A leadership development model to enhance ethical governance in South Africa
- Authors: Els, Ryno Juan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Corporate governance Business ethics -- South Africa Africa Professional ethics Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39863 , vital:35489
- Description: From the United States of America’s White House to the Vatican in Vatican City, from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Union buildings in South Africa, to large organisations like Volkswagen, BP and KPMG, leadership failures are prolific. Globalised and local leadership failures and scandals are plagued by narcissistic, toxic, corrupt and dishonest behaviour by heads of state, CEOs and clergy. The effect of executive leadership failures is that they set the tone for a corrupt culture that spirals negatively down to grass-roots level. Unethical leadership in organisations manifests in various ways including misconduct, deception and cheating. Apart from regular exposés of leadership scandals globally, there has been a notable increase in ethical leadership derailments caused by unethical behaviour. The question is why leaders, who are considered to understand value-based morality, engage in unethical behaviour when confronted with the opportunity. In recent, empirical research in behavioural ethics and moral psychology, it was found that morally sound leaders often indulge in unethical behaviour. Unethical leadership behaviour includes misdemeanours in tax returns, overstating performance, inflating business expense accounts, involvement in corruption, counter-productive work behaviour, being morally disengaged and being untruthful during negotiations. Recent research indicates that unethical leadership leads to an increase in poor governance and propels vicious cycles that have a negative impact on human development, economic growth and the environment. This research study includes traditional and contemporary leadership theories that have been evaluated as well as an in-depth discussion of the necessity and importance of ethical governance. An innovative, ethical leadership development model has been designed and aligned with servant, ethical, authentic and integrated leadership styles where spiritual, cultural and emotional intelligences play a significant role in leadership maturity. A fresh perspective on the King IV Report (2016) as an international benchmark together with other authoritative literature and case studies of unethical governance have been discussed to shed light on the latest leadership theories and ethics in the 21st century. The findings of this study have been tested statistically by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed empirically that accountability, stakeholders’ interests and the regulatory environment need to be implemented by ethical leaders in order to enhance ethical governance. The lack of a practical, outcome-based, leadership development model provided an opportunity to develop an ethical leadership development model that would have a positive impact on ethical governance, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Els, Ryno Juan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Public administration -- Moral and ethical aspects Corporate governance Business ethics -- South Africa Africa Professional ethics Organizational behavior -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39863 , vital:35489
- Description: From the United States of America’s White House to the Vatican in Vatican City, from Harare, Zimbabwe to the Union buildings in South Africa, to large organisations like Volkswagen, BP and KPMG, leadership failures are prolific. Globalised and local leadership failures and scandals are plagued by narcissistic, toxic, corrupt and dishonest behaviour by heads of state, CEOs and clergy. The effect of executive leadership failures is that they set the tone for a corrupt culture that spirals negatively down to grass-roots level. Unethical leadership in organisations manifests in various ways including misconduct, deception and cheating. Apart from regular exposés of leadership scandals globally, there has been a notable increase in ethical leadership derailments caused by unethical behaviour. The question is why leaders, who are considered to understand value-based morality, engage in unethical behaviour when confronted with the opportunity. In recent, empirical research in behavioural ethics and moral psychology, it was found that morally sound leaders often indulge in unethical behaviour. Unethical leadership behaviour includes misdemeanours in tax returns, overstating performance, inflating business expense accounts, involvement in corruption, counter-productive work behaviour, being morally disengaged and being untruthful during negotiations. Recent research indicates that unethical leadership leads to an increase in poor governance and propels vicious cycles that have a negative impact on human development, economic growth and the environment. This research study includes traditional and contemporary leadership theories that have been evaluated as well as an in-depth discussion of the necessity and importance of ethical governance. An innovative, ethical leadership development model has been designed and aligned with servant, ethical, authentic and integrated leadership styles where spiritual, cultural and emotional intelligences play a significant role in leadership maturity. A fresh perspective on the King IV Report (2016) as an international benchmark together with other authoritative literature and case studies of unethical governance have been discussed to shed light on the latest leadership theories and ethics in the 21st century. The findings of this study have been tested statistically by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings confirmed empirically that accountability, stakeholders’ interests and the regulatory environment need to be implemented by ethical leaders in order to enhance ethical governance. The lack of a practical, outcome-based, leadership development model provided an opportunity to develop an ethical leadership development model that would have a positive impact on ethical governance, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The evolution and future of total rewards as a remuneration strategy
- Authors: Ducie, Yvonne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Compensation management , Performance awards Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42207 , vital:36635
- Description: A total rewards framework plays a pivotal role in the attraction, engagement and retention of employees. The study firstly traces the history of reward and the factors that have led to the notion of a total rewards model. The study then sought to discover whether the current approach was optimal and therefore a desired strategy for the workplace of the future. Through the literary review, coupled with qualitative research with participants from well-known sizeable organisations, the research indicates that, whilst a competitive salary and benefits package is an essential factor in the employee cycle, and that pay does play a big role in the attraction of employees; once employed it is the non-financial factors that are paramount to the engagement and retention of employees. Insofar as employees believe their package is competitive and/or reflective of their contribution, they have the potential to be engaged. For that potential to be realised, it is the little things that matter to the employees that then come into force. Workplace culture, flexibility, career development, transparency, an alignment between the employee, the brand and the values of the organisation, are all vital in the engagement and retention of employees. In order for these factors to remain valued by employees, communication is essential. Manager interaction remains at the forefront of the employees’ experience at work. A positive interaction whereby coaching, development and the achievement of the little things that really matter, allow for a more productive and engaged employee, which ultimately improves the profitability and/or success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ducie, Yvonne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Compensation management , Performance awards Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42207 , vital:36635
- Description: A total rewards framework plays a pivotal role in the attraction, engagement and retention of employees. The study firstly traces the history of reward and the factors that have led to the notion of a total rewards model. The study then sought to discover whether the current approach was optimal and therefore a desired strategy for the workplace of the future. Through the literary review, coupled with qualitative research with participants from well-known sizeable organisations, the research indicates that, whilst a competitive salary and benefits package is an essential factor in the employee cycle, and that pay does play a big role in the attraction of employees; once employed it is the non-financial factors that are paramount to the engagement and retention of employees. Insofar as employees believe their package is competitive and/or reflective of their contribution, they have the potential to be engaged. For that potential to be realised, it is the little things that matter to the employees that then come into force. Workplace culture, flexibility, career development, transparency, an alignment between the employee, the brand and the values of the organisation, are all vital in the engagement and retention of employees. In order for these factors to remain valued by employees, communication is essential. Manager interaction remains at the forefront of the employees’ experience at work. A positive interaction whereby coaching, development and the achievement of the little things that really matter, allow for a more productive and engaged employee, which ultimately improves the profitability and/or success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A framework for capital structure decision-making in South African businesses
- Authors: Du Toit, Jan Lodewicus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporations -- Finance -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39567 , vital:35291
- Description: The research is undertaken to understand how businesses make their capital structure decisions by identifying and evaluating the factors to be considered in making capital structure decisions in South African businesses. Qualitative research methods are used in two phases. In phase one, a literature review is conducted to create a framework of strategic aspects to consider when making capital structure decisions. In phase two the framework is evaluated by conducting in-depth interviews. The purpose of phase two is to identify the strategic aspects that are considered in the South African business context. The literature overview identified twelve strategic aspects for consideration when making capital structure decisions, namely business risk, control, flexibility, growth rate, long-run viability, management constraints, management conservatism, market conditions, rating agencies, size, taxation and transactional cost. The framework of twelve strategic aspects to be considered when making capital structure decisions was empirically evaluated by means of interviews. The interview responses regarding the initial twelve strategic aspects were coded and three themes emerged, namely critical strategic decision-making factors (business risk, financial flexibility, tax advantage, and volatility of earnings cash flows); factors relating specifically to markets in South Africa (growth rate, long-term viability, market conditions, credit rating, and transaction costs) and autonomy of the decision-making process (control, management constraints, managerial conservatism, and size). During the interview process, it was indicated that the autonomy of the decision-making process theme (control structure, management constraints, managerial conservatism and business size) do not form part of the strategic capital structure decision-making process in their companies and should be omitted. The interviewees highlighted four additional themes that may affect their capital structure decisions, namely government interference in the market and in the local business; Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rating; political stability, and state capture. The study suggests a proposed framework consisting of six themes that can be used to guide capital structure decisions in South Africa businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Du Toit, Jan Lodewicus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporations -- Finance -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39567 , vital:35291
