Green business and environmental issues: family versus non-family business
- Grobler, Marthinus Petrus Johannes
- Authors: Grobler, Marthinus Petrus Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008058 , Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises
- Description: The aim of the study was to understand whether family businesses and non-family business differ from one another regarding green business and environmental issues. Green business issues are of global importance for the continued existence of business within the world. Businesses do not exist in isolation but within the context of the environment within which they function. Business has an impact on the environment and the environment has an impact on business. Furthermore, family businesses constitute a large part of the world economy and estimates range from 60-90 percent of GDP contributed by family businesses. In the South African context family businesses also form a significant part of the business environment. A literature study was conducted. The study identified five factors and considered each of these factors in the study. The five factors are: Green Business; Values; Stewardship; Succession; and, Stakeholders. In addition to a literature, primary research was conducted and data were collected by means of a questionnaire that collected data on the factors identified as well as some biographical information, including race, age and the sectors in which the respondents operated. The study’s findings correspond with the literature study, although no clear difference was found between family business and non-family business relating to green business and environmental issues. Family businesses do however believe that they are stewards of the environment and need to care for the environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Grobler, Marthinus Petrus Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008058 , Environmental impact analysis -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises
- Description: The aim of the study was to understand whether family businesses and non-family business differ from one another regarding green business and environmental issues. Green business issues are of global importance for the continued existence of business within the world. Businesses do not exist in isolation but within the context of the environment within which they function. Business has an impact on the environment and the environment has an impact on business. Furthermore, family businesses constitute a large part of the world economy and estimates range from 60-90 percent of GDP contributed by family businesses. In the South African context family businesses also form a significant part of the business environment. A literature study was conducted. The study identified five factors and considered each of these factors in the study. The five factors are: Green Business; Values; Stewardship; Succession; and, Stakeholders. In addition to a literature, primary research was conducted and data were collected by means of a questionnaire that collected data on the factors identified as well as some biographical information, including race, age and the sectors in which the respondents operated. The study’s findings correspond with the literature study, although no clear difference was found between family business and non-family business relating to green business and environmental issues. Family businesses do however believe that they are stewards of the environment and need to care for the environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of family preservation and family reunification services on families in South Africa: a case study of Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Zimba, Zibonele France
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Family services Dysfunctional families -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Family social work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3088 , vital:28260
- Description: Families in communities remain vulnerable and, apart from poverty, face a host of other crises and challenges on a daily basis. Amongst the challenges that families face, children are affected most. Services targeting families with very young children therefore are imperative. This study was aimed at exploring the impact of family preservation and family reunification services on families in South Africa, with a focus on the Eastern Cape Province. To answer the research questions of this study, the research adopted a mixed methods design known as methodological triangulation. The study incorporated two sets of participants, Social Workers and heads of families that benefit from family preservation and family reunification services. The total sample for the study included 260 participants; 220 of the participants were heads of families and 40 of the participants were Social Workers. Questionnaires were administered to 200 heads of families and 20 Social Workers selected by means of the random sampling technique. In addition, 20 heads of families and 20 Social Workers who participated in in-depth interviews were purposively selected. The quantitative data were analysed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data were categorised with the use of themes and subthemes
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zimba, Zibonele France
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Family services Dysfunctional families -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Family social work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3088 , vital:28260
- Description: Families in communities remain vulnerable and, apart from poverty, face a host of other crises and challenges on a daily basis. Amongst the challenges that families face, children are affected most. Services targeting families with very young children therefore are imperative. This study was aimed at exploring the impact of family preservation and family reunification services on families in South Africa, with a focus on the Eastern Cape Province. To answer the research questions of this study, the research adopted a mixed methods design known as methodological triangulation. The study incorporated two sets of participants, Social Workers and heads of families that benefit from family preservation and family reunification services. The total sample for the study included 260 participants; 220 of the participants were heads of families and 40 of the participants were Social Workers. Questionnaires were administered to 200 heads of families and 20 Social Workers selected by means of the random sampling technique. In addition, 20 heads of families and 20 Social Workers who participated in in-depth interviews were purposively selected. The quantitative data were analysed by means of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data were categorised with the use of themes and subthemes
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Attraction and retention of non-family business employees
- Authors: Van Zyl, Jacques
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Employee retention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1365 , Family-owned business enterprises , Employee retention
- Description: The purpose of this research treatise was to identify specific aspects related to employees in a non-family owned business that can be adopted by family owned businesses in order to attract, attain and motivate non-family employees. The focus of the researched aspect was based on seven categories of business management, namely; governance, policies and procedures, direction and planning, leadership, employee development, rewards and other general related characteristics. The research commenced with a literature review, which centered on background information pertaining to family owned businesses and specific aspects related to organisation and management thereof. It was assessed that very few completed research papers exit that addressed the topic as indicated above. The research focussed on a medium sized, non-family owned business within the consulting engineering industry. The physical research consisted of a questionnaire distributed to all of the employees of the particular firm. The questionnaire was made up of two sections. The first was a typical Likert scale type and the second, open ended questions. The questions of both question sets were categorised in specific business control and management topics, namely: - Governance; - Policies and procedures; - Direction and planning; - Leadership; - Employee development; - Rewards; and, - General aspects. The primary objective of this study was to identify and explore the factors that are regarded to be important by unrelated employees in work environment, specifically focusing on attaining, retaining and motivating aspects. The study found that the average employee prefers to have desire for formal management structures and see succession planning not only as an important sustainable business strategy, but also as an underlying motivation principle. Also identified were the partialities towards formal employee management systems, employee development, and the value of monetary rewards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Van Zyl, Jacques
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Employee retention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1365 , Family-owned business enterprises , Employee retention
- Description: The purpose of this research treatise was to identify specific aspects related to employees in a non-family owned business that can be adopted by family owned businesses in order to attract, attain and motivate non-family employees. The focus of the researched aspect was based on seven categories of business management, namely; governance, policies and procedures, direction and planning, leadership, employee development, rewards and other general related characteristics. The research commenced with a literature review, which centered on background information pertaining to family owned businesses and specific aspects related to organisation and management thereof. It was assessed that very few completed research papers exit that addressed the topic as indicated above. The research focussed on a medium sized, non-family owned business within the consulting engineering industry. The physical research consisted of a questionnaire distributed to all of the employees of the particular firm. The questionnaire was made up of two sections. The first was a typical Likert scale type and the second, open ended questions. The questions of both question sets were categorised in specific business control and management topics, namely: - Governance; - Policies and procedures; - Direction and planning; - Leadership; - Employee development; - Rewards; and, - General aspects. The primary objective of this study was to identify and explore the factors that are regarded to be important by unrelated employees in work environment, specifically focusing on attaining, retaining and motivating aspects. The study found that the average employee prefers to have desire for formal management structures and see succession planning not only as an important sustainable business strategy, but also as an underlying motivation principle. Also identified were the partialities towards formal employee management systems, employee development, and the value of monetary rewards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The role of women in black family business in South Africa
- Authors: Mrara,Lulama
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Women -- Economic conditions -- 21st century Women in the professions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12253 , vital:27048
- Description: Family businesses are major contributors to economies around the world. It is also recognised that family businesses are critical to entrepreneurship, socio- economic development and industrialisation around the world. Women in family business are major contributors to the success of the family business around the world. Limited research is available on the role of women in family business. The research conducted yielded similar results for South Africa. The impact of family business on entrepreneurship and the economy, with respect to socio- economic development, has placed great interest in family business studies in South Africa. This study focused on the role of women in black family business in South Africa. This research found that women in black family business focus on bringing softer skills to the business which are beneficial for people management. In their capacity as managers in the family business, women tend to take on a supportive role to the spouse; they tend to focus on ensuring a harmonious and peaceful culture in the work place. Women in family business have a dual role of ensuring business success and quality family life. They prefer to work in the shadow of their male counterparts. Challenges faced by women in black family business have been identified as the lack of inclusion in strategic decision- making, lack of decision-making career opportunities and the lack of consideration for succession within the business, a lack of business mentorship and ambiguity of roles in the business and in the family. It has been found that the role of women in black family business may be enhanced going forward. This may be done through educational programmes or workshops for management skills for women, networking opportunities and support groups, counselling on work/family management strategies, and spousal sharing of responsibilities in the work- family management relationship. A suggested area for future research is the impact of culture in family business in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mrara,Lulama
