An appreciative inquiry into factors inspiring strategic shared vision among leadership at the Durban University of Technology.

Abstract

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) like many other higher education institutions exists in an environment of chaos and complexity. In order for the community at DUT to better the way in which it meets the changing demands of society, the organisation and its subsidiaries need to acquire a better understanding of the process of strategic shared visioning and to develop a culture of preparing and developing stakeholders for the process of strategic shared visioning. This dissertation takes a positive approach to developing strategic shared visioning. The study looked to establish factors that inspire strategic shared vision and the effectiveness of Appreciative Inquiry as an intervention to develop strategic visioning. The Appreciative Inquiry Methodology is proposed as part of the programme intervention to develop factors that promote strategic shared vision. The foundation upon which to developing strategic shared visioning is to get the collective to better understand, the self, other individuals and group dynamics. The Appreciative Inquiry methodology uses the 4D – Cycle and creates a positive environment to facilitate progress by looking at future possibilities in a positive and affirmative way. This process is liberal and open but allows for constructive and structured engagement. The four phases of the cycle allows for visioning to be synthesised into a clear design and converted into detailed and methodical action plans. Invo Tech the Innovation Technology Business Incubator is the sector within the Durban University of Technology that is the main focus of the study. The incubator was chosen as the focus of the study as this area is currently one of the priority areas to drive economic development in South Africa. The business is a young organisation that is developing its strategic position within the University and within the incubator community.