@article{MAKHILLRJAS201712510032, title = {Assessing the Extent of the Application of Strategic Thinking in a Local Sphere of Government}, journal = {Research Journal of Applied Sciences}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {330-339}, year = {2017}, issn = {1815-932x}, doi = {rjasci.2017.330.339}, url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1815-932x&doi=rjasci.2017.330.339}, author = {Elias,Thabo and}, keywords = {Strategic thinking,integrated development plan,systems perspective,vision-orientated strategy,staff members,determining}, abstract = {This study assessed the extent of the application of strategic thinking in a Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. It was aimed at initiating an inquiry into the relevance of strategic thinking to local governance: its concept and theoretical orientation in the systems approach paradigm and/or science of complexity. The study adopted a qualitative methodology and gave primacy to the key role-players in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process which was treated as equivalent to a strategy-making process. The participants interviewed included senior staff members, ward councillors and ward committee members because of their strategic positions to influence the current and future strategic decision-making as well in determining how to improve it.} }