Challenges Encountered by Human Resource Management in Implementing a Culture of Innovation in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18410272

Shepherd Mutangabende¹ and Beauty Zindi² (Department of Public Administration, University of Fort Hare, Republic of South Africa¹ and School of Public Management Governance and Public Policy, University of Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa²)

In municipal governments, innovation is becoming more widely acknowledged as a key factor in boosting operational effectiveness and service delivery. This article discusses the obstacles faced by Human Resource Management in adopting innovations within the Eastern Cape region of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). This article aims to determine and evaluate the main obstacles faced by Human Resource Management (HRM) when introducing innovation in local government in the Eastern Cape, investigate the effects caused by such obstacles on the operational efficiency and provision of services of municipalities and recommend techniques that HRM departments may adopt for overcoming these obstacles while effectively embrace innovative practices. The data was acquired from 10 participants from the HRM division and was evaluated utilizing thematic data analysis approaches. The study findings revealed that HRM in BCMM encountered numerous challenges such as inadequate resources, reluctance to change, a shortage of appropriate skills, as well as a fragile organizational culture. These problems are hindering the municipality’s capability to successfully implement innovative HR practices, eventually impacting its potential to enhance the provision of services. The article’s conclusion offers suggestions for resolving these issues, highlighting the significance of organizational culture, leadership, and capacity building in fostering effective innovation in local government.