Spiru Haret University: Open Journal Systems
Not a member yet
347 research outputs found
Sort by
An Exploration of Factors Triggering Employee Shirking through Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Full text linkThis study sought to systematically review existing literature, whilst developing an understanding of factors that trigger employee shirking. In addition, the study aimed to propose intervention strategies that organizations can use to reduce employee shirking. The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic literature review to gather and analyse related literature. A total of twelve research articles, published between 2020 and 2025, were included in this systematic literature review. The study found several factors that trigger employee shirking such as poor employee monitoring, perceived injustice, poor incentive systems, breach of psychological contract, conflict of interest, undervaluing employee competencies, and misjudging task difficulty. To mitigate employee shirking, employers should monitor their employees closely, set clear roles and expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and design good incentive systems, which motivate workers to work and provide a safe work environment. This systematic literature review contributes to the existing body of knowledge in human resource management by proposing strategies that organizations and human resource specialists can consider when designing and implementing appropriate mechanisms to curb employee shirking
English
No full textThis article provides a comprehensive discussion and analysis of the funding challenges faced by public schools in KwaZulu-Natal. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is currently confronting significant financial hurdles that are adversely affecting schools across the region. Key issues include reduced funding, delayed payments, and a critical shortage of resources for essential supplies and infrastructure. As a result, schools are experiencing operational difficulties that undermine the quality of education for both educators and students, ultimately affecting the overall standard of learning. Employing an interpretivist approach and qualitative research methods, the study involved interviews with four union office-bearers and ten school principals who are actively engaged in the management of school finances. The findings indicate a clear financial crisis within schools in the province. Funds are disbursed in tranches, leading to instability as the allocated amounts prove insufficient to cover operational expenses and repay existing debts, resulting in a lack of basic resources. Many schools have accrued significant debts, leaving them uncertain about how to address these obligations. In some cases, principals have had to use personal finances to cover school expenses. To tackle these pressing issues, the study recommends a strategic reallocation of resources to prioritise critical areas in education, such as acquiring Learner-Teacher Support Materials, securing funding for necessary services, and ensuring that teacher retention remains a top priority. Additionally, school governing bodies should actively participate in fundraising efforts and implement cost-saving measures to support their institutions.
 
Leveraging Technological Innovations and Global Labour Trends to Strengthen Botswana’s Dispute Resolution System
Full text linkThe study set out to determine whether technological innovation and emerging global labour trends could be used to improve the efficiency and overall performance of Botswana’s labour dispute resolution system. It began by examining labour dispute mechanisms within the broader context of digital transformation, particularly the rise of the platform economy, and traced the historical development of Botswana’s own dispute-resolution framework. A detailed review of relevant literature provided critical insight into technological change, platform-based work, and the limitations of traditional systems in developing contexts. Using a qualitative, exploratory design informed by interpretivist phenomenology, the study drew on virtual semi-structured interviews with fifteen purposively selected participants from Botswana and the SADC region. The results and subsequent recommendations highlight a pressing need for technological uptake and alignment with global trends to strengthen the system’s effectiveness
AI Tools in Marketing Research: Integration, Evaluation and Recommendations for Romanian Firms
No full textThe paper aims to explore AI adoption in marketing at the firm level. It is relevant to note that AI–driven solutions have flourished in the field of marketing, from developing marketing content to identifying consumer behaviour patterns to decision-making. Subsequently, AI-driven marketing solutions are crucial in empowering businesses to transition from conventional marketing methodologies to sophisticated, data-centric strategies. The paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of adopting AI tools in marketing, emphasising the importance of shifting to AI-driven solutions to support long-term strategies, with the expectation of significant benefits in terms of ROI. Additionally, marketers are provided with recommendations on the basic methodological approach to consider when adopting AI. A brief presentation of the current status of AI adoption in marketing activities, showcasing examples of AI-powered tools available for various marketing actions. A dedicated section is devoted to AI tools used in marketing research, given that large-scale data are used to better understand consumers, markets, and competition. Because AI adoption means significant investments and risks to be considered, a methodology of AI implementation is provided as recommendations to Romanian companie
THE INFLUENCE OF ACTIVITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MANAGERS AND STRATEGIC ACTIONS ON BUSINESS RESULTS WITH THE MODERATION EFFECT OF IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE (example of Serbia)
Full text linkThe paper analyzes the characteristics of companies, from the aspect of the organizational climate that prevails in them. The goal of authors was to determine to what extent there is a climate that encourages the exchange of knowledge, information and ideas. Also it was investigate to what extent the creativity and innovation of employees is encouraged. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of activities and characteristics of managers and strategic actions on business results with the moderation of improving knowledge in the companies in Serbia.
The mutual relationship and influence of the analyzed variants of management activities and the manager's characteristics was determined through correlation analysis. Correlation analysis confirmed that there is an influence of activity variables and manager characteristics on variable strategic action. Correlation relations of the observed variants of management activities and the strategic action variable from the aspect of how ready the analyzed companies are to improve knowledge are listed.