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Women -- Economic conditions -- 21st century Women in the professions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12253 , vital:27048
- Description: Family businesses are major contributors to economies around the world. It is also recognised that family businesses are critical to entrepreneurship, socio- economic development and industrialisation around the world. Women in family business are major contributors to the success of the family business around the world. Limited research is available on the role of women in family business. The research conducted yielded similar results for South Africa. The impact of family business on entrepreneurship and the economy, with respect to socio- economic development, has placed great interest in family business studies in South Africa. This study focused on the role of women in black family business in South Africa. This research found that women in black family business focus on bringing softer skills to the business which are beneficial for people management. In their capacity as managers in the family business, women tend to take on a supportive role to the spouse; they tend to focus on ensuring a harmonious and peaceful culture in the work place. Women in family business have a dual role of ensuring business success and quality family life. They prefer to work in the shadow of their male counterparts. Challenges faced by women in black family business have been identified as the lack of inclusion in strategic decision- making, lack of decision-making career opportunities and the lack of consideration for succession within the business, a lack of business mentorship and ambiguity of roles in the business and in the family. It has been found that the role of women in black family business may be enhanced going forward. This may be done through educational programmes or workshops for management skills for women, networking opportunities and support groups, counselling on work/family management strategies, and spousal sharing of responsibilities in the work- family management relationship. A suggested area for future research is the impact of culture in family business in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The role of governance in the Offerman family businesses
- Authors: Offerman, John Leonard
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1487 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa
- Description: The primary research objective considered by this study was to determine the nature of the governance system employed by the Offerman Family businesses in ensuring that all company assets, resources and actions are directed at, and controlled in the achievement of established company objectives and are accounted for to all legitimate stakeholders. Four related secondary objectives were also examined. The Offerman Family businesses consist of three separate companies that all make clay bricks in some form. Over recent years, the Offerman Family businesses have grown and taken on various minority shareholders in these three separate companies. For this reason, the governance requirements of the businesses have changed significantly from when the businesses were smaller and owned by a single family. The literature review on which the study is founded commences with an overview of family business topics appropriate to the research. Following this introduction, the history of the Offerman Family businesses is presented through until the present day (August 2010). Topics of governance are then considered in depth with a particular focus maintained throughout on that most applicable to the Offerman Family businesses. The research followed a case study approach within the phenomenological research paradigm. The details of the methodology employed are provided including an explanation of the questionnaire used as the research instrument. The questionnaire was submitted to ten people capable of influencing governance in the Offerman Family businesses and a useful response rate of 90 percent was achieved. The findings of the research detail the nature of the governance system employed by the Offerman Family businesses. It appears that there are shortcomings with family governance while governance of the businesses seems to be facilitated by the presence of the requisite governance building blocks such as a board of directors. Nevertheless, these governance systems are currently not functioning optimally leaving considerable room for improvement. The study closes with a review of the secondary research objectives and the resolution thereof. A list of recommendations is provided, which if implemented, could assist the Offerman Family businesses towards improving governance. Recommendations towards additional research are offered followed by an explanation of the limitations of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Offerman, John Leonard
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1487 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa
- Description: The primary research objective considered by this study was to determine the nature of the governance system employed by the Offerman Family businesses in ensuring that all company assets, resources and actions are directed at, and controlled in the achievement of established company objectives and are accounted for to all legitimate stakeholders. Four related secondary objectives were also examined. The Offerman Family businesses consist of three separate companies that all make clay bricks in some form. Over recent years, the Offerman Family businesses have grown and taken on various minority shareholders in these three separate companies. For this reason, the governance requirements of the businesses have changed significantly from when the businesses were smaller and owned by a single family. The literature review on which the study is founded commences with an overview of family business topics appropriate to the research. Following this introduction, the history of the Offerman Family businesses is presented through until the present day (August 2010). Topics of governance are then considered in depth with a particular focus maintained throughout on that most applicable to the Offerman Family businesses. The research followed a case study approach within the phenomenological research paradigm. The details of the methodology employed are provided including an explanation of the questionnaire used as the research instrument. The questionnaire was submitted to ten people capable of influencing governance in the Offerman Family businesses and a useful response rate of 90 percent was achieved. The findings of the research detail the nature of the governance system employed by the Offerman Family businesses. It appears that there are shortcomings with family governance while governance of the businesses seems to be facilitated by the presence of the requisite governance building blocks such as a board of directors. Nevertheless, these governance systems are currently not functioning optimally leaving considerable room for improvement. The study closes with a review of the secondary research objectives and the resolution thereof. A list of recommendations is provided, which if implemented, could assist the Offerman Family businesses towards improving governance. Recommendations towards additional research are offered followed by an explanation of the limitations of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An examination of succession planning approaches in family owned businesses : a case study of two businesses in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Govender, Rowan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1621 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Description: Family businesses constitute a large number of businesses worldwide contributing significantly to the global economy. Succession planning is a key issue influencing the sustainability of these family businesses. According to research, approximately 30% of businesses fail due to matters related to succession planning (Grote, 2003). Further research indicated that approximately 50% of family businesses do not have adequate succession plans in place. Hence, family businesses are exposed to significant risk in sustainability due to insufficient succession planning. An effective approach to succession planning in a family business increases the chance of success of a family business in both the short and long term. The purpose of this study was to develop a better understanding of approaches to succession planning in two family businesses in East London, South Africa. This purpose was to improve the commercial viability of family businesses and improve the body of knowledge from an academic perspective. To this end, a detailed literature study was conducted on family businesses and succession planning. A qualitative case study research paradigm was implemented to ascertain the nature of the approaches adopted by the two businesses. An interview process was conducted with the incumbent founders (fathers) and successors (sons) of the family business. This process suggested that each business requires a unique approach to succession plan which may include aspects of formal and informal processes. It is necessary to understand the nature of the family business, its interrelated relationships and context to adequately determine the success of a succession approach. It is for this reason that families aspiring long term sustainability should invest in effective succession planning approaches that integrate the nuances of the individual family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Govender, Rowan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1621 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management , Family corporations -- Management
- Description: Family businesses constitute a large number of businesses worldwide contributing significantly to the global economy. Succession planning is a key issue influencing the sustainability of these family businesses. According to research, approximately 30% of businesses fail due to matters related to succession planning (Grote, 2003). Further research indicated that approximately 50% of family businesses do not have adequate succession plans in place. Hence, family businesses are exposed to significant risk in sustainability due to insufficient succession planning. An effective approach to succession planning in a family business increases the chance of success of a family business in both the short and long term. The purpose of this study was to develop a better understanding of approaches to succession planning in two family businesses in East London, South Africa. This purpose was to improve the commercial viability of family businesses and improve the body of knowledge from an academic perspective. To this end, a detailed literature study was conducted on family businesses and succession planning. A qualitative case study research paradigm was implemented to ascertain the nature of the approaches adopted by the two businesses. An interview process was conducted with the incumbent founders (fathers) and successors (sons) of the family business. This process suggested that each business requires a unique approach to succession plan which may include aspects of formal and informal processes. It is necessary to understand the nature of the family business, its interrelated relationships and context to adequately determine the success of a succession approach. It is for this reason that families aspiring long term sustainability should invest in effective succession planning approaches that integrate the nuances of the individual family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An exploration of affirming family communication in families with adolescent children
- Authors: Jordaan, Cabriere
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in families , Families -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020054
