Theses and Dissertations (Business Administration)

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Business growth challenges and opportunities facing small and medium enterprises in the Sedibeng region
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020-03) Ngobena, Nadege Ngonkem; Hove-Sibanda, Progress, Prof.; Mafini, Chengedzai, Prof.
The role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is to stimulate economic growth and competitiveness in many countries. The same applies to South Africa, where the SME sector has grown tremendously to become the engine and the lifeblood of the economy by becoming a contributor to social and economic development through employment creation and constant input to the gross domestic product. However, despite these contributions, South African SMEs face numerous challenges and opportunities which might negatively or positively impact their prospects for growth, success and sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the business growth challenges and opportunities facing SMEs in the Sedibeng Region. Through a review of literature, some challenges were identified, namely, the limited access to financial, managerial competencies, economic variable, regulations and laws, crime and corruption and lack of appropriate technology and high cost of production. Despite these challenges, SMEs are faced with some opportunities which have been created by the government to facilitate their growth, with examples including the SEDA, Ntsika Apex Fund, Khula, the National Small Business Act, Black Economic Empowerment, National Development Plan (NDP) and the Local Economic Development (LED). A four-section questionnaire was then developed using adapted measurement scales and distributed to 230 SMEs in the Sedibeng region. Respondents were selected using the non-probability convenience sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS (Version 25.0). After testing for validity and reliability, descriptive statistics were applied in testing the perceptions of respondents towards the challenges, opportunities and business growth. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to assess the factor structure of the collected data. Pearson correlations were used to test for the strength and direction of associations between challenges, opportunities and business growth. Regression analysis was applied in testing whether challenges, opportunities and business growth (business sustainability and external business aspects). Two SME challenges, namely, crime and technology and economic aspects, were extracted in the EFA. Additionally, two SME opportunity factors, namely ‘information technology’ and ‘environment’ were extracted in the EFA. In the same procedure, two SME growth factors, namely, external business aspects and business sustainability, were extracted. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive and significant associations between all challenges, opportunities and business growth factors. In the regression analysis, both challenges and opportunities positively and significantly predicted SME growth. The study concludes by suggesting recommendations for limiting the impact of the identified challenges on business performance.
Business strategy, financial performance and the survival of women-owned small and medium enterprises in Gauteng province
(Vaal University of Technology, 2021-04) Mudara, Zwanaka James; Mafini, C., Prof.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are economic drivers and key in job creation in emerging economies. In the past, the difficulties faced by women have deprived them of opportunities to establish and run successful businesses. Previous research reveals that women’s involvement in businesses creates sustainable economic growth, thereby reducing poverty. Women-owned SMEs in South Africa receive minimal government support, and many women lack the resources required to run a business successfully. Ensuring growth and profitability in women-run enterprises can alleviate the extent to which women have been disadvantaged in South Africa. In the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women have a significant role in creating jobs, which can grow the South African economy. This study aimed to determine the influence of strategy implementation in women-owned SMEs in South Africa, specifically Gauteng Province. The study considered constructs such as strategy implementation, financial performance and SME survival in women-owned SMEs. Against this background, a deductive reasoning based quantitative approach was adopted using a cross-sectional survey design to assess the connection between the constructs under consideration. The final sample consisted of 347 women entrepreneurs and managers and employees of selected SMEs in various regions of Gauteng Province. The data collected were analysed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Scientists (SPSS) version 25.0 software. Statistical analyses techniques applied in the study included descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, person correlations and regression analyses. The results of the study showed that corporate and business strategies exert a significant influence on SME financial performance. However, operational strategy was statistically insignificant. Financial performance, in turn, influenced SME survival. Additionally, all three strategies, namely, corporate, business and operational, significantly influenced SME survival. Thus, the financial performance and ultimate survival of women-owned SMEs in South Africa are both dependent on strategy formulation and implementation. The research is practical in that its results may be used as a reference source for ideas in strategy formulation and implementation in stakeholder committees. The results may then be directed towards alleviating the challenges facing women-owned SMEs in South Africa and stimulate their chances of success. The study, therefore, has implications in generating employment, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of women-owned SMEs. Theoretically, the study contributes by closing the gap in literature within the area of the nexus between strategy implementation, financial performance and SME survival in the context of South Africa.
A comparative study of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intentions amongst students at selected South African institutions of higher education
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-01) Matsheke, Moses Jametane; Dhurup, M., Prof.; Mafini, C., Prof.
Entrepreneurial intention (EI) is considered as an element used by researchers to measure the propensity of individuals to become entrepreneurs. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have been utilised globally by governments as mechanisms to increase the EIs of students by establishing entrepreneurship as an academic discipline and instituting entrepreneurship programmes at all educational levels. However, in South Africa, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reports a decline in EIs in the last decade of the population aged 18-64 years. The current study investigated the influence of the entrepreneurship education (EE) at one selected Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college and a University of Technology (UOT) located in the Gauteng Province, South Africa through a comparative analysis. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) were used as theories to underpin the study. In addition, Self-efficacy (SE), Need to Achieve (NA) and Instrumental Readiness (IR) were included as constructs to examine further variables for EIs. The study adopted a survey design and followed a quantitative research approach in determining the relationship between the identified variables. A self-administered survey questionnaire was used to gather the data from the sampled students at the selected HEIs. The total number of usable questionnaires was 390 from the TVET college and 362 from the UOT, giving a total of 752 responses. The empirical analysis was performed by means of the descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson correlations, and regression analysis. The descriptive analysis procedure was utilised to examine the demographic profile of the respondents as well as the perceptions of the respondents towards the research constructs of the study. The EFA procedure confirmed that all measurement scales applied in the study were unidimensional. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the linear association between the constructs while the regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The results of the hypotheses tests revealed that EE was statistically significant in predicting the EI of the students from both the TVET college and UOT. The tests further revealed that EE was also statistically significant in predicting the Attitude towards Behaviour (ATB), Subjective Norm (SN), Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC), SE, NA and IR of the students from both HEIs in a similar manner. However, PBC, SE, and NA were found to be statistically insignificant for the TVET college students while for the UOT students only SN, NA and IR were statistically insignificant. The study concludes that EE is an important tool that can be used to enhance the EI of the students at both types of HEIs. It further draws the conclusion that students from the TVET college are more dependent on external factors such as the support of their families and friends as well as the availability of resources to start thinking of starting their own business, whereas those from the UOT are more reliant on internal motivation. Based on the results, the study recommends that subjects in the curriculum in HEIs should have a learning unit dedicated to stimulating entrepreneurship amongst students. Such an approach might inspire students to venture into entrepreneurship.
