Exploring the role of cultural artefacts in public administration: A case of the Zimbabwe bird.

Abstract

This research explored the roles of cultural artifact in public administration focusing on the case of the Zimbabwe Bird. It sought to establish the role played by the Zimbabwe Bird as a cultural artifact in the various public administration functions of the country and to examine the context to which government fosters its use. The roles, meanings and interpretations that the bird is given by different segments of the Zimbabwean citizens were also examined. Sixty ordinary members of the Zimbabwean population, ten heritage experts, and ten public administrators from selected institutions were interviewed and observed to establish their interpretation on the role of the Zimbabwe Bird. It was established from the research that the artifact plays important roles as it is the country's emblem. Findings revealed that the Zimbabwe Bird is a mark of national identity and unity, cultural dignity, productivity, and symbolises a divine connection with the deities. It also emerged that the citizens of Zimbabwe have a broader interpretation regarding the role of the Zimbabwe Bird than is outlined in the nation's heraldry. From this study, it was therefore recommended that the government of Zimbabwe reinforces its interventions to symbolically appeal to the nation through the Zimbabwe Bird. It was also recommended that more research should be conducted to compile more data and propagate a wider interpretation that maximises the bird's role in public administration.