Examining institutional factors influencing the implementation of monitoring and evaluation policies at the Government Pensions Administration Agency

Abstract

Background: The South African Public Service continues to experience ineffective implementation of policy monitoring and evaluation policies, which, by implication, are directly responsible for the slow pace of public service delivery.
Aim: This study examines the institutional relationships in the implementation of monitoring and evaluation policies in the South African Public Service.
Setting: The study was conducted at the Government Pension Administration Agency (GPAA) of the South African Public Service. It emanates from the notion that, despite monitoring and evaluation policies, underlying institutional tensions persist between policy and practice.
Methods: The study utilised qualitative methods. The study collected data through electronic interviews. The study utilised thematic analysis to analyse qualitative data.
Results: The findings demonstrated that weak working relationships within the government departments inhibit the implementation of effective monitoring and evaluation policies. The findings also revealed the advantage of locating the monitoring and evaluation function in the Chief Executive Office. However, the function is prone to prioritising compliance reporting over evaluative evidence and is therefore unable to learn and improve. Finally, the acceptable level of understanding of the role of monitoring and evaluation within the government service delivery machine helps enhance cooperation within the GPAA.
Conclusion: The study revealed that while implementing monitoring and evaluation policies in the public service poses challenges, there is an acceptable level of understanding of the significance of monitoring and evaluation in public service delivery.
Contribution: This study contributes to understanding the institutional challenges of implementing monitoring and evaluation policies and services in the South African public sector.