- Description: The research is undertaken to understand how businesses make their capital structure decisions by identifying and evaluating the factors to be considered in making capital structure decisions in South African businesses. Qualitative research methods are used in two phases. In phase one, a literature review is conducted to create a framework of strategic aspects to consider when making capital structure decisions. In phase two the framework is evaluated by conducting in-depth interviews. The purpose of phase two is to identify the strategic aspects that are considered in the South African business context. The literature overview identified twelve strategic aspects for consideration when making capital structure decisions, namely business risk, control, flexibility, growth rate, long-run viability, management constraints, management conservatism, market conditions, rating agencies, size, taxation and transactional cost. The framework of twelve strategic aspects to be considered when making capital structure decisions was empirically evaluated by means of interviews. The interview responses regarding the initial twelve strategic aspects were coded and three themes emerged, namely critical strategic decision-making factors (business risk, financial flexibility, tax advantage, and volatility of earnings cash flows); factors relating specifically to markets in South Africa (growth rate, long-term viability, market conditions, credit rating, and transaction costs) and autonomy of the decision-making process (control, management constraints, managerial conservatism, and size). During the interview process, it was indicated that the autonomy of the decision-making process theme (control structure, management constraints, managerial conservatism and business size) do not form part of the strategic capital structure decision-making process in their companies and should be omitted. The interviewees highlighted four additional themes that may affect their capital structure decisions, namely government interference in the market and in the local business; Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rating; political stability, and state capture. The study suggests a proposed framework consisting of six themes that can be used to guide capital structure decisions in South Africa businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Expectations and experiences of talent management across South Africa and the effect on retention
- Authors: Du Randt, Jean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Employee selection Manpower planning Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39556 , vital:35290
- Description: The “war on talent” is intensifying and effective talent management strategies are imperative for business success. This study explores the expectations and experiences of talent management strategies amongst employees across South Africa and their impact on retention. The literature review covers the constructs of talent management, working environment, rewards, leadership, race, age and gender as well as retention. A quantitative survey approach with comparative studies was adopted. A snowball convenience sampling method was used with links to an on-line questionnaire e-mailed to potential respondents. A total of 711 useable responses were received. Statistical analysis included factor analysis, Cronbach alpha reliability testing, mean factor scores, paired samplet-tests, Pearson’s correlations, T-tests and ANOVAs. The study found that leadership was the factor rated as most important followed by working environment and development. Respondents reported significant differences between expectations and employer ratings on all factors, with cash rewards being the greatest source of dissatisfaction. Experiences of work environment, leadership and development indicated stronger correlations to retention than cash rewards. Women, millennials and non-whites demonstrated the highest retention risks. A significant negative correlation was found between the respondents’ reported experience of leadership, work environment and development and the importance they attached to cash rewards. The study supports Hertzberg’s classification of cash rewards as a hygiene factor and Alderfer’s ERG theory’s concept of frustration-regression. This has significant implications for the focus of talent and retention strategies, and it is proposed that improving the quality of leadership, work environments and development opportunities will decrease the current over-reliance on monetary rewards as a retention tool.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Du Randt, Jean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Employee selection Manpower planning Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39556 , vital:35290
- Description: The “war on talent” is intensifying and effective talent management strategies are imperative for business success. This study explores the expectations and experiences of talent management strategies amongst employees across South Africa and their impact on retention. The literature review covers the constructs of talent management, working environment, rewards, leadership, race, age and gender as well as retention. A quantitative survey approach with comparative studies was adopted. A snowball convenience sampling method was used with links to an on-line questionnaire e-mailed to potential respondents. A total of 711 useable responses were received. Statistical analysis included factor analysis, Cronbach alpha reliability testing, mean factor scores, paired samplet-tests, Pearson’s correlations, T-tests and ANOVAs. The study found that leadership was the factor rated as most important followed by working environment and development. Respondents reported significant differences between expectations and employer ratings on all factors, with cash rewards being the greatest source of dissatisfaction. Experiences of work environment, leadership and development indicated stronger correlations to retention than cash rewards. Women, millennials and non-whites demonstrated the highest retention risks. A significant negative correlation was found between the respondents’ reported experience of leadership, work environment and development and the importance they attached to cash rewards. The study supports Hertzberg’s classification of cash rewards as a hygiene factor and Alderfer’s ERG theory’s concept of frustration-regression. This has significant implications for the focus of talent and retention strategies, and it is proposed that improving the quality of leadership, work environments and development opportunities will decrease the current over-reliance on monetary rewards as a retention tool.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Purchasing power parity in a newly industrialised country
- Authors: De Villiers, David James
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- Econometric models , Purchasing power parity -- Econometric models , Purchasing power
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39578 , vital:35292
- Description: A newly industrialised country (NIC) is a nation whose rapid industrial growth is delivering high levels of economic development. The ‘NIC’ term is however inappropriately applied: thus this study develops a fresh exposition of the concept. Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and South Africa are identified as supposed present-day NICs. Regardless of the industrialisation strategy being pursued, NICs experience exchange rates misaligned in terms of equilibrium value. This can lead to an unpredictable exchange rate, and the failure of the empirical validation of the purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis. Theory suggests that there exist several frictions to price movements which manifest themselves as nonlinear adjustment processes. Common empirical methodologies for evaluating PPP are however inadequate in accounting for these phenomena. To close the gap between theory and empirical evidence, the Kapetanois-Shin-Snell unit root test, augmented with flexible Fourier functions with fractional frequencies (KSS-FFFFF), is conducted in order to empirically validate the PPP hypothesis when applied to NICs. This model is capable of capturing heterogeneous smooth transitions in regime switching, and approximating unknown structural breaks in the time series. The researcher developed a novel numerical method in the form of a binary search algorithm for selecting the optimal fractional frequency of the flexible Fourier functions. This procedure significantly reduces both the approximation error and the computational cost of flexible Fourier functions with fractional frequencies. The main result of the study is that all NIC’s real exchange rates are mean-reverting over the annual and monthly periods of 1960-2016 and 1970:1-2017:11. Therefore the traditional Casselian version of PPP holds true in each NIC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: De Villiers, David James
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- Econometric models , Purchasing power parity -- Econometric models , Purchasing power
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39578 , vital:35292
- Description: A newly industrialised country (NIC) is a nation whose rapid industrial growth is delivering high levels of economic development. The ‘NIC’ term is however inappropriately applied: thus this study develops a fresh exposition of the concept. Argentina, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and South Africa are identified as supposed present-day NICs. Regardless of the industrialisation strategy being pursued, NICs experience exchange rates misaligned in terms of equilibrium value. This can lead to an unpredictable exchange rate, and the failure of the empirical validation of the purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis. Theory suggests that there exist several frictions to price movements which manifest themselves as nonlinear adjustment processes. Common empirical methodologies for evaluating PPP are however inadequate in accounting for these phenomena. To close the gap between theory and empirical evidence, the Kapetanois-Shin-Snell unit root test, augmented with flexible Fourier functions with fractional frequencies (KSS-FFFFF), is conducted in order to empirically validate the PPP hypothesis when applied to NICs. This model is capable of capturing heterogeneous smooth transitions in regime switching, and approximating unknown structural breaks in the time series. The researcher developed a novel numerical method in the form of a binary search algorithm for selecting the optimal fractional frequency of the flexible Fourier functions. This procedure significantly reduces both the approximation error and the computational cost of flexible Fourier functions with fractional frequencies. The main result of the study is that all NIC’s real exchange rates are mean-reverting over the annual and monthly periods of 1960-2016 and 1970:1-2017:11. Therefore the traditional Casselian version of PPP holds true in each NIC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between psychological capital and flourishing in the workplace
- Authors: De Reuck, Jani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial , Personnel management Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39491 , vital:35272
