International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Entrepreneurial financing: challenges for SMEs in accessing funding
Full text linkSmall enterprises are important catalysts of economic expansion in numerous emerging nations, directly facilitating job creation. Many entrepreneurs encounter many obstacles that impede their sustainability and expansion. This study investigated the availability of finance for nascent entrepreneurs and the challenges they face in securing financial resources to launch their enterprises. The research employed quantitative methodologies and design. The study utilised a purposive sampling method, including a sample size of 54 small to medium firms situated in Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa. Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire directed at entrepreneurs who sought funding from development finance institutions (DFIs) and banks. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. The findings indicate that entrepreneurs frequently encounter difficulties in securing capital to initiate their ventures, and there exist discrepancies between financiers and entrepreneurs. The main challenges are that entrepreneurs lack the requisite skills and financial literacy to prepare adequate documents for completing fundraising applications. The financiers mandate collateral and equity investments from the entrepreneurs, indicating a need to reassess the funding framework employed by financial institutions. The funder\u27s procedures are protracted, ambiguous, and poorly articulated. The report advises governments and Development Finance Institutions to streamline funding processes, boost transparency, and implement capacity-building programs to improve entrepreneurs\u27 financial literacy
Impact of economic shocks in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange 15 index prices
Full text linkTechnology, innovation, and economic shocks have transformed global financial markets. The latest global health pandemic has been compared to the 2008 global financial crisis, as investors, lawmakers, and regulators worldwide worried about economic collapse. Johannesburg Stock Exchange is Africa\u27s largest. The JSE names SIFIs, whose failure would threaten SA\u27s economy. Uncertainty increases failure risk, as seen in the GFC and COVID-19. This study examined how economic shocks affected investor confidence in South Africa\u27s growing financial market, the JSE 15 Index. Analysis of data from January 1999 to December 2023 examined short- and long-term stock market impacts, the role of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) in stability, and investor conduct during crises. The two economic shocks\u27 effects on JSE 15 index stock prices were examined using Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) and correlation analysis. ARDL determines short- and long-term macroeconomic cointegration. Three macroeconomic variables—interest rates (T-Bills), inflation (CPI), and real effective exchange rate (REER)—are used to track their fluctuation during crises. The analysis shows a shift in investor confidence reflected in a considerable decline in financial performance throughout the crisis. As investors\u27 risk tolerance differs, diversification benefits made abnormal returns unimportant. SARB\u27s monetary and fiscal policies mitigated the pandemic. South African investors were also wary due to internal issues. The study shows that global commodity prices and currency rate volatility affect investor confidence more than domestic policy in emerging economies, adding to behavioural finance
Childbirth practices and their impact on maternal health outcomes: A case for Gutu Rural District Council in Zimbabwe
Full text linkMaternal health outcomes in rural communities continue to be a significant global health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where maternal mortality rates remain markedly high. This study investigates childbirth practices and their influence on maternal health outcomes within the Gutu Rural District Council in Zimbabwe. Guided by the Social Determinants of Health framework and the Health Belief Model, a qualitative, phenomenological approach was employed to explore the lived experiences of 12 pregnant women and 5 village health workers. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, with analysis conducted through thematic methods. The findings indicate a predominant reliance on traditional childbirth practices, limited use of skilled healthcare services, and cultural preferences such as traditional methods of placenta disposal, all of which significantly impact maternal health outcomes. These practices are shaped by socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and limited health literacy, contributing to increased risks of preventable complications and maternal mortality. The study recommends improving maternal health outcomes in rural Zimbabwe through enhanced healthcare infrastructure, culturally sensitive health education, and increased community engagement. Specific suggestions include increased government investment in rural health facilities, awareness initiatives by non-governmental organizations, and the involvement of traditional leaders in promoting safe childbirth practices
From leadership to well-being: The mediating role of employee resilience: An integrative review
Full text linkThis integrative review explores the relationship between leadership styles, employee resilience, and well-being within modern organizational settings. Based on empirical and theoretical research published between 2015 and 2025, the study consolidates multidisciplinary insights to examine how different leadership approaches impact employee adaptability and psychological health. Leadership styles such as transformational, authentic, and servant leadership are increasingly acknowledged for their effectiveness in fostering resilience and supporting employee well-being, whereas transactional, authoritarian, and laissez-faire leadership tend to be associated with less favorable outcomes. The review integrates perspectives from Leader–Member Exchange (LMX) theory, Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, and the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model to provide a comprehensive understanding of how leadership behaviours function as organizational and psychological resources. Through thematic analysis of selected studies, resilience is identified as both a mediator and a moderator in the relationship between leadership and well-being, indicating that resilient employees are better equipped to manage workplace stressors and maintain engagement. Findings suggest that supportive leadership behaviours facilitate resource accumulation, enhance positive employee outcomes, and help mitigate the adverse effects of job demands. Conversely, ineffective leadership styles are linked to diminished trust, increased burnout, and lower organizational commitment. The review emphasizes the importance of developing resilience-focused leadership practices to support sustainable employee well-being and organizational success. It also recommends that organizations incorporate leadership development programs alongside resilience-building initiatives to strengthen psychological resources and adaptive capacities across all levels of the workforce. Future research should focus on longitudinal and cross-cultural studies to enhance understanding of these complex dynamics