- Description: Affirming or positive family communication is important to equip families and individuals to meet life challenges. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between affirming family communication and family functioning, as well as the relationship between family functioning and the quality of communication between the adolescent and the father and mother respectively. Following this, affirming family communication was explored qualitatively from the perspective of the adolescent. A cross-sectional, quantitative survey research design was combined with an exploratory, qualitative design. The quantitative data was collected by asking participants to complete self-report questionnaires. The qualitative component consisted of focus groups discussing the topic of affirming family communication. One hundred first-year Psychology students of Stellenbosch University in South Africa completed the questionnaires. Fourteen of these students also participated in the focus groups. The quantitative results revealed a significant positive correlation between affirming family communication and family functioning. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between family functioning and openness in communication between the adolescent and the mother and father respectively. Three core categories (with sub- categories) emerged from the content analysis of the focus group discussions. These core categories were verbal affirming communication, non-verbal affirming communication and functional affirming communication. The findings of this study highlight the importance of affirming family communication, especially in families with adolescent children, while also providing a description of affirming family communication from the adolescent’s perspective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jordaan, Cabriere
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in families , Families -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9958 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020054
- Description: Affirming or positive family communication is important to equip families and individuals to meet life challenges. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between affirming family communication and family functioning, as well as the relationship between family functioning and the quality of communication between the adolescent and the father and mother respectively. Following this, affirming family communication was explored qualitatively from the perspective of the adolescent. A cross-sectional, quantitative survey research design was combined with an exploratory, qualitative design. The quantitative data was collected by asking participants to complete self-report questionnaires. The qualitative component consisted of focus groups discussing the topic of affirming family communication. One hundred first-year Psychology students of Stellenbosch University in South Africa completed the questionnaires. Fourteen of these students also participated in the focus groups. The quantitative results revealed a significant positive correlation between affirming family communication and family functioning. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between family functioning and openness in communication between the adolescent and the mother and father respectively. Three core categories (with sub- categories) emerged from the content analysis of the focus group discussions. These core categories were verbal affirming communication, non-verbal affirming communication and functional affirming communication. The findings of this study highlight the importance of affirming family communication, especially in families with adolescent children, while also providing a description of affirming family communication from the adolescent’s perspective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Succession in a family business in the beer industry
- Authors: Human, Stephen Bertram
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021057
- Description: Every business organisation has a unique set of challenges and problems. The family business is mainly affected by personal factors and family political influences. Most family business political influences are based on succession. Many of these problems exist in corporate business environments, but can be exaggerated in a family business. Family businesses go through various stages of growth and development over time. Many of these challenges will be found once the second and subsequent generations enter the business. One of the key problems is succession planning. Most family organisations do not have a plan for handing the power to the next generation, leading to great political conflicts and divisions. Despite the foregoing problems, family business is the world’s dominant form of business organisation. Based on figures compiled by the Family Firm Institute (FFI), in the Barclays Wealth Insights 2009, family firms comprise 80% to 90% of all businesses in North America. In the United Kingdom 75% of all businesses are family businesses. Some of the world’s biggest and best-known companies are family-owned. In the United States, some 37% of Fortune 500 companies are family-owned. In the global beer industry there are two family owned businesses in the top five, namely the Anheuser Busch Inbev Brewing Company and Heineken Breweries. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, a Heineken family member is delegate member of the Board of directors of Heineken Holding N.V. (Heineken Annual Report, 2011).This research report investigated succession at Heineken (as a family business). The researcher employed a mixed methodology approach where both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments were used to gather data from two different groups of respondents (Heineken Operational Company Executives and Heineken Expatriates). Numerous attempts were made to contact Mrs Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken as well as other members of the Heineken family, without success. None of the questionnaires were returned. The research concluded that despite the fact that Heineken management has been highly professionalised with the majority of senior management structures filled with non-family members; the company is still a family business because 50.005% of the shareholding is held by Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken who is a family member. The research also observed that Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken sits on the Heineken Board of Directors. There is also an interesting side to the family ownership of the Heineken business. According to the Heineken Group’s 2009 Annual Report, the Hoyer family and Heineken family own L’Arche Green, a company that holds 58.78% interest in Heineken Holdings. This scenario confirms earlier research findings that according to the Agency Theory, managers who are not owners will not watch over the affairs of a firm as diligently as owners managing the firm themselves. The placement of Mrs.de Carvalho Heineken and Mr. D.P. Hoyer on Board of Directors is therefore very strategic in terms of maintaining the “familiness” of the Heineken business. Although respondents were not as direct as to whether there was a succession plan at Heineken, available documents reveal that indeed there is a succession plan at the company. It is interesting to note that Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken has been a member of the Executive Board of Directors since the age of thirty-four (she was nominated in 1988). This type of exposure to the Heineken business would went a long way in preparing Mrs. de Carvalho-Heineken for future positions. Her experience as a member of the Executive Board of Directors therefore confirms results of studies that found that positive firm performance by family successors is associated with successor’s development and intergenerational relationships, succession planning, successor’s potential capability, commitment to the firm and successor’s business skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Human, Stephen Bertram
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021057
- Description: Every business organisation has a unique set of challenges and problems. The family business is mainly affected by personal factors and family political influences. Most family business political influences are based on succession. Many of these problems exist in corporate business environments, but can be exaggerated in a family business. Family businesses go through various stages of growth and development over time. Many of these challenges will be found once the second and subsequent generations enter the business. One of the key problems is succession planning. Most family organisations do not have a plan for handing the power to the next generation, leading to great political conflicts and divisions. Despite the foregoing problems, family business is the world’s dominant form of business organisation. Based on figures compiled by the Family Firm Institute (FFI), in the Barclays Wealth Insights 2009, family firms comprise 80% to 90% of all businesses in North America. In the United Kingdom 75% of all businesses are family businesses. Some of the world’s biggest and best-known companies are family-owned. In the United States, some 37% of Fortune 500 companies are family-owned. In the global beer industry there are two family owned businesses in the top five, namely the Anheuser Busch Inbev Brewing Company and Heineken Breweries. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, a Heineken family member is delegate member of the Board of directors of Heineken Holding N.V. (Heineken Annual Report, 2011).This research report investigated succession at Heineken (as a family business). The researcher employed a mixed methodology approach where both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments were used to gather data from two different groups of respondents (Heineken Operational Company Executives and Heineken Expatriates). Numerous attempts were made to contact Mrs Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken as well as other members of the Heineken family, without success. None of the questionnaires were returned. The research concluded that despite the fact that Heineken management has been highly professionalised with the majority of senior management structures filled with non-family members; the company is still a family business because 50.005% of the shareholding is held by Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken who is a family member. The research also observed that Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken sits on the Heineken Board of Directors. There is also an interesting side to the family ownership of the Heineken business. According to the Heineken Group’s 2009 Annual Report, the Hoyer family and Heineken family own L’Arche Green, a company that holds 58.78% interest in Heineken Holdings. This scenario confirms earlier research findings that according to the Agency Theory, managers who are not owners will not watch over the affairs of a firm as diligently as owners managing the firm themselves. The placement of Mrs.de Carvalho Heineken and Mr. D.P. Hoyer on Board of Directors is therefore very strategic in terms of maintaining the “familiness” of the Heineken business. Although respondents were not as direct as to whether there was a succession plan at Heineken, available documents reveal that indeed there is a succession plan at the company. It is interesting to note that Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken has been a member of the Executive Board of Directors since the age of thirty-four (she was nominated in 1988). This type of exposure to the Heineken business would went a long way in preparing Mrs. de Carvalho-Heineken for future positions. Her experience as a member of the Executive Board of Directors therefore confirms results of studies that found that positive firm performance by family successors is associated with successor’s development and intergenerational relationships, succession planning, successor’s potential capability, commitment to the firm and successor’s business skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Family business: a legitimate scholarly field
- Authors: Farrington, Shelley M
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20934 , vital:29420
- Description: My lecture this afternoon is titled “Family business: A legitimate scholarly field”. I will first provide you with some background to family businesses and their prominence and contributions worldwide. This will be followed by an overview of how the field has evolved and where it is today. I will highlight the key role players in this evolution, some of the main challenges facing the field as well as the reasons why scholars study these businesses. I will conclude by highlighting how I believe that research on family business in South Africa can contribute to the field as a whole.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Farrington, Shelley M
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20934 , vital:29420
- Description: My lecture this afternoon is titled “Family business: A legitimate scholarly field”. I will first provide you with some background to family businesses and their prominence and contributions worldwide. This will be followed by an overview of how the field has evolved and where it is today. I will highlight the key role players in this evolution, some of the main challenges facing the field as well as the reasons why scholars study these businesses. I will conclude by highlighting how I believe that research on family business in South Africa can contribute to the field as a whole.