- Description: Sales employees are often the most important channel a company uses to execute their strategies and generate income. Psychological capital emerged from the field of positive organisational scholarship, which believes that individuals and organisations will benefit from unlocking hidden potentials of employees by focusing on their strengths and positive qualities, leading to overall subjective well-being, referred to as flourishing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Psychological Capital and the Flourishing of retail sales employees. The current research study employed a descriptive, exploratory, quantitative and cross-sectional research design. Results were gathered through formal measurements using, The Psychological capital Questionnaire and the PERMA-Profiler and were analysed through the use of statistical measures. The Psychological Capital questionnaires were used to measure the construct of Psychological Capital (hope, resilience, optimism and self-efficacy). The PERMA-Profiler were utilised to measure the level of flourishing of the sample. Participants was selected by means of non-probability convenience sampling, while a sample of 350 retail sales employees employed at the three leading retail centres in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, completed the questionnaires. Quantitative data obtained from the survey questionnaires, were analysed through the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The Pearson product-moment correlation was used to determine the strength of the relationships between the variables and the level of significance was set at a 95% confidence interval level (p ≤ 0,05). Owing to the data being non-normal, the Kruskal Wallis test was used to compare the distribution of different populations and nonparametric post hoc, Mann-Whitney U test. Based on the findings, there was a significant relationship found between psychological capital and flourishing amongst the sample employees in the retail industry. It is therefore possible that those relationships may hold true for future studies, in different industries as well as different occupations. Further exploration of these constructs is required in the South African context to see if the result in the present study can be supported or not.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: De Reuck, Jani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial , Personnel management Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39491 , vital:35272
- Description: Sales employees are often the most important channel a company uses to execute their strategies and generate income. Psychological capital emerged from the field of positive organisational scholarship, which believes that individuals and organisations will benefit from unlocking hidden potentials of employees by focusing on their strengths and positive qualities, leading to overall subjective well-being, referred to as flourishing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Psychological Capital and the Flourishing of retail sales employees. The current research study employed a descriptive, exploratory, quantitative and cross-sectional research design. Results were gathered through formal measurements using, The Psychological capital Questionnaire and the PERMA-Profiler and were analysed through the use of statistical measures. The Psychological Capital questionnaires were used to measure the construct of Psychological Capital (hope, resilience, optimism and self-efficacy). The PERMA-Profiler were utilised to measure the level of flourishing of the sample. Participants was selected by means of non-probability convenience sampling, while a sample of 350 retail sales employees employed at the three leading retail centres in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, completed the questionnaires. Quantitative data obtained from the survey questionnaires, were analysed through the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The Pearson product-moment correlation was used to determine the strength of the relationships between the variables and the level of significance was set at a 95% confidence interval level (p ≤ 0,05). Owing to the data being non-normal, the Kruskal Wallis test was used to compare the distribution of different populations and nonparametric post hoc, Mann-Whitney U test. Based on the findings, there was a significant relationship found between psychological capital and flourishing amongst the sample employees in the retail industry. It is therefore possible that those relationships may hold true for future studies, in different industries as well as different occupations. Further exploration of these constructs is required in the South African context to see if the result in the present study can be supported or not.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Job satisfaction and workplace stress of public service staff in the Eastern and Western Cape of South Africa
- De Koning, Divan, Van Niekerk, Roelf
- Authors: De Koning, Divan , Van Niekerk, Roelf
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job stress , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Western Cape. Public service employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public service employment -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39414 , vital:35244
- Description: The aim of the study was to measure and explore the job satisfaction and workplace stress levels of public service staff within the Eastern and Western Cape of South Africa, as well as to establish the extent of the relationship between the areas of job satisfaction and workplace stress. The measure was predominantly administered to staff that the researcher came into contact with as a result of psychometric assessments that their employer required them to complete. The researcher facilitated the role of a service provider to the public service entities and utilised this opportunity to encourage staff to complete the measure. The measure covered five job satisfaction and seven workplace stress variables. 230 staff members completed the measure of which 170 was deemed to be useable. A quantitative study thereby enabling the investigation into the potential sources of job dissatisfaction and workplace stress was conducted. Eight hypotheses had been formulated in order to facilitate the comparisons and had been informed by prior research. The quantitative analysis established that both of the sections in the measure (job satisfaction and workplace stress) averaged Cronbach’s alphas in excess of .60 for the 12 variables measured, this, therefore, exceeded the minimum benchmark that had been set for the study. As such, the measures were considered to be appropriate measures of their respective constructs. Staff were most satisfied with the hours that they worked and least satisfied with their opportunities for promotion. Staff experienced the least amount of stress related to bullying at work and experienced the most stress related to the intensity with which they were expected to work. A moderate relationship between workplace stress and job satisfaction was identified along with strong relationships between the factors of, managerial support and work relationships; managerial support and work activities; and between role and work activities. Moderate support was found for hypothesis six which referred to the relationships between job satisfaction and age. The study aided in enhancing insight into the causes of workplace stress and job dissatisfaction within public service in South Africa and can serve as a basis for future studies into the public service industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: De Koning, Divan , Van Niekerk, Roelf
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job stress , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Western Cape. Public service employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public service employment -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39414 , vital:35244
- Description: The aim of the study was to measure and explore the job satisfaction and workplace stress levels of public service staff within the Eastern and Western Cape of South Africa, as well as to establish the extent of the relationship between the areas of job satisfaction and workplace stress. The measure was predominantly administered to staff that the researcher came into contact with as a result of psychometric assessments that their employer required them to complete. The researcher facilitated the role of a service provider to the public service entities and utilised this opportunity to encourage staff to complete the measure. The measure covered five job satisfaction and seven workplace stress variables. 230 staff members completed the measure of which 170 was deemed to be useable. A quantitative study thereby enabling the investigation into the potential sources of job dissatisfaction and workplace stress was conducted. Eight hypotheses had been formulated in order to facilitate the comparisons and had been informed by prior research. The quantitative analysis established that both of the sections in the measure (job satisfaction and workplace stress) averaged Cronbach’s alphas in excess of .60 for the 12 variables measured, this, therefore, exceeded the minimum benchmark that had been set for the study. As such, the measures were considered to be appropriate measures of their respective constructs. Staff were most satisfied with the hours that they worked and least satisfied with their opportunities for promotion. Staff experienced the least amount of stress related to bullying at work and experienced the most stress related to the intensity with which they were expected to work. A moderate relationship between workplace stress and job satisfaction was identified along with strong relationships between the factors of, managerial support and work relationships; managerial support and work activities; and between role and work activities. Moderate support was found for hypothesis six which referred to the relationships between job satisfaction and age. The study aided in enhancing insight into the causes of workplace stress and job dissatisfaction within public service in South Africa and can serve as a basis for future studies into the public service industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Measuring the industry maturity of the South African export table grape industry
- Authors: De Bruyn, Corean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Exports -- South Africa , Fruit trade -- South Africa Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39403 , vital:35243