Based on the results of the regression analysis, a regression model was determined that singles out those activities and characteristics of managers that have the greatest impact on achieving the efficiency of strategic action, and singles out those variables of strategic action on which the greatest influence of the aforementioned variables is achieved
Employee engagement amid and post the Covid-19 pandemic in a South African debt collection organisation
Full text linkIn the post-Covid-19 pandemic era, there is increasing interest in the implementation of flexible work arrangements such as remote work. Previous research revealed that remote work environments may affect the engagement levels of employees positively or negatively. This article reports on the results of three studies conducted amid and post the Covid-19 pandemic, measuring the engagement levels of employees in a debt collection organisation in South Africa. The research results suggest that remote work has the potential to enhance employee engagement levels. Consequently, management should consider maintaining or implementing flexible working arrangements, such as remote work, to foster and sustain employee engagement. Additionally, the findings suggested that factors such as gender, age and educational attainment may influence employee engagement levels. The findings highlight the importance of understanding employee engagement and its contributing factors across various work environments, including flexible work arrangements such as remote and hybrid work
The Role of the International Labour Organization in Improving Botswana's Labour Dispute Resolution Framework: An Analysis of Key International Labour Standards
Full text linkThe objective of this study was to examine the role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in strengthening Botswana’s Labour Dispute Resolution Framework. Specifically, the study sought to analyse how the ILO can contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of Botswana’s system and to identify the key ILO instruments that are most relevant to labour dispute prevention and resolution. To establish a solid foundation for this inquiry and refine the research problem, a literature review was conducted to assess existing studies in this field.The research adopted a qualitative methodology, guided by an exploratory research design and anchored within an interpretivist phenomenological research strategy. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select fifteen (15) participants drawn from both Botswana and the wider SADC region. Primary data was collected through virtual semi-structured interviews, conducted mainly via electronic platforms to accommodate participants’ diverse geographic locations and ensure broad regional engagement.The findings of the study underscore the importance of the ILO as a critical partner in supporting member states to reform and strengthen their labour dispute resolution systems. The results further indicate that aligning Botswana’s framework with international labour standards would reinforce fundamental principles such as independence, due process, and equitable access to justice for both employers and employees
An Assessment of the Factors Affecting Economic Sustainability of State-Owned Enterprises: a developing Country’s perspective
Full text linkThe role of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) is very important in the provision of basic services as well as social goods. However, despite their importance, most SOEs especially in developing countries are battling with heavy debt, failure to cover their operational costs and expenditure, thereby threatening their economic sustainability. This study sought to assess the factors that affect economic sustainability of state-owned enterprises in Zambia. The methodological approach adopted for this study was quantitative in nature with data collected from 100 employees sampled from SOEs as well as Zambia Development Agency (ZDA). Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics as well as exploratory factor analysis. The findings revealed that , marketing (beta =.222, p-value of 0.032) and technology (beta = -.296, p-value of 0.004) have an effect on the economic sustainability of state owned enterprises. More so, the measurement items explaining each of the five variables were postulated. The study further found lack of funding, poor management practices, unfavourable government policies, market competition and unstable economic conditions to be the main challenges militating against sustainability of SOEs. The study therefore recommends promotion of partnerships between the SOEs and the private sector in technological innovation and adoption. Moreso, that for state owned enterprises to grow their customer base, there is need to develop competitive marketing strategies. This paper informs policy makers and bureaucrats on how to improve the productivity and profitability of state-owned enterprises
Quality Assurance and Learners’ Learning Effectiveness: University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre Experience
Full text linkQuality assurance and concern for distance learning programmes (DLPs) are necessary due to the significance of quality control for student satisfaction and enrolment. In light of this, this study investigated how learners' learning effectiveness (LE) within the institution was impacted by quality assurance mechanisms (QAM) such as course design (CD), effective teaching and learning (ETL), assessment and evaluation procedures (AEP), learner support services (LSS), and environmental infrastructure (EI). The study design that was used was a descriptive survey. 200 students were selected at random from the faculties of arts, education, and social sciences (FAESS), totalling up the population of 100–500 level students. Part of the research included a 30-item survey on the Perceived QAM Implementation on LE in Distance Education Scale (r=.81). The data were analysed with descriptive statistics and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) at the 0.05 threshold of statistical significance. The findings demonstrated that CD (r=0.76), teaching and learning approaches (TLA) (r=0.62), AEP (r=0.57), LSS (r=0.45), and EI (r=0.49) had positive and significant correlations with students' LE. Also, CD, ETL, AEP, LSS, and EI contributed to students' LE in the institution. In light of the results, the research suggested that the leadership of the University of Ibadan's (UI) Distance Learning Centre (DLC) should set up efficient guidelines and a management framework to handle different facets of quality assurance (QA) and ensure the effective implementation of these policies in order to support and improve students' LE. This proactive approach would ensure compliance with the rigorous demands of 21st-ccentury education. This unique research on QAM and students' LE was carried out at DLC, UI
Institutional decay in Zimbabwe’s local authorities: : Insights from the auditor-general’s reports
Full text linkAbstract: Public sector organisations in Zimbabwe have been showing deepening signs of institutional decay over the years, characterised by a gradual erosion of effectiveness, integrity, and capacity. This paper specifically examines the pervasive issue of institutional decay within Zimbabwe’s local governments, utilising findings from the Auditor General’s (AG) reports. Evidence for demonstrating the occurrence of institutional decay was gathered using unobtrusive research techniques, mainly documentary analysis and reviews of publicly available reports of the Auditor-General. Findings indicate that institutional decay at the subnational tier of government is evident in widespread financial mismanagement, governance irregularities, and severe failures in service delivery. By synthesising the recurring audit observations, this paper demonstrates how these systemic deficiencies undermine the core functions of local authorities, leading to a significant disconnect between their mandate and their operational reality, ultimately impacting the well-being of citizens