This book focuses on developing a systematic approach to understanding the transformations in Africa's public sector social media landscape. Looking at the use of social media from the African public sector perspective, the authors present a comprehensive understanding of social media practices and how these could be integrated into African public sector institutions’ operational activities in order to deliver greater value for African citizens and consumers of public goods and services. Chapters explore how social media in Africa differs from traditional media use, their application in the public sector, objectives for government using social media, and how social media plays an interactive role in e-government services. Providings practical guidance on the use of social media in Africa’s public sector and governmental spaces, the book also serves as a teaching text in governance and public sector communication efforts within the African context for both undergraduate and graduate programmes.

Grounded in solid research, Social Media in the Public Sector explores the myriad uses of social media in the public sector and combines existing practices with theories of public administration, networked governance, and information management. Comprehensive in scope, the book includes best practices, the strategic, managerial, administrative, and procedural aspects of using social media, and explains the theoretical dimensions of how social behavior affects the adoption of social media technologies. Praise for Social Media in the Public Sector "Mergel has produced a foundational work that combines the best kind of scholarship with shoe-leather reporting and anthropology that highlights the debates that government agencies are struggling to resolve and the fruits of their efforts as they embrace the social media revolution. Social Media in the Public Sector is a first and sets a high standard against which subsequent analysis will be measured." —Lee Rainie, director, Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project "Mergel is an award-winning author who again wields her story skills in this book. She excels in explaining in concrete, practical terms how government managers can use social media to serve the public. Her book puts years of research into one handy guide. It's practical. It's readable. And it's an essential read." —John M. Kamensky, senior fellow, IBM Center for The Business of Government "Mergel moves beyond the hype with detailed, comprehensive research on social media technologies, use, management, and policies in government. This book should be required reading for researchers and public managers alike." —Jane Fountain, professor and director, National Center for Digital Government, University of Massachusetts Amherst "Comprehensive and compelling, Social Media in the Public Sector makes the case that to achieve Government 2.0, agencies must first adopt Web 2.0 social technologies. Mergel explains both how and why in this contemporary study of traditional institutions adopting and adapting to new technologies." —Beth Simone Noveck, United States Deputy Chief Technology Officer (2009-2011)

“Public sector communication in Southern Africa cannot be understood outside the factors shaped by the region’s historical context, political transitions and, subsequently, the need for transparent and inclusive governance.” In the past decade, digital communication technologies have surged due to the fourth industrial revolution, reshaping communication dynamics with more interactive engagement and rapid feedback. These advancements in the public sector have connected stakeholders to previously inaccessible state branches in South Africa and beyond. Public sector leaders now use digital tools to bolster their brands and demonstrate servant leadership by enhancing service delivery through improved access. This book brings together diverse scholars who contribute insights that analyse the latest theories and practices in the realm of public sector communication in the digital age. It encompasses theory-driven analyses, applied methodologies, and case studies that capture the current realities in public sector digital communication in Southern Africa. EDITORS: Mandla J. Radebe is Associate Professor for Strategic Communication and Director of the Centre for Data and Digital Communication at the University of Johannesburg. Karabo Sitto-Kaunda is Associate Professor for Strategic Communication at the University of Pretoria. Elizabeth Lubinga is Associate Professor for Strategic Communication at the University of Johannesburg.

This book is a fascinating treatment of ethics, governance, and anti-corruption initiatives from a public sector management perspective and is especially relevant for an Africa looking to benefit from the recently launched Africa Continental Free Trade Area. This second part of a two-volume set spans a wide array of contemporary issues. Chapters explore the challenges related to building an ethical climate in Africa’s public sector, what the imperatives of anti-corruption initiatives should be in Africa, ethical orientation in promoting project performance, corporate governance in Zimbabwe’s local authorities and the role of NGOs/CSOs in promoting public sector accountability. On digitalisation, the book discusses the management of Tanzanian public service integrity in the digital era and digital innovation towards sustainable public sector administration in Africa. Public sector management, ethics and corporate governance academics, students, managers and policy makers will find this edited volume critical to improving public sector management in Africa.

African nations are seeking ways to build strong institutions that are development-oriented and people-centred. Extant literature has reported the negative consequences of ineffective government communications with the public. In response, this book — the first of a two-volume edited work — focuses on marketing communication themes related to branding, public relations, trade fairs and exhibitions, and public sector communications. Public sector marketing communication plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between society and the government. Building a relationship with the public through appropriate communication tools and platforms is sacrosanct to restoring public sector image and trust. The book supports this effort by sharing conceptual and theoretical research towards the marketisation of Africa’s public sector as it strives to become an effective partner with the public it serves. Together with the second volume, which focuses on traditional and digital perspectives, this collection fills an existing information gap that is evident in Africa’s public sector.

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has created a pressing need for digital transformation in human resources management (HRM) in public institutions. Traditional practices must be updated, preventing institutions from effectively managing their workforce and meeting stakeholder demands. The lack of digitalization leads to inefficiencies, ineffective performance evaluation, and an inability to adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This gap between existing HR practices and the demands of the digital age poses a significant challenge for public sector organizations. Digital Transformation in Public Sector Human Resource Management offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by public institutions. The book provides practical insights and strategies for aligning HR practices with the modern technological landscape by exploring how digital transformation can revolutionize HRM processes. It demonstrates the benefits of adopting digital technologies and innovative strategies in public sector HRM through real-world examples and case studies. The book guides public sector professionals, policymakers, and academics, helping them navigate the complexities of digital transformation in HRM.

This book describes the trends, challenges and solutions in computing use for scientific research and development within different domains in Africa, such as health, agriculture, environment, economy, energy, education and engineering. The benefits expected are discussed by a number of recognized, domain-specific experts, with a common theme being computing as solution enabler. This book is the first document providing such a representative up-to-date view on this topic at the continent level.