- Full Text:
A pilot study into the functioning of families with a member who is a hospice patient to determine whether hospice families require family therapy
- Authors: Evans, Alison
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Hospice care , Terminal care , Family psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011767 , Hospice care , Terminal care , Family psychotherapy
- Description: The aim of this pilot study, which was carried out under the auspices of the Grahamstown Hospice, is to evaluate the functioning of families with a terminally ill member, in order to establish whether these families require family therapy. The Family Assessment Device (FAD), based on the McMaster Model of Family Functioning, was used. Data from 20 families was analysed and the extent to which these families constitute a clinical sample is highlighted. In terms of the dimension of General Functioning, 15 families emerged as functioning at a problematic level. Communication emerged as the most dysfunctional of the seven dimensions of the FAD, with 17 families functioning at a problematic level. As a result of these findings it is argued that family therapy should be incorporated into the range of services offered by hospices. Limitations of this study and directions for future research are also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: Evans, Alison
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: Hospice care , Terminal care , Family psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011767 , Hospice care , Terminal care , Family psychotherapy
- Description: The aim of this pilot study, which was carried out under the auspices of the Grahamstown Hospice, is to evaluate the functioning of families with a terminally ill member, in order to establish whether these families require family therapy. The Family Assessment Device (FAD), based on the McMaster Model of Family Functioning, was used. Data from 20 families was analysed and the extent to which these families constitute a clinical sample is highlighted. In terms of the dimension of General Functioning, 15 families emerged as functioning at a problematic level. Communication emerged as the most dysfunctional of the seven dimensions of the FAD, with 17 families functioning at a problematic level. As a result of these findings it is argued that family therapy should be incorporated into the range of services offered by hospices. Limitations of this study and directions for future research are also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
An exploration of conflict in farming family businesses in the southern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Kleynhans, Maria Magdalena
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Conflict (Psychology) , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011275 , Conflict (Psychology) , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa
- Description: Family businesses are considered to be among the most important contributors to wealth and employment in virtually the world. This qualitative study looked at farming family businesses. Farming family businesses present certain unique features that discern them from other family businesses and are worthy of investigation. Two domains are identified in the literature and research about conflict in family business: The business and the family. The researcher postulated that the domain of the family is too broadly drawn and that farming family systems in the Sibling Partnership Stage, with their unique way of life and functioning, consist of several sub-systems which impact on the business. Conflict develops in and between the sub-systems. This study looked at conflict within farming family businesses from a systemic viewpoint, particularly focusing on the process aspects, the interactional dynamics in and between the sub-systems. Four active types of subsystems were identified in the case studies: Couples subsystems, parent child subsystems, sibling subsystems, in-law subsystems or subsystems of which at least one member is an in-law. The research aim was to explore the circular patterns in the two cases as systems and to uncover the function of the conflict in these systems. In both cases, circular conflict patterns came to the fore with the subsystems part of the feedback loops. The conflict escalation happened between the subsystems as elements and the conflict paths were circular, not linear. Sub-themes around family scripts, communication and perceptions about fairness were also uncovered in the research. Both cases were family businesses in the two-generational development stage. The function of the conflict in both systems could only be hypothesised due to the exploratory nature of the research. The researcher hypothesized that the function of the conflict in the systems centred around conflict as an attempt in the system to shake loose from entrenched restricting family scripts. The important themes that presented themselves in the research not envisaged in the planning stage. These themes are part of the systemic patterning in both the cases: Perceptions of fairness or rather unfairness feed into the conflict loop. Rewards and compensation are sensitive matters in all families. The more there are perceptions of unfairness in a subsystem, the more entrenched that belief becomes, the more the conflict in the system escalates and the bigger the emotional distance gets from the assumed beneficiaries of benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kleynhans, Maria Magdalena
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Conflict (Psychology) , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011275 , Conflict (Psychology) , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family farms -- South Africa
- Description: Family businesses are considered to be among the most important contributors to wealth and employment in virtually the world. This qualitative study looked at farming family businesses. Farming family businesses present certain unique features that discern them from other family businesses and are worthy of investigation. Two domains are identified in the literature and research about conflict in family business: The business and the family. The researcher postulated that the domain of the family is too broadly drawn and that farming family systems in the Sibling Partnership Stage, with their unique way of life and functioning, consist of several sub-systems which impact on the business. Conflict develops in and between the sub-systems. This study looked at conflict within farming family businesses from a systemic viewpoint, particularly focusing on the process aspects, the interactional dynamics in and between the sub-systems. Four active types of subsystems were identified in the case studies: Couples subsystems, parent child subsystems, sibling subsystems, in-law subsystems or subsystems of which at least one member is an in-law. The research aim was to explore the circular patterns in the two cases as systems and to uncover the function of the conflict in these systems. In both cases, circular conflict patterns came to the fore with the subsystems part of the feedback loops. The conflict escalation happened between the subsystems as elements and the conflict paths were circular, not linear. Sub-themes around family scripts, communication and perceptions about fairness were also uncovered in the research. Both cases were family businesses in the two-generational development stage. The function of the conflict in both systems could only be hypothesised due to the exploratory nature of the research. The researcher hypothesized that the function of the conflict in the systems centred around conflict as an attempt in the system to shake loose from entrenched restricting family scripts. The important themes that presented themselves in the research not envisaged in the planning stage. These themes are part of the systemic patterning in both the cases: Perceptions of fairness or rather unfairness feed into the conflict loop. Rewards and compensation are sensitive matters in all families. The more there are perceptions of unfairness in a subsystem, the more entrenched that belief becomes, the more the conflict in the system escalates and the bigger the emotional distance gets from the assumed beneficiaries of benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Variables affecting family employee remuneration in South African family businesses
- Authors: Pitsiladi, Lesvokli N
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Human capital -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3449 , vital:20431
- Description: The purpose of this multi-case study research was to determine variables that affect The Perceived Success of Fair Family Employee Compensation in South African family businesses. Five propositions: Human Capital, Outside Advice, Succession Planning, Fairness and Family Harmony were tested and as a result, Human Capital, Fairness and Family Harmony were deduced to have a positive influence, while Outside Advice and Succession Planning had a non-significant influence. The present research effort begun with an in-depth literature review on family business and the variables: Human Capital, Outside Advice, Succession Planning, Fairness, Family Harmony and Fair Family Employee Compensation, followed by a qualitative explanatory multi-case study research design using embedded units of analysis and provided a valuable insight into compensation issues regarding family businesses in South Africa. Replication logic was used to generalise the results and it was recommended that the preliminary theory regarding Outside Advice and Succession Planning be revised and tested with another set of cases, while the results indicated that Human Capital, Fairness and Family Harmony could be generalised to the broader theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Pitsiladi, Lesvokli N
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Human capital -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3449 , vital:20431
- Description: The purpose of this multi-case study research was to determine variables that affect The Perceived Success of Fair Family Employee Compensation in South African family businesses. Five propositions: Human Capital, Outside Advice, Succession Planning, Fairness and Family Harmony were tested and as a result, Human Capital, Fairness and Family Harmony were deduced to have a positive influence, while Outside Advice and Succession Planning had a non-significant influence. The present research effort begun with an in-depth literature review on family business and the variables: Human Capital, Outside Advice, Succession Planning, Fairness, Family Harmony and Fair Family Employee Compensation, followed by a qualitative explanatory multi-case study research design using embedded units of analysis and provided a valuable insight into compensation issues regarding family businesses in South Africa. Replication logic was used to generalise the results and it was recommended that the preliminary theory regarding Outside Advice and Succession Planning be revised and tested with another set of cases, while the results indicated that Human Capital, Fairness and Family Harmony could be generalised to the broader theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The meaning of success : perspectives of family business owners using word associations
- Authors: Scheepers, Jessica
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Success , Association tests , Content analysis (Communication)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018512
