Background

A leading South African higher education institution with a vision to be “an international University of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future.” Approximately 4,300 staff members

Client’s Need

To assess whether the organisational culture supports the client’s 4IR strategic intent and transformation goals, evaluate institutionalisation of values and ethical culture, and examine staff experience of diversity, inclusion, and the impacts of COVID-19 on culture.

Laetoli’s Approach

• Collaborated with internal academics and Transformation Unit to co-develop a bespoke culture survey
• Applied Edgar Schein’s model of culture (artefacts, espoused values, underlying assumptions) as a diagnostic frame
• Designed and administered the survey online and in paper format across four languages: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, and Sesotho
• Ensured accessibility for staff without access to digital platforms
• Delivered both high-level and disaggregated reports to faculties and divisions

Key Deliverables

• Bespoke, theory-informed survey instrument
• Comprehensive institutional culture report
• Six domain-specific analytical reports
• Eight faculty-level reports
• 23 divisional reports
• Presentation of findings to leadership and governance structures

Outcomes & Successes

• Achieved robust staff engagement across faculties and divisions
• Enabled data-driven dialogue on culture, ethics, inclusion, and strategic alignment
• Positioned client to take evidence-based decisions to embed values and drive transformation aligned to 4IR

Lessons Learned

• Theoretical grounding (Edgar Schein) enhances depth of analysis and organisational buy-in
• Co-creation of tools with internal stakeholders ensures contextual relevance
• Multi-language and mixed-mode administration fosters accessibility and inclusiveness

The Director of the Transformation Unit, commended Laetoli for delivering a survey process that met the university’s specific needs and was positively received by leadership and stakeholder groups. The collaboration with academics added credibility and relevance to the process