International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
Not a member yet
2644 research outputs found
Sort by
Transferred affection: Celebrity influencers as enablers of brand loyalty of smartphones in Nigeria’s emerging market
Get PDFHistorically, corporations have leveraged the popularity of renowned celebrities as influencers to market their products in the hope that prospective clients will mimic the choice of these celebrities. This practice has become popular in recent times with the emergence of diverse social networking sites. With huge financial resources expended in retaining these celebrities, the question is whether the success achieved by brands can be attributable to them. This study investigates the use of celebrity influencers in building popularity and loyalty for American (iPhone), Korean (Samsung), and Chinese smartphones in the emerging Nigerian market. It employs a quantitative, cross-sectional design, working with 416 respondents. The findings indicate that the iPhone is the most popular brand in Nigeria and suggest that although participants express excitement with the notion of celebrity influencers and endorse their use in promotional pursuits, they hold the belief that the popularity of these brands cannot be attributable to the use of celebrities. It goes further to state that using celebrities may not foster brand loyalty. The study concludes that while it makes marketing sense, and indeed is exciting to use celebrity influencers in marketing activities, without other factors in consideration, such a strategy will not inspire customer loyalty
Psychosocial challenges faced by young females dating sugar daddies: a case study conducted at the selected university, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFSex motivated by economic exchange is a major public health problem which predisposes individuals to HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases. The current study explored the psychosocial challenges faced by young females dating sugar daddies. A qualitative approach using a case study design was employed. A purposive sampling method was used to select the participant, data was collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide and thematic content analysis was conducted. The results indicated that the contributory factors/ reasons for young females dating sugar daddies are the need for financial support, emotional maturity of the sugar daddies, materialistic gain, peer influence, stress reduction, an innate desire for a father figure and the young female’s poverty/impoverished conditions. Additionally, the results showed that young females face challenges when dating sugar daddies which include risk of contracting sexually-transmitted infections, lack of emotional attachment and poor academic performance. Awareness campaigns and educational programs were identified as strategies to aid reduce females’ trend of dating sugar daddies. The current study has contributed to the existing body of knowledge on a psychological understanding of the phenomenon and efforts should be made to work with the community to reduce the transactional sex pandemic. 
The effect of taxpayer religiosity, tax amnesty, and tax sanction on taxpayer compliance with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) taxes
Get PDFTaxes are essential in protecting the infrastructure as a great portion of government spending comes from taxes. Understandably, factors like taxpayers’ religiosity, tax amnesty, and tax sanctions have a bearing on taxpayer compliance, an important aspect if the optimal tax required for financing infrastructure is to be maintained. This study seeks to determine how taxpayer religiosity, tax amnesty, and tax sanction influence tax compliance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. A quantitative research method was applying using several liner regression analyses, with three variables as independent focusing on taxpayer religiosity (X1), tax amnesty (X2), tax-sanction (X3), and one dependent variable taxpayer compliance (Y). The research was within MSMEs, and a random sampling technique was used in drawing the sample. Questionnaires were used to elicit primary data while secondary data was collected through literature reviews such as journals, books, and other published materials. The two tests were ascertained and the hypothesized constructs were tested using SEM techniques within SmartPLS. The results of this research show that, 1) Taxpayer Religiosity has a positive and significant effect on Taxpayer Compliance of MSMES in Indonesia. 2) Tax amnesty has a great impact on taxpayer compliance amongst MSMEs in Indonesia. 3) Tax sanction significantly affects taxpayer compliance amongst MSMEs in Indonesia. The research shows that taxpayer religious beliefs, tax amnesty, and tax sanction leads to high levels of tax compliance amongst the MSME sector in Indonesia. It aids in the formulation of necessary moves by the concerned authorities that would in one way or the other address the issue of compliance among the MSMEs
Understanding non-compliance: a qualitative study of socioeconomic disparities in rental income tax in Ghana
Get PDFThis study investigates the intricate factors shaping landlords\u27 compliance with rental income tax in Ghana. Utilizing a survey research approach, the research reveals a complex interplay of socio-economic and demographic determinants influencing landlords\u27 tax payment behavior. Notably, older landlords display a greater willingness to fulfill their tax obligations, contrasting common perceptions that older taxpayers are less compliant. Conversely, landlords with larger households are less inclined to pay taxes, potentially due to increased financial responsibilities. Surprisingly, an upsurge in the number of tenants corresponds with reduced tax compliance, possibly stemming from higher rental income resulting in increased tax obligations. Higher awareness of rental income tax significantly bolsters compliance, as does the proximity of tax collection centers. Education plays a pivotal role, with higher levels of education positively influencing tax compliance. However, formal sector employment diminishes tax compliance, perhaps due to perceived tax burdens. Married landlords are more inclined to comply with rental income tax, emphasizing the role of family responsibilities in incentivizing tax compliance. Tailored tax education programs, public awareness campaigns, electronic payment options, comprehensive strategies, effective communication, and continuous evaluation are recommended measures to enhance tax compliance among landlords
