International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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The impact of COSO-based integrated internal control system on corporate governance principles in the sustainability era: The case of a leading educational foundation
Full text linkThis study mainly aimed to examine the impact of the COSO’s internal control system components (Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information-Communication, Monitoring) on corporate governance principles (justice, transparency, accountability and responsibility) through the example of a leading educational foundation in Türkiye. In the study, it was investigated whether there was a significant relationship between the perceptions of employees regarding the effects of the internal control system components on corporate governance. It was also investigated whether these perceptions differed according to demographic characteristics such as gender, age, education, length of service, position. Methodologically, a descriptive online survey method including a questionnaire was applied to collect data. The survey was sent to 234 participants in different departments and positions working in the foundation, and 197 employees responded. The data were analyzed with SPSS-22. The survey, which was suitable for a 5-point Likert scale, included statements regarding demographic characteristics and COSO’s main internal control components and corporate governance principles. The study concluded that all COSO components have a significant and positive relationship with corporate governance principles. In addition, a stronger relationship was revealed between transparency and accountability principles and internal control components compared to others. Furthermore, it was indicated that these perceptions differed according to demographic characteristics. While significant differences were found in perceptions according to demographic characteristics such as gender, age and position, no differences were found according to education and working years criteria. The study is considered to contribute to the literature because it is the first study to examine the impact of the main COSO internal control components on corporate governance principles, together with the example of a leading educational foundation. The study is limited by the selected sample educational foundation, the number of respondents, survey questions-answers, the applied statistical analysis method and tests. Therefore, in order to reach more general results, it is suggested to expand the studies with more diverse and larger numbers of educational foundations, employees, survey questions and statistical methods
Capacity-building of ward committee members for community engagement in Johannesburg’s Ward 68
Full text linkThis study investigated the capacity-building initiatives amongst ward committees in Ward 68. The focus of the investigation was to identify ways to enhance the skills and knowledge that Ward Committee members needed to foster positive relationships with the communities. The researchers collected data through semi-structured interviews. The researchers collected primary data by conducting in-depth interviews with ten members of the Ward Committee, who provided valuable insights into their experiences. Secondary data were collected by analyzing published journals, government reports, and City of Johannesburg reports. The key findings of the study were as follows: the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) only conducted induction training for the Ward Committees; some Ward Committees could not attend the induction training due to different reasons; others attended, but they could not recall the content of the training; and several other challenges hindered the effectiveness of Ward Committees
An examination of the United States of America-South Africa economic relations: mutually beneficial or not? 2010-2020
Full text linkThis paper examines the economic relationship between the United States and South Africa from 2010 to 2020, focusing on whether these interactions are mutually beneficial. Utilizing a Marxist political economic framework, this paper argues that AGOA has facilitated increased trade and investment. These benefits have largely favored US interests, reinforcing structural inequalities within South Africa’s economy and creating a persistent cycle of dependency. The relationship is asymmetrical and exploitative rather than mutually beneficial, characterized by the exploitation of cheap labor, limited regulation of US corporations and barriers to entry for smaller South African producers. Additionally, liberalization policies under AGOA have undermined South Africa’s domestic industries, while US strategically uses trade agreements as tools of political influence in Africa, compromising South Africa’s policy sovereignty. Through qualitative analysis and case studies, this study highlights significant challenges including geopolitical tensions and economic dependency, recommending policies that promote equitable development and address the exploitative nature of these economic ties. Ultimately, this investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and power dynamics in international economic relations affecting developing countries within the global capitalist system
Women’s lived experiences of career progression into leadership in South African higher education: Revisiting the glass ceiling
Full text linkInternationally, the issue of gender equality in higher education has been a serious challenge, particularly in leadership roles. This issue has spread to African countries, including South Africa. Despite the implementation and adaptation of gender equity policies, such as the Employment Equity Act of 1998, women remain underrepresented in both support and academic leadership roles within South African institutions of higher education. Studies have been conducted in this area focusing on examining structural barriers, policy gaps, and gender representation. Still, few have synthesised women’s personal narratives across multiple sources using secondary qualitative data. This current paper exists to address that gap. It further revisits the concept of the glass ceiling by unpacking women\u27s lived experiences of career progression across the sector in recent years. It uses a qualitative approach and relies on secondary data to examine how women experience and respond to institutional barriers. The data were analysed narratively to highlight personal stories, identities, and meaning-making processes of women navigating leadership. The paper found that women in higher education are skilled and committed, but they remain constrained by outdated institutional systems that offer symbolic inclusion and limited support, thereby preventing genuine access to leadership roles. Despite this invisible glass ceiling, women remain strong and resilient, living the meaning of “wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo.” (A woman is a rock), they continue to push forward and lead even when the higher education system fails them. Therefore, it recommends that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) strengthen the enforcement of gender equity policies through regular gender audits, leadership development programmes, and accountability mechanisms to promote authentic empowerment and sustainable transformation
