Uncovering the Processes Underpinning Professional Skills Mis-Match in Zambia’s Civil Service: A Straussian Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

The study uncovers the processes underpinning professional skills mismatch in selected government institution in the Civil Service of Zambia which has not been documented in existing literature. The study was a qualitative design utilizing the systematic procedures with analytical steps in phenomenology. Data was generated from a sample of 118 Civil Service from four selected institutions stratified in cohorts of specializations. Data was analysed through iterative coding to attain thematic saturation on processes underpinning the phenomenon of professional skills mismatch in the Civil Service of Zambia. Findings indicated that professional skills mismatch remained evident among Civil Service employees manifesting in varying degrees and forms. Study findings were categorized into organizational and human factors. Organizational management factors included inauspicious recruitment and placement practices, over delegating the placement of recruited personnel, governance overreach and patronage, uncertainty of policy frameworks and administrative tools that identifies and mitigates mismatch, limited documentation, inadequate supervision and limited authority for human resource departments. Employee factors included skill types required in job market, mis-qualification and irrelevant academic training, and monetary benefits of mis-matched employees. This situation undermines the Civil Service’s ability to deliver specialized services effectively. Limitations of the study centered on the apprehension of participants owing to sensitivity of the topic in the Civil Service resulting in skepticism that deterred full disclosure. Future research should derive tools that prevent skill mismatch occurring in the first place among the civil service. The practical implication of the study is to provide empirical information on professional skills mismatch that weakens public confidence in government performance and thus initiate mitigating measures. Recommendation is for government to undertake a scientifically designed professional skills audit objectively without prejudice or emotive biases and designing interventions that align employees with suitable positions thereby enhancing overall institutional performance.