African Journal of Empirical Research
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The Challenges Faced by Trade Unions in Improving Employee Welfare and Strategies to Address Them: A Case of the Tanzania Union of Government and Health Employees (TUGHE) at the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)
Get PDFThis study explored the challenges trade unions face in improving employee welfare and strategies to curb them drawing from the functions of the Tanzania Union of Government and Health Employees (TUGHE) in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The study used the Scarcity Consciousness Theory which advocates that individuals\u27 or groups’ perception of the insufficiency of resources influences their decision making. The study employed a case study design and specifically the qualitative approach. The targeted population was the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) employees at Dodoma Municipality, whose estimated number was two hundred and sixteen (216). A sample of one hundred and twenty (120) TUGHE participants was selected using probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Data was collected using a questionnaire and interview. In data analysis specifically, content analysis coupled with simple descriptive statistics was applied. The findings indicated that in improving employees\u27 welfare at NHIF, TUGHE officers face high expectations from employees, pressure from members, misunderstanding, high deduction fees, and lack of office space. As the strategies to overcome these challenges, the trade union provides education, engages in negotiations, ensures transparency, and organizes meetings and discussions. The study concludes that TUGHE should maintain transparency in its decision-making processes, should strengthen financial management, and communication among members. The study recommends the enhancement of communication channels, advocacy for legal protections, and regular meetings as ways to overcome the challenges and improve the employees’ welfare in the workplace
Systematic Review: Association between Green Human Resource Management and Sustainable Competitive Edge
Get PDFTo achieve a Sustainable Competitive Edge in today\u27s environmentally conscious world, organizations are strongly advised to systematically integrate Green Human Resource Management practices across all core HR functions. This strategic imperative necessitates embedding environmental considerations into organizational people management. A multi-faceted approach is crucial, prioritizing robust green training programs to enhance employees’ environmental proficiency and skills. Furthermore, the establishment of meticulously designed green performance management and reward systems is vital. These systems incentivize sustainable behaviors, aligning individual actions with organizational environmental objectives and cultivating a workforce deeply committed to ecological stewardship. Complementing these efforts, fostering green employee involvement programs is essential. Actively engaging employees in environmental decision-making processes and encouraging their participation in green initiatives can unlock invaluable insights and foster a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility towards sustainability endeavors. This collaborative approach drives innovative and impactful environmental solutions. The holistic integration of these interconnected GHRM practices enables organizations to cultivate a distinctive and highly valued green human capital pool. This environmentally aware and skilled workforce, coupled with a deeply ingrained environmental stewardship culture, represents a significant organizational asset. These internal capabilities are critical for achieving superior environmental performance, forming a robust foundation for a lasting competitive edge. Moreover, compelling evidence underscores the pivotal role of GHRM practices as both crucial mediators and significant moderators in translating Organizational Environmental Sustainability (OES) initiatives into tangible and enduring competitive advantages. GHRM mechanisms act as key conduits, directly driving green innovation and enhancing overall environmental performance, thereby creating pathways to SCA. Simultaneously, key GHRM-related elements, such as the cultivation of a strong green organizational culture and the development of a highly competent green human capital base, function as powerful moderators, significantly amplifying the positive influence of OES on various SCA-related outcomes. In conclusion, a profound and strategic integration of GHRM into an organization\u27s overarching sustainability strategy is essential. This deep embedding of green principles into human resource management practices is the key to effectively leveraging environmental actions, transforming them into tangible and enduring sources of competitive success in an increasingly environmentally conscious and regulated global business environment
Effect of Program Planning Practices on Program Performance: A Case of Vision Umurenge Programme in Gasabo District, Rwanda
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to assess the effect of project planning practices on performance of Vision Umurenge Programmes (VUP) in Gasabo District, specially to assess the effect of project human resource planning on VUP performance, to examine the effect of risk planning on VUP performance and to examine the effect of time planning on VUP performance in Gasabo district. The theories that guided this study were the goal settings, resource-based view and the theory of constraints. The study adopted descriptive and correlational research design in addressing the statement of the problem. Questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect data from 97 respondents selected from a population of 26,593 using census and simple random sampling techniques. A census method and simple random sampling were used to get sample for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics methods using statistical SPSS. