higher education institutions.

The subsequent organisational redesign process, which was time-intensive and involved extensive consultation, highlighted the necessity of involving relevant stakeholders early in the process, demonstrating vulnerability in leadership, and maintaining transparency to mitigate mistrust. The importance of authentic engagements where mistakes are acknowledged may embed trust in the organisational redesign process through further stakeholder input.

Lastly, trust could be a double-edged sword owing to its inherent vulnerability that could be exploited by actors or stakeholders who develop close relationships during the process.

2. Methodology

Through a document analysis approach, the case study aims to shed light on the mechanisms of trust building, maintenance, and repair, emphasising the significance of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. It discusses the fragility of trust and its implications for organisational change, particularly in contexts where trust has been broken. The analysis extends to the case where the Vice-Chancellor initiated a "listening campaign" aimed at understanding the experiences of staff and students, which facilitated trust-building and informed the university's strategic direction. The campaign underscored the importance of social exchange theory and discursive leadership theory in fostering trust through open communication and engagement. The study provided an opportunity to use trust as a conceptual lense in the strengthening of leadership practices during significant organisational change.

3. Findings

The findings suggest that fostering a culture of trust is essential for successful organisational redesign and that proactive strategies for trust repair are necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of mistrust. The Vice-Chancellor’s "listening campaign" was instrumental in fashioning an authentic stakeholder engagement setting the stage for extensive consultation during the organisational redesign process. The key successes included leadership vulnerability, communicating progress consistently, and displaying fairness throughout the process. The success of a significantly disruptive process also requires sustained commitment. The study also highlighted the risks associated with organisational design process that affected its momentum.

4. Proposal

By situating trust as a conceptual framework, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between trust and organisational dynamics within the public higher education institution in South Africa. The study concludes that a multifaceted approach, incorporating various theoretical frameworks, is essential for nurturing trust during organisational change, while also emphasising the critical role of leadership in the success of such initiatives. Recommendations for sustaining trust include the establishment of clear deliverables and accountability mechanisms, as well as ensuring continuity in leadership during transformative processes. The development of a trust predictor could assist and be applied to various scenarios to determine next steps.

Slovakia belongs to countries where GPP is officially recognised and incorporated into the legislative system. Despite the proclamations and the continuous implementation of the set of GPP-related activities, the reported values of GPP use in practice are far from the set target in the existing policy documents. The goal of this paper is to document the main factors responsible for the fact that well-written GPP policies do not materialise in public procurement practice. From several reasons for such a situation, the text suggests that the risk-averse bureaucratic administrative culture represents one of the most significant barriers to development. Such culture is, to some extent, ‘forced’ by several problematic aspects of the public procurement process in Slovakia, especially the way of the functioning of the control system.

As the world strives to achieve the targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 6 which promises universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, remains a key priority. In Africa, where urban populations are expected to surge, governments face a monumental challenge in delivering on this promise. South Africa, in particular, is grappling with the growing divide between formal urban areas and informal settlements where access to water and sanitation is still a daily struggle for millions. Despite significant strides made since the dawn of democracy, many residents in these underdeveloped areas continue to face severe water shortages and inadequate sanitation, leaving them vulnerable to health risks and deepening inequalities. This study shines a spotlight on one of the most contemporary pressing challenges: the unequal access to water and sanitation in South Africa’s informal settlements. As rapid urbanization outpaces infrastructure development, the need for robust water governance systems has never been more urgent. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study analyses water governance in African cities, with a specific focus on informal settlements in South Africa. Drawing from a wide array of sources, including journal articles, policy documents, and research studies, this exploration identifies critical gaps in governance, policy implementation, and urban planning. By examining these issues, this research not only highlights the challenges but also opens the floor for innovative policy solutions that can drive sustainable water and sanitation access. As the global community works toward the SDG 6 targets, this study offers timely insights into how cities like those in South Africa can adapt, innovate, and ultimately, ensure that no one is left behind in the race to achieve clean water and sanitation for all.