The adoption of e-health tools for digital mental health services in a South African higher education institution
Get PDFThe study aimed to investigate factors influencing the intention to adopt e-health tools for accessing digital mental health services among university staff at a selected South African higher education institution. A quantitative case study was conducted at a single university in Cape Town, South Africa. Data was collected from 348 respondents using online questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The results revealed that stable internet access at home did not significantly influence the intention to adopt e-health tools (p =0.698, ? = -0.020), but concerns about internet costs were a barrier (p = 0.011, ? = 0.131). University staff who used multiple devices (p = 0.014, ? = 0.136) and preferred e-health tools over traditional face-to-face services were more likely to adopt them (p < 0.001, ? = 0.319). Moreover, social media usage (p < 0.766, ? = 0.016), searching for digital mental health services (p <0.107, ? = 0.085), and awareness of free university services (p < 0.307, ? = -0.058), DMHS providers (p < 0.529, ? = 0.038), and fourth industrial revolution technologies (p < 0.106, ? = -0.091) did not significantly influence adoption intentions. The study contributes to sustainable digital mental health support for university staff in South Africa. The results could potentially be applicable to similar contexts globally. Thus, helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3 of the United Nations of ensuring good health and wellbeing
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ perspectives on the relationship of tax knowledge to tax compliance: An exploratory study in a developing country
Get PDFThe aim of this study is to assess the relationship between SMEs tax knowledge and tax compliance in Durban, South Africa. The self-assessment system was introduced in 2001 by the South African Revenue System sought to make is easier for individuals and organisations to file their declarations and pay their taxes, without the interactions with tax authorities which were seen as inefficient. However, non-compliance among businesses continues to be high, particularly among SMEs, with numerous factors such as a lack of professional guidance, knowledge, and resources cited as a key factor contributing to poor compliance. This research study adopted a quantitative approach, using survey questionnaires to collect data from SME managers and owners. A total of 93 responses were collected and analysed to identify trends in tax knowledge and compliance behavior among these enterprises. The results showed that although SMEs have a good knowledge of taxpayer responsibilities and value-added tax, they have poor knowledge about turnover and payroll tax. Moreover, there were no statistically significant relationships were found between their level of tax knowledge and tax compliance. The findings suggest a need for targeted education and training programs to improve tax knowledge among SMEs. Simplifying tax processes and enhancing the accessibility of tax information could lead to higher compliance rates, thereby benefiting the South African economy through improved tax revenue. This study contributes to the existing body of tax literature by highlighting the importance of tax knowledge in ensuring compliance among SMEs. It provides practical recommendations for policymakers and tax authorities to enhance SME tax compliance through improved education and simplified tax systems
The relationship between practical lifestyles and cost escalation over members’ contribution to health insurance in Tanzania: The mediation of non-communicable diseases
Get PDFThis study aimed to examine the correlation between health-risk behaviour patterns, health lifestyle practices, and self-monitoring and care, in connection to the increasing costs of health insurance premiums. The research utilised a cross-sectional design and applied Linear Regression via SPSS software to analyse data collected from 385 public servants and college students in Mwanza, constituting 68.84% of the NHIF membership share. The analysis reveals that hazardous behaviours, including Alcohol Consumption (AC), Tobacco Use (TU), and Exposure to Harmful Chemicals (ETHC), are directly correlated with an increase in insurance costs. Nonetheless, the use of painkillers is unwarrantedly associated with the development of non-communicable diseases. Healthy lifestyle practices, including the consumption of processed foods (PFC), adherence to a balanced diet (UBD), and participation in physical activity (PA), are positively correlated with the likelihood of acquiring non-communicable diseases (NCD). In the near term, patients undergoing regular medical checks (MCP) exhibited elevated medical expenses. Ultimately, they decreased long-term medical costs by mitigating the likelihood of an individual developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The study emphasises policy recommendations aimed at reducing the likelihood of non-communicable disease (NCD) development and enhancing the financial stability of health insurance schemes in Tanzania. These include the creation of media and electronic campaigns to inform both members and non-members about effective strategies to prevent NCDs, the establishment of incentive packages to encourage members to cease or abandon risky behaviours, the provision of discounted premium pricing, the offering of mental health counselling and therapy programs, and the development or acquisition of health-related applications to modify member behaviour