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study results showed that that human resource planning rates had an overall mean of (4.01˂4.32˂5.00) which indicates a very high mean and standard deviation of (0.848˃0.5) which indicates a no-homogeneity in responses. The overall descriptive statistic mean of risk planning was (4.01˂4.29˂5.00) an indication very high mean and standard deviation of (0.823˃0.5) an indication of homogeneity in responses. The overall time planning mean was (4.01˂4.29˂5.00) an indication of very high mean and standard deviation of (0.848˃0.5) an indication of no-homogeneity in responses. The study further found that in the regression model the association between human resource planning and program performance was positive and significant effect (R=0.563, sig=0.000˂0.05). It was evident that there is a positive association and significant effect between risk planning and program performance (R=0.294, sig=0.005˂0.05), and there was a positive association and significant effect between time planning and program performance (R=0.601, sig=0.000˂0.05). The study concludes that program human resources planning, risk planning and time planning significantly contribute to predicting and positively influencing Vision Umurenge Programme in Gasabo district. The study suggests that local authorities should provide adequate training to human resources, address diverting cash for beneficiaries to unplanned activities, and assess their graduation. It also recommends that beneficiaries should understand the types of VUP components. Risk planning is crucial for program performance, and project scope should be used to estimate risk, with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) linked to the project plan. Accurate activity sequencing is essential for accurate and achievable schedules. Regular checks and controls are crucial for early identification of deviations, allowing the project team to take necessary actions
“My Lord, I Disagree with You”: Courtroom Communication Strategies During Cross-Examination in the 2012 Election Petition in Ghana
Get PDFThis paper presents an empirical study on courtroom communication strategies adopted during cross-examination of witnesses in the 2012 election petition in Ghana. The study relied on qualitative secondary evidence drawing on archival information on the 2012 election petition and by conducting a content analysis of the data. Participants classified as star witnesses and lawyers who largely cross-examined the star witnesses during the electoral dispute in the Supreme Court were purposefully sampled for the study. Using Aristotle’s persuasive appeals and litigation communication theory, the findings demonstrated how lawyers and witnesses adopted the hostile, soft and conversational communication styles for different purposes during cross-examination. It also emerged that the three persuasive appeals: logos, pathos and ethos were deployed for effective cross-examination, although the logos strategy seemed to be the most widely adopted mode of presenting proof in the legal communication processes. Significantly, the observations from the study point to the strategic role of communication in litigation, litigants’ expectations of courts and judicial interventions. Therefore, understanding how to use communication purposefully is crucial to guarantee the right information is conveyed to build trust, credibility, and to ultimately, improve perceptions of procedural justice and fairness in the legal process. There has been little research that examines communication processes and cross-examination regarding election petitions in courtroom contexts. In contrast to the predominantly focused simulated cases on courtroom discourses, this paper makes a real-case scholarly contribution on how communication strategies can be leveraged in the justice system. The findings have useful implications for judges, lawyers and expert witnesses in courtroom legal proceedings
Effect of distributed leadership style on academic performance of secondary school students: Case study of Musanze District, Rwanda 2023-2024
Get PDFThis study examined how distributed leadership style affects the academic performance of secondary school students in Musanze District (2023-2024). This study focused on understanding how accountability by school leaders influences the academic performance of secondary school students in Musanze District, Rwanda, during the 2023–2024 academic year. It was guided by Transformational Leadership Theory and Social Learning Theory. A convergent parallel mixed-methods approach was used to collect both numerical and descriptive data from 15 secondary schools. The sample included 320 participants made up of students, teachers, Directors of Studies, and school leaders. Stratified and census sampling methods were applied, and the sample size was calculated using Yamane’s formula. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, while qualitative data were reviewed through thematic analysis. Results showed that accountability had a strong and clear effect on student academic performance, with an R-squared value of 0.866 and a p-value of 0.000. This means that when school leaders act responsibly and follow up on duties, students tend to perform better. However, some challenges were observed, such as limited supervision time and weak monitoring systems. To enhance academic performance, school leaders should set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and foster open communication. The Ministry of Education must support schools with resources, training, and monitoring. Promoting collaboration with families and communities will strengthen accountability practices and help improve student outcomes nationwide through shared responsibility and transparent leadership
Influence of relative user satisfaction on sustainability of climate change adaptation practices: insights from Chamwino and Igunga agro-ecological zones, Tanzania