- Description: Despite family business researchers having worked towards an understanding of how family businesses obtain success or achieve satisfaction, much confusion and debate on how to define success still exist in the field. It is suggested that defining success in terms of a family business is problematic because even family members themselves have varying perceptions of success. This confusion and debate has in recent years led to an increase in research concerning the meaning of success in the context of family businesses. Defining success is necessary, because if family businesses do not know what success means and what they are working towards, they will not know what decisions to make in order to be successful. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to establish the perceptions of the concept of success among family business owners. For the purpose of this study, a mixed methodology was adopted because the data was collected using a qualitative method but analysed using a quantitative method. This study used a free word association test – which is a qualitative projective technique – to collect the data, which was then analysed by means of summative manifest content analysis which is a quantitative research method. Convenience sampling was used to identify small business owners to undergo the word association tests. By means of these tests, 811 words/phrases were generated by the 50 small non-family and 51 small family business owners who participated in the study. Theoretical, data, investigator and methodological triangulation was used to ensure the validity of the study whereas credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and authenticity were applied to ensure its reliability. A coding framework was developed and several analyses were undertaken to summarise the data. The nature and position of the words/phrases recalled as well as the most frequently occurring words/phrases recalled were reported on. To determine whether significant differences exist between the different sample groups, Chi-square statistics were calculated to ascertain statistical significance and Craemer’s V statistics to establish practical significance. The findings of this study show that small non-family business owners mostly associate business success with non-financial indicators. These non-family business owners perceive a successful small business as one that is customer-focused, provides quality service and is characterised by discipline, drive and determination. Similarly, the findings show that the small family business owners participating in this study mostly associate family business success with words/phrases of a non-financial nature. The family business owners perceived a successful family business as one where, in addition to financial returns, discipline, drive and determination, as well as trust, honesty and hard work prevail. Even though both non-family and family business owner participants mostly recalled words/phrases of a non-financial nature, non-family business owners were mainly concerned with being customer-focused and proving quality, whereas family business owners focused more on values such as discipline, drive and determination as well as trust and honesty. Based on the perceptions of success among family business owners, a workable definition of “family business success” was formulated. Family business owners mainly perceive a successful family business as one where, in addition to financial returns, values such as discipline, drive and determination as well as trust, honesty and hard work prevail in the organisational culture of their businesses. Investigating the meaning of success in the field of family business has become a topic of growing interest. This study is one of the first in South Africa to adopt a qualitative dominant approach in attempting to overcome the lack of consensus, as well as to gain greater clarity regarding the way in which success is defined by family businesses. It is hoped that the results of this study will provide family business owners as well as practitioners and researchers in the field with a better understanding of what family business success entails. This understanding offers the potential to guide and improve goal-setting and strategic processes by family businesses, resulting in fewer family business failures and ultimately improving the South African economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Scheepers, Jessica
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Success , Association tests , Content analysis (Communication)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018512
- Description: Despite family business researchers having worked towards an understanding of how family businesses obtain success or achieve satisfaction, much confusion and debate on how to define success still exist in the field. It is suggested that defining success in terms of a family business is problematic because even family members themselves have varying perceptions of success. This confusion and debate has in recent years led to an increase in research concerning the meaning of success in the context of family businesses. Defining success is necessary, because if family businesses do not know what success means and what they are working towards, they will not know what decisions to make in order to be successful. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to establish the perceptions of the concept of success among family business owners. For the purpose of this study, a mixed methodology was adopted because the data was collected using a qualitative method but analysed using a quantitative method. This study used a free word association test – which is a qualitative projective technique – to collect the data, which was then analysed by means of summative manifest content analysis which is a quantitative research method. Convenience sampling was used to identify small business owners to undergo the word association tests. By means of these tests, 811 words/phrases were generated by the 50 small non-family and 51 small family business owners who participated in the study. Theoretical, data, investigator and methodological triangulation was used to ensure the validity of the study whereas credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and authenticity were applied to ensure its reliability. A coding framework was developed and several analyses were undertaken to summarise the data. The nature and position of the words/phrases recalled as well as the most frequently occurring words/phrases recalled were reported on. To determine whether significant differences exist between the different sample groups, Chi-square statistics were calculated to ascertain statistical significance and Craemer’s V statistics to establish practical significance. The findings of this study show that small non-family business owners mostly associate business success with non-financial indicators. These non-family business owners perceive a successful small business as one that is customer-focused, provides quality service and is characterised by discipline, drive and determination. Similarly, the findings show that the small family business owners participating in this study mostly associate family business success with words/phrases of a non-financial nature. The family business owners perceived a successful family business as one where, in addition to financial returns, discipline, drive and determination, as well as trust, honesty and hard work prevail. Even though both non-family and family business owner participants mostly recalled words/phrases of a non-financial nature, non-family business owners were mainly concerned with being customer-focused and proving quality, whereas family business owners focused more on values such as discipline, drive and determination as well as trust and honesty. Based on the perceptions of success among family business owners, a workable definition of “family business success” was formulated. Family business owners mainly perceive a successful family business as one where, in addition to financial returns, values such as discipline, drive and determination as well as trust, honesty and hard work prevail in the organisational culture of their businesses. Investigating the meaning of success in the field of family business has become a topic of growing interest. This study is one of the first in South Africa to adopt a qualitative dominant approach in attempting to overcome the lack of consensus, as well as to gain greater clarity regarding the way in which success is defined by family businesses. It is hoped that the results of this study will provide family business owners as well as practitioners and researchers in the field with a better understanding of what family business success entails. This understanding offers the potential to guide and improve goal-setting and strategic processes by family businesses, resulting in fewer family business failures and ultimately improving the South African economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
(De)constructing the archive : an annotated catalog of the Deon van der Walt Collection in the NMMU Library
- Authors: Buys, Frederick Jacobus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Music -- Bibliography -- Catalogs , Archives -- Catalogs , Tenors (Singers) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020585
- Description: Deon van der Walt was, at the height of his career, considered the leading lyric tenor of his generation. In a career that spanned more than 25 years he performed in the great opera houses of the world and sang for the leading conductors of the time, sharing the stage with the best singers in the world. He was the first male South African to accomplish the so-called “grand slam” of opera, having sung in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (London), Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna), La Scala (Milan) and the Metropolitan Opera House (New York). He was also a prolific oratorio and lieder singer, collaborating with the best artists the musical world had to offer. In addition he left a large recorded legacy, both published and unpublished. His untimely death on 29 November 2005 was extensively reported on both locally and abroad - a fact which again highlighted the importance of his personal and professional contribution to the international opera world.The Deon van der Walt Collection is the single most important key to unlocking the life and career of one of the most successful South African opera singers of all time. It was bequeathed to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Library the Deon van der Walt Trust in 2007. The collection is made up of an arbitrary assortment of books, documents, sound and video recordings that were left in van der Walt’s Zürich accommodations at the time of his death in 2005. It is housed in separate section on the lower level of the South Campus Library of the NMMU. The collection has been partially catalogued by the NMMU Library but left largely unattended for the last 6 years. The compiling of an annotated catalogue of this collection is the vital first step in connecting the dots of an extraordinary musical career that was hailed as one of the greatest of his time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Buys, Frederick Jacobus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Music -- Bibliography -- Catalogs , Archives -- Catalogs , Tenors (Singers) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020585
- Description: Deon van der Walt was, at the height of his career, considered the leading lyric tenor of his generation. In a career that spanned more than 25 years he performed in the great opera houses of the world and sang for the leading conductors of the time, sharing the stage with the best singers in the world. He was the first male South African to accomplish the so-called “grand slam” of opera, having sung in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (London), Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna), La Scala (Milan) and the Metropolitan Opera House (New York). He was also a prolific oratorio and lieder singer, collaborating with the best artists the musical world had to offer. In addition he left a large recorded legacy, both published and unpublished. His untimely death on 29 November 2005 was extensively reported on both locally and abroad - a fact which again highlighted the importance of his personal and professional contribution to the international opera world.The Deon van der Walt Collection is the single most important key to unlocking the life and career of one of the most successful South African opera singers of all time. It was bequeathed to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Library the Deon van der Walt Trust in 2007. The collection is made up of an arbitrary assortment of books, documents, sound and video recordings that were left in van der Walt’s Zürich accommodations at the time of his death in 2005. It is housed in separate section on the lower level of the South Campus Library of the NMMU. The collection has been partially catalogued by the NMMU Library but left largely unattended for the last 6 years. The compiling of an annotated catalogue of this collection is the vital first step in connecting the dots of an extraordinary musical career that was hailed as one of the greatest of his time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An investigation into the factors influencing the levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment of non-family employees working in family businesses
- Letele-Matabooe, Makatleho Julia
- Authors: Letele-Matabooe, Makatleho Julia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9277 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1594 , Family-owned business enterprises , Job satisfaction