Determining factors for radiographers’ intention to leave public healthcare settings in South Africa
Full text linkThe South African Society of Radiography noted that a great number of South African radiographers were leaving the government sector to seek employment abroad as well as in private practices. The aim of the research was to determine the factors that affect radiographers\u27 intentions to leave public health care institutions in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The study used a quantitative approach. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey using a stratified random sample of 220 employed radiographers in various public hospitals across KwaZulu-Natal. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of intention to leave. The results reflect that the intention to leave the organization was strongly related to several factors such as incentives, employee engagement, leadership, and burnout levels. Discontentment with leadership increased the likelihood of exit sevenfold. Employees with medium engagement were found to be twice as likely to exit compared to highly engaged employees. Radiographers with insufficient and moderate incentives were 90% and 93% less likely to exit the organization, respectively. Those with reduced burnout were 92% less likely to exit the organization. The findings highlight leadership, employee engagement, incentive structures, and burnout as key determinants influencing employee intention to leave. Focusing on these areas could improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover rate
Ethics and professionalism in South African traffic and metropolitan policing: Navigating governance, accountability, and public trust in a changing environment
Full text linkEthical conduct and professionalism are fundamental to democratic policing, directly shaping police legitimacy, public trust, and governance credibility. In South Africa, Traffic and Metropolitan Police Officers (TMPOs) operate at the frontline of municipal law enforcement, engaging daily with citizens while navigating complex institutional, political, and operational environments. Despite their strategic role, TMPOs continue to face persistent ethical challenges linked to weak governance structures, political interference, uneven accountability mechanisms, resource constraints, and organisational cultures that tolerate or normalise misconduct.This study examines how governance arrangements, organisational culture, leadership practices, and operational conditions shape ethical behaviour and professional standards among TMPOs. Drawing on qualitative data from a doctoral study conducted across four South African municipalities, the analysis applies the Governance–Ethics–Public Trust Framework to interpret officers lived experiences of ethical decision-making and accountability. The findings reveal a cyclical relationship in which weak governance undermines ethical conduct, declining professionalism erodes public trust, and diminished trust further destabilises institutional legitimacy. The study contributes empirical insight into an under-researched area of municipal policing and demonstrates that ethical challenges are systemic rather than individual in nature. The article concludes by outlining evidence-based implications for strengthening governance, leadership accountability, professionalisation, and public trust in Traffic and Metropolitan Policing
Digital influence and self-efficacy in promoting exercise and stress reduction
Full text linkPhysical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining health and reducing stress, particularly among students in demanding disciplines such as nursing. This study examines how social media and self-efficacy influence exercise behavior and stress relief, drawing on the Social Cognitive Theory and Uses and Gratifications Theory. Data were collected from 295 Vietnamese undergraduate nursing students and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results reveal that both social media use and self-efficacy significantly and positively affect stress relief, with exercise behavior acting as a mediating variable. The proposed model explains 69.2% of the variance in exercise behavior and 57.8% in stress relief. These findings suggest that exposure to fitness-related content and higher confidence in one’s ability to exercise contribute to greater engagement in physical activity and improved stress management. The study highlights the importance of integrating digital media and self-efficacy enhancement strategies into university health promotion programs. Universities should consider using social media platforms to share motivational content, facilitate online exercise communities, and organize student-led fitness initiatives. Policy-makers may also support campaigns promoting physical activity as an effective stress management strategy for health-related professions
The Madlanga commission through the lens of South Africa’s constitutional mandate of oversight