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to examine the influence of Relative User Satisfaction (RUS) on the sustainability of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) practices in egro-ecological zones of Tanzania. Supported by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study focus on determining the influence of self-efficacy, subjective norms, usage experience, perceived risks, output quality, results demonstrability, perceived image, compatibility, usability and relevance, on sustainability of CCA practices. The study employed a cross sectional research design , involving 295 respondents who are households heads adopted CCA practices in Chamwino and Igunga districts, with data collected through household questionnaires, Focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). Statistical analyses, including Descriptive statistics, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Multivariate Ordered Probit model (MOVP) were performed. Results from the descriptive analysis indicated high preference of practices including Trees Planting and use of Farmyard manure after funding, reasons being their simplicity, immediate benefits and alignment with local knowledge. The findings from inferential analysis revealed that self-efficacy, perceived image, subjective norms, usability and usage experience were positively and statistically influencing the sustainability of CCA practices after funding period. Results from Multivariate Ordered Probit revealed Self-efficacy to have significant influence on soil water conservation practices (β = 1.07, p < 0.001), Trees planting (β = 1.02, p < 0.001) and the use of farmyard manure (β = 0.99, p < 0.001). Perceived image was also found statistical significant in influencing practices, with statistical significance p-value of 0.001. Subjective norms was found crucial in influencing Ox-drain tillage practices (β = 0.99, p < 0.001), while usage experience and usability showed moderate effects with statistical significance p-value of 0.01 and 0.05 respectively. The study finds that Self-efficacy, Perceived image, Subjective norms and Usage experience serves as essential RUS factors in influencing the sustainability of CCA practices after funding period. The study concludes that, ensuring sustainability of the practices require enhancing community participation, simplicity of the practices and consideration of socio-economic factors. The study proposes establishment of targeted training, role models system, incentive systems, monitoring frameworks and user-friendly guidelines to enhance self-efficacy, social influence, and Usability for long-term implementation
Residents’ attitudes towards proposed utilization of heritage resources as tourism attractions in Northern Ghana
Get PDFControversy over the use of heritage resources as tourism attractions has received global attention, but little research has been conducted over the years, particularly in Africa. This study thus examines how socio-demographic factors and heritage significance affect local attitudes towards the proposed utilization of heritage resources for tourism in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The study used Social Exchange Theory as a framework to assess local residents’ preparedness to trade their heritage resources for tourism’s economic benefits. A mixed-methods approach based on pragmatic research underpinning was employed. To gather relevant data, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select household members for participation in the study. 400 respondents were employed for the quantitative survey while focus group discussion schedules were used for the qualitative interview. Data analysis techniques included percentages while t-tests and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test significance. The study indicated that age, education, gender and religion had influence on attitudes. The youth and those with higher education had more support than the elderly and less educated were respectively. More males than females also supported the use of heritage resources. More of the Christians had positive attitudes compared to Muslims and Traditionalists, respectively. There was generally significant relationships between socio-demographic variables and heritage significance on one hand and attitudes on the other. The significance attached to heritage resources influenced local attitudes towards their use. This study implies that, policies would have to be fashioned based on each socio-demographic variable to ensure general acceptability for heritage tourism purposes and development, while people who highly perceive heritage as significant should be assured of tourism’s role in heritage conservation
Sport betting addiction among young Nigerians: Is social media advertising subtly baiting youths to gamble?
Get PDFSocial media has continued to be the definer of new culture in the contemporary society. As the spread of digital revolution continues to gain traction, new behaviour and accompanying challenges are bound to ensure, one of such social anomalies is the prevalence of online sport gambling. Youths, particularly have been noted to be regular patrons of sport gambling in Nigeria, resulting into worrisome endemic level of gambling addiction among the young population, especially in Nigeria. This study specifically aims to examine the influence of sport betting advertising on social media on youths’ gambling addiction. The social norm theory was found to be appropriate for this work. A total of three research questions were formulated to be able to investigate this phenomenon. The study adopted survey design using online Google form to reach 385 respondents selected from Lagos. The analysis of data for this study was done using the SPSS packages and results were presented simple percentages and charts. The findings revealed that 80.5% of the respondents agreed that online sport betting has been popularised by social media advertising. Also, 96.6% of the total sample size, agreed that, many youths have become addicted, as they are urged to gamble due to the pervasive social media sport betting promotions. Among others, the study recommends that advertising on social media should reflect age restriction and warning messages about sport betting; policies and control measures be put in place to dictate ethical boundaries for online sport gambling
Influence of school discipline challenges on students’ learning outcomes: A case study of nine- and twelve-year basic education schools in Musanze District, Rwanda