- Description: Given the increasingly important role that non-family employees working in family businesses play in the success of these businesses, as well as the challenges they are faced with, it is surprising that little is known about their experiences in the family business. This study therefore was aimed at contributing to the more effective functioning of this important stakeholder group in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment in family businesses. As such the primary objective of this study was to identify the factors that impact on non-family employees’ levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment to the family business in which they are employed. This study sought to incorporate prior findings and theories on job satisfaction and organisational commitment into a comprehensive theoretical model. In addition, support for these theories was sought in the literature. The literature review revealed three main categories of constructs, namely, relational-based, organisational-based and reward-based factors, as influencing the levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment of non-family employees working in family businesses. Within these three categories, 15 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the levels of the dependent variables Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment. Of the 15 independent variables, 6 were categorised as relational-based, another 6 as organisational-based and 3 as reward-based factors. All of the constructs in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from measuring instruments used by prior studies. In addition, several items were selfgenerated items based on secondary sources. The convenience snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data collected 280 usable questionnaires and was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed by means of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were confirmed for this purpose. v The 6 relational-based factors could not all be confirmed as initially intended. Of these factors, 5 were confirmed. Similarly, the organisational-based factors could not all be confirmed by the exploratory factor analysis. Four factors were confirmed in this regard. With regard to reward-based factors, these factors did not load as originally intended. Instead, a new factor (Job security and compensation) emerged. In this study, a number of statistical procedures were utilised to assess the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. These included descriptive statistics which was used to summarise the sample data. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was also undertaken to establish the relationship between the various factors under investigation. However, the main statistical procedure that was used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables was the Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). From the analysis, 7 submodels were identified and subjected to further testing. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Fairness; Personal needs alignment; Interpersonal relationships; Family harmony; Nature of the work; Working conditions; Job involvement; Governance; Job security and compensation. In addition, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to establish the influence that the various demographic variables could have on the dependent variables. The test included the use of Benferroni post-hoc test that was used to vi assess the statistical difference, while Cohen’s d-values were calculated to assess the practical significance between mean scores. Ownership of shares by non-family employees of the family business in which they are employed, the positions that these employees hold, as well as ethnicity of the respondents have been found to have an influence on the independent and dependent variables in this study. This study has empirically investigated the challenges non-family employees working in family businesses are faced with, and has thus added to the limited amount of family business literature on this valuable stakeholder group. The theoretical model developed in this study has made a significant contribution towards understanding the factors that influence the levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment of these employees. This study therefore presents recommendations and suggestions to assist family business leaders/owners in attracting and retaining non-family businesses in such a way as to give them a sense of belonging and to enhance the performance of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Letele-Matabooe, Makatleho Julia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9277 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1594 , Family-owned business enterprises , Job satisfaction
- Description: Given the increasingly important role that non-family employees working in family businesses play in the success of these businesses, as well as the challenges they are faced with, it is surprising that little is known about their experiences in the family business. This study therefore was aimed at contributing to the more effective functioning of this important stakeholder group in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment in family businesses. As such the primary objective of this study was to identify the factors that impact on non-family employees’ levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment to the family business in which they are employed. This study sought to incorporate prior findings and theories on job satisfaction and organisational commitment into a comprehensive theoretical model. In addition, support for these theories was sought in the literature. The literature review revealed three main categories of constructs, namely, relational-based, organisational-based and reward-based factors, as influencing the levels of Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment of non-family employees working in family businesses. Within these three categories, 15 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the levels of the dependent variables Job satisfaction and Organisational commitment. Of the 15 independent variables, 6 were categorised as relational-based, another 6 as organisational-based and 3 as reward-based factors. All of the constructs in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from measuring instruments used by prior studies. In addition, several items were selfgenerated items based on secondary sources. The convenience snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data collected 280 usable questionnaires and was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed by means of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were confirmed for this purpose. v The 6 relational-based factors could not all be confirmed as initially intended. Of these factors, 5 were confirmed. Similarly, the organisational-based factors could not all be confirmed by the exploratory factor analysis. Four factors were confirmed in this regard. With regard to reward-based factors, these factors did not load as originally intended. Instead, a new factor (Job security and compensation) emerged. In this study, a number of statistical procedures were utilised to assess the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. These included descriptive statistics which was used to summarise the sample data. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was also undertaken to establish the relationship between the various factors under investigation. However, the main statistical procedure that was used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables was the Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). From the analysis, 7 submodels were identified and subjected to further testing. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Fairness; Personal needs alignment; Interpersonal relationships; Family harmony; Nature of the work; Working conditions; Job involvement; Governance; Job security and compensation. In addition, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to establish the influence that the various demographic variables could have on the dependent variables. The test included the use of Benferroni post-hoc test that was used to vi assess the statistical difference, while Cohen’s d-values were calculated to assess the practical significance between mean scores. Ownership of shares by non-family employees of the family business in which they are employed, the positions that these employees hold, as well as ethnicity of the respondents have been found to have an influence on the independent and dependent variables in this study. This study has empirically investigated the challenges non-family employees working in family businesses are faced with, and has thus added to the limited amount of family business literature on this valuable stakeholder group. The theoretical model developed in this study has made a significant contribution towards understanding the factors that influence the levels of job satisfaction and organisational commitment of these employees. This study therefore presents recommendations and suggestions to assist family business leaders/owners in attracting and retaining non-family businesses in such a way as to give them a sense of belonging and to enhance the performance of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A framework for enhancing the transgenerational potential of indigenous african family businesses
- Authors: Matchaba-Hove, Mtonhodzi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession Indigenous peoples -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48894 , vital:41168
- Description: Family businesses are the backbone of many economies around the globe and are believed to constitute over two-thirds of all businesses worldwide. For nearly 300 years, the Southern African economy has been developing as a consequence of the contribution of family businesses to the region’s economy. Despite their importance to the economies of countries, their overall failure rate remains high. Given the important economic and societal contribution that family businesses make, their survival rates are a matter of concern. As far as can be established, little research has been conducted among indigenous African family businesses. The research done to date lacks depth in terms of the topics covered and the countries sampled. The majority of studies on family businesses have been done in European, American and Asian settings. Notably, the research project on Successful Transgenerational Entrepreneurship Practices (STEP) has investigated transgenerational entrepreneurship among family businesses around the world. The STEP project proposes a theoretical framework, known as the STEP framework, which to date has not been applied to the indigenous African context. There is a great need for deeper insights into, and an increased understanding of the practices implemented among indigenous African family businesses that have survived across the generations, and of the context in which these businesses operate. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to explore and describe the factors that influence the transgenerational potential of indigenous African family businesses so as to assess the appropriateness of an existing non-African framework, namely the STEP framework, and to reconfigure it for the African context. The STEP framework proposes that various contextual factors influence both the entrepreneurial orientation and the familiness resource pools of family businesses, which in turn influence each other, and ultimately the transgenerational potential of the family business. The underlying theory applied in the study is Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions model. Hofstede’s model provides theoretical support for the belief that the context in which a theory or framework is applied has a big influence on the successful application of such a framework. Therefore, a need exists to contextualise the STEP framework to the context in which it is being applied. An interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach were deemed the most suitable for the current study, as this paradigm and approach enabled the researcher to address the dynamics and invisible issues within family businesses. The current study adopted a multiple case study methodology. Adopting this methodology allowed for a deeper understanding of the object of interest. The three cases were systematically selected, using purposive sampling, to ensure that a credible and indicative sample was obtained. The criteria used for selection were based on the STEP project guidelines and the three businesses selected were from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, of indigenous African heritage and have showed sustained growth and success since their establishment. The reason for these selection criteria was to ensure that the study appropriately addressed the defined research objectives and the gap in the body of knowledge on transgenerational entrepreneurship in the African context. The instrument used to guide the key-informant interviews in this research was a semi-structured interview schedule adapted from the STEP project interview schedule. Once all the data was collected, a combination of directed content analysis and explanation building was used to analyse the data. A framework for enhancing the transgenerational potential of indigenous African family businesses is proposed in this study, based on the practices adopted by the successful indigenous African family businesses which participated. The framework developed adapts the STEP framework for the indigenous African family business context. As in the STEP framework, the framework proposed for indigenous African family businesses highlights several external contextual factors as influencing both the familiness resource pools and the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation. In the context of indigenous African family businesses, the external contextual factors most influential are the philosophy of Ubuntu, the collectivist national culture, as well as the community and extended family commitments. The external contextual factors, namely, the business environment and the industry in which the business operates, were found to be particularly influential on the entrepreneurial orientation displayed by the participating family businesses. All eight familiness resource pools, as well as the five dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation as proposed in the STEP framework, still form part of the framework proposed for indigenous African family businesses. However, for some the nature thereof differed somewhat from the original descriptions. Therefore, the original names were adapted to better describe these concepts as applicable to an indigenous African family business context. The proposed framework supports the multi-dimensional nature of performance outcomes among indigenous African family businesses. It proposes that in an indigenous African family business context, entrepreneurial performance outcomes are important to the extent that they contribute to achieving the financial performance outcomes, while the financial performance outcomes are important to the extent that they contribute to achieving the social performance outcomes. This study contributes to a greater understanding of successful indigenous African family businesses and their best practices, specifically an understanding of the practices adopted with regards to the familiness resource pools and entrepreneurial orientation. Furthermore, this study has expanded on the understanding of paternalism in that it has provides greater clarity on the nature of this leadership style, as well as the positive outcomes associated with it, in an African context. The study also has significance for educators, who can incorporate the lessons learned from it into their entrepreneurship and family business teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Matchaba-Hove, Mtonhodzi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession Indigenous peoples -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48894 , vital:41168
