International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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The paradox of gender inequity in democratic societies: Exploring systemic contradictions in pursuit of equality
Get PDFIn a country where gender inequity had been a factor that discriminated against women, many endeavors have been put up in attempts to balance both genders. The initiatives promoting gender equity seek to redress historical imbalances; they inadvertently perpetuate gender inequality due to systemic biases and societal resistance. However, a little too much has been done to the point where the discrimination has seemingly fallen on men. The study aimed to investigate the factors that cause gender inequity, from discriminating against women to discriminating against men. Formal legal rights do not always translate into substantive equality, particularly in areas such as wage equity, political representation, and reproductive autonomy. The study employed desktop comprehensive data to review existing literature from journal articles, Google Scholar sources, and government documents that align with the study. The data was analyzed through content analysis. The findings of this study concretized the public about the extent to which gender inequity is being ignored when it favors one gender over the other. The study further contributed to the ongoing discourse on gender issues and highlights the need for more effective strategies that address the roots of gender inequality in a democratic context. The implications suggest that achieving accurate gender equity in democracies requires more than legal reform; it demands structural transformation, inclusive policymaking, and cultural change
HIV testing service utilization and linkage to care under UTT in North-West South Africa
Get PDFThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing services (HTS) are as important as any other healthcare service; hence clients should be encouraged to use them. The Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) initiative is one of the ways for improving HIV outcomes by commencing rapid antiretroviral medication (ART). An explorative-descriptive qualitative study was followed to understand the motivation for accepting and utilization of HTS through the UTT strategy. The study was conducted in three selected PHC facilities around North-West province, Bojanala district, Kgetleng sub-district. Data was analysed using thematic content with the support of NVivo 12 software. Four main themes with supporting sub-themes emerged. The study findings showed that the majority of participants were not knowledgeable about or aware of the strategy until they tested positive in their clinics. HTS are still underused as participants presented to the facilities only when seriously ill, had symptoms or were pregnant. Some participants accepted their status and treatment because they were already sick and had no choice but to take treatment. Despite the different emotions, others were able to accept their treatment and status. Some disclosed and received support from family, partners and friends, while others had not. Fear of stigmatisation when seen frequently at the clinic was also noted. This article\u27s findings can influence policymakers involved in HIV testing and UTT methods
Beyond the known: analysing complexities of novice researchers in identifying and filling research gaps in social science scholarship
Get PDFIdentifying research gaps is a key aspect of scholarly excellence, yet it remains a challenge for many novice researchers. Despite the emphasis on innovation in academia, early-career scholars often struggle to differentiate genuine gaps from mere absences in the literature. This study examines these difficulties within social science research, exploring structural and institutional factors that shape the research journey. Using a qualitative, non-empirical approach, the study employs a systematic literature review and critical discourse analysis to synthesize scholarly arguments. Data were sourced from reputable databases, ensuring credibility through strict inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified key challenges, including difficulties in recognizing gaps, theoretical conceptualization, methodological rigor, and institutional constraints such as rigid paradigms, limited mentorship, and lack of interdisciplinary collaboration. Triangulation enhanced validity by evaluating sources across disciplines. Findings reveal that inadequate exposure to academic discourse, weak theoretical grounding, and insufficient methodological training hinder gap identification. The study underscores the need for structured mentorship, enhanced training, and critical engagement with theory to support emerging scholars. Addressing these barriers contributes to research capacity building in social sciences, highlighting the importance of fostering innovative and impactful academic contributions
The relationship between socioeconomic factors and HIV-related deaths in South Africa: A panel econometric approach
