International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Digital Engagement Center (DEC) as a strategic communication system for early detection of reputation crises
Get PDFThe rapid growth of the digital information ecosystem, characterized by cross-channel conversations, the spread of misinformation, and the increasing vulnerability of corporate reputation, highlights the urgency of developing strategic communication systems powered by data and artificial intelligence for early detection and crisis mitigation. This study therefore focuses on examining the role and effectiveness of the Digital Engagement Center (DEC) at PT United Tractors Tbk (UT), while also exploring the experiences, practices, and perceptions of communication and management practitioners regarding its use in strategic decision-making. Although the literature on media monitoring, AI-driven communication, and early warning systems is extensive, research on their application in the form of an integrated system such as DEC remains limited, particularly in developing countries like Indonesia. This makes the study relevant in addressing this gap and providing both theoretical and practical contributions. In the employing qualitative intrinsic case study design, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that DEC is an effective AI-enabled early warning system for real-time analysis, classification, and prediction of issues while requiring validation by a human for shifting communication toward a proactive rather than reactive model. Effectiveness is further evidenced by early detection of issues such as the internal PPE case, whereby supported automated notifications, monthly sentiment reports, and the AMEC model underscore the significance of timely imports, interpretation, and support within the organization. Moreover, DEC serves as a strategic instrument for leaders and communication practitioners to design narratives, strategies, and data-driven policies through its interactive dashboard and escalation SOPs, thereby strengthening public trust and fostering a more adaptive and collaborative organizational communication culture
When silence as a crisis response is golden and when it is not: Insights from South African PR consultants
Get PDFAs a crisis communication strategy, silence has received scant scholarly attention. This study, guided by an expanded version of the Image Repair Theory, where silence is a sixth strategy—alongside denial, evasion of responsibility, reducing offensiveness, corrective action and mortification—draws on semi-structured interviews with 12 South African public relations (PR) consultants—explores the consultants’ perception of this long-neglected crisis communication strategy. The findings demonstrate that crisis-affected organisations frequently apply silence to buy time for legal consultations, fact verification and internal messaging alignment. However, when used to avoid stakeholders or hide the unfolding crisis from them, it is reputationally risky. The study introduces the “Three-Clock Model”, comprising legal, organisational and media timelines, which, when aligned, enhance credibility and reputation. Theoretically, the study is an addition to the burgeoning body of work reconceptualising silence as a deliberate rhetorical strategy. Empirically, it enriches the under-developed literature on strategic silence and PR consulting
Social media for public participation in Mossel Bay municipality: Opportunities and challenges
Get PDFThis paper examines the role of social media in enhancing public participation within the Mossel Bay Municipality, focusing on both opportunities and challenges. While social media platforms have become important channels for communication, participation, and accountability between citizens and local government, their integration into governance processes in South Africa remains underexplored. Existing literature primarily focuses on national-level initiatives or metropolitan municipalities, leaving a gap in understanding the dynamics of social media use in smaller municipal contexts. This research addresses this gap by investigating how social media platforms can strengthen citizen engagement, participation, and accountability in a local municipality. Employing a qualitative approach, the study involved semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, including municipal officials, councillors, and ward committee members. The findings reveal that social media offers significant opportunities to engage diverse audiences, particularly youth, working adults, and urban populations often excluded from traditional participation channels. However, challenges such as digital inequality, limited interaction, and insufficient strategic planning constrain its effectiveness. The study underscores the need for Mossel Bay Municipality to move beyond one-way communication and develop a comprehensive social media strategy with clear goals, interactive mechanisms, and inclusive engagement practices. By focusing on a local municipal context, this research advances e-governance scholarship in South Africa, highlighting practical strategies for leveraging social media to enhance participatory governance and promote social inclusion
Unlocking the power of autobiographical memory: Exploring its potential in enhancing teaching and learning in African contexts
Get PDFThis paper focuses on autobiographical memory. The focus of this paper is to encourage African learners to use autobiographical memory in a classroom setting to write stories and short autobiographies that contribute to their own development, the development of IsiXhosa writing, and revival of the stories of Xhosa learners. This paper also depicts that creative work of African learners could emerge from one’s autobiographical memory work. Encouraging ‘autobiographical memory’ enable remembering the histories of African people in South Africa. This study uses the qualitative research design to explore the potential of autobiographical memory in enhancing teaching and learning in African contexts. The sample is made up of three Xhosa literature books from renowned authors such as Peter Tshobiso Mtuze, Sindiwe Magona, Archibald Campbell Mzolisa Jordan. Key findings from the study show that autobiographical memory helps in preserving culture, challenges colonial histories, and enhances education. The research confirms that the integration of memory-based storytelling into African classrooms will strengthen learning, self-awareness, and cultural knowledge
Role of dynamic capabilities in public sector performance: a strategic management perspective
Get PDFThis research investigates how dynamic capabilities contribute to improving public sector performance and the degree to which strategic management facilitates their implementation. This research employs Dynamic Capabilities Theory (DCT) to assess the impact of sensing (identifying and interpreting opportunities and threats), seizing (mobilising resources to capitalise on opportunities), and transformation (realigning structures, processes, and assets to adapt to change) on organisational performance. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational research design was utilised, employing structured surveys from 193 respondents in key public energy sector enterprises in Malawi. The findings indicate that sensing and transformation capabilities substantially improve performance, while seizing capability alone does not exert a direct influence unless combined with other strategic processes. The interplay between sensing and seizing underscores the necessity for public enterprises to both identify opportunities and implement effective actions in response. Organisational capability has emerged as a vital factor, highlighting the significance of workforce competence and institutional adaptability in enhancing performance. This study advances the theory of DCT by illustrating its relevance in public sector governance constraints and presents a quantitative framework for evaluating dynamic capabilities. Policy recommendations involve enhancing seizing capability by overcoming internal bureaucratic obstacles, promoting an adaptive organisational culture, advancing leadership development, and incorporating data-driven decision-making. These measures aim to empower public enterprises to effectively manage complexity, increase responsiveness, and attai