The contribution of innovation capabilities to business performance in state owned enterprises in South Africa
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-04) Marweshe, Sefako Isaiah; Van der Westhuizen, J. P., Dr.; Mafini, C., Prof.
State owned enterprises (SOEs) form one of the largest sectors within the economy in many countries and are important contributors to national development. They globally make up a greater part of the national gross domestic product (GDP). However, the performance of most SOEs in developing countries, such as South Africa, is substandard, prompting practitioners and researchers to continue searching for lasting solutions. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of innovation capabilities to market and business performance in SOEs in South Africa. The study followed a quantitative survey research method. A self-completion questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sample of 278 professional employees and managers in a selected South African SOE who were based in three provinces, namely, Gauteng, North-West and the Free State provinces. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25.0) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS version 25.0). The techniques used to analyse the data include descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses. Out of the seven hypotheses tested in this study, six were accepted. Innovative strategy, market innovation and technological innovation all significantly predicted market competitiveness. Market competitiveness significantly predicted three business performance dimensions, namely, environmental, financial, and operational. The study proposes a unique model for managing the contribution of innovation capabilities to business performance in SOEs in South Africa. Theoretically, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge since it is an addition to the available literature on innovation capabilities and performance of SOEs. Practically, in the study for the optimisation of market competitiveness and business performance, in SOEs, emphasis should be placed on understanding and considering the appropriate innovation capabilities as input factors.
The contributions of organisational agility towards business performance within small and medium scale enterprises in Gauteng province
(2018-06) Govuzela, Sithembiso; Ntshingila, Lydia; Mafini, Chengedzai
Only one in ten newly established business enterprises survive for longer than ten years in the business environment. The reasons behind the failures of these small enterprises include the lack of access to financing, lack of financial and managerial skills, lack of expertise, as well as economic factors such as poor sales and weak growth prospects. The new norm in industry requires organisations to have a remarkable amount of agility to survive and succeed. This is important in South African SMEs given their significant contributions to the national economy. A major research gap exists, which pertains to the scant evidence of studies that focus on the influence of organisational agility on business performance of small to medium enterprises in South Africa. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of organisational agility on business performance in small to medium enterprises in the Gauteng province. Using a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional survey research design, a structured questionnaire was administered to 564 randomly selected owner-managers of small to medium enterprises in the Gauteng province. Questionnaire items were adapted from previously validated scales. Simple descriptive statistics in the form of percentages and mean scores were utilised in testing the perceptions of respondents towards organisational agility, its sub-elements and business performance. Hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modelling approach, which was conducted after implementing a confirmatory factor analysis to test the psychometric properties of the measurement scales. The results of the study show that owners and managers of small and medium enterprises perceived that the performance of their organisations was satisfactory in terms of technology capability, collaborative innovation, organisational learning, internal alignment, organisational agility and business performance. Upon testing the hypotheses, positive and significant relationships were observed between organisational agility and its four dimensions, namely technology capability, collaborative innovation, organisational learning and internal alignment. In turn, organisational agility exerted a significant and positive influence on business performance. The results of the study imply that the performance of small to medium enterprises can be improved significantly through adjustments to organisational agility and its subdimensions. This study is important in that its results can be applied to assist small to medium enterprises to survive and succeed in today’s turbulent and tomorrow’s dynamic operational environments, where agile organisational abilities are required.
Corporate social responsibility, reputation and performance in the mining sector in Zimbabwe
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-01) Zuva, Joseph; Van der Westhuizen, J. P., Dr.; Mafini, C., Prof.
The world over the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gradually evolved from a theoretical concept to a managerial tool used to shape organisational competitiveness. Thus, this study sought to establish the influence of CSR on reputation and performance in the mining sector in Zimbabwe, given the limited evidence of such studies in the body of knowledge. The framework for data collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation was guided by the positivist paradigm, quantitative approach, and descriptive survey design. With the questionnaire being utilised to collect data from 330 respondents who were purposively and conveniently sampled from the targeted mines. The Cronbach Alpha coefficient was employed to test for the validity and reliability of the designed instrument. In addition, the Pearson’s correlation was used to determine relationships between constructs, while regression analysis was used to predict the reputation value based on causality. In addition, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed to determine the factor structure of the data collected based on the relationship of constructs and items. The analysed data revealed that most respondents, through descriptive statistics, agreed with the construct items except political corporate social responsibility (PCSR), which had the least mean score of (4.7311). This implied that the respondents somewhat agreed PCSR was being observed though at marginal levels. The other constructs stakeholder corporate social responsibility (SCSR), environment corporate social responsibility (ENCSR), ethical corporate social responsibility (ETCSR), and social corporate responsibility (SOCSR) had mean scores above 4, indicating that respondents agreed that CSR was being observed to retain a reputable image. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that four of the stated hypotheses supported the assumption on SCSR, ETCSR, operational performance (OP), and social performance (SP). Furthermore, the results revealed that PCSR, ENCSR, SOCSR, and economic performance (EP) could not be used to support reputation. The results on the hypotheses statements confirmed the empirical literature assumptions. Thus, partnerships, trust, honesty, disclosure, competitive advantage, operational efficiency, values based on morality, and transparency were confirmed to be by-products of CSR practices. Based on this, it can be argued that mining firms in Zimbabwe could employ CSR as a strategic tool to handle stakeholders’ concerns. In this regard, a theoretical model was crafted for the mining sector in Zimbabwe, which reduced independent variables to two, namely the SCSR and ETCSR. Hence the results established a strong positive association between PSCR, SCSR, SOCSR, ENCSR, ETCSR, and corporate reputation (CR). In addition, corporate performance was seen to have a positive impact on OP and SP. Based on the above results, it is recommended that mining companies in Zimbabwe fully embrace CSR as a vehicle for engaging with stakeholders. More so, CSR programmes should be done in consultation with stakeholders, especially surrounding communities that host or provide an operating environment. Furthermore, mining companies should be wary of the cultural effects of their operations through the crafting and implementation of ethical policies. This can further be enhanced through CSR reporting on CSR initiatives and programmes.
Developing a competency framework for broad-based black economic empowerment verification practitioners
(Vaal University of Technology, 2014) Seate, Barbara Makhosazana; Chinomona, Richard, Prof.; Pooe, David, Prof.
