International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
Not a member yet
2644 research outputs found
Sort by
Factors contributing to relapse among service users undergoing substance abuse treatment in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Full text linkSubstance abuse remains a critical global issue with profound social and economic implications, including poverty, crime, unemployment, and chronic health conditions. In marginalised communities across Africa, substance use, and relapse pose persistent challenges, particularly among youth. Despite the availability of rehabilitation services, relapse rates remain high due to various psychosocial and structural factors. This study investigated the underlying causes of relapse among service users who have undergone substance abuse treatment in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Employing a qualitative research method, data were collected through in-depth interviews with service users and social workers from rehabilitation centres (SANCA). The findings revealed that relapse is primarily driven by persistent drug cravings, emotional distress, peer influence, and limited developmental opportunities. These results underscore the urgent need for comprehensive relapse prevention strategies, including community-based education, aftercare programs, life skills development, and sustained emotional and psychological support for substance services users. The study further recommends incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness, assertiveness training, and the creation of strong support networks, facilitated by social workers, to enhance long-term recovery outcome
The role of traditional health practitioners in healing mental illness in Allandale village Bushbuckridge Region
Full text linkTraditional Health Practitioners (THPs) have historically served as the primary mental healthcare providers in culturally rich communities, particularly in contexts where healing intersects with spirituality and collective experience. In regions like Bushbuckridge, many people suffering from mental illness relies on THPs due to their accessibility, affordability, and deep alignment with local belief systems. This widespread reliance, however, highlights a critical research and service delivery gap: while essential, traditional healing practices often operate without the benefit of biomedical validation and carry inherent potential risks associated with unregulated treatments. This study addresses this gap by exploring the specific ways THPs in South Africa manage mental illness. This paper is Grounded in Afrocentric theory, the research adopts a qualitative exploratory approach, utilizing desk-based analysis to synthesize and critique secondary sources. Findings confirm that the pervasive use of traditional medicine is driven by local socioeconomic factors and strong cultural beliefs. Crucially, traditional healing is viewed not as an inferior alternative, but as a culturally resonant and effective treatment method. The implications of this study are significant: to bridge the divide between perceived cultural effectiveness and biomedical necessity, it is strongly recommended that Traditional Health Practitioners and Western-trained doctors pursue collaborative integration to safely and comprehensively address the growing number of mental health challenges in these communities
Measuring the Return on Investment (ROI) through an integrated framework: A case of academic staff training and development interventions in South Africa
Full text linkThis study aimed to develop an integrated framework for measuring the ROI of T&D interventions for academic staff in South African public universities. Measuring the ROI and impact of T&D on employee performance is critical for demonstrating value. T&D professionals face increasing pressure from top management to show tangible business benefits for their interventions. An interpretivist approach was adopted using qualitative methods. Fourteen participants were purposefully selected from six universities, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDPSETA). Data were collected through interviews and document analysis and were analyzed thematically. Four themes that emerged from data included T&D interventions, management of interventions, support for interventions, and ROI measurement. Universities assessed impact at multiple levels (reaction, learning, behavior, and results) but did not fully implement Phillips’s ROI methodology. While some ROI elements, such as training costs and benefits, were considered, government institutions supporting universities did not directly measure ROI but expected universities to evaluate interventions against set objectives. The study provides an integrated ROI framework suitable for T&D interventions in South African public universities. It provides practical recommendations for improving ROI measurement and accountability and suggests directions for future research
The impact of school feeding schemes on learner well-being and academic performance in Limpopo Province