Governing land in times of crisis: How local institutions shape conflict escalation across the Central Sahel
Full text linkThe Central Sahel, which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, faces escalating violence driven by growing land pressure, environmental stress, and uneven institutional capacity. This study investigates how land use change influences conflict intensity by integrating geo referenced conflict data from ACLED, governance indicators from V Dem, and environmental and land use variables from PRIO GRID. Using a spatial difference in differences model applied to a 0.5 degree grid cell dataset, the analysis quantifies how cropland expansion, pasture contraction, and climate related shocks affect violent events under different levels of local governance quality. The results show that land use pressure significantly increases conflict intensity, but the magnitude of this effect depends strongly on institutional strength. Conflict levels rise by as much as 45 percent in weak governance areas following comparable land changes, while areas with stronger local institutions experience considerably lower escalation risks. Spatial spillover patterns further reveal that violence diffuses across local and national boundaries, especially along pastoral mobility routes and border zones. The study contributes new empirical evidence on the interaction between land dynamics and governance in shaping conflict and highlights the importance of strengthening local institutions, safeguarding mobility systems, and integrating land governance into regional peacebuilding strategies. The findings align with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 focused on peace, justice, and strong institutions
Assessing stakeholder management practices in South Africa’s National Health Insurance Program: a project management perspective
Full text linkThe National Health Insurance (NHI) program in South Africa is a premier reform initiative aimed at attaining Universal Health Coverage. Nonetheless, its performance is largely contingent upon proficient management of project stakeholders throughout all stages of the program life cycle. Principal stakeholders express significant apprehensions over the policy revision and implementation procedure. This study aimed to identify program stakeholders and evaluate the degree to which the National Department of Health (NDoH) implemented project stakeholder management methods during the design and initial execution of the NHI. A qualitative, exploratory research design was utilised, utilising secondary data derived from document analysis. Primary data was obtained using a combination of semi-structured interviews and electronically distributed questionnaires with representatives from five principal stakeholder groups: private health insurers, professional organisations, regulators, and a governmental oversight agency. Despite the existence of a roadmap for NHI implementation, thematic analysis indicated that the stakeholder management strategy employed did not adhere to recognised project management standards. Findings reveal deficiencies in the NDoH stakeholder engagement strategy, including selective consultation, inconsistent response, inadequate openness, and ineffective communication and feedback systems, all of which erode confidence and hinder consensus-building. Comparative analyses from Nigeria and Thailand illustrate the significance of inclusive, partnership-oriented governance frameworks for the implementation of extensive health reform initiatives. The study indicates that enhancing stakeholder identification, analysis, and effective engagement tactics is crucial for the NHI\u27s legitimacy and long-term viability. Utilising private sector knowledge is crucial throughout the whole program life cycle. The study is constrained by the lack of engagement from the NDoH, which hinders the triangulation of stakeholder perspectives
Examining the drivers, effects, and mitigation strategies of gender-based violence among university students in South Africa
Full text linkGender-Based Violence (GBV) is a critical issue in South African universities, affecting students\u27 access to safe and quality education. Despite universities’ reputations for inclusivity, societal expectations have made them less welcoming, and GBV cases continue to rise with insufficient policy enforcement. This study was motivated by the rising cases of GBV in South African universities. Drawing on social norms’ theory, the study aimed to identify the drivers, effects, and potential mitigation strategies for addressing GBV. The goal was to build a stronger basis for improving policies and creating safer, more inclusive university environments. A qualitative approach was used to gather secondary data from various sources, including journal articles, books, government documents, and news reports. The literature revealed that GBV in South African and other universities has sparked frequent protests centred on issues of sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Moreover, it was also highlighted that many students refrained from reporting GBV incidents due to concerns about stigma and the impact on their careers, with victims often facing anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms, which further impeded their participation in university life and restricted their educational opportunities. This study concluded that GBV restricted students\u27 access to quality education and, if unaddressed, might lead to declining university enrolment. Thus, it recommended collaboration between universities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and families to tackle GBV and called for a review of policies to improve enforcement and provide better protection for students.
