SARS's IKM strategy : an external perception through the eyes of the media
Date
2006-12
Authors
Groepe, Westonio Sarien
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
South Africa held its first democratic election in 1994. At the moment, government
has to address many injustices of the past. For this they need funds. The years
before 1994 saw South Africa isolated from the rest of the world as a result of its
human rights track record. As a result of this isolation, the government has not only
inherited injustices that need to be addressed, but it also inherited debt, which needs
to be repaid with interest. Therefore, the South African Revenue Service is tasked
with the responsibility to ensure an inflow into government coffers.
The South African Revenue Service has been constituted as an autonomous body in
1997. Although the task of revenue collection seems mundane, its enormity cannot
be over-emphasised. The revenue it collects is needed to address issues of
inequality such as:
• equality of education;
• restoration of basic living conditions, such as shelter and health care; and
• upgrading and retaining skills in order to compete globally.
The general perception is that the South African Revenue Service has achieved
much through transformation projects in a very short period. Furthermore, the
President is embarking on a mission to unite the African continent through various
initiatives. Currently, perception gained from the media is that Africa is corrupt and
lacks the economic will to change. The current study was undertaken to establish
whether the model used by the South African Revenue Service, as perceived by the
media, is well received. A positive media perception could pave the way for other
government organisations as well as South Africa’s neighbours to enter into an
information and knowledge sharing partnership with the South African Revenue
Service to the benefit, not only of the country, but also of the continent as a whole.
The conclusion drawn is that the South African Revenue Service is indeed an
example to be proud of. They seem to have formed partnerships with business, professional bodies and foreign agents as well as with the ordinary man in the street
to engage successfully in discussions, which will ultimately lead to the mutual benefit
of all its stakeholders, internal and external.
Finally, from a media perspective, the organisation is perceived to have done South
Africans proud; however, it is also clear from media reports that room for
improvement exists.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
Keywords
Strategy, Perception, Information and knowledge management, Reputation, Dissertations -- Information science, Theses -- Information science, Assignments -- Information science, South African Revenue Service, Knowledge management, Strategic planning, Mass media