Solutions

The case of the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS), at the University of South Africa (Unisa). The RARE Leadership Change Management Framework for improved Organisational Performance: RARE Principle based values were applied to instigate change, influence behavior that led to the implementation of the changes in the institutional strategy, systems and processes in response to challenges the institution was facing which resulted in, among other things, low morale and poor Performance. The intention for implementing the RARE change strategy was to ensure that new and positive behavior was modelled, rewarded and recognized so that it can be sustained. This process in CEMS led to:

1. Increased research outputs

2. Improved teaching and learning excellence

3. College leading in community engagement initiatives

4. The leading College in ODL Research productivity

5. Increased staff morale & Retention (See attached research publication on Morale in CEMS)

Infusing the RARE Values in the CEMS charter and in a signature course offered to all first year students at Unisa - College of Economic and Management Sciences: “Sustainability and Greed - SUS1501”.

Purpose: The overarching purposes of this signature module is to remind commerce students of their personhood and to present them with a primer to a lifetime of critical thinking. These objectives are pursued by: a) introducing students to selected ethical traditions; and b) providing them with opportunities in the form of case studies to apply these to contemporary social themes including sustainability and greed.

Another Example is Mulungushi University (MU) which has institutionalized the practice of RARE Principle-based values from 2013 which are imbedded in its two consecutive strategic plans; 2014-2018, 2019-2023 and adopted as the values for the institution. This has enabled MU to live the RARE way and become an institution of choice in Zambia. MU has applied the RARE strategic change management model and proactively responded to the current crisis caused by Covid-19 pandemic. It is the only public University in Zambia that continued with the teaching and learning online even after the lockdown so that the academic calendar was not disturbed.

The RARE Leadership traits exhibited during this crisis includes: Authenticity; transparent and inclusive communication; setting the tone & resolve to collectively own the challenges & vulnerabilities we would face & finding solutions as we were navigating in this unknown terrain together in a RARE way; being flexible to adjust as needed; Enhanced the use of ICTs & retrained anyone who needed it both students & staff; showing empathy & ensuring no one was left behind; supported staff & students with connectivity by providing internet bundles directly & by partnering with internet providers; staff worked from home; allowed submission of assignments & exams over a longer period of time to allow for load shedding that has been happening in the country; celebration of small wins along the way which has boosted morale etc. & etc.

In Imparting the RARE values to all students at Mulungushi University, a signature course which includes RARE personal leadership called: “Ethics and sustainable behavior in society”, was introduces and is being offered to all first year students. The outcome has been sought for MU RARE industry.