The influence of measuring Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is becoming a vital issue in organisations simply because it affects the organisation in different ways. Organisations seek ways to improve their B-BBEE status level in order to be conducive when conducting business and they believe that B-BBEE is necessary. The B-BBEE verification agencies are responsible for carrying out a factual, thorough evaluation of a measured entity’s B-BBEE status and, based on the result, for determining a B-BBEE score. The overall aim of conducting verification is to give confidence to all parties that rely upon the score set out in the verification certificate that the information on which the certificate is based has been tested for validity and accuracy. The study provided more information on how verification agencies can improve their competencies and how this affects the Department of Trade and Industry and the verification agencies. The study focused on educating the verification agencies and the Department of Trade and Industry about the importance and processes of developing a competency framework. Its purpose was to develop a competency framework for verification agencies. A survey consisted of about 300 verification practitioners employed by 80 verification agencies. Data was collected using the consensus sampling technique. All of these practitioners constituted a ‘universe’ or ‘population’ and 87 respondents were utilised. The Social Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and AMOS software packages were used for descriptive and factor analysis. Finally, the findings for the study are highlighted and the conclusions, implications and recommendations drawn.
Employees' perceptions of the effects of retrenchment on job stress and organisational commitment in a mining company
(Vaal University of Technology, 2016-11) Seteni, Landiswa Pilvia; Joubert, P. A., Dr.; Dhurup, M., Prof.
In the decade before 2005, South African organisations have had to cope with an ever-increasing rate of local and global changes. There have been considerable and ongoing socio-political changes, resulting from new Government regulations. Most organisations have experienced some type of downturn, whether due to external business factors or poor internal performance. A typical response to organisational decline is retrenchment. Retrenchment is attributed to cyclical downturns, market losses or other economic factors, which oblige the employer to reduce the labour force numbers. Though there are so many ways of responding to organisational failure, this study focused only on retrenchment. A number of psychologists and human sciences researchers have studied the results of job loss due to retrenchment. Retrenchment brings loss of skills, loss of morale and commitment, as well as physical and mental health degradation, including stress that results in employees withdrawing physically and emotionally. The main purpose of this study was to outline the employees’ perceptions of the effects of retrenchment on job stress and organisational commitment in a mining company. The research methodology used in this study is a combination of a literature review and an empirical study. The probability sampling technique, which entails using simple random sampling, was used to select the sample of the study. The primary data were collected using a questionnaire. The measuring instrument contained 43 items. The measuring instrument was pilot-tested with 50 respondents three weeks before the main survey; the questionnaire was self-administered to the participants. For the main survey, data from 294 respondents were collected and analysed. Participants in the study involved surface employees, including management, administrators, engineers and artisans. Data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of the various sections of the measuring instrument were computed to establish construct validity. Content validity was ascertained by pre-testing the questionnaire with the employees in the mine in question. Correlations were used to establish convergent validity of the constructs. Convergent validity was assessed to measure the degree of linear association of variables using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Discriminant validity was achieved by using regression analysis to show items loaded onto different factors in various sections which had more than one factor. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics on the demographic information of respondents. The results were also interpreted through correlation and regression analysis. The results showed that the effects of retrenchment did not have a negative impact on job stress (time stress and anxiety). This may be due to the mine in question planning and consulting with the employees prior to the retrenchment process. The results also showed that job stress (time stress and anxiety) is negatively associated with organisational commitment. Subsequent to these findings, it is recommended that employees (survivors) be updated on their future in the company in question. This could be done through regular workshops and counselling of employees. In order to motivate and engage employees, and thereby contribute to employee commitment, it was also recommended that organisations create open, supportive and fair organisational and team cultures, and ensure jobs are clearly aligned with organisational goals and have appropriate levels of autonomy, support and career development. Given that job satisfaction plays a huge role in organisational commitment, it was further recommended that managers need to actively improve their organisation’s job satisfaction to employees in order to achieve a higher level of organisational commitment. The study concludes by recommending that communication between employees and management should take place on a regular basis which can serve as a fundamental tool to retrenchment in the following manner: • Survivors will feel more committed to the organisation when the basis of retrenchment addresses the circumstances in the external environment, rather than the enrichment of shareholders or top management. • Communicating a clear vision of how retrenchment will benefit stakeholders, increases commitment since survivors can see a clear future for the organisation. • When survivors are treated with dignity and respect, they will feel more committed to the organisation because they feel appreciated.
Factors influencing adherence and employee perceptions towards safety control in a mining company
(2018-01) Modiba, Thami Malcolm; Mokoena, B. A.; Dhurup, M
The majority of mine health and safety authorities around the world agree that the quality of safety standards is of increasing importance to the mining industry across the world (Kleyn & du Plessis 2016:309). Mining companies in many countries such as New Zealand, (an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean), Australia, South Africa and China have taken up the challenges of guaranteeing liability and improving performance of the safety and health of their workers, aware that many workers are injured, if not fatally. These incidents result in production loss. This study provides not only an opportunity to evaluate the status of the safety control measures of the work system in a mining company, but also enables management to pinpoint the causes of poor safety performance and implement efforts that ensure safety improvement. The primary objectives of this study were to examine factors influencing the adherence and employee perceptions towards safety control measures in a mining company. Furthermore, the governments in many countries have tried to implement legislation to try to curb the scourge of industrial accidents. Safety disclosures of the annual reports from the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) of South African mining organisations, discloses 10 major mining accidents that happened in 2015 at Northern Cape mining companies. Six of these accidents occurring from a small mining sector and four from a large mining sector, except previous year’s safety records as detailed in this study. A quantitative approach was adopted for the study. The data were collected using a sample of 200 participants in which a survey questionnaire was administered to permanent mine employees and full time contractors in the mine. A simple sampling technique was used and data were then analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0 to formulate frequency tables and descriptive analysis graphs. Furthermore, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test were utilised to analyse the data and examine significant differences between employee perceptions and attitudes towards safety control measures, age and length of service (Willemse 2009:118-121). The results reveal that although the mine was considered compliant, with its employees showing a positive attitude towards safety control measures, ANOVA revealed different perceptions of employees based on their age and years of experience. However, no differences were found in relation to gender and occupation. Based on the findings, this study further recommends future studies to be conducted in order to explore the effectiveness of implementing an internal system of self-evaluation as a starting point in any safety improvement process. An effective system of internal self-evaluation will trademark the mining sector internationally and improve workers’ safety by improving effectiveness and assurance of the control measures and the level of control performance criteria. The system should create the awareness of adherence to safety control measures and deal with employee perception towards safety adherence in mining. In addition it should be a system that ensures a structured and standardised approach to learning from incidents and that all necessary steps are followed to safeguard against repeats of incidents and accidents through an effective incident investigation process (Van den Berg 2014:11). The findings of the study revealed that the leadership in the mine has a strong, positive and significant influence on the performance of safety. In this regard, this study recommends that an effective employee engagement system to be developed and that mine managers establish a safety control charter that must be understood by the mine workers, develop a code of ethics that requires ethical and honest behaviour from all employees in order to improve safety performance and learn from these accomplishments. Mine workers will take their cue from the attitude and example displayed by management, therefore, it is recommended that mine management develop an organisational culture, which assigns authority and responsibility to employees and organises and develops employees with direction provided by management that determines the type of culture in that mine. To minimise or reduce the risk of health exposure of each activity as highlighted under Regulation 9 of the Mine Health and Safety Act (29 of 1996), it is recommended that mine manager’s enforce the use of protective equipment. The leadership and human resources, mine workers and all persons who may be affected by the mining activities in the surrounding area of operation need to be aware of the factors that can impact their well-being. The study also presented managers, mine owner and other decision makers within the mining company with important insight on key areas of factors that may require particular attention in order to enhance their operational strategies towards zero harm in the mine.