- Description: Family businesses are the backbone of many economies around the globe and are believed to constitute over two-thirds of all businesses worldwide. For nearly 300 years, the Southern African economy has been developing as a consequence of the contribution of family businesses to the region’s economy. Despite their importance to the economies of countries, their overall failure rate remains high. Given the important economic and societal contribution that family businesses make, their survival rates are a matter of concern. As far as can be established, little research has been conducted among indigenous African family businesses. The research done to date lacks depth in terms of the topics covered and the countries sampled. The majority of studies on family businesses have been done in European, American and Asian settings. Notably, the research project on Successful Transgenerational Entrepreneurship Practices (STEP) has investigated transgenerational entrepreneurship among family businesses around the world. The STEP project proposes a theoretical framework, known as the STEP framework, which to date has not been applied to the indigenous African context. There is a great need for deeper insights into, and an increased understanding of the practices implemented among indigenous African family businesses that have survived across the generations, and of the context in which these businesses operate. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to explore and describe the factors that influence the transgenerational potential of indigenous African family businesses so as to assess the appropriateness of an existing non-African framework, namely the STEP framework, and to reconfigure it for the African context. The STEP framework proposes that various contextual factors influence both the entrepreneurial orientation and the familiness resource pools of family businesses, which in turn influence each other, and ultimately the transgenerational potential of the family business. The underlying theory applied in the study is Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions model. Hofstede’s model provides theoretical support for the belief that the context in which a theory or framework is applied has a big influence on the successful application of such a framework. Therefore, a need exists to contextualise the STEP framework to the context in which it is being applied. An interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach were deemed the most suitable for the current study, as this paradigm and approach enabled the researcher to address the dynamics and invisible issues within family businesses. The current study adopted a multiple case study methodology. Adopting this methodology allowed for a deeper understanding of the object of interest. The three cases were systematically selected, using purposive sampling, to ensure that a credible and indicative sample was obtained. The criteria used for selection were based on the STEP project guidelines and the three businesses selected were from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, of indigenous African heritage and have showed sustained growth and success since their establishment. The reason for these selection criteria was to ensure that the study appropriately addressed the defined research objectives and the gap in the body of knowledge on transgenerational entrepreneurship in the African context. The instrument used to guide the key-informant interviews in this research was a semi-structured interview schedule adapted from the STEP project interview schedule. Once all the data was collected, a combination of directed content analysis and explanation building was used to analyse the data. A framework for enhancing the transgenerational potential of indigenous African family businesses is proposed in this study, based on the practices adopted by the successful indigenous African family businesses which participated. The framework developed adapts the STEP framework for the indigenous African family business context. As in the STEP framework, the framework proposed for indigenous African family businesses highlights several external contextual factors as influencing both the familiness resource pools and the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation. In the context of indigenous African family businesses, the external contextual factors most influential are the philosophy of Ubuntu, the collectivist national culture, as well as the community and extended family commitments. The external contextual factors, namely, the business environment and the industry in which the business operates, were found to be particularly influential on the entrepreneurial orientation displayed by the participating family businesses. All eight familiness resource pools, as well as the five dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation as proposed in the STEP framework, still form part of the framework proposed for indigenous African family businesses. However, for some the nature thereof differed somewhat from the original descriptions. Therefore, the original names were adapted to better describe these concepts as applicable to an indigenous African family business context. The proposed framework supports the multi-dimensional nature of performance outcomes among indigenous African family businesses. It proposes that in an indigenous African family business context, entrepreneurial performance outcomes are important to the extent that they contribute to achieving the financial performance outcomes, while the financial performance outcomes are important to the extent that they contribute to achieving the social performance outcomes. This study contributes to a greater understanding of successful indigenous African family businesses and their best practices, specifically an understanding of the practices adopted with regards to the familiness resource pools and entrepreneurial orientation. Furthermore, this study has expanded on the understanding of paternalism in that it has provides greater clarity on the nature of this leadership style, as well as the positive outcomes associated with it, in an African context. The study also has significance for educators, who can incorporate the lessons learned from it into their entrepreneurship and family business teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Strategies for sustaining family business through succession planning and family creed
- Authors: Gwiliza, Nwabisa
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Succession , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8537 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/193 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Succession , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: Family business literature reveals that the majority of family businesses do not make it to the second generation, and quite a few are fortunate to be passed onto the third generation. Succession planning is the critical issue that enhances continuity of the family business. Relational influences indicate that the balancing of family systems and business systems is more likely to encourage high quality succession. The development of effective practical governance systems can help the family business achieve its strategy. External influences indicate that owner role adjustment, defined as the predecessor’s “letting go” in the firm, as well as the development and mentoring of the successor, shape the effectiveness of succession in the family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Gwiliza, Nwabisa
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Succession , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8537 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/193 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Succession , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: Family business literature reveals that the majority of family businesses do not make it to the second generation, and quite a few are fortunate to be passed onto the third generation. Succession planning is the critical issue that enhances continuity of the family business. Relational influences indicate that the balancing of family systems and business systems is more likely to encourage high quality succession. The development of effective practical governance systems can help the family business achieve its strategy. External influences indicate that owner role adjustment, defined as the predecessor’s “letting go” in the firm, as well as the development and mentoring of the successor, shape the effectiveness of succession in the family business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Resilience in families where a member is living with schizophrenia
- Authors: Haddad, Jason
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Schizophrenia , Schizophrenia -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Resilience (Personality trait)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9928 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/654 , Schizophrenia , Schizophrenia -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Resilience (Personality trait)
- Description: Schizophrenia cuts across all racial, gender, and socioeconomic lines. Schizophrenia affects 1 percent of the population in Ireland: 35000 people (Schultz & Andreason, 1999); and affects 1.4 - 4.6 percent per 1000 people in the USA: 2.8 million - 9.8 million people (Jabelensky, 2004). In South Africa the figure is approximately 1 percent of the population or 500 000 people (Nicholas, Malcolm, Krosigk & Pillay, 2003). The median age of onset is 21.4 years for men and 26.8 years for women (Daubenton & van Rensburg, 2001), with only 10-20 percent recovering fully after the first psychotic episode (Saddock & Saddock, 2003). The schizophrenic patient is often unable to continue life as before diagnosis, and may progressively need more care as the years pass. Deinstitutionalization over the course of a number of decades has resulted in responsibility for care of mentally-ill individuals shifting to the individual’s family. The struggles faced by such a family can be overwhelming as they struggle with this responsibilty due to lack of training, lack of knowledge and insufficient professional support (Winefield & Harvey, 1994). The stress on the caregivers is often magnified as their support structures around them may ‘shut down’ out of fear of the schizophrenic illness (Williams & Mfoafo-M’Carthy, 2006). The characteristic symptoms used to define schizophrenia include various forms of delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders and abnormalities in emotional expression, social interaction, attention, volition and drives. The functional decline of the schizophrenic individual leads not only to social difficulties, but also economic difficulties that may cripple a family (Fadden, Bebbington & Kuipers, 1987). When first diagnosed, some families may be so overwhelmed by the ‘label’ given to their family member, that they see little hope or way to move forward. One explanation is offered by an American psychiatrist whose own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia, “We experience this terrible feeling of loss and grief for the son we knew. There is also this terrible loss of expectations. We feel cheated out of watching him mature…it is a mourning without end because, of course, Gary is not dead at all. He is very much still with us, seeming eternally twelve years old, needing constant care and attention” (Willick, 1994, p.14). Providing such care is associated with high levels of distress. Accordingly, much attention has been given to understanding the pressures faced by family members, with the hope of understanding how coping resources may be strengthened to sustain these care-giving relationships (Harvey, Burns, Fahy, Manley & Tattan, 2001). However, despite gains in understanding the needs of a schizophrenic family member once out of the hospital environment, care-giving relationships can still break down. The individual with the illness is often left more vulnerable to relapse, recurrent hospitalizations, homelessness and other negative outcomes (Jewel & Stein, 2002). The stress of not only interacting with the afflicted family member, but also with the grief associated with the illness, places an incredible strain on the day-to-day functioning of that family (Pollio, North, Reid, Miletic & McClendon, 2006). From the brief review provided, it is evident that research has been conducted regarding the stressors, strains and difficulties of caregivers of schizophrenic family members. However, the strengths of these families are under-investigated, and the current study will attempt to start filling this void.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Haddad, Jason