- Description: Despite the fact that the South African export table grape industry is more than a century old, studies which focus on the development of the industry have not previously been conducted. The main aim of this study was to measure the phase of maturity of the South African export table grape industry. The industry life cycle model was a main focus point to measure the maturity of the South African export table grape industry and as such has been used to analyse the dynamics of the South African export table grape industry. An expansive literature study was conducted to identify as many variables as possible that serve as indicators of the phase of maturity. A measuring instrument, in the form of a questionnaire, was developed, based on these identified variables. A randomly selected sample of 214 export table grape producers completed the questionnaire. Five main export table grape regions are present in South Africa, namely, the Hex River Valley region, the Berg River region, the Olifants River region, the Orange River region and the Northern Province region. An exploratory factor analysis was used to disentangle and reduce the large number of variables. From the factor analysis, four distinct factors emerged, namely: Manufacturing and Distribution, Demand, Research and Development, and Buyer Segments. Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was employed to confirm the reliability and internal consistency of the measuring instrument. The mean scores and standard deviations were used to determine the strength of direction of each of the four variables, followed by a t-test to determine the differences in development between the five regions. Finally, the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations were calculated for investigating the correlations between the variables used. The findings indicated that, among the five-export table grape regions in South Africa, Manufacturing and Distribution have evolved beyond the introductory phase, but that there is still considerable scope for growth in all the regions. Additionally, there are significant differences between the five regions, thereby indicating that the industry exhibits uneven development with some of the regions being further along the path of development. Demand delivered the second highest mean score and the smallest variation among the five regions. This indicates that export table grapes from South African producers have a loyal customer base. The mean score, however, still indicated that the industry as a whole is in the growth phase of development. Research and Development delivered the highest mean score, thereby signifying the industry’s commitment to research and development. This once again points to an industry being in the growth phase of development. The average mean score delivered by Buyer Segments indicates that the market has begun to fragment. This provides opportunities to create and exploit niche marks. This too conforms to the characteristics of the growth phase in the industry life cycle model. In essence, the current study provided useful information regarding the evolution of the South African export table grape industry. Moreover, a foundation has been laid for further research to be conducted in the industry life cycle of the South African export table grape industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: De Bruyn, Corean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Exports -- South Africa , Fruit trade -- South Africa Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39403 , vital:35243
- Description: Despite the fact that the South African export table grape industry is more than a century old, studies which focus on the development of the industry have not previously been conducted. The main aim of this study was to measure the phase of maturity of the South African export table grape industry. The industry life cycle model was a main focus point to measure the maturity of the South African export table grape industry and as such has been used to analyse the dynamics of the South African export table grape industry. An expansive literature study was conducted to identify as many variables as possible that serve as indicators of the phase of maturity. A measuring instrument, in the form of a questionnaire, was developed, based on these identified variables. A randomly selected sample of 214 export table grape producers completed the questionnaire. Five main export table grape regions are present in South Africa, namely, the Hex River Valley region, the Berg River region, the Olifants River region, the Orange River region and the Northern Province region. An exploratory factor analysis was used to disentangle and reduce the large number of variables. From the factor analysis, four distinct factors emerged, namely: Manufacturing and Distribution, Demand, Research and Development, and Buyer Segments. Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was employed to confirm the reliability and internal consistency of the measuring instrument. The mean scores and standard deviations were used to determine the strength of direction of each of the four variables, followed by a t-test to determine the differences in development between the five regions. Finally, the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlations were calculated for investigating the correlations between the variables used. The findings indicated that, among the five-export table grape regions in South Africa, Manufacturing and Distribution have evolved beyond the introductory phase, but that there is still considerable scope for growth in all the regions. Additionally, there are significant differences between the five regions, thereby indicating that the industry exhibits uneven development with some of the regions being further along the path of development. Demand delivered the second highest mean score and the smallest variation among the five regions. This indicates that export table grapes from South African producers have a loyal customer base. The mean score, however, still indicated that the industry as a whole is in the growth phase of development. Research and Development delivered the highest mean score, thereby signifying the industry’s commitment to research and development. This once again points to an industry being in the growth phase of development. The average mean score delivered by Buyer Segments indicates that the market has begun to fragment. This provides opportunities to create and exploit niche marks. This too conforms to the characteristics of the growth phase in the industry life cycle model. In essence, the current study provided useful information regarding the evolution of the South African export table grape industry. Moreover, a foundation has been laid for further research to be conducted in the industry life cycle of the South African export table grape industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The futures of orthopedic implants through 3D printing technology for South Africa
- Authors: Davids, Craig Nolan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Three-dimensional printing Three-dimensional imaging Orthopedics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39381 , vital:35238
- Description: 3D printing is one of the most disruptive technologies that truly has the potential to change medicine and healthcare by making care affordable, accessible and personalized. It can bring a new era if printers become more sophisticated, printing biomaterials gets safely regulated and the public acquires a common sense about how 3D printing works. An understanding and appreciation of the possible futures of 3D printing technology will be of great value to various stakeholders within the country. This research will identify and describe current drivers that should be appreciated for the government, business communities, academic institutions, healthcare provider’s policy makers and the society at large to make intelligent decisions about the future of 3D printing in medical devices. This study is aimed at identifying the possible futures of 3D printing in orthopaedic devices in South Africa. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and the Six Pillars of Futures were identified as the preferred methodologies to be utilised to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that several factors needs to be addressed before 3D printing is completely integrated into everyday joint reconstruction surgery. Having already made a big impact in the medical sector, three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology continues to push the boundaries of cost efficiency, convenience, and customization. It has transformed some aspects of medical device production. To date, 3D printing has been employed predominantly by hobbyists, product designers and a few select industrial applications, but the performance of additive manufacturing equipment is quickly evolving, the choice of materials is increasing, and prices of both materials and printers are falling rapidly, all factors through which 3D printing is swiftly progressing to attain wider consumer acceptance and a greater number of manufacturing uses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Davids, Craig Nolan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Three-dimensional printing Three-dimensional imaging Orthopedics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39381 , vital:35238
- Description: 3D printing is one of the most disruptive technologies that truly has the potential to change medicine and healthcare by making care affordable, accessible and personalized. It can bring a new era if printers become more sophisticated, printing biomaterials gets safely regulated and the public acquires a common sense about how 3D printing works. An understanding and appreciation of the possible futures of 3D printing technology will be of great value to various stakeholders within the country. This research will identify and describe current drivers that should be appreciated for the government, business communities, academic institutions, healthcare provider’s policy makers and the society at large to make intelligent decisions about the future of 3D printing in medical devices. This study is aimed at identifying the possible futures of 3D printing in orthopaedic devices in South Africa. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and the Six Pillars of Futures were identified as the preferred methodologies to be utilised to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that several factors needs to be addressed before 3D printing is completely integrated into everyday joint reconstruction surgery. Having already made a big impact in the medical sector, three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology continues to push the boundaries of cost efficiency, convenience, and customization. It has transformed some aspects of medical device production. To date, 3D printing has been employed predominantly by hobbyists, product designers and a few select industrial applications, but the performance of additive manufacturing equipment is quickly evolving, the choice of materials is increasing, and prices of both materials and printers are falling rapidly, all factors through which 3D printing is swiftly progressing to attain wider consumer acceptance and a greater number of manufacturing uses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Happiness in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Damba, Wayne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Happiness , Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial Construction industry -- Psychological aspects Construction workers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38068 , vital:34313
- Description: Studies on Happiness, commonly referred to as Subjective Wellbeing studies, have gained much attention in the past few years. Happiness has been measured from a national level to specific areas or industry. Happiness generally refers to the positive state of wellbeing. Happiness has a positive effect on individuals and society at large. Research has shown that happy employees are purpose driven and productive. They are self-motivated and influence other employees positively. Happiness contributes significantly to economic growth and development. This has resulted in countries and many large institutions being interested in the happiness levels of the citizens and employees. This study focuses on Happiness in the South African Construction industry. South Africa is a developing country; thus, there are many infrastructure development projects. The construction industry is an important industry in the South African economy because of its contribution to employment and infrastructure development. Improving the happiness levels of the construction workers will improve the quality of work produced in the industry as well as reduce the costs that are associated with unproductive employees. Happy employees are innovative and engaged in work. The primary data were collected from a Construction Company in Cape Town. The Questionnaire was developed from the literature on happiness studies. Questionnaires were printed from Question Pro and circulated to the employees. 165 employees successfully completed the survey. A conceptual model was developed and exploratory factor analysis was used to test the model. The results indicate that influence in the workplace, workplace relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, leisure, SA Pride and trust were some of the variables which positively influences Happiness in the construction industry. The results of this study further indicate that South African construction workers are generally happy. Construction workers generally do not trust the government and management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Damba, Wayne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Happiness , Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial Construction industry -- Psychological aspects Construction workers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38068 , vital:34313