The influence of employee fit dimensions on job satisfaction, organisational citizenship behaviour and intention to stay in selected South African municipalities
(Vaal University of Technology, 2021) Masoka, Josiah Coba; Joubert, P. A., Prof.; Dhurup, M., Prof.
Given the inevitable changes and dynamics in the nature of the global market, the recruitment, attraction, employment, motivation and retention of valuable workers has become critical for the continued success of both employees and organisations. Organisations are continuously faced with the dilemma of uncovering and understanding employment packages that are essential in attracting fitting individuals to join their establishment and remain in such organisations for a longer period of time. Similarly, people spend a substantial amount of effort and time searching for organisations and jobs that matches their qualifications and skills; fulfil their specific needs, while meeting their goals and values. This study investigated the influence employee fit dimensions (person-job fit, person-environment fit and person-organisation fit) on job satisfaction, organisational citizenship behaviour and intention to stay. These different conceptualisations of fit have typically been studied independently, but this study responded to calls that proposed for a study that incorporated multiple types of employee fit dimensions in a single study. When deliberating on the different fit concepts, some empirical evidence confirmed the existing conceptual distinctions between the three types of fit such as person-job fit, person-environment fit, and person-organisation fit and how each fit dimension positively or negatively influences job satisfaction and the extent to which job satisfaction influences organisational citizenship behaviour. Furthermore, the study examined the influence of organisational citizenship dimension on intention to stay. This study is embedded in a post-positivist quantitative research paradigm. The positivism paradigm was adopted as its underlying philosophy is grounded on cause-effect relationships amongst constructs within a given theoretical model. Since the study was descriptive in nature, the reliability and validity of data was analysed and correlation analysis and regression analysis were also computed. The exploratory factor analysis was performed using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity in order to examine the appropriateness of data for factor analysis and to establish the interrelationship amongst constructs. Preceding the main study’s data collection process, a pilot survey was undertaken to examine the correctness and accuracy of the questionnaire. The data collected were examined with the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0. The KMO values of all the constructs were above 0.80 which is well within the acceptable value of 0.50. Normality tests were performed using the skewness and kurtosis values and the standard deviation values ranged from 0.65311 to 1.05471 indicating that data was normally distributed. To confirm the consistency of the measuring instrument and its items, reliability tests were carried out and the results indicated that all the constructs were within range (0.786 to 0.891), having surpassed the threshold for reliability of 0.70. The results of the consistency of measures demonstrated that the measuring instrument was reliable. The correlation analysis revealed that there is a strong relationship between person-job fit, person-environment fit, person-organisation fit and job satisfaction. The results further disclosed a moderate association between job satisfaction with altruism, courtesy and civic virtue. A negative relationship is reported between job satisfactions and sportsmanship. A weak but positive relationship is shown between job satisfaction and conscientiousness. The results further indicate a moderate relationship between altruism, conscientiousness and intention to stay. The relationship between courtesy, sportsmanship and intention to stay is reportedly weak. The results indicate that a positive relationship exists between civic virtue and intention to stay. Regression analysis was also performed in order to establish the predictive relationships between variables. The regression analysis results indicate that person-job fit, person-environment fit and person-organisation fit are positive predictors of job satisfaction. Further, altruism, courtesy, civic virtue and conscientiousness contributed positively towards predicting job satisfaction. The results further reveal that sportsmanship showed no relationship with job satisfaction and weak predictor of job satisfaction. The results of the regression analysis further revealed that altruism, courtesy, civic virtue and conscientiousness showed no predictive relationship with intention to stay. However, sportsmanship showed strong predictive relationship towards intention to stay. The study proposes both the theoretical and practical contributions to the organisational behaviour and human resource management literature in the form of recommendations. Limitations and implications for further research is alluded to. The outcome of this study advanced a framework of the influence of employee fit dimensions on job satisfaction, organisational citizenship behaviour and intention to stay which may possibly benefit future researchers.
Influence of job embeddedness on job satisfaction and job performance among employees within South African Police Service Academies
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-05) Tala, Ratsela Johannes; Marais, Christel, Dr.; Grobler, Bennie, Prof.