Contribution of revenue enhancement plans to fiscal performance: A study of Local Government Authorities in Tanzania
Get PDFThis study investigates the effects of revenue enhancement plans (REPs) on revenue collection performance in Tanzanian local government authorities (LGAs), focusing on Mwanza City Council, Manyara Urban Council, and Mbeya City Council. The research adopts a mixed approach, collecting data from 400 respondents using a multistage sampling technique. The data were analyzed using a multivariate ordered probit model. The results reveal that reducing revenue leakage and improving revenue forecasting accuracy significantly enhance revenue collection performance. Specifically, the coefficient for revenue leakage was -1.221 for effectiveness (p<0.01) and -1.59 for increment (p<0.01), indicating a strong negative impact on performance. In contrast, accurate revenue forecasting positively impacted effectiveness (1.390, p<0.01) and increment (0.516, p<0.01). The model also showed that high implementation costs negatively impacted revenue growth (increment: -1.634, p<0.05). Compliance was found to positively influence reliability (1.533, p<0.01) and efficiency (1.029, p<0.01), underlining the importance of adherence to regulations. The results also highlighted the need for cost management strategies, as implementation costs and leakages hinder revenue growth and efficiency. The study recommends policy measures such as adopting digital solutions to reduce revenue leakages, investing in forecasting tools, and strengthening compliance mechanisms to optimize revenue collection and improve financial sustainability
Enhancing the Shambe Sonke programme: addressing communication, implementation, and public-private partnerships for effective poverty alleviation
Get PDFThis article analyses the Shambe Sonke Programme (SSP) in South Africa, a poverty alleviation initiative aimed at generating income and fostering economic independence through infrastructure maintenance and community engagement in rural regions. This paper employs qualitative research methodology to examine communication practices, challenges, and regional implementation disparities within the SSP, concentrating on three provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Eastern Cape. Data were collected via interviews with officials from the Department of Transport (DoT) and focus groups involving SSP contractors, predominantly African men and women, utilising content analysis based on Giddens’ Structuration Theory. The findings indicate substantial communication deficiencies between the Department of Transportation and SSP contractors, impeding the contractors\u27 comprehension of program objectives, eligibility criteria, and accessible economic opportunities. The absence of communication hinders contractors\u27 capacity to leverage SSP resources for income generation, thereby limiting the program\u27s efficacy in poverty alleviation. The study identifies regional disparities in the impact of SSP, noting that KwaZulu-Natal’s Zibambele sub-program demonstrates superior outcomes attributed to proactive support systems and robust public-private partnerships (PPPs), which furnish contractors with resources for small-scale farming and business initiatives. Delayed payments and insufficient training in Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape hinder contractors\u27 economic mobility. The study advocates for the enhancement of communication channels, the development of localised implementation strategies, and the improvement of public-private partnerships across provinces to achieve more consistent outcomes in the SSP. The findings highlight the necessity for flexible, community-focused strategies in public programs and collaborative partnerships as essential avenues for effective poverty alleviation
Exploring the challenges and solutions for cultivating an inclusive work environment in the energy sector in Zimbabwe
Get PDFThe purpose of the study was to explore the challenges and strategies of cultivating and promoting inclusivity and diversity in the energy sector. Grounded in the interpretivist research paradigm, a qualitative approach was adopted specifically using descriptive multiple case study design. In-depth interviews were conducted from sixteen purposively selected participants from the energy industry in Chipinge district, Zimbabwe. Data was analyzed using the thematic data analysis technique. The study found out that the work environment in the energy industry was partially inclusive. There is evidence of both success stories and challenges with regards to inclusivity in the energy sector. The main challenges faced by the energy sector in promoting inclusivity include resource inadequacies, unconscious biases, resistance to change, communication barriers, tokenism, lack of knowledge and commitment from managers, strategic misalignment, policy deficiency and gender disparities in leadership roles. The strategies that can be employed to cultivate an inclusive work environment are the development of comprehensive policies, cultural transformation through management training, deliberate inclusion in procurement and infrastructure design, regular employee surveys, inclusive leadership programs, and mentorship initiatives. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on fostering inclusivity in the workplace by equipping all stakeholders with full knowledge and understanding of inclusive workplace dynamics. The study also contributes to the body of knowledge by shedding light on the challenges faced by the energy sector and strategies for accelerating the embracing of inclusivity in the energy sector. Furthermore, the study adds to the underexplored discourse of diversity management in Southern Africa and brings a grounded qualitative voice to the broader literature