The perception of correctional officers towards rehabilitation of offenders: A case study of selected correctional centres in the Limpopo Province
Get PDFCorrectional officers’ attitudes and perceptions about the treatment of offenders can affect an inmate’s experience within a correctional institution. Correctional officers meet offenders daily, and their influence on how offenders experience their detention cannot be overestimated. The perception of correctional officers towards the rehabilitation of offenders needs to be investigated for the benefit of the department, community, and offenders. The study aimed to determine correctional officers\u27 perceptions toward rehabilitating offenders. The study used a quantitative research approach. A probability purposive sampling approach was used to select the participants. The study found that correctional officers are key in communicating with offenders and providing trustworthy advice to improve their lives. Correctional officers working in correctional centres may assist in rehabilitating offenders by communicating needs and risks to parole officers, parole boards, judges, or probation officers. Offenders should be punished for the crime/s they have committed. Increasing the severity of punishment does little to deter crime. The study recommends that basic training of correctional officers should include issues of the rehabilitation of offenders. Correctional officers who engage offenders in rehabilitation should receive performance management bonuses. Moreover, correctional officers should be briefed on the content of the programmes offered by custodial therapists
Understanding the use of cloud accounting among SMEs in Zimbabwe: An exploratory analysis
Get PDFThis exploratory analysis investigated the use of cloud accounting within the SME sector in Zimbabwe. This study addresses a significant gap in the existing literature, as no prior research has specifically explored the utilization of cloud accounting within the SME sector in Zimbabwe. The study employed a qualitative research approach using purposive sampling. Data was collected from semi-structured interviews and was thematically analyzed. The study revealed a low utilization of cloud accounting among SMEs in Zimbabwe. The lack of awareness is particularly pronounced, hindering SMEs from recognizing the benefits and functionalities of cloud accounting systems. The study found that SMEs implementing cloud accounting experience many benefits that significantly enhance their financial management processes, operational efficiency, and overall business performance. The study emphasized the need for targeted awareness campaigns, comprehensive training programs, and robust policy support to bridge the knowledge gap and facilitate the widespread adoption of cloud accounting. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and technology vendors aiming to promote the digital transformation of the SME sector in Zimbabwe. Value This study provides valuable insights into the barriers and opportunities for adopting cloud accounting in Zimbabwe\u27s SME sector, highlighting the need for awareness, training, and policy support to drive digital transformation and improve financial management, operational efficiency, and overall business performance
Is there a relationship between job satisfaction and work engagement?
Get PDFResearch on job satisfaction (JS) and work engagement (WE) has been conducted in the context of the South African public sector; however, there remains a gap in understanding the relationship between JS and WE within the offices of specific government departments. This study sought to investigate the correlation between work engagement and job satisfaction among administrative employees. The South African Government is viewed as a failed state because of its difficulties in delivering efficient and effective services to its citizens, which may undermine public trust in institutions. The study sought to ascertain that managers in a chosen government department recognise the correlation between job satisfaction and work engagement. A quantitative research approach employing a cross-sectional design was implemented, utilising two established questionnaires on job satisfaction and work engagement, which were distributed to administrative employees (n = 180) through Google Forms. Participants were selected using the snowball sampling method. The collected data underwent analysis through factor analysis. The data obtained from 180 respondents indicated a positive correlation between work engagement and job satisfaction. Management should prioritise the enhancement of work engagement, as it directly impacts job satisfaction and can lead to improvements in both employee and organisational performance. This alignment may improve employee motivation and the contributions employees make to the organisation. This study emphasises the significant correlation between employee engagement and job satisfaction, especially among administrative staff. This will assist the organisation in aligning its policies with employee expectations
A qualitative analysis of the key factors necessary for repurposing the administrators’ jobs at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in line with the 4IR technologies
Get PDFThis study examined the key factors required to repurpose administrators\u27 positions at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in accordance with the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The study found four key components for effective job repurposing by employing a qualitative methodology and semi-structured interviews with 13 purposefully chosen administrators. These include putting in place pertinent technology that caters to institutional requirements, carrying out constructive performance reviews to find skill gaps, planning team-building activities to mend relationships damaged during the Covid-19 pandemic, and offering capacity building by means of job shadowing and coaching. The results showed administrators\u27 fears about job security in the face of technological change and the significance of institutional accountability in retraining staff. The study suggests that DUT takes a comprehensive approach that incorporates all four elements, placing special emphasis on implementing technology gradually and setting up internal knowledge transfer systems to make sure administrators stay effective and relevant in the rapidly changing technological landscape of higher education
Determinants of consumer intentions toward islamic digital banking in Indonesia: Insights from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to explore the factors influencing the intention to use Islamic digital banking in Indonesia, focusing on the roles of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, habit, hedonic motivation, price value, and religiosity. Data were collected from a sample of 434 respondents in January 2024 through an online survey. The study utilized a research model based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that effort expectancy, social influence, habit, price value, and religiosity significantly affect the behavioral intention to use Islamic digital banking, while performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and hedonic motivation did not show significant effects. These findings highlight the importance of religious and ethical considerations, ease of use, and social factors in shaping the adoption of Islamic digital banking services. The study offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies that promote the use of Islamic digital banking in Indonesia