Full text linkThe Madlanga Commission represents an important but understudied moment in South Africa’s evolving system of constitutional oversight. Established to investigate allegations of administrative irregularities, governance failures, and breaches of ethical conduct, the Commission provides rich insights into the persistent challenges confronting public sector accountability. This conceptual article critically examines the Madlanga Commission through the lens of South Africa’s constitutional mandate of oversight, drawing specifically on Sections 41, 55, 92, 195 and 195(1)(f), as well as broader principles of democratic governance and administrative justice. Using a qualitative, desktop-based analytical approach, the article synthesises publicly available evidence and applies thematic governance frameworks—including Accountability Theory, Democratic Oversight Theory, and the Constitutionalism Model—to assess the Commission’s findings and implications. The analysis demonstrates that the Commission exposed deep structural weaknesses in the public service, including blurred lines of authority, weak compliance cultures, politicised administration, and fragmented accountability mechanisms. The article argues that the lessons emerging from the Commission remain crucial for enhancing the integrity, transparency, and responsiveness of public sector institutions in South Africa. It concludes by outlining a set of strategic governance reforms, including strengthened oversight bodies, clearer reporting lines, enhanced ethical leadership, and improved implementation monitoring. The study contributes to scholarly debates on oversight effectiveness in emerging democracies and offers practical recommendations for policymakers tasked with strengthening constitutional governance
The good, the bad and the ugly: Leadership instability, governance failures and institutional resilience in the South African police service (1994–2025)
Full text linkSince the transition to democracy in 1994, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has undergone extensive transformation while simultaneously confronting institutional instability, political interference, and persistent corruption allegations. A central and often controversial feature of this period has been the leadership tenure of National Police Commissioners. Apart from General George Fivaz, no National Commissioner has completed a full term of office. Instead, resignations, suspensions, removals, and criminal investigations have characterised the leadership landscape, contributing to widespread public perceptions that SAPS Commissioners are inherently corrupt. This article presents a conceptual and descriptive analysis of SAPS leadership from 1994 to 2025, drawing on publicly available reports, parliamentary proceedings, commissions of inquiry, Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigations, Auditor-General reports, and scholarly literature. The study highlights three dimensions of SAPS leadership over three decades: the good, including achievements in transformation, community policing, and specialised operational capacities; the bad, encompassing policy inconsistencies, managerial weaknesses, and resource misalignment; and the ugly, featuring high-profile corruption scandals, political interference, Marikana, intelligence dysfunction, and the criminal conviction or removal of multiple Commissioners. Using governance and public administration frameworks, the article analyses structural conditions that have produced leadership instability, including the blurred political–administrative interface, cadre deployment, and weak oversight institutions. The article concludes that although SAPS has pockets of excellence and resilience, leadership instability has had a measurable and negative impact on organisational performance, public trust, and the integrity of policing. The study proposes actionable reforms to stabilise leadership, depoliticise appointments, and strengthen accountability systems
Assessing factors affecting teachers’ job satisfaction and performance in a high school in a community setting
Full text linkTeachers’ job satisfaction and performance remain central to the success of any educational system. In community-based high schools, often characterised by limited resources, diverse student needs, and strong socio-cultural influences, the factors that shape teacher motivation and productivity can be significantly different from those in urban or well-resourced schools. Understanding these factors is essential for improving teaching quality, fostering retention, and enhancing student outcomes. This is a cross-sectional survey study that examined potential factors that affect job satisfaction and performance among teachers in a community setting in Iba New Site, Ojo Local Government, Lagos State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from 60 teachers working in a selected high school in the community. The study assessed both monetary and non-monetary factors affecting participants in a high school environment. In respect to monetary factor, it was observed that majority of the participants were not satisfied or happy with their monthly salary, thereby negatively impacting on their commitment, job satisfaction and performance. Regarding non-monetary factors, certain factors such as job flexibility, teamwork, support from managers/management, training and development, promotion, job recognition and reward were examined. The findings from this study showed that job flexibility enhanced job satisfaction and performance of participants with over 43% of the participant reporting satisfaction (“good”) at the high school. Over 43% of the participants received very good support from their colleagues (teamwork), which enhanced their job satisfaction and performance. Sixty percent (60%) of the participants reported very good in terms of the level of support received from their managers/management. This is interesting as good leadership has been reported to significantly contribute to improving job satisfaction and performance among teachers in general. The study shows that majority of the participants reported “good” in terms of support provided by the management for continuing professional development (CPD) and training, and participants agreed that such training provided motivation for work, consequently enhancing job satisfaction and performance. It was observed in the study that 40% of the participants were satisfied with promotional exercise at the school and that the promotion exercise motivated them to perform their job better. Lastly, 40% of the participants reported that they were properly recognized and rewarded for job well done. Overall, this study showed that both monetary and non-monetary factors negatively and positively impacted on job satisfaction and performance of the participants in the selected high school. It is suggested that the management of the school should investigate these factors and come up with ways to address specific factors that would promote job satisfaction and performance as these could go a long way in enhancing quality of education at the school