Full text linkThis study explores the role and impact of school feeding scheme programmes on learner well-being and academic performance in Limpopo Province, South Africa, using a qualitative research approach. School feeding schemes are essential interventions aimed at alleviating food insecurity and supporting educational development among socio-economically disadvantaged learners. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with learners, educators, parents, and school administrators. This approach provided a rich understanding of lived experiences and perceptions regarding the feeding programmes. The findings reveal that regular school meals enhance learners’ concentration, motivation, and emotional well-being, which in turn positively influence their participation and engagement in the classroom. Participants also highlighted how the programme fosters a sense of stability and routine for vulnerable children. However, concerns were raised about irregular food deliveries, inadequate infrastructure, and limited variety in meal content, which often hinder the programme\u27s overall effectiveness. The study concludes that school feeding initiatives play a crucial role in learner support, but their success depends on consistent implementation, community involvement, and improved management practices. These findings provide practical insights for policymakers and education authorities to improve the management, consistency, and nutritional quality of school feeding programmes in rural contexts
Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in business research: A simple guide for novice researchers
Full text linkThis review provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for novice researchers. This is a conceptual and literature-based review that focuses on best practices and PLS-SEM literature. It highlights the rationale for using PLS-SEM, sample size, software tools, and essential metrics in PLS-SEM analysis. Drawing on best practices and recent literature, the review offers a framework for conducting and reporting PLS-SEM analysis. The review presents essential such as outer loadings, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability, cross-loadings, Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT), the Fornell-Larcker criterion, variance inflation factor (VIF), and redundancy analysis. Moreover, for more consistent results, the paper emphasizes on researchers to employ 10,000 bootstrap subsamples and Bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrap in assessing the structural model. Insights regarding path coefficients, p-values, R-square (R2), f-square (f2), and Q-square (Q2), are also presented. Furthermore, the review underscores the trade-off between predictive power and model fit when applying PLS-SEM. The presented practical insights alert novice researchers in avoiding common pitfalls and enhance the methodological rigor of empirical research that utilizes PLS-SEM. This step-by-step guide supports early-career researchers and contributes to the ongoing debates on improving methodological clarity and transparency
Culture and consumer neuroscience in South Africa: Insights for organisational behaviour and human resource management
Full text linkThis paper investigated the impact of culture on consumer neuroscience reactions among African Blacks and Whites in South Africa, as well as the implications for human resource management (HRM) and organisational behaviour. Despite the country\u27s vast cultural diversity, little research has been done to investigate how cultural differences affect neurological and emotional responses to marketing stimuli, limiting organisations\u27 understanding of customer and staff behaviour. The paper employed bibliometric analysis to identify dominant trends, patterns, and gaps in the literature, demonstrating that culture has a significant impact on consumer decision-making, emotional engagement, and cognitive reactions. Importantly, these findings went beyond marketing, indicating key applications for OB and HRM, including culturally informed leadership, employee engagement methods, and talent development programs. This paper offers a fresh interdisciplinary viewpoint by clearly connecting culture, neuroscience, and organisational management. It showed that comprehending the emotional and neurological effects of culture could improve HRM procedures, promote inclusive workplace environments, and strengthen customer-focused tactics. To help businesses effectively utilise cultural diversity, this paper recommends incorporating cultural insights into leadership development, training initiatives, and organisational policy. This method will offer a framework for evidence-based, culturally sensitive practices by positioning culture not just as a contextual aspect but as a strategic driver that connects consumer neuroscience insights with human capital management and organisational efficiency
Critical success factors for effective SME ideation programs: Insights from DUT’s Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator
Full text linkThis study examines the critical success factors (CSFs) that contribute to the effectiveness of ideation programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on the Durban University of Technology’s Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator. Employing a quantitative methodology, data were collected from 52 participants through a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. The demographic profile indicated that most participants were young entrepreneurs operating in early-stage, resource-limited businesses. Reliability testing confirmed the robustness of the measurement scale (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.831; KMO = 0.709). Results from mean score analysis and one-sample t-tests demonstrated that clearly defined program objectives, customized content, mentoring, collaboration, practical learning experiences, a supportive environment, and access to market insights were consistently highly valued. Additionally, mechanisms such as feedback processes, follow-up support, and partnerships with industry stakeholders were identified as essential for maintaining the long-term impact of ideation initiatives. The study concludes that the success of ideation programs depends on a systems-based approach that effectively integrates resources, processes, the environment, and ongoing feedback, thereby promoting innovation, competitiveness, and resilience among SMEs