Get PDFThis study examined how school discipline issues affect student learning, specifically in the Musanze district of Rwanda. The research explored this topic through four key objectives: first, by looking at how inconsistent disciplinary actions influence how well students learn; second, by investigating the impact of limited support from school administrators on student learning; third, by assessing how the understanding of different disciplinary methods affects learning outcomes; and fourth, by analyzing the potential of recommended strategies to improve school discipline in order to enhance student learning. The study used behaviorism and restorative justice theories as a base. A mixed-method research design was adopted. The research included a total population of 832, from which a sample of 270 participants was selected. This sample consisted of 10 head teachers, 10 directors in charge of discipline, 41 teachers, and 209 students. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, and stratified and purposive sampling methods were used to choose the participants. Data was gathered using questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews. The reliability and validity of these tools were confirmed. Quantitative data was analyzed with SPSS 27, using methods like regression analysis, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The results indicated that problems with school discipline had negative effects on student learning. Specifically, inconsistent disciplinary measures showed a moderate negative relationship with learning outcomes (R = -0.450, R² = 0.200, Beta = -0.450, p = 0.001), indicating that 20% of the variance in learning outcomes is explained by inconsistent discipline, with a significant negative effect. Limited administrative support also demonstrated a moderate negative relationship (R = -0.380, R² = 0.140, Beta = -0.380, p = 0.003), explaining 14% of the variance and confirming its adverse impact. Poor understanding of disciplinary approaches revealed a moderate negative relationship (R = -0.420, R² = 0.180, Beta = -0.420, p = 0.002), accounting for 18% of the variance and highlighting its detrimental effect. In contrast, the use of recommended strategies to improve school discipline was associated with significantly better student learning (R = 0.550, R² = 0.300, Beta = 0.550, p = 0.000), explaining 30% of the variance and underscoring their significant positive impact. The research shows that challenges in school discipline significantly hinder student learning within the Musanze district\u27s basic education schools. When discipline is applied inconsistently, when school administrators provide insufficient support, and when there is a lack of understanding regarding disciplinary methods, student academic performance tends to suffer. However, putting into practice better strategies for school discipline has a clear and positive effect on how well students learn. The study suggests that policymakers should develop standardized disciplinary frameworks that align with national education goals. Schools, in turn, should adopt practices such as restorative justice, improve teacher training in discipline, and increase administrative support. Further research should investigate the long-term effects of restorative justice and the role of community involvement in improving school discipline and student success. These recommendations seek to address discipline problems and improve learning for students in 9- and 12-year basic education schools
Effect of tax procedures on compliance of taxpayers in Rwanda: A case of Rwanda Revenue Authority
Get PDFTax compliance refers to the adherence of individuals and businesses to tax laws and regulations. It encompasses the accurate reporting of income, timely payment of taxes owed, and the submission of required documentation to tax authorities. However, the effectiveness of tax compliance faces challenges. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tax procedures on the compliance of taxpayers in Rwanda. Specifically, to assess the effect of taxpayer registration procedures on the compliance of taxpayers in Rwanda, to analyse the effect of tax record-keeping procedures on the compliance of taxpayers in Rwanda, and to evaluate the effect of tax audit & investigation procedures on the compliance of taxpayers in Rwanda, a case of the Rwanda Revenue Authority. This research was guided by the normative theory of taxation, neoclassical theory, and optimal tax theory. This study used descriptive research designs. The study population was 35476 individuals, and the sample size was 100 respondents. The study employed simple random sampling for selecting the respondents. A questionnaire was employed for data collection. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed that there is an effect of (M=3.99, SD=1.066) taxpayer registration procedures on the compliance of taxpayers, there is an effect of (M=4.01, SD=0.940) tax record-keeping procedures on the compliance of taxpayers, and there is an effect of (M=4.09, SD=0.900) tax audit & investigation procedures on the compliance of taxpayers. Additionally, the results also showed that there is a positive relationship and significant effect of (B=0.257, p-value=0.000˂0.05) taxpayer registration procedures on the compliance of taxpayers; there is a positive relationship and no significant effect of (B=0.049, p-value=0.363˃0.05) tax record-keeping procedures on the compliance of taxpayers; and there is a positive relationship and significant effect of (B=0.505, p-value=0.000˂0.05) tax audit & investigation procedures on the compliance of taxpayers. The study concludes that tax procedures like taxpayer registration, tax record-keeping procedures and tax audit & investigation procedures significantly influence taxpayer compliance in Rwanda. The study recommends that tax managers should increase tax awareness and tax education about the registration process, implement supportive measures, such as providing resources and tools to assist taxpayers in their record-keeping efforts, and provide the implementation of clear guidelines and consistent practices in tax audits that can mitigate taxpayer anxiety and resistance.