Strengthening community voices: Traditional leaders’ efforts to curb gender-based violence in rural Vhembe communities
Full text linkThis paper investigates the role of traditional leaders (Mahosi) in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in the Vhembe District of Limpopo in South Africa. Grounded by Community-based social change theory (CBSC) and informed by gender theory and it explains how the Mahosi are dealing with GBV within cultural and social constructs of their own environments. Through qualitative interviews with ten Mahosi across five municipalities, the research identifies three key strategies: promoting community dialogue, applying cultural accountability mechanisms, and collaborating with formal service providers. While some Mahosi demonstrate transformative leadership by adapting traditional norms and supporting survivors, others reinforce patriarchal structures that may undermine justice and silence victims. The study also reflects on how hegemonic masculinity and gendered power relations influence these responses. Findings suggest that traditional leadership can be both a facilitator of justice and a barrier to gender equality, depending on the level of critical engagement and partnership with broader systems. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on culturally relevant GBV interventions and emphasises the need for capacity-building and policy alignment to ensure that traditional authority supports, rather than hinders, efforts to eliminate GBV
The psychosocial effects of school-based gang violence on educators: A case study of johannesburg, South Africa
Full text linkSouth Africa’s epidemic of school-based gang violence significantly impacts educators, affecting their psychosocial well-being and professional performance. This qualitative study examines these effects within Johannesburg public schools, guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, which emphasizes the influence of interconnected social and cultural environments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled educators and analysed thematically using Creswell’s framework. Ethical standards, including confidentiality, informed consent, and privacy, were rigorously upheld. Findings reveal that educators experience emotional distress, professional burnout, and compromised well-being as a result of persistent exposure to school-based gang violence
Immersive digital experiences: Fostering sustainable practices and positive perceptions among Gen Z tourists in village tourism
Full text linkThe rapid development of immersive technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), presents novel opportunities to enhance tourist experiences and promote sustainable village tourism. This study is particularly significant as Generation Z, as digitally savvy travellers, plays a strategic role in shaping sustainable tourism practices, especially within rural destinations. The research aims to examine the influence of Generation Z’s awareness of immersive technologies on their positive attitudes toward village tourism, visit intentions, and perceptions of the role of immersive technologies in supporting sustainable tourism principles. A quantitative approach was employed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 150 Generation Z respondents across various regions who have previously interacted with immersive technologies and plan to visit village tourism destinations. The findings indicate that awareness of immersive technologies significantly enhances positive attitudes toward village tourism, which in turn influences visit intentions and perceptions of immersive technologies’ role in fostering community-oriented sustainable tourism. These results underscore that integrating immersive technologies not only enriches tourist experiences but also supports cultural preservation, local economic empowerment, and sustainable tourism practices. Practically, the findings provide guidance for village tourism managers, policymakers, and stakeholders in designing effective digital strategies to develop community-based sustainable tourism initiatives