Get PDFThe research investigates the correlation between socioeconomic characteristics and HIV-related mortality in South Africa, a nation with one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV-AIDS globally. This work employs a pooled mean group estimator and a viable generalised least squares approach to analyse provincial data from 1993 to 2023. The findings demonstrate that socio-economic determinants significantly influence HIV-related mortality in South Africa, although the connection differs by province and over the long term. The study identifies economic disparity, youth and adult unemployment, and household income as major predictors of HIV-related mortality in certain provinces, whereas the labour force correlates with decreased HIV-related deaths in others. The research indicates that an increase in household wealth may not inherently result in enhanced health outcomes and could potentially worsen the issue of HIV-related mortality in South Africa. The study\u27s results have ramifications for policy and practice. Policymakers must evaluate the unforeseen repercussions of augmenting household income on HIV-associated mortality and implement a comprehensive strategy when developing policies connected to socio-economic determinants and HIV-related fatalities in South Africa. The report advocates for the mitigation of income disparity and unemployment, enhancement of labour force participation, formulation of province-specific policies and interventions, improvement of educational access, and the pursuit of further research as effective measures to reduce HIV-related mortality in South Africa
Digital transformation and corporate entrepreneurship: a strategy to face disruption
Get PDFThis research examines digital transformation and corporate entrepreneurship as strategies to face disruption in the global era. The study is motivated by technological advances such as AI, Big Data, and IoT that drive a shift in business paradigms. The research objectives include analyzing corporate entrepreneurship strategies to spur innovation, conducting case studies of companies successfully implementing corporate entrepreneurship, identifying barriers and challenges, and evaluating implications for companies in the digital era. The research employs a qualitative approach using case studies and literature analysis to integrate primary and secondary data through triangulation and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that the application of innovative strategies through corporate entrepreneurship enhances competitive advantage, accelerates digital adaptation, and optimizes both internal and external collaboration. Key barriers—such as conservative organizational culture and limited resources—can be overcome through structural changes and investments in technology and human resources. The conclusions emphasize the importance of synergy between digital innovation and corporate entrepreneurship in creating sustainable company growth. This study contributes strategically to the development of adaptive business models amid digital disruption. The findings are expected to serve as a reference for practitioners and academics in designing innovative strategies that respond effectively to global market dynamics, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and achieving a sustainable competitive edge.
 
Reforming basic education in South Africa: Socio-Political implications of the BELA Bill
Get PDFEducation remains a cornerstone of sustainable development and social equity, particularly in post-apartheid South Africa, where historical disparities in access and quality persist. The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill introduces wide-ranging reforms, including the compulsory introduction of Grade R, regulation of school admissions and language policies, formalisation of homeschooling, and a complete prohibition of corporal punishment. These reforms aim to enhance fairness and inclusivity but raise critical questions regarding constitutional rights, cultural diversity, and the socio-political feasibility of implementation. This article critically analyses the BELA Bill within an international context, drawing on comparative insights from multilingual and education-forward countries such as Canada, Finland, Norway, and New Zealand. Through a qualitative review of policy documents, academic literature, and case studies, the study identifies opportunities and challenges in implementing the bill’s provisions. The analysis highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and robust monitoring frameworks to ensure successful reform. Aligning with global trends in education transformation, the BELA Bill presents an opportunity to redefine South Africa’s education system as more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to societal needs. However, the realisation of these goals will depend on pragmatic, context-sensitive implementation that accounts for South Africa’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape
Hidden costs of employee turnover in Mpumalanga’s department of economic development and tourism
Get PDFEmployee turnover is a significant issue for organizations worldwide, affecting stability, productivity, and innovation. In South Africa, public service departments face challenges in retaining qualified personnel as they migrate to higher-paying jobs. The study aims to investigate factors contributing to high turnover of Heads of Department or Accounting Officers within the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) in Mpumalanga Province. In order to gather information from a sample of 67 employees and to propose empirically supported strategies to lower employee turnover, increase retention, and boost organisational effectiveness, the study used qualitative research methodology, interviews, and semi-structured interviews. Main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) employees are leaving due to negative factors within the department and short-term employment contracts (ii) employees with limited skills or experience being placed in key positions, further contributing to dissatisfaction and high turnover (iii)due to a lack of attention to addressing employee turnover, the department suffers from low morale, poor service delivery, and negative public perception, ultimately impacting the organization\u27s performance. The findings are recommended for sharing with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and other government departments in South Africa as it could provide a reliable approach of dealing with staff turnover throughout the public sector
Does digital financial literacy increase savings in formal financial institutions?