Background The South African Police Service (SAPS) faces various challenges relating to service delivery, which is viewed as stressful, demanding, and dangerous. Members work long, stressful hours under adverse and challenging working conditions. These demanding working conditions correlate with experienced job embeddedness, job satisfaction and job performance. Moreover, in addition to these challenges police employees suffer from physical ailments, such as heart condition, hypertension and sugar diabetes, mellitus, and psychological problems, such as cynicism: feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and suicide. These challenges may lead to absenteeism, resignations and ineffective organisational performance. Many SAPS personnel at various academies have been employed in the Human Resource Development (HRD) for a prolonged time, and employee turnover is low. This suggests that they are committed to their job and experience job embeddedness. Research has shown that job embeddedness might predict job satisfaction and performance. The study aimed to investigate this relationship in the context of SAPS academy employees to inform SAPS management in assisting police officers in performing their role despite the challenges they face. Training is a high priority in the SAPS, the academies of which are expected to prepare future police officers to fill their roles effectively. However, the SAPS academies, which are expected to provide training and development, have limited human, financial and logistical resources owing to current political and socio-economic circumstances. Therefore, although employees in these academies may face challenges to their job embeddedness, job satisfaction and job performance, they remain in their jobs, which is a situation that the study aimed to explore. Aim The study described in this thesis aimed to investigate the influence of job embeddedness on job satisfaction and job performance amongst employees within South African Police Service academies, viewing it as a holistic construct. Methodology The research methodology followed to conduct the study was a combination of a literature review and an empirical study. Existing scholarship informed a theoretical understanding of the topic. An empirical investigation was conducted to achieve the aim mentioned above. In addition, a quantitative descriptive research design was adopted to investigate a sample of 400 employees working in the 23 academies nationally. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire as the collection instrument which was piloted with 25 respondents and then hand-delivered to the respondents of the main study. Simple random sampling accurately reflected the larger population (N=956). Results and Discussion The research results indicated that job performance and job satisfaction are causally related via job embeddedness acting as a mediator. Moreover, the relationship between job performance and job satisfaction was found to be non-recursive. The total effect of job performance on job satisfaction is larger (.5956) than the total reciprocal effect between job satisfaction as a predictor and job performance as an outcome (0.4061). The research supported the view that job satisfaction and job performance have a reciprocal relationship moderated by other variables such as job embeddedness. This finding does not support the initial hypothesis that job satisfaction acts as a mediator between job embeddedness as a predictor and job performance as an outcome. General As little research has been conducted on the relationship between job embeddedness, job satisfaction and job performance in the SAPS and the public sector in South Africa, relevant literature was not readily available for the study. In addition, the study had other limitations, which are highlighted in this thesis to inform similar future studies. However, the results provided insights that researchers in South Africa might find helpful, although the effect of job embeddedness as a holistic construct on various variables needs to further investigated in the context of the SAPS. Conclusions The study revealed that job performance, directly and indirectly, affects job satisfaction with job embeddedness acting as a mediating variable. The association between job satisfaction, job performance and job embeddedness as dependent variables and gender as an independent variable found no significant relationship. However, the relationship between race and first language as independent variables and job performance and job satisfaction as dependent variables differed significantly. In the questionnaire, white respondents agreed significantly less strongly with the job satisfaction and job performance constructs than the black African and coloured respondents. This difference was present in the task and contextual performance sub-dimensions of job performance. The Nguni first language group agreed significantly more strongly with the job performance and job satisfaction constructs than the Afrikaans first language group. This result was also true for the two sub-dimensions of job performance, namely task and contextual performance, with task performance being perceived as slightly more important than the contextual performance by the Nguni group. No significant associations could be found between age, educational level, marital status and the number of years employed as a government employee as independent variables and the three dependent variables of job embeddedness, job satisfaction and job performance. Recommendations The study led to recommendations for management practice, which might be helpful to the management of the human resource development division of the SAPS. The study provided essential information about the importance of job embeddedness in the working environment and its effect on employees’ job performance and job satisfaction who are expected to provide quality training in the SAPS. In addition, the study led to recommendations for future research by enhancing the knowledge base related to job embeddedness in the context of the South African public service sector. In conclusion, job embeddedness as a holistic construct and its relationship with other variables, needs to be explored further, especially in the context of the SAPS and its academies.
Influence of job embeddedness on job satisfaction and job performance among employees within South African Police Service Academies
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-05) Tala, Ratsela Johannes; Marais, Christel, Dr.; Grobler, Bennie, Prof.
Background: The South African Police Service (SAPS) faces various challenges relating to service delivery, which is viewed as stressful, demanding, and dangerous. Members work long, stressful hours under adverse and challenging working conditions. These demanding working conditions correlate with experienced job embeddedness, job satisfaction and job performance. Moreover, in addition to these challenges police employees suffer from physical ailments, such as heart condition, hypertension and sugar diabetes, mellitus, and psychological problems, such as cynicism: feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and suicide. These challenges may lead to absenteeism, resignations and ineffective organisational performance. Many SAPS personnel at various academies have been employed in the Human Resource Development (HRD) for a prolonged time, and employee turnover is low. This suggests that they are committed to their job and experience job embeddedness. Research has shown that job embeddedness might predict job satisfaction and performance. The study aimed to investigate this relationship in the context of SAPS academy employees to inform SAPS management in assisting police officers in performing their role despite the challenges they face. Training is a high priority in the SAPS, the academies of which are expected to prepare future police officers to fill their roles effectively. However, the SAPS academies, which are expected to provide training and development, have limited human, financial and logistical resources owing to current political and socio-economic circumstances. Therefore, although employees in these academies may face challenges to their job embeddedness, job satisfaction and job performance, they remain in their jobs, which is a situation that the study aimed to explore. Aim: The study described in this thesis aimed to investigate the influence of job embeddedness on job satisfaction and job performance amongst employees within South African Police Service academies, viewing it as a holistic construct. Methodology: The research methodology followed to conduct the study was a combination of a literature review and an empirical study. Existing scholarship informed a theoretical understanding of the topic. An empirical investigation was conducted to achieve the aim mentioned above. In addition, a quantitative descriptive research design was adopted to investigate a sample of 400 employees working in the 23 academies nationally. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire as the collection instrument which was piloted with 25 respondents and then hand-delivered to the respondents of the main study. Simple random sampling accurately reflected the larger population (N=956). Results and Discussion: The research results indicated that job performance and job satisfaction are causally related via job embeddedness acting as a mediator. Moreover, the relationship between job performance and job satisfaction was found to be non-recursive. The total effect of job performance on job satisfaction is larger (.5956) than the total reciprocal effect between job satisfaction as a predictor and job performance as an outcome (0.4061). The research supported the view that job satisfaction and job performance have a reciprocal relationship moderated by other variables such as job embeddedness. This finding does not support the initial hypothesis that job satisfaction acts as a mediator between job embeddedness as a predictor and job performance as an outcome. General: As little research has been conducted on the relationship between job embeddedness, job satisfaction and job performance in the SAPS and the public sector in South Africa, relevant literature was not readily available for the study. In addition, the study had other limitations, which are highlighted in this thesis to inform similar future studies. However, the results provided insights that researchers in South Africa might find helpful, although the effect of job embeddedness as a holistic construct on various variables needs to further investigated in the context of the SAPS. Conclusions: The study revealed that job performance, directly and indirectly, affects job satisfaction with job embeddedness acting as a mediating variable. The association between job satisfaction, job performance and job embeddedness as dependent variables and gender as an independent variable found no significant relationship. However, the relationship between race and first language as independent variables and job performance and job satisfaction as dependent variables differed significantly. In the questionnaire, white respondents agreed significantly less strongly with the job satisfaction and job performance constructs than the black African and coloured respondents. This difference was present in the task and contextual performance sub-dimensions of job performance. The Nguni first language group agreed significantly more strongly with the job performance and job satisfaction constructs than the Afrikaans first language group. This result was also true for the two sub-dimensions of job performance, namely task and contextual performance, with task performance being perceived as slightly more important than the contextual performance by the Nguni group. No significant associations could be found between age, educational level, marital status and the number of years employed as a government employee as independent variables and the three dependent variables of job embeddedness, job satisfaction and job performance. Recommendations: The study led to recommendations for management practice, which might be helpful to the management of the human resource development division of the SAPS. The study provided essential information about the importance of job embeddedness in the working environment and its effect on employees’ job performance and job satisfaction who are expected to provide quality training in the SAPS. In addition, the study led to recommendations for future research by enhancing the knowledge base related to job embeddedness in the context of the South African public service sector. In conclusion, job embeddedness as a holistic construct and its relationship with other variables, needs to be explored further, especially in the context of the SAPS and its academies.