- Description: Studies on Happiness, commonly referred to as Subjective Wellbeing studies, have gained much attention in the past few years. Happiness has been measured from a national level to specific areas or industry. Happiness generally refers to the positive state of wellbeing. Happiness has a positive effect on individuals and society at large. Research has shown that happy employees are purpose driven and productive. They are self-motivated and influence other employees positively. Happiness contributes significantly to economic growth and development. This has resulted in countries and many large institutions being interested in the happiness levels of the citizens and employees. This study focuses on Happiness in the South African Construction industry. South Africa is a developing country; thus, there are many infrastructure development projects. The construction industry is an important industry in the South African economy because of its contribution to employment and infrastructure development. Improving the happiness levels of the construction workers will improve the quality of work produced in the industry as well as reduce the costs that are associated with unproductive employees. Happy employees are innovative and engaged in work. The primary data were collected from a Construction Company in Cape Town. The Questionnaire was developed from the literature on happiness studies. Questionnaires were printed from Question Pro and circulated to the employees. 165 employees successfully completed the survey. A conceptual model was developed and exploratory factor analysis was used to test the model. The results indicate that influence in the workplace, workplace relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, leisure, SA Pride and trust were some of the variables which positively influences Happiness in the construction industry. The results of this study further indicate that South African construction workers are generally happy. Construction workers generally do not trust the government and management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Fintech and the financial services industry in South Africa
- Authors: Crouse, Johann Jacques
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Data processing , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations , Financial services industry -- Information technology , Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38046 , vital:34311
- Description: A preliminary literature review indicated that little to no research exists on the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to gain the perceptions of South African bankers on the Fintech phenomena and to develop a deeper understanding of the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. An empirical exploratory qualitative approach was employed and an interpretivism research paradigm was utilised. A detailed literature review was conducted into the Fintech phenomena as well as the financial services sector in South Africa. The use of purposive sampling was initiated, and the sample of the study consisted of five individuals who work for the largest South African banks. The data was gathered through in-depth structured interviews which consisted of ten predetermined research questions. Rich data was obtained which was then analysed through the use of content analysis and coding. This enabled the transcription of data and the extraction of codes which assisted in obtaining findings that answered the research question. Authenticity, rigor, trustworthiness and credibility criteria was applied from the onset and throughout the research study. The themes that emerged from the data analysis process were navigated so that findings could be reached by comparing the themes to previous literature. In conclusion, six themes emerged from the data analysis, namely; collaboration can create new markets and create market share, investing in Fintech to overcome legacy infrastructure by going digital, Fintech companies are more customer focused, balance regulation between protecting the industry and creating an innovative environment competition in future will be fiercer, competition is good for the performance of the financial services industry and the Fintech phenomena is positive for the banking industry. Certain findings and conclusions were drawn; regulations in South Africa do allow for innovation, regulation is not biased towards banks, banks innovate and collaborate through Fintech, Fintech is positive for the banking industry, South African banks are investing in preparation for Fintech, South African banks have limited budgets, there is no significant loss of market share for banks due to Fintech companies, market share can be gained by banks partnering with Fintech companies and the future of the financial services industry in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Crouse, Johann Jacques
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Data processing , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations , Financial services industry -- Information technology , Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38046 , vital:34311
- Description: A preliminary literature review indicated that little to no research exists on the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to gain the perceptions of South African bankers on the Fintech phenomena and to develop a deeper understanding of the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. An empirical exploratory qualitative approach was employed and an interpretivism research paradigm was utilised. A detailed literature review was conducted into the Fintech phenomena as well as the financial services sector in South Africa. The use of purposive sampling was initiated, and the sample of the study consisted of five individuals who work for the largest South African banks. The data was gathered through in-depth structured interviews which consisted of ten predetermined research questions. Rich data was obtained which was then analysed through the use of content analysis and coding. This enabled the transcription of data and the extraction of codes which assisted in obtaining findings that answered the research question. Authenticity, rigor, trustworthiness and credibility criteria was applied from the onset and throughout the research study. The themes that emerged from the data analysis process were navigated so that findings could be reached by comparing the themes to previous literature. In conclusion, six themes emerged from the data analysis, namely; collaboration can create new markets and create market share, investing in Fintech to overcome legacy infrastructure by going digital, Fintech companies are more customer focused, balance regulation between protecting the industry and creating an innovative environment competition in future will be fiercer, competition is good for the performance of the financial services industry and the Fintech phenomena is positive for the banking industry. Certain findings and conclusions were drawn; regulations in South Africa do allow for innovation, regulation is not biased towards banks, banks innovate and collaborate through Fintech, Fintech is positive for the banking industry, South African banks are investing in preparation for Fintech, South African banks have limited budgets, there is no significant loss of market share for banks due to Fintech companies, market share can be gained by banks partnering with Fintech companies and the future of the financial services industry in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Avoiding business failure in south africa
- Authors: Court, Nadine viargaret
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business failures -- Prevention -- South Africa , Business failures Success in business Business enterprises -- Management -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38024 , vital:34284
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive framework to forecast that a business is entering a distressed situation and to identify the warning signs to look out for before it is too late to turn the business around in order to maintain a sustainable future. The possible solution lies in what business owners and management can do, and look out for, to avoid business failure. The intended contribution of the study was to design a framework for most businesses, especially SMMEs, to follow to avoid business failure. Therefore, it can be seen from this study that it is critical for business owners and management to be innovative in their business to achieve competitive advantage and, as such, remain sustainable. Stakeholder relationships are critical to achieving a competitive advantage. Financial Analysis, Technology Management, Innovation, Organisational Design and Risk Management are interrelated and are very inter-dependent when seeking to avoid business failure. However, innovation and technology management have a significant influence on business failure and, as such, are critical to the success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Court, Nadine viargaret
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business failures -- Prevention -- South Africa , Business failures Success in business Business enterprises -- Management -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38024 , vital:34284
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive framework to forecast that a business is entering a distressed situation and to identify the warning signs to look out for before it is too late to turn the business around in order to maintain a sustainable future. The possible solution lies in what business owners and management can do, and look out for, to avoid business failure. The intended contribution of the study was to design a framework for most businesses, especially SMMEs, to follow to avoid business failure. Therefore, it can be seen from this study that it is critical for business owners and management to be innovative in their business to achieve competitive advantage and, as such, remain sustainable. Stakeholder relationships are critical to achieving a competitive advantage. Financial Analysis, Technology Management, Innovation, Organisational Design and Risk Management are interrelated and are very inter-dependent when seeking to avoid business failure. However, innovation and technology management have a significant influence on business failure and, as such, are critical to the success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Factors affecting the success of corporate social responsibility programmes in South Africa
- Authors: Collett,Margot
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Business ethics Industries -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38035 , vital:34310
- Description: Corporate social investment expenditure by the private sector in South Africa for the 2016 / 2017 financial year realised R9 billion. As a developing country, South Africa has immense social development needs and understanding the scope of the problem becomes important when establishing how best to address it. The key players in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are the donors who provide the funding, the implementers of projects and the recipients who benefit from the interventions. Identifying critical success factors for implementing CSR projects is essential as this will contribute towards developing effective protocols and best practice in the field. The primary objective of this study was to contribute to the knowledge and operational understanding of CSR programmes in South Africa and to identify protocols to facilitate effective business implementation strategies for CSR. The study sought to answer the research question: What are the critical success factors for CSR programmes in South Africa? An empirical, quantitative study was conducted by surveying implementers of CSR projects in South Africa (n=81). The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships between the independent variables, namely conceptualisation, implementation, reporting and evaluation, and the dependent variable, namely success of CSR. The empirical research was underpinned by stakeholder theory relating the practice of CSR to a multi-stakeholder context, and project management of life-cycle phases as the implementing arm of CSR projects. The key findings indicated that conceptualisation and implementation were positively and significantly related to success of CSR and that reporting, and evaluation had no significant relationship to success of CSR. Furthermore, recommendations were made to managers and implementers of CSR projects to facilitate and enhance the life-cycle phases of conceptualisation, implementation, reporting frameworks and evaluation of CSR projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Collett,Margot
