International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Effectiveness of coaching in enhancing entrepreneurs\u27 leadership skills for sustainability
Get PDFEntrepreneurship is a critical driver of economic growth, particularly in developing regions like Gauteng, South Africa. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute significantly to job creation, innovation, and economic sustainability, yet many faces persistent challenges such as strategic mismanagement, limited leadership skills, and resource constraints. This study investigates the role of coaching as a strategic intervention to enhance entrepreneurial development and foster sustainable business practices among SME owners in Gauteng. Guided by a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the study draws on the interpretive paradigm to explore the lived experiences of 15 SME entrepreneurs who have participated in formal coaching programs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that coaching significantly enhances entrepreneurs\u27 strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and adaptability, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive long-term sustainability. The study underscores the need for targeted coaching programs tailored to the unique challenges of SME entrepreneurs in Gauteng
Empowering African youth for sustainable peace: the role of skills training and entrepreneurship
Get PDFThis study investigates how business and skill development can enable African youth to advance lasting peace amid obstacles like unemployment and conflict. Addressing structural obstacles to economic opportunity is essential for promoting social stability and development in Africa, where the youth population is expanding quickly. In order to assess the effects of entrepreneurship and vocational training programs on youth empowerment and peacebuilding, the study uses a secondary qualitative analytical methodology, using organizational reports, case studies of African programs, and existing literature. The results show that vocational training programs run by Young Africa\u27s Skills2Live project and Don Bosco Tech Africa have improved community cohesiveness, economic independence, and employability. In addition to lowering their susceptibility to extremist recruiting, entrepreneurship programs have given young people the skills they need to deal with financial difficulties. Nonetheless, issues including gender inequality, restricted financial resources, and a lack of alignment between training initiatives and industry needs continue to exist. It is revealed that entrepreneurship and skill development are progressive strategies for reducing youth unemployment and promoting peace. Some policy proposals include increasing access to vocational training, encouraging gender-inclusive entrepreneurial projects, fortifying public-private partnerships, and including conflict resolution education in empowerment programs. These tactics are crucial for Africa\u27s youngsters to have a resilient and peaceful future
Benefits of foster care: Insights from foster care leavers and social workers in Tshwane District Municipality
Get PDFFoster care aims to provide children with safety, health care, protection, and guidance. Despite its challenges, foster care in South Africa offers valuable benefits by providing vulnerable children with stable and nurturing environments that foster their development and enhance their educational and socio-emotional outcomes. This paper examines the benefits of foster care by exploring the experiences of foster care leavers and the perspectives of social workers in Tshwane District Municipality, Gauteng Province. In this study, the researcher employed a qualitative research approach. A total of 18 social workers and 18 foster care leavers were selected through a purposive sampling technique selected for the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule, which allowed for in-depth exploration of participant’s experiences while providing the flexibility to probe further based on their responses. The findings highlight that foster care placements provide foster care leavers with essential support, including basic necessities, a family-like environment, improved relationships, independence, recreational opportunities, poverty reduction, therapeutic support, and educational benefits. The study suggests that the Department of Social Development should establish transition programs to support youth aging out of foster care, ensuring continued access to housing, education, and mental health services. The findings can assist policymakers in improving foster care policies to better support both foster care leavers and social workers, while also emphasising the need for further research on the long-term impact of foster care in South Africa
The challenges and opportunities in implementing universal health coverage: a comparative study of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand
Get PDFUniversal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship. This study compares the UHC models in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand to identify their strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Using a comparative literature analysis, the research highlights significant differences in funding mechanisms, population coverage, service efficiency, and policy implementation. Malaysia successfully leverages its high per capita income to provide universal healthcare through tax-funded services, while Thailand demonstrates efficient resource management with the "30 Baht" scheme, ensuring universal access despite its moderate-income level. Although Indonesia faces challenges due to its large population and low per capita income, it has made significant progress, covering 86% of its population since the launch of the National Health Insurance (JKN) program in 2014. Based on the findings, policy recommendations include enhancing financing mechanisms, improving service efficiency, and ensuring broader access to healthcare services in all regions. For Malaysia and Thailand, further exploring sustainable financing models and addressing disparities in healthcare quality can help ensure long-term UHC sustainability. For Indonesia, increasing compliance with premium payments, improving healthcare infrastructure, and addressing funding deficits are key to achieving more inclusive healthcare access. These recommendations offer valuable insights for improving UHC implementation strategies in diverse economic and demographic contexts
The disruptive nature of AI-Powered technologies: balancing the dichotomy of dependence and autonomy for IT Professionals
Get PDFThis paper critically examined the impact of over-dependence on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Information Technology (IT) Professionals, exploring the impact on cognitive functions such as critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving, and how these affect the autonomy of IT Professionals. Using quantitative research methodology, the study surveyed 180 IT Professionals to gauge their usage of and dependence on AI-powered tools, as well as their perceptions about AI technologies and the effects these might have on their cognitive abilities. The findings showed a very significant integration of AI by the respondents in both their personal and professional capacities, as well as a substantial dependence on AI-powered tools, particularly for decision-making purposes. Furthermore, there appeared to be a possible underestimation of the effects that AI usage has on cognitive abilities, as expressed through the paradoxical survey results. Moreover, several ethical issues were identified such as bias, privacy and the lagging behind of laws and regulations, further serving to complicate the effects of over-dependence on AI. Based on its findings this paper makes recommendations for the development of clear guidelines for the use of AI, continuous learning and development programs, focusing on AI advancements and risks, as well as the implementation of frequent impact and security assessments. These recommendations aim to assist organisations and IT Professionals to benefit from the advantages of AI while maintaining critical skills, human oversight and intuition