The influence of organisational politics on job stress among small and medium enterprises employees in Matlosana Local District.
(Vaal University of Technology, 2018-11) Letshaba, Ralebitso Kenneth; Dhurup, M., Prof.; Joubert, P. A., Dr.; Chinomona, E., Dr.
Apart from the contribution and success of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through job creation, poverty alleviation and economic growth, there are still organisational factors such as organisational politics and job stress, which hamper the success of these enterprises. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of organisational politics on job stress among SME employees in Matlosana Local District. The target population concentrated on SME employees within Matlosana Local District in North West province, with the population size of N=431 respondents. A quantitative approach was applied, with the use of a cross sectional survey (questionnaire) to gather information on general political behaviour (GB), get ahead (GA), pay and promotion policies (PP), time stress (TS) and anxiety (AX). Data analysis was conducted with the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 25.0. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied in examining and testing the relationships between observed constructs and their causal latent constructs while Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesised relationships between constructs. The findings of the study revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between organisational politics and job stress. The findings also emphasised that organisational politics is considered as a hindrance-related stressor that hampers the proper functioning of individual employees. This study concludes that organisational politics are the social ills of every organisation, it is upon the management of the SMEs to apply good human resource management policies to curb the politics. Contrary, if the organisational politics are not managed well, it will result in impacting the job outcomes such as job stress.
The influence of organisational strategy, recruitment strategy and organisational culture on succession planning in South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation
(Vaal University of Technology, 2017-10) Ramaboea, Stella Julie; Joubert, P. A., Dr.; Dhurup, M., Prof.
In terms of the Public Service Act, 1994, as amended by Act 30 of 2007, all government departments operate under a recruitment system whereby applicants and employees are selected for positions based on their qualifications for the job. Equity and fairness are underlying democratic values and principles of the system. Therefore, the system guards against pre-determined successors until such time as all qualified candidates are provided an equal opportunity to apply for, and be considered, for the job (RSA 1994). However, organisations need to ensure that the appropriate people are in place with the required values, skills and competencies that are necessary to bring about change and accomplish goals to drive organisational strategy forward. It is also necessary to ensure that a suitable leadership team is chosen to help preserve and build upon an organisation’s existing vision, mission and values. Ensuring that leaders have the appropriate skills, abilities and competencies is crucial to assist an organisation to implement its strategic direction and overall goals and objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of organisational strategy, recruitment strategy and organisational culture on effective succession planning in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). In this study, focus was on trait behavioural, situational and chaos leadership and management theories; and their relationship to succession planning. The study made use of a quantitative research technique. Quantitative primary research was conducted by employing a self-administered questionnaire in the gathering of primary data for the study. The target population comprised employees (from entry level to executive levels) of DIRCO based in Gauteng Province as well as 127 South African Embassies and Consulates in foreign countries. Descriptive analysis was used in the analysis of the sample composition and participants’ perception of succession planning at DIRCO. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess model fit and to test the hypotheses. The results of the study confirmed that the recruitment strategy of DIRCO does not create opportunities for identification of internal talent. In order to address these deficiencies, it is recommended that DIRCO identify, mentor and promote diverse pools of internal candidates through succession planning. A proper succession plan will provide an organisation with a surplus of talent and will assist officials to realise their potential. DIRCO prefers to recruit external candidates rather than developing training programmes that will prepare the internal workforce for future leadership positions. The results indicate that lack of organisational and recruitment strategies have substantial influence on organisational processes.
The influence of perceptions of organisational justice on job satisfaction among administrative staff at a university of technology in South Africa
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020) Cana, Nolubabalo; Joubert, P. A., Prof.; Grobler, B., Prof.
The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of organisational justice on job satisfaction among administrative staff members at a university of technology in South Africa. A critical function of the administrative staff at a university of technology is to ensure that all students and other staff members are assisted as effectively and efficiently as possible. Administrative staff at a university of technology in South Africa needs to be committed and have a high morale to ensure that the vision of the University of Technology is fulfilled. This study promotes the application of the Equity Theory. People prefer to work in an environment that is perceived as just. Employees will experience satisfaction with their job in terms of Equity when the Equity Theory is applied fairly. However, inequity will lead to tension at the workplace. In order for the administrative staff at a university of technology in South Africa to function effectively, it is essential for a university of technology to ensure that their administrative staff is satisfied. In this study, a quantitative approach was undertaken to gain an understanding of the perception of organisational justice and its dimensions on job satisfaction. This involved distributing questionnaires to 200 administrative staff at a university of technology in South Africa. Two primary tests were used to assess the suitability of the data for factor analysis. These tests are the Kaiser-Meyer Olkin measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s test of sphericity. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlations among the constructs. A means analysis was conducted to assess the perceptions of the employeesin respect of distributive justice, procedural justice, interactional justice and job satisfaction. Regression analysis was executed to examine whether the independent variables of distributive justice, procedural justice and interactional justice predict the dependent variable job satisfaction. The Cronbach alpha coefficient test provided an adequate indication of reliability of the instrument. Face/content, construct and convergent validity methods were applied to establish validity of the study. A positive relationship between organisational justice and job satisfaction was found in this study. The administrative staff will be able to improve the job satisfaction levels of other administrative staff by making positive improvements when applying organisational justice to influence the various elements of job satisfaction identified in this study. This will effectively enable administrative staff to meet the challenge of providing improved service. The proper implementation of organisational justice will, ultimately, lead to the organisations’ success, as well as the progression of its employees. Since a university of technology depends on human resources, the organisation is required to assess the current organisational justice practices and create a working environment that stimulates and motivates employees so that their job satisfaction levels increase. The recommendations proposed for this study offer vital information on organisational justice practices that could assist a university of technology to improve the perceptions of administrative staff. Accordingly, the application can improve employees’ low morale resulting from perceived unfairness and injustice, thereby increasing the job satisfaction levels among administrative staff. The findings of the research may generate guidelines for organisational justice practices. Recommendations include a systematic and transparent reward system that recognises employees’ excellent performance and rewards them accordingly. Another recommendation is the creation of a well-structured consultative forum to grant employees an opportunity to provide management with their perceptions of unfair practices. Future research should extend to other sectors within the public sector environment, as well as expanding the research to include several other job satisfactionelements. Further, research using both mediation and moderation to investigate the associations between organisational justice and job satisfaction is recommended.