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Schizophrenia , Schizophrenia -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Resilience (Personality trait)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9928 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/654 , Schizophrenia , Schizophrenia -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Resilience (Personality trait)
- Description: Schizophrenia cuts across all racial, gender, and socioeconomic lines. Schizophrenia affects 1 percent of the population in Ireland: 35000 people (Schultz & Andreason, 1999); and affects 1.4 - 4.6 percent per 1000 people in the USA: 2.8 million - 9.8 million people (Jabelensky, 2004). In South Africa the figure is approximately 1 percent of the population or 500 000 people (Nicholas, Malcolm, Krosigk & Pillay, 2003). The median age of onset is 21.4 years for men and 26.8 years for women (Daubenton & van Rensburg, 2001), with only 10-20 percent recovering fully after the first psychotic episode (Saddock & Saddock, 2003). The schizophrenic patient is often unable to continue life as before diagnosis, and may progressively need more care as the years pass. Deinstitutionalization over the course of a number of decades has resulted in responsibility for care of mentally-ill individuals shifting to the individual’s family. The struggles faced by such a family can be overwhelming as they struggle with this responsibilty due to lack of training, lack of knowledge and insufficient professional support (Winefield & Harvey, 1994). The stress on the caregivers is often magnified as their support structures around them may ‘shut down’ out of fear of the schizophrenic illness (Williams & Mfoafo-M’Carthy, 2006). The characteristic symptoms used to define schizophrenia include various forms of delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders and abnormalities in emotional expression, social interaction, attention, volition and drives. The functional decline of the schizophrenic individual leads not only to social difficulties, but also economic difficulties that may cripple a family (Fadden, Bebbington & Kuipers, 1987). When first diagnosed, some families may be so overwhelmed by the ‘label’ given to their family member, that they see little hope or way to move forward. One explanation is offered by an American psychiatrist whose own son was diagnosed with schizophrenia, “We experience this terrible feeling of loss and grief for the son we knew. There is also this terrible loss of expectations. We feel cheated out of watching him mature…it is a mourning without end because, of course, Gary is not dead at all. He is very much still with us, seeming eternally twelve years old, needing constant care and attention” (Willick, 1994, p.14). Providing such care is associated with high levels of distress. Accordingly, much attention has been given to understanding the pressures faced by family members, with the hope of understanding how coping resources may be strengthened to sustain these care-giving relationships (Harvey, Burns, Fahy, Manley & Tattan, 2001). However, despite gains in understanding the needs of a schizophrenic family member once out of the hospital environment, care-giving relationships can still break down. The individual with the illness is often left more vulnerable to relapse, recurrent hospitalizations, homelessness and other negative outcomes (Jewel & Stein, 2002). The stress of not only interacting with the afflicted family member, but also with the grief associated with the illness, places an incredible strain on the day-to-day functioning of that family (Pollio, North, Reid, Miletic & McClendon, 2006). From the brief review provided, it is evident that research has been conducted regarding the stressors, strains and difficulties of caregivers of schizophrenic family members. However, the strengths of these families are under-investigated, and the current study will attempt to start filling this void.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The role of governance: family owned butchery
- Authors: Farndell, Mark
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1509 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Description: The importance of SME family businesses is evident in society. Coming out of a recession, the innovation, labour absorption and employment creation capabilities of SMEs and family businesses globally, and in emerging economies with high levels of unemployment and poverty, is incredibly important for environmental sustainability and societal harmony. Good governance is empirically proven to improve long-term sustainability of organisations, and poor governance is linked to the demise of many businesses – large and small, family and non-family businesses alike. This research, by means of a thorough literature review of family business and governance, and a single in-depth case study, identifies the components of SME family business governance in a contextual setting in South Africa. The literature review defines SMEs, family businesses and corporate governance. It reviews the nuances of family businesses that make them distinctive from non-family businesses, the models of family businesses that have been developed over time, the approaches to corporate governance, corporate governance codes of conduct, and family business governance models, as well as the components and dynamics of family business governance. The qualitative case study approach adopted enables the in depth contextual identification and exploration of the dynamics of family business governance. Empirical data collected from interviews, observations and reports are analysed using triangulation and pattern matching logic to ensure validity and reliability. Empirical findings are discussed with reference to the literary research findings, integrating literary and empirical findings, and resulting in the development of a conceptual model of family business governance, an SME family business governance structures model, and an SME family business authority delegation model. Governance is defined as the manifestation of the intent of the founder/owners of the business. Governance is manifest in structures, strategies, policies, procedures, relationships and performance. The reciprocity of transfers and outputs between the family business systems, the family business and its contextual environment is reflected in the performance of the business; which in turn is a reflection of the governance of the family and the family business. The study concludes with the importance of the family and its cohesion and harmony, and the impact it has on synergy, unity and harmony in the business. The study also finds that governance is strategic leadership, and that efficient and effective governance leads to synergies between the family, the family business and its contextual environment that when harnessed and directed towards a vision, can produce unimitable competitive advantages for the family firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Farndell, Mark
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1509 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Description: The importance of SME family businesses is evident in society. Coming out of a recession, the innovation, labour absorption and employment creation capabilities of SMEs and family businesses globally, and in emerging economies with high levels of unemployment and poverty, is incredibly important for environmental sustainability and societal harmony. Good governance is empirically proven to improve long-term sustainability of organisations, and poor governance is linked to the demise of many businesses – large and small, family and non-family businesses alike. This research, by means of a thorough literature review of family business and governance, and a single in-depth case study, identifies the components of SME family business governance in a contextual setting in South Africa. The literature review defines SMEs, family businesses and corporate governance. It reviews the nuances of family businesses that make them distinctive from non-family businesses, the models of family businesses that have been developed over time, the approaches to corporate governance, corporate governance codes of conduct, and family business governance models, as well as the components and dynamics of family business governance. The qualitative case study approach adopted enables the in depth contextual identification and exploration of the dynamics of family business governance. Empirical data collected from interviews, observations and reports are analysed using triangulation and pattern matching logic to ensure validity and reliability. Empirical findings are discussed with reference to the literary research findings, integrating literary and empirical findings, and resulting in the development of a conceptual model of family business governance, an SME family business governance structures model, and an SME family business authority delegation model. Governance is defined as the manifestation of the intent of the founder/owners of the business. Governance is manifest in structures, strategies, policies, procedures, relationships and performance. The reciprocity of transfers and outputs between the family business systems, the family business and its contextual environment is reflected in the performance of the business; which in turn is a reflection of the governance of the family and the family business. The study concludes with the importance of the family and its cohesion and harmony, and the impact it has on synergy, unity and harmony in the business. The study also finds that governance is strategic leadership, and that efficient and effective governance leads to synergies between the family, the family business and its contextual environment that when harnessed and directed towards a vision, can produce unimitable competitive advantages for the family firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The cultural determinants of success in Indian owned family businesses
- Authors: Adams, Leigh Christie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1258 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Description: Family owned businesses play a vital role in the economy of a country, therefore their sustainability and succession is a topic that requires adequate research and analysis. This is required to determine the impact and contribution at a socioeconomic level and future development of the family owned business. Within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area previous research has been conducted analysing the above with regard to Greek family businesses. There is a little evidence to suggest similar studies have been conducted on Indian owned family businesses, specifically businesses operating at a third generation level. This research will therefore analyse Indian owned family businesses that are at a minimum level of third generation within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The purpose is to investigate whether there is any specific cultural attributes of the Indian culture which have contributed to their success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Adams, Leigh Christie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1258 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Description: Family owned businesses play a vital role in the economy of a country, therefore their sustainability and succession is a topic that requires adequate research and analysis. This is required to determine the impact and contribution at a socioeconomic level and future development of the family owned business. Within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area previous research has been conducted analysing the above with regard to Greek family businesses. There is a little evidence to suggest similar studies have been conducted on Indian owned family businesses, specifically businesses operating at a third generation level. This research will therefore analyse Indian owned family businesses that are at a minimum level of third generation within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The purpose is to investigate whether there is any specific cultural attributes of the Indian culture which have contributed to their success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009