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Business ethics Industries -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38035 , vital:34310
- Description: Corporate social investment expenditure by the private sector in South Africa for the 2016 / 2017 financial year realised R9 billion. As a developing country, South Africa has immense social development needs and understanding the scope of the problem becomes important when establishing how best to address it. The key players in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are the donors who provide the funding, the implementers of projects and the recipients who benefit from the interventions. Identifying critical success factors for implementing CSR projects is essential as this will contribute towards developing effective protocols and best practice in the field. The primary objective of this study was to contribute to the knowledge and operational understanding of CSR programmes in South Africa and to identify protocols to facilitate effective business implementation strategies for CSR. The study sought to answer the research question: What are the critical success factors for CSR programmes in South Africa? An empirical, quantitative study was conducted by surveying implementers of CSR projects in South Africa (n=81). The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships between the independent variables, namely conceptualisation, implementation, reporting and evaluation, and the dependent variable, namely success of CSR. The empirical research was underpinned by stakeholder theory relating the practice of CSR to a multi-stakeholder context, and project management of life-cycle phases as the implementing arm of CSR projects. The key findings indicated that conceptualisation and implementation were positively and significantly related to success of CSR and that reporting, and evaluation had no significant relationship to success of CSR. Furthermore, recommendations were made to managers and implementers of CSR projects to facilitate and enhance the life-cycle phases of conceptualisation, implementation, reporting frameworks and evaluation of CSR projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
SME development policy and financing of women-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chikwavarara, Bigbouy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- Zimbabwe , Small business -- women -- Zimbabwe Business enterprises -- Finance -- Zimbabwe Small business -- Finance -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37969 , vital:34275
- Description: This cross-sectional quasi-experimental research applied a combination of an indepth literature review, key informant interviews and a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) survey to identify key policies which influence access to formal finance for women-owned SMEs in Zimbabwe. The study then applied Sandiford and Rossmiller’s 4Es (effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity) framework for policy analysis to identify gaps in the SME development policy framework, which inhibit female entrepreneurs from access to formal finance. The study also reviewed India’s SME development policy framework to identify lessons that Zimbabwe could learn. The study found that female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe are rarely engaged during the design and implementation of SME policies; hence they lack knowledge of interventions which affect their businesses. The study also found that Zimbabwe lacks current data and knowledge on how the current SME policy framework affects women-owned SMEs to access finance. As a result, SME policies are not evidence based, are hurriedly implemented and lead to duplication and uncoordinated efforts. In addition, SME policies are not systematically evaluated so as to better inform implementation thereof or follow on policies. The study concluded that Zimbabwe’s SME development policy ranks low on all the 4Es - effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity in promoting access to finance for women-owned SMEs. The study recommends the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) to invest in timely policy research and analysis to better understand women-owned SMEs’ access to finance challenges and adopt evidence based policy making and implementation. The study also recommends the GoZ to learn from India how to enhance the SME development policy framework by building the capacity of female entrepreneurs and financial institutions to close the deeply entrenched information and confidence gaps on access to finance issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chikwavarara, Bigbouy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- Zimbabwe , Small business -- women -- Zimbabwe Business enterprises -- Finance -- Zimbabwe Small business -- Finance -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37969 , vital:34275
- Description: This cross-sectional quasi-experimental research applied a combination of an indepth literature review, key informant interviews and a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) survey to identify key policies which influence access to formal finance for women-owned SMEs in Zimbabwe. The study then applied Sandiford and Rossmiller’s 4Es (effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity) framework for policy analysis to identify gaps in the SME development policy framework, which inhibit female entrepreneurs from access to formal finance. The study also reviewed India’s SME development policy framework to identify lessons that Zimbabwe could learn. The study found that female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe are rarely engaged during the design and implementation of SME policies; hence they lack knowledge of interventions which affect their businesses. The study also found that Zimbabwe lacks current data and knowledge on how the current SME policy framework affects women-owned SMEs to access finance. As a result, SME policies are not evidence based, are hurriedly implemented and lead to duplication and uncoordinated efforts. In addition, SME policies are not systematically evaluated so as to better inform implementation thereof or follow on policies. The study concluded that Zimbabwe’s SME development policy ranks low on all the 4Es - effectiveness, efficiency, enforceability and equity in promoting access to finance for women-owned SMEs. The study recommends the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) to invest in timely policy research and analysis to better understand women-owned SMEs’ access to finance challenges and adopt evidence based policy making and implementation. The study also recommends the GoZ to learn from India how to enhance the SME development policy framework by building the capacity of female entrepreneurs and financial institutions to close the deeply entrenched information and confidence gaps on access to finance issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The tertiary education institution of the future towards 2030: scenarios for skills transformation
- Authors: Chikoti, Patrick
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Administration Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37958 , vital:34274
- Description: The research methodology used in this research was comprised of Inayatullah’s Six Pillars of Futures Studies, in which emphasis was placed on scenario planning and the creation of alternative scenarios for the tertiary education institutions in South Africa towards 2030. An environmental scan revealed the drivers of change in the education sector and in the world of work. Deepening of the future of education was done through Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to facilitate the discerning of issues from various viewpoints in the creation and expansion of transformative stories so as to provide a window into possible futures for skills transformation. The four scenarios for the tertiary education institution of the future, namely “Stairway to Heaven”, “Highway to Hell”, “Bat out of Hell” and “Still Raining” were developed. These scenarios can be used as departure points by tertiary education providers to make strides towards the Global Sustainable Development Education 2030 targets and the attainment of South Africa’s Vision 2030 targets contained in the National Development Plan. Equally important, these scenarios make known what was previously unknown, exploring the possible and impossible, and encouraging new, innovative thinking for decision-makers. The “Stairway to Heaven” scenario supplies a future in which all stakeholders approve of and embrace the mandate of providing relevant skills and job readiness in a fast-changing world, and the benefits are maximised for all involved through co-creation. It is a scenario where industry, tertiary institutions and society have decided that the purpose of education should be lifelong learning for a viable, productive and sustainable world. The desired future of tertiary education is set against a backdrop of public and private sector collaboration, with the aim of turning the nation into an excellent hub for skills transformation. Furthermore, the scenario provides some insight on the vital measures required to embrace the innovation and the appropriate pedagogy. This research was motivated by the need to shine a light on the 21st century learner, rapidly obsoleting skills, no-collar worker, skills of the future, learning futures, and possible predictions about what new jobs may come into existence so that educationists can better prepare for the future. This research offers solutions on how institutions can prepare students for future jobs, especially considering the rapid changes in jobs and the unprecedented demise of certain jobs. The research closes a research gap through creating scenarios that offer various stakeholders in the tertiary education sector different insights and analysis into a number of interpretations of the potential paths that they can follow. The scenario application culminated in the formulation and creation of a “future vision of the tertiary education institution in South Africa towards 2030”, delivering a platform for skills transformation that will deliver adaptable workers, and sustainable and inclusive progress for all South Africans. To bring transformation into the present and design the future that embraces skills transformation, it is invaluable to interrogate the roles and choices that stakeholders of the educational sector make in determining the preferred future. The approach of this research makes it clear that, as the new world of work transpires, policymakers, students, labour, educational leaders, captains of industry and workers must proactively manage the workforce transitions. The focal issue is to discover the appropriate tools that will establish the confidence necessary to create the preferred future for skills transformation in tertiary institutions. This research has laid a platform for co-creation with various stakeholders in an effort to visualise a tertiary institution that contributes to skills development. The vision must accept that the South African jobs and skills historical profile is different from that of industrialised countries. Alternatively, the nation should respond to the double-barrelled challenge of participating in a high skills’ competitive environment on a global scale, as well as a local context that creates low-wage, blue-collar jobs to absorb the large numbers who are unemployed. The challenge is even greater for South Africa, because the economy – if highly service-oriented, with a big informal sector and a quality postgraduate education offering – is supported by a basic education system that is not producing enough critical thinkers who are equipped for university and work life. Thus, the system requires a double transformation to ensure student-centredness and meet the needs of a future worker.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chikoti, Patrick
