Towards management excellence: The case of south african professional bodies

Abstract

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.