Assessing gender disparities and variability in STEM education using subject scores
Get PDFThe study claims that gender greatly affects STEM performance, with one gender continuously outperforming another, which may influence instructors\u27 methods. One gender\u27s performance ratings vary more than the other, suggesting STEM academic success is inconsistent. We collected data using varied methodologies. STEM enrolment and performance data were evaluated using Python statistical analysis programs with mean, median, and variability evaluations, and boxplots, pie charts, and bar charts were shown. This study found that (i) STEM qualifications have significant enrolment disparities, with Extended BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology being the most popular and Extended BSc Mathematics and Statistics being the least, and (ii) curriculum attractiveness and employment prospects strongly influence student selections. Female students excelled in Biology, Chemistry, and English, while male students excelled in IT and Mathematics. Finally, informed policy formulation and curriculum development are needed to improve STEM student engagement and achievement across genders
Diversity perceptions and organizational commitment as predictors of performance and satisfaction
Get PDFThis paper examines the impact of employee perceptions of diversity management (DM) on individual outcomes, such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and workplace performance, in the context of Eastern Europe, focusing on Romania. It aims to address gaps in the literature by exploring individual-level dynamics of DM, which have been largely overlooked compared to organizational or group-level analyses. Additionally, the study integrates frameworks such as Social Identity Theory, Similarity-Attraction Theory, and Resource-Based Theory to conceptualize how perceptions of inclusiveness influence employee attitudes and behaviors. A quantitative analysis was conducted using validated instruments to measure perceptions of DM, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and individual performance among employees from various industries in Romania. The dataset includes responses collected over a specific timeframe, ensuring robust statistical analysis. The main findings of the study reveal that: (i) Positive perceptions of DM are significantly associated with improved workplace performance, mediated by organizational commitment. (ii) Positive perceptions of DM are significantly associated with improved job satisfaction, mediated by organizational commitment. These findings provide actionable insights for organizations operating in socio-economically transitioning economies like Romania. The study contributes to the literature by applying classical theories in an Eastern European context and offers practical strategies for designing and implementing effective DM initiatives that promote inclusiveness, reduce intergroup conflict, and enhance employee engagement
Evaluating the representation of entrepreneurship in grade 10-12 business studies syllabus in South African schools
Get PDFThis study aims to evaluate the representation of entrepreneurship in business studies syllabus in South African Schools. A qualitative research methodology was used to evaluate the entrepreneurship in South African secondary schools. Furthermore, little representation of entrepreneurship in the syllabus and business studies have direct link with entrepreneurship. Currently, the Grade 10-12 curriculum for Business Studies focus on the development of knowledge, skills and values. This study calls for Self- Directed Learning in Business Studies Grades 10 -12 to promote entrepreneurship in South African Schools. A purposive sample of ten Grade 12 teachers were selected from five secondary schools, to cater for all quintile 1 to 5 in Edendale circuit. A case study research design was employed. Data collection was prepared using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Generate data was analysed through thematic analysis. The study adopted the Achievement Goal Theory. The findings indicated that challenges facing students is the lack of practical demonstration because business studies is a practical topics. Moreover, the findings revealed obstacles in successful teaching and learning of business studies in secondary schools, due to lack of competent teachers, insufficient instructional resources and bad teaching methods. The study recommends for the implementation of self-direct learning program on entrepreneurship were learners for grade 8 to 12 can learn on their pace. In addition, incorporating entrepreneurship courses into the curriculum, fostering an entrepreneurial mind-set, and providing mentorship can equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to start their own businesses. Furthermore, collaboration with local entrepreneurial ecosystems, and funding organizations is important
Strengthening resilience: the synergistic role of credit risk and customer relationship management in non-bank financial institutions
Get PDFThis study investigates the impact of Credit Risk Management (CRM) on resilience in non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) and explores how Customer Relationship Management (CREM) moderates this relationship. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with data from credit risk managers in the National Capital Region, the study finds that CRM significantly enhances resilience. Moreover, CREM strengthens the impact of credit risk management on resilience, demonstrating a synergistic effect. The findings suggest that NBFIs should integrate CRM and CREM strategies to improve organizational resilience, offering a valuable framework for enhancing stability amidst economic challenges
Exploring the relationship between ESG performance and firm value in Chinese and US banks: The moderating impact of environmental uncertainty and competitive advantage
Get PDFThis paper explores the relationship between environmental, social, and governance performance (ESGP) and firm value in both emerging and developed economies, with the moderating impact of environmental uncertainty and competitive advantage. Using secondary unbalanced data spanning from 2011 to 2022, we examine both the direct and non-linear effects of ESG performance on firm value, employing advanced econometric estimation techniques such as two-step system GMM (2sGMM) and two-stage least square (2SLS). The analysis finds that: (1) ESG performance positively influences firm value in both Chinese and US banks, and the results remain valid after robustness test; (2) The results also confirm that ESG performance non-linearly influence firm value across the samples, with an inverted U-shape relationship; (3) Additionally, we further investigate the moderating effects of environmental uncertainty and competitive advantage, uncovering that environmental uncertainty dampens the ESGP-firm value relationship, while competitive advantage further amplifies it. This study contributes to the understanding of how ESG performance can act as strategic assets that align managerial and stakeholder interests, and improve firm performance, by underpinning agency, stakeholder, and the resource-based view theory. Practical insights are also provided for policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions regarding the use of ESGP as a competitive tool in uncertain and dynamic market environments