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Administration Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Educational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37958 , vital:34274
- Description: The research methodology used in this research was comprised of Inayatullah’s Six Pillars of Futures Studies, in which emphasis was placed on scenario planning and the creation of alternative scenarios for the tertiary education institutions in South Africa towards 2030. An environmental scan revealed the drivers of change in the education sector and in the world of work. Deepening of the future of education was done through Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to facilitate the discerning of issues from various viewpoints in the creation and expansion of transformative stories so as to provide a window into possible futures for skills transformation. The four scenarios for the tertiary education institution of the future, namely “Stairway to Heaven”, “Highway to Hell”, “Bat out of Hell” and “Still Raining” were developed. These scenarios can be used as departure points by tertiary education providers to make strides towards the Global Sustainable Development Education 2030 targets and the attainment of South Africa’s Vision 2030 targets contained in the National Development Plan. Equally important, these scenarios make known what was previously unknown, exploring the possible and impossible, and encouraging new, innovative thinking for decision-makers. The “Stairway to Heaven” scenario supplies a future in which all stakeholders approve of and embrace the mandate of providing relevant skills and job readiness in a fast-changing world, and the benefits are maximised for all involved through co-creation. It is a scenario where industry, tertiary institutions and society have decided that the purpose of education should be lifelong learning for a viable, productive and sustainable world. The desired future of tertiary education is set against a backdrop of public and private sector collaboration, with the aim of turning the nation into an excellent hub for skills transformation. Furthermore, the scenario provides some insight on the vital measures required to embrace the innovation and the appropriate pedagogy. This research was motivated by the need to shine a light on the 21st century learner, rapidly obsoleting skills, no-collar worker, skills of the future, learning futures, and possible predictions about what new jobs may come into existence so that educationists can better prepare for the future. This research offers solutions on how institutions can prepare students for future jobs, especially considering the rapid changes in jobs and the unprecedented demise of certain jobs. The research closes a research gap through creating scenarios that offer various stakeholders in the tertiary education sector different insights and analysis into a number of interpretations of the potential paths that they can follow. The scenario application culminated in the formulation and creation of a “future vision of the tertiary education institution in South Africa towards 2030”, delivering a platform for skills transformation that will deliver adaptable workers, and sustainable and inclusive progress for all South Africans. To bring transformation into the present and design the future that embraces skills transformation, it is invaluable to interrogate the roles and choices that stakeholders of the educational sector make in determining the preferred future. The approach of this research makes it clear that, as the new world of work transpires, policymakers, students, labour, educational leaders, captains of industry and workers must proactively manage the workforce transitions. The focal issue is to discover the appropriate tools that will establish the confidence necessary to create the preferred future for skills transformation in tertiary institutions. This research has laid a platform for co-creation with various stakeholders in an effort to visualise a tertiary institution that contributes to skills development. The vision must accept that the South African jobs and skills historical profile is different from that of industrialised countries. Alternatively, the nation should respond to the double-barrelled challenge of participating in a high skills’ competitive environment on a global scale, as well as a local context that creates low-wage, blue-collar jobs to absorb the large numbers who are unemployed. The challenge is even greater for South Africa, because the economy – if highly service-oriented, with a big informal sector and a quality postgraduate education offering – is supported by a basic education system that is not producing enough critical thinkers who are equipped for university and work life. Thus, the system requires a double transformation to ensure student-centredness and meet the needs of a future worker.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Assessing the impact of the income generating projects funded by the department of social development in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Charles, Phatheka Patience
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic assistance, Domestic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37947 , vital:34267
- Description: Income-generating projects represent one strategy adopted by the Department of Social Development to alleviate poverty. This study assessed the impact of income-generating projects funded by the department of social development in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape. The study is based on five specific objectives which sought to: assess the effectiveness of income-generating projects in Uitenhage; evaluate the formulation, implementation and overall management of income-generating projects by the Department of Social Development; 3)determine the involvement of the beneficiaries in improving their welfare; assess the roleplayed by the Department of Social Development in capacitating the project; and examine the possible challenges that the projects face that hinder them from achieving the alleviation of poverty. A sample of 22 people was selected to represent the income-generating projects members population. Non-probability sampling techniques were used in choosing the sample. Specifically, purposive sampling was one of the non-probability techniques used to ensure that all the projects were included in the research. Data were collected using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by using the documentation method. The result from this study showed that there are different income-generating activities and that all have need for regular monitoring and evaluation visits from officials from the Department. Project members also need training in financial management so that they do not mismanage their project finances. The research findings further indicated, clearly, that strategies currently used by the Department are not effective enough to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Charles, Phatheka Patience
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic assistance, Domestic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37947 , vital:34267
- Description: Income-generating projects represent one strategy adopted by the Department of Social Development to alleviate poverty. This study assessed the impact of income-generating projects funded by the department of social development in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape. The study is based on five specific objectives which sought to: assess the effectiveness of income-generating projects in Uitenhage; evaluate the formulation, implementation and overall management of income-generating projects by the Department of Social Development; 3)determine the involvement of the beneficiaries in improving their welfare; assess the roleplayed by the Department of Social Development in capacitating the project; and examine the possible challenges that the projects face that hinder them from achieving the alleviation of poverty. A sample of 22 people was selected to represent the income-generating projects members population. Non-probability sampling techniques were used in choosing the sample. Specifically, purposive sampling was one of the non-probability techniques used to ensure that all the projects were included in the research. Data were collected using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by using the documentation method. The result from this study showed that there are different income-generating activities and that all have need for regular monitoring and evaluation visits from officials from the Department. Project members also need training in financial management so that they do not mismanage their project finances. The research findings further indicated, clearly, that strategies currently used by the Department are not effective enough to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Residents’ perspective of Nelson Mandela Bay as a sustainable city
- Authors: Calitz, Martin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainable urban development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality City planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37128 , vital:34120
- Description: Currently, environmental issues have firmly entrenched itself at the centre of the world stage with regard to all spheres of development activity. This has been exemplified by the number of global and national agendas and international conferences, which are being held concerning the environment. This began with the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, which evolved into the current relentless environmental campaigns across the world from developed to developing nations. This was followed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002, which defined critical targets for sustainable development, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These campaigns have become critical in response to the alarming rate at which human activities are affecting the environment. Africa is experiencing one of the fastest rates of urbanisation in the world, with sub-Saharan Africa leading the way. In 2009, there were more than 395 million Africans living in urban areas, which equates to approximately 40% of the continent’s population. The African population number is estimated to triple to more than 1.2 billion people, with an expected 60% of all Africans to reside in urban areas by 2050. The United Nations Human Settlements’ Programme identified that this rapid growth presents two major challenges. First, providing African cities with the ability to better harness their productive potential and secondly, assisting African cities with the ability to better serve the increased demands for municipal services and decent housing. The unique situation that makes Africa different from other global urban migrations is the speed this urban migration process is following. 1994 marked a significant change for politics in South Africa. It provided the new administrative South African government the opportunity to position South Africa on a path towards becoming Africa’s first recognised sustainable country. In 1994, the South African government amended the constitutional objective to align local government with focusing on securing ecological sustainable development and making use of natural resources, while promoting justifiable economic and social development. In support of this constitutional objective, the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) No. 107 of 1998, established cooperative governance principles, institutional mechanisms and sustainable development tools needed to promote environmental sustainability