Navigating the complex challenges faced by principals in the implementation of school improvement plans
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to examine the challenges faced by school principals in rural South African secondary schools when implementing School Improvement Plans (SIPs). The study is guided by the theory of instructional leadership, which views principals as key drivers of teaching and learning. Instead of assuming that principals effectively fulfil their catalytic role, the study explores the persistent implementation gap that constrains meaningful school improvement. A qualitative multiple-case study design was employed, drawing on semi-structured interviews and document analysis of school improvement plans. Five principals were selected through convenience sampling. Using qualitative content analysis, the findings reveal that principals experience significant difficulties in translating SIP policies into practice, mainly due to limited capacity, contextual barriers, and inconsistent support from district officials. District monitoring systems were found to be weak, with officials struggling to enforce adherence to policy guidelines or to provide timely, targeted interventions. The study concludes that without sustained professional support, regular supervision, and strengthened accountability structures, principals remain unable to drive the intended improvements in teaching and learning. These insights underscore the need for additional research on strategies to bridge the SIP implementation gap in under-resourced educational contexts
“Sirha ra Wansati Rile Vukatini”: An exploration of factors contributing to Tsonga women’s persistence in unfavorable marriages
Full text linkThis literature-based study, titled “Sirha ra Wansati Rile Vukatini,” a Xitsonga word meaning “the strength or endurance of a woman lies in her marriage,” examines the contemporary variables influencing Tsonga women’s choices to persist in unsatisfactory marriages. This study examines the socio-cultural and economic background of Munghonghoma Village within the Greater Giyani Municipality, Mopani District, employing an exploratory qualitative methodology based on current literature regarding gender, culture, and marital dynamics among Tsonga women. Literature review findings indicate that Tsonga women frequently endure unsatisfactory marriages due to economic reliance, entrenched cultural norms, and apprehension regarding the social shame linked to divorce or separation. Emotional bonds with their spouses and apprehension for their children\u27s welfare also influence their choices to remain. Literature suggests that several Tsonga women endure diverse forms of physical, mental, and financial abuse, which compromise their entire well-being. The study suggests that ingrained patriarchal practices, gender inequity, and restricted economic empowerment persist in perpetuating women\u27s vulnerability inside marriage. It advises that governmental entities, religious organisations, and community stakeholders establish initiatives that foster women\u27s empowerment, economic autonomy, and awareness of their rights to mitigate the normalisation of abuse condoned by the cultural ideal of “Sirha ra Wansati Rile Vukatini.”
Traditional leadership and sustainable crime prevention in rural South Africa: A qualitative study of the Amathole District Municipality under COGTA
Full text linkMurders and attacks against women and youth are rising in rural South Africa. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) enables chiefs and headmen to maintain peace and order; however, violence suggests that traditional authorities and professional law enforcement rarely operate in tandem. This study examines the challenges and provides recommendations on how traditional leadership can foster sustainable crime prevention in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative study design was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with fifteen (15) chiefs, headmen, and ward committee members from varied rural communities in the district. Thematic analysis identified leadership engagement, community participation, and local crime-fighting strategies. Traditional leaders play a crucial role in rural administration, possessing moral and cultural authority that can be leveraged for social control and early intervention. However, insufficient cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), limited resources, and a lack of institutional recognition for community safety initiatives, such as village night patrols and Community Policing Forums, limit their capacity. When urban migrants return home for holidays, crime rates, notably violent assaults and gender-based violence, climb, showing that social dislocation and alcohol consumption worsen tensions. The Chiefs agreed to work with SAPS on community awareness, customary punishments, and CPF reactivation. The study found that rural safety requires a hybrid crime prevention paradigm that combines state and customary authority. Integrating COGTA\u27s governance structure with community-based policing could boost rural resilience, trust, and accountability. The study highlights indigenous governance as a social sustainability mechanism in rural South Africa, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)