The influence of procedural, distributive and interactional justice on job satisfaction among members of the South African Police Academy: Thabong.
(2018-02) Gounden, Manisagaree; Joubert, P. A.; Dhurup, M.
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of procedural, distributive and interactional justice on job satisfaction among members of the South African Police Academy, Thabong. A critical function of the South African Police Service (SAPS) is to ensure that the inhabitants of South Africa are safe. Members of the SAPS need to be committed and have a high morale to ensure that the vision of the SAPS is fulfilled. This study advocates the application of the equity theory. People prefer to work in an environment that is perceived as just. Employees will experience satisfaction with their job in terms of equity when the equity theory is applied. However, inequity will lead to tension at the workplace. In order for the officers as employees of the SAPS to function effectively, it is essential for the SAPS to ensure that their employees are satisfied. In this study, a quantitative approach was applied to gain an understanding of the influence of organisational justice (OJ) dimensions (PJ, DJ, IJ) on job satisfaction (JS). This involved administering questionnaires to 234 employees who were attending management courses at the SAPS Academy, Thabong in the northern Free State province of South Africa. Two primary tests were used to assess the suitability of the data for factor analysis. These tests are the Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett’s test of sphericity. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlations among the constructs. A means analysis was conducted to assess the perceptions of the employees in respect of PJ, DJ, IJ and JS. Multiple regression analysis was executed to examine whether the independent variables of PJ, DJ and IJ predict the dependent variable JS. The Cronbach alpha coefficient test provided an adequate indication of reliability of the instrument. Face/ content, construct and convergent validity methods were applied to establish validity of the study. A positive relationship between the OJ and JS was found in this study. The SAPS will be able to improve the JS levels of SAPS officers by making positive improvements when applying OJ to influence the various elements of JS identified in this study. This will effectively enable SAPS officers to meet the challenge of providing improved service. The proper implementation of OJ will ultimately lead to the organisations success as well as the progression of its employees. Since the SAPS depends on human resources, the organisation is required to assess the current OJ practices and create a working environment that stimulates and motivates employees so that their JS levels increase. The recommendations proposed for this study offer vital information on OJ practices that could assist the SAPS to improve the perceptions of employees. Accordingly, the application can improve employees’ low morale resulting from unfairness and injustice, thereby increasing the JS levels amongst employees. The findings of the research may generate guidelines for OJ practices. Recommendations include a systematic and transparent reward system that recognises employees’ excellent performance and rewards them accordingly. Another recommendation is the creation of a well-structured consultative forum to grant employees an opportunity to provide management with their perceptions of unfair practices. Future research should extend to other sectors within the public sector environment, as well as expanding the research to include several other JS elements.
The influence of procedural, distributive and interactional justice on organisational citizenship behaviour among employees at the SAPS academy, Paarl
(Vaal University of Technology, 2016) Jansen Van Vuuren, Henk Riaan; Joubert, Dr. P. A.; Dhurup, Prof. M.
The purpose of this study is to investigate employees’ perceptions of organisational justice and their effects on organisational citizenship behaviour. This study advocates that the way employees perceive organisational justice affects their organisational citizenship behaviour in their current organisation. The fact that employees play a central role in the realisation of an organisation’s goals makes it critical for any organisation to have employees who are willing to go beyond what is required of them. In this study, a quantitative research paradigm and an exploratory research method were used to investigate a sample size of 226 employees working at the SAPS Academy, Paarl. In order to minimise the study bias, systematic sampling was used to ensure that the sample accurately reflected the larger population (N=457). Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and the results of the correlation analysis revealed that all three dimensions of organisational justice are significantly and positively related to organisational citizenship behaviour. Organisational justice also showed a strong predictive relationship with organisational citizenship behaviour. Based on the findings of the empirical survey, it was revealed that if organisational justice practices are implemented appropriately, employees holding key positions may be likely to display more organisational citizenship behaviours. Therefore, it was recommended that, to address negative perceptions of organisational justice, a strategy should be formulated to ensure that employees are treated fairly in terms of the dimensions of organisational justice. It was also recommended that when developing and implementing such a strategy, barriers should be addressed that could:  influence the availability of accurate and complete information for decision making; and  influence the dissemination of information pertaining to job decisions. It is further recommended that rewards programmes be reviewed to ensure that employees will experience fairness when comparing their own payoffs with those of fellow employees and perceive just distributive justice practices. The study concludes by recommending that a “Code of good practice – communication policy” be developed that would enable the displaying of social sensitivity and dignified, respectful and acceptable behaviour by employees in a managerial position towards their subordinates. The findings and recommendations of this study are important to employers as they provide crucial information regarding the types of activities organisations could engage in for employees to consider them as acceptable organisational justice practices. Such involvement in acceptable organisational justice activities can improve employees’ organisational citizenship behaviour and reinforce effective and efficient service delivery in their current organisation. The implications for future research indicate that a comparative study testing the differences between different groups based on certain biographical traits, such as gender, marital status, age, educational level, income and length of service in the South African Police Service, is advisable as it would assist in determining how such biographical traits might influence the various dimensions of organisational justice. Furthermore, the study could also be expanded to include a broader national sample within the Division: Human Resource Development and other divisions within the South African Police Service.
The influence of service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction within visa facilitation services centres in Gauteng
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-02) Matthews, Modiri; Mareka, T. T., Dr.; Mokoena, B. A., Prof.