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Calitz, Martin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainable urban development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality City planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37128 , vital:34120
- Description: Currently, environmental issues have firmly entrenched itself at the centre of the world stage with regard to all spheres of development activity. This has been exemplified by the number of global and national agendas and international conferences, which are being held concerning the environment. This began with the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, which evolved into the current relentless environmental campaigns across the world from developed to developing nations. This was followed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002, which defined critical targets for sustainable development, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These campaigns have become critical in response to the alarming rate at which human activities are affecting the environment. Africa is experiencing one of the fastest rates of urbanisation in the world, with sub-Saharan Africa leading the way. In 2009, there were more than 395 million Africans living in urban areas, which equates to approximately 40% of the continent’s population. The African population number is estimated to triple to more than 1.2 billion people, with an expected 60% of all Africans to reside in urban areas by 2050. The United Nations Human Settlements’ Programme identified that this rapid growth presents two major challenges. First, providing African cities with the ability to better harness their productive potential and secondly, assisting African cities with the ability to better serve the increased demands for municipal services and decent housing. The unique situation that makes Africa different from other global urban migrations is the speed this urban migration process is following. 1994 marked a significant change for politics in South Africa. It provided the new administrative South African government the opportunity to position South Africa on a path towards becoming Africa’s first recognised sustainable country. In 1994, the South African government amended the constitutional objective to align local government with focusing on securing ecological sustainable development and making use of natural resources, while promoting justifiable economic and social development. In support of this constitutional objective, the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) No. 107 of 1998, established cooperative governance principles, institutional mechanisms and sustainable development tools needed to promote environmental sustainability
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The Neethling Brain Instrument (NBI) as a predictive indicator for leadership branding
- Authors: Buys, Hein
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) , Educational leadership -- Marketing Corporate image Leadership -- South Africa Executive ability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37900 , vital:34260
- Description: The purpose of this treatise is to determine whether the Neethling 8-Dimensional Brain Instrument (NBI) can serve as a predictive indicator of leadership brand of individuals. In practice the focus of recruitment is often solely concerned with the person-job fit in so far as hard-skills of the individual applicants are relevant and suitable to the position that must be filled. It is the belief of the researcher in this treatise that a more holistic approach in filling leadership roles most be adopted in order to increase the successful placement of leaders based not only on the person-job fit, but also on the person-team and person-organisation fit. Certain leadership brands are more suitable in certain environments and this must be tested for as part of the recruitment and placement process. This qualitative case study is exploratory in nature and hopes to gain a deeper understanding of predictive capability of the NBI in relation to leadership branding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Buys, Hein
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) , Educational leadership -- Marketing Corporate image Leadership -- South Africa Executive ability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37900 , vital:34260
- Description: The purpose of this treatise is to determine whether the Neethling 8-Dimensional Brain Instrument (NBI) can serve as a predictive indicator of leadership brand of individuals. In practice the focus of recruitment is often solely concerned with the person-job fit in so far as hard-skills of the individual applicants are relevant and suitable to the position that must be filled. It is the belief of the researcher in this treatise that a more holistic approach in filling leadership roles most be adopted in order to increase the successful placement of leaders based not only on the person-job fit, but also on the person-team and person-organisation fit. Certain leadership brands are more suitable in certain environments and this must be tested for as part of the recruitment and placement process. This qualitative case study is exploratory in nature and hopes to gain a deeper understanding of predictive capability of the NBI in relation to leadership branding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Assessing the local government turnaround strategy (2009) and implementation strategy (2010) focusing on municipal service delivery in rural municipalities. Case study: Ngqushwa Local Municipality
- Authors: Brown, Joelene
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37731 , vital:34232
- Description: Analysing the root causes of the challenges experienced by local municipalities in service delivery. A single case study research approach was utilised and the study was qualitative in nature. The research focussed on the challenges of rural local municipalities rendering municipal services to their communities and the root causes of these challenges. It furthermore assess whether the Local Government Turnaround Strategy can make a positive impact on service delivery, specifically within rural municipalities such as the Ngqushwa Local Municipality. The case study made use of an in depth literature review based on secondary sources as well as a semi structured interview with the Municipal Manager of the Ngqushwa Local Municipality. In the event that the root causes hampering service delivery can be solved, specifically in rural municipal areas, it will not only assist municipalities to comply with their constitutional duties, but will also assist with various socio-economic problems which exist within communities specifically in rural areas. The researcher experienced reluctance by the relevant employees of municipalities to part take in the research effort and to make themselves available for interviews. Large backlogs exist in relation to service delivery of municipalities specifically in rural areas. The research effort provided relevant information in relation to the root causes of the challenges which are experienced by local municipalities and what problems must be solved in order for municipalities to effectively and efficiently render service to communities in a sustainable manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Brown, Joelene
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37731 , vital:34232
- Description: Analysing the root causes of the challenges experienced by local municipalities in service delivery. A single case study research approach was utilised and the study was qualitative in nature. The research focussed on the challenges of rural local municipalities rendering municipal services to their communities and the root causes of these challenges. It furthermore assess whether the Local Government Turnaround Strategy can make a positive impact on service delivery, specifically within rural municipalities such as the Ngqushwa Local Municipality. The case study made use of an in depth literature review based on secondary sources as well as a semi structured interview with the Municipal Manager of the Ngqushwa Local Municipality. In the event that the root causes hampering service delivery can be solved, specifically in rural municipal areas, it will not only assist municipalities to comply with their constitutional duties, but will also assist with various socio-economic problems which exist within communities specifically in rural areas. The researcher experienced reluctance by the relevant employees of municipalities to part take in the research effort and to make themselves available for interviews. Large backlogs exist in relation to service delivery of municipalities specifically in rural areas. The research effort provided relevant information in relation to the root causes of the challenges which are experienced by local municipalities and what problems must be solved in order for municipalities to effectively and efficiently render service to communities in a sustainable manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Job performance and the relationship between employee engagement, goal setting, training, job fit and trust
- Authors: Brood, Ayoob
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Job satisfaction -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37846 , vital:34253
- Description: Every business has a goal of being profitable which relies on employee job performance. To determine the relationship employee engagement, trust, goal setting, job fit and training had on job performance surveys was sent to 8 MTN Branded retail stores within the Eastern Cape to gather data. Each survey once completed would then be dropped off and the MTN head office in Cape Road. Previous work has looked at these independent variables and how they affect job performance separately and not as a whole. Contrary to the literature, goal settings were the only variable that had a significant influence according to the findings of this study. The statistical results of this study revealed that goal settings influenced job performance with a p-value of 0.010 (p<0.05) and had a positive relationship, indicating that the respondent’s goal settings had an influence on their job performance. The mean values indicated that the respondents agreed that the independent variables would affect the performance. Thus, it is highly recommended that management investigates the requirements of implementing strategies of these variables to improve job performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Brood, Ayoob
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Job satisfaction -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa Labor productivity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37846 , vital:34253
- Description: Every business has a goal of being profitable which relies on employee job performance. To determine the relationship employee engagement, trust, goal setting, job fit and training had on job performance surveys was sent to 8 MTN Branded retail stores within the Eastern Cape to gather data. Each survey once completed would then be dropped off and the MTN head office in Cape Road. Previous work has looked at these independent variables and how they affect job performance separately and not as a whole. Contrary to the literature, goal settings were the only variable that had a significant influence according to the findings of this study. The statistical results of this study revealed that goal settings influenced job performance with a p-value of 0.010 (p<0.05) and had a positive relationship, indicating that the respondent’s goal settings had an influence on their job performance. The mean values indicated that the respondents agreed that the independent variables would affect the performance. Thus, it is highly recommended that management investigates the requirements of implementing strategies of these variables to improve job performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019