Get PDFRecent evidence indicates that citizens exhibit low involvement in financial activities within formal financial institutions. Therefore, this study explores how Digital Financial Literacy (DFL) influences savings in formal financial institutions. Using data from the Global Findex Database 2021 and the Standard & Poor’s Global FinLit Survey 2014, covering 135 countries, the study applies multiple regression analysis to assess how DFL predicts savings in formal financial institutions, while controlling for various country-level factors. The results show that among the three dimensions of digital financial literacy, financial skills and behaviors positively affect savings. In contrast, financial attitudes like trust in financial institutions and confidence in managing financial matters negatively affect savings behavior. Overall, financial literacy explains 78.8% of the variation in savings at the formal financial institutions across countries, with cross-validation supporting the robustness of the findings. This study contributes to existing literature by integrating several digital and segmented dimensions of financial literacy and enhancing external validity by including a broad range of countries for cross-country generalization in financial inclusion research.
The role of universities in enhancing school career orientation programs
Get PDFThe transition from high school to higher education or the workforce represents a critical phase in a learner\u27s life. Career orientation programs play a vital role in navigating this transition, with universities positioned to enhance high school career orientation initiatives through their resources, expertise, and industry connections. The aim of this paper is to highlight the key role that universities play in enhancing school career orientation programs. The paper is looking at providing current challenges facing these programs and also providing some future prospects. This paper adopts a qualitative approach, reviewing existing literature on the impact of university involvement in these programs. The findings reveal that university involvement provides several strengths and highlights areas for potential improvement in current practices. The article recommends the enhancement of career guidance, improved access to resources, increased industry exposure, and strengthened mentorship and support, developing structured collaboration frameworks between universities and high schools, implementing continuous evaluation mechanisms for these programs, and focusing on tailored support for under-resourced schools and re such as enhanced career guidance, improved access to resources, increased industry exposure, and strengthened mentorship and support. Consequently, the highlights that collaboration between universities and high schools is essential for bolstering career orientation initiatives at the high school level
Digital transformation strategy: the quest for competitive advantage among commercial banks in Kenya
Get PDFThe banking industry in Kenya must adopt digital transformation to sustain competitiveness and improve customer experience in the context of rapidly evolving digital technologies. Despite the increasing focus on digitisation in the sector, the particular initiatives undertaken by commercial banks and their resulting impact on competitive advantage are not sufficiently comprehended. This study analysed the impact of digital transformation strategies on competitive advantage within commercial banks in Kenya. The primary aim was to evaluate the impact of service automation, data analytics, mobile banking applications, employee upskilling, and digital payment solutions on the competitiveness of banks. The study employed a descriptive design, focussing on 39 commercial banks categorised by tiers, which included 412 functional heads. A multi-stage sampling method integrating proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques was utilised to guarantee equitable representation. Employing Yamane’s formula, a sample of 203 respondents was determined. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires that were pretested with 15 participants and validated by subject experts to ensure content relevance and clarity. Reliability testing employing Cronbach’s Alpha produced satisfactory results (? ? 0.7), signifying robust internal consistency. The analysis of data encompassed both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results were presented visually through charts, graphs, and tables to facilitate interpretation. The findings indicated that all five digital transformation strategies impacted competitive advantage, although their contributions differed in magnitude. The findings indicate that commercial banks must move beyond the simple implementation of digital technologies and prioritise strategic integration to improve customer experience and value creation. Banks ought to implement targeted automation that preserves human engagement for intricate services while improving feedback systems. Banks must enhance data governance and invest in sophisticated, customer-centric analytical tools. Ongoing innovation in mobile banking is advisable, encompassing feature enhancements and improved interoperability, underpinned by robust cybersecurity standards. Prioritising employee upskilling is essential through structured training, digital leadership development, and industry-wide certification. Finally, banks must reassess their digital payment strategies to prioritise user experience, fraud prevention, and differentiated services, while regulators encourage secure and innovation-friendly environments