The provision of government services in an orderly, efficient and caring manner has been a matter of huge concern within the public domain and largely a contentious topical area within media and other institutions that observe such functions. In the case of foreign nationals who wish to reside in South Africa, the relevant documentation is a visa that allows such persons to visit, study, work or run a business in South Africa, amongst others The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of service quality dimensions towards customer satisfaction within visa facilitation services in Gauteng. The study focused on foreign national students from a selected higher education institution (HEI) who require visas to study in South Africa. The five service quality dimensions that were considered as predictors were reliability, assurance, empathy, responsiveness and tangibility. In addition, the expectant disconfirmation theory (EDT) was considered critical in this study. In order to achieve the primary objective of the study, a quantitative cross-sectional research approach was employed and a non-probability convenience sampling procedure was adopted. A pilot study preceded the main survey to confirm the reliability of the measurement scale. Thereafter, a structured questionnaire was utilised to survey two hundred and ninety-seven students from the selected HEI and the resultant response rate was 100%. Coded data was transformed and descriptive statistics (profile data frequency table, means and standard deviation) exploratory factor analysis, and correlations were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Finally, LISREL software for statistical analyses was employed to perform structural equation modelling procedure using the various indices to determine the model fit for both the measurement and the structural models. The determination of the structural model fit was followed with a summary of the five hypothesised relationships. Specifically, only two hypotheses (H1-reliability and H4-empathy) stated were supported in a significant way, while the other two hypotheses (H3-tangibility and H3- responsiveness) were positive; however, they were insignificant and thus not supported. Furthermore, the remaining hypothesis (H2-assurance) was negative and insignificant and therefore not supported. The study proposes both the theoretical and practical contributions in the form of recommendations and also provides support for further research endeavours in the area. In addition, the outcome of this study provides a useful tool for gaining insight into service quality dimensions considered as important by foreign nationals requiring visas. The study concludes by alluding to the limitations and implications for further research.
Internal drivers of innovation and sustainability in South African manufacturing small and medium enterprises
(Vaal University of Technology, 2022-01) Mofokeng, Simon Abram; Mafini, C., Prof.; Chinomona, E., Prof.
The study aimed to analyse the relationship between internal management systems, innovativeness, and the sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the South African manufacturing sector. Most of the studies in this regard were mainly focusing on large and well-established companies, and the focus would be found to be aligned to only one variable. Studies with reference to SMEs where a linkage amongst the variables is clearly established are limited, thereby providing an impetus to conduct this study. As a result of the changes taking place daily in technology and business operational policies, SMEs typically have to revisit their internal management systems, level of innovativeness, and sustainable measures. Such methods are intended to promote their existence, survival, and growth into the unforeseeable future. A quantitative method based on a positivistic research paradigm was adopted in undertaking the study. The sample consisted of 500 respondents, who were owners, managers, and employees of SMEs in Gauteng Province. The collected data were tested using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Exploratory Factor Analysis, Pearson Correlations and Regression Analysis. Application of factor analysis led to the extraction of two additional SME sustainability factors, namely Employee Training Outcomes and Corporate Compliance to Policy. Of the three internal management systems, only two factors, namely infrastructure development and employee training outcomes, exerted a significant positive influence on innovation. In turn, innovation exerted a significant positive influence on two SME sustainability factors, namely the nature of the product and social sustainability. The study has several implications. Theoretically, the study provides information on how internal management systems relate to innovation. As indicated in the results, only infrastructure development and employee training outcomes exert an influence on innovation and should thus be prioritised when attempting to improve the extent of innovation within SMEs. Likewise, innovation in SMEs results in benefits in terms of the nature of the product and social sustainability only. Practically, the study recommends that there is a need by the South African government through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Department to review their approach on SMEs so that they can obtain adequate resources to enhance their business success. Additionally, there is a need for both governmental and non-governmental organisations to develop initiatives where SMEs go through the incubation process. During this process, training and business advisory services will be offered for free to equip owner-managers with the relevant business skills. Areas of further research, as well as limitations, were also discussed.
Leadership power bases' influences on quality of work life and intention to stay among employees at a selected retail outlet
(Vaal University of Technology, 2020-03) Maphanga, Mbali Eveltha; Isabirye, A. K., Dr.; Mokoena, B. A., Prof.
Retailing refers to the activities involved in selling goods or services to the final consumer for personal use as opposed to business purposes. It is a socio-economic system that gets people together to interchange goods and services for a small payment, which matches the final consumers’ needs. In South Africa, the industry has grown by a yearly average of 3 percent in the past eight years and Gauteng, as a province, contributed 26.5 percent to this growth. Therefore, the retail industry has been growing at a very slow rate. Letooane (2013:2) asserts that that there is a need for research in leadership power bases, QWL and how best the needs of employees can be satisfied to improve their intention to stay. In this regard, the primary objective of the study was to examine the relationship between leadership power bases, quality of work life (QWL) and intention to stay among employees at a selected retail outlet in Gauteng province. The research methodology applied to conduct the study was a consolidation of a literature review and an empirical study.The study focused on the work of French and Raven (1959) power sources, namely coercive, legitimate, reward, referent and expert power. It also looked at QWL as the nature of the workforce in retail today is generally very different from the workforce of the past decades. In addition, the study explored how QWL will assist retailers in enhancing their employees’ intention to stay. A quantitative research approach was followed in this study and a simple random probability sampling method was adopted. A structured questionnaire, divided into four sections, was utilised to survey 300 (both male and female) employees from three branches of the selected retail company in the Daveyton township. The pilot study preceded the main survey and the internal consistency reliability was ascertained. Of the 300 questionnaires distributed to the participants, a total of 285 responses were usable for data analysis (response rate of 95 percent). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25.0, was used to analyse data into descriptive statistics, reliability and validity analysis, correlations and finally, regression analysis, which was used to test the relationship among the constructs under investigation. The results indicated that coercive power base (β=0.456) and legitimate power base (β=0.210) contribute positively to the prediction of QWL, while reward power indicated a negative prediction of QWL (β= -0.044). Furthermore, the influence of QWL towards employees’ intention to stay was represented by a positive beta weight of (β=0.754). Additionally, all Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.764 to 0.913, (exceeding the threshold of 0.7) thus suggesting that all the items in the scale tap into the same underlying constructs. Results from this research study will assist retailers to increase the QWL levels in their companies by advancing the factors that were identified in this research study. Additionally, these results may enable retail store managers to comprehensively understand how employees perceive power bases and how these employees’ perceptions influence QWL and, subsequently, their intention to stay. The implications of the results are addressed as well as the limitations of the study and future research opportunities are further identified.

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