Risk management practices and service delivery in local authorities: a case of Zvimba Rural District Council.

Abstract

Risk management practices and service delivery are critical components of success in local governments because they help to ensure that services are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and sustainably. However, the importance of such methods to improving service delivery among local governments has not been demonstrated due to a lack of information concerning risk management practices on service delivery. The research study was conducted with specific aims in mind: to evaluate the relationship between risk management practices and service delivery in local governments. The study was guided by contingency theory and stakeholder theory. To summarize the data and reach a conclusion, qualitative and case study research designs were used, as well as thematic and narrative analysis. Using Morris’ hypergeometric formula, a sample of twenty-five participants was deduced from a population. To have an equal representation in the sample, purposive sampling was used to obtain a sample of 4 managers from Central Administration department, 3 managers from Finance department, 5 managers from Administration and Human Capital department, 5 from Planning department, 2 from Housing and Social Services department, 3 from Technical Services department and 3 from Banket Town Board from whom equally, interviews and observations were used to collate data while complying with the ethical requirements. The research study discovered that, despite several implementation challenges, risk management positively drives service delivery in local governments by minimizing potential loss or damage to the Council by identifying potential risks and implementing appropriate risk response measures. Finally, risk management is a vital operational procedure that assists Council in identifying, assessing, and responding to potential hazards. It was suggested that risk management frameworks be developed to aid risk identification, analysis, and monitoring.