International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Balancing discipline and rights: Insights from school management teams on corporal punishment
Full text linkMaintaining discipline is a critical aspect of effective teaching and learning in South African secondary schools. Despite being legally abolished, corporal punishment continues to be used, raising concerns about teacher misconduct and learner well-being. This study explores the perspectives of school management teams (SMTs) on the continued use of corporal punishment. Employing a qualitative approach within an interpretative paradigm, data were collected through interviews with one principal and two deputy principals from two schools. Findings highlight significant challenges associated with corporal punishment, including learner trauma, increased bullying, declining academic performance, and absenteeism. The study recommends that schools adopt alternative disciplinary strategies while actively engaging parents in supporting teachers’ professional development on managing learner behaviour, thereby balancing discipline with learners’ rights
Humans still touch hearts: Why human streamers spark more empathy and desire than AI in live commerce?
Full text linkThis paper aims to evaluate how the type of streamer (human vs. AI) influences consumer desire in live-streaming commerce through socio-cognitive and motivational mechanisms. Building on the CASA framework, Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and the Model of Goal-Directed Behavior (MGB), this study examines whether human and AI streamers differentially generate perceived empathy, which then activates intrinsic and extrinsic motivations leading to consumer desire. This paper also aims to test whether personal involvement and skepticism moderate the empathy–motivation pathway. A between-subjects experimental design was used to randomly assign participants to view identical livestreaming scripts presented by either a human or a humanoid AI streamer. Data from all 277 Chinese livestreaming participants were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The key findings show that (i) perceived empathy is significantly higher for human streamers than AI streamers, (ii) perceived empathy significantly boosts intrinsic motivation and consumer desire, with a smaller effect on extrinsic motivation, and (iii) intrinsic motivation, but not extrinsic motivation, is a significant predictor of consumer desire. Additionally, personal involvement strengthens the link between empathy and intrinsic motivation, while skepticism weakens the motivational pathways—especially in AI-based interactions. This research reveals that empathy is the main psychological link between streamer identity and consumer desire, and that intrinsic motivation is the dominant mechanism driving consumer engagement in live commerce, grounded in warmth and relatedness. The findings also indicate that emotional authenticity and the fulfillment of psychological needs remain crucial determinants of consumer desire, even in AI-mediated retail. Practical implications include enhancing empathetic communication and balancing the use of human and AI streamers in digital commerce
The influence of supply chain management, service quality, operational innovation, and information technology on operational performance in logistics companies in Indonesia
Full text linkThis study aims to determine and analyze the influence of Supply Chain Management, Service Quality, Operational Innovation, and Information Technology on Operational Performance in logistics companies in Indonesia. The type of research used is quantitative with a descriptive-verification approach. The population of this study were operational employees in national logistics companies such as JNE, J&T Express, SiCepat, and Pos Indonesia, with a sample of 100 respondents selected through a purposive sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire using a Likert scale of 1–5. Data analysis was carried out using multiple linear regression using SPSS. The results of the study indicate that Supply Chain Management, Service Quality, and Information Technology have a positive and significant effect on Operational Performance, while Operational Innovation has no significant effect
Facebook posts as crucial evidence in crime exposure and investigation in South Africa
Full text linkThis scoping review examines the role of Facebook posts and social media content as crucial evidence in crime exposure and investigation within the South African context, exploring the types of crimes documented, digital forensic methodologies, legal admissibility challenges, and ethical considerations. Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) framework, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including SciSpace, Google Scholar, and PubMed, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. The review included peer-reviewed articles, case studies, legal analyses, and policy documents related to social media evidence in criminal investigations, with a specific focus on South African cases and contexts. The review identified 97 relevant sources spanning multiple crime categories where Facebook posts serve as evidence, including murder cases, sexual exploitation, fraud, harassment, and organised crime. Key findings reveal that while social media evidence is increasingly utilised by the South African Police Service (SAPS), significant challenges persist regarding authentication, chain of custody, legal admissibility, and privacy concerns. High-profile cases such as the Thabo Bester investigation and viral crime videos from platforms like Facebook demonstrate both the potential and limitations of social media as evidentiary material. Digital forensic methodologies have evolved to address platform-specific challenges, though resource constraints and training gaps affect implementation in South African law enforcement. Facebook posts have become indispensable tools for crime exposure and investigation in South Africa, serving dual functions as both primary evidence and intelligence sources. However, the evidentiary value is contingent upon proper collection, preservation, authentication, and adherence to legal standards. Recommendations include developing standardised protocols for social media evidence collection, enhancing digital forensic capacity within SAPS, clarifying legal frameworks for admissibility, and balancing investigative needs with privacy rights. Future research should examine the long-term impacts of social media surveillance on community trust and explore technological solutions for verifiable evidence preservation
Examining accountability and decision-making as catalysts of pedagogy by primary school principals in Tshwane West Primary: The impact of Covid-19
Full text linkThe thrust of this study seeks to investigate how principals in Tshwane West District primary schools use accountability and decision-making to drive pedagogy, particularly in the post-Covid-19-19 era. The key question explored is: "How do principals employ these leadership practices to enhance teaching and learning outcomes amid pandemic-related challenges?" A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating a literature review and an empirical survey. The literature review examined instructional leadership, accountability frameworks, participative decision-making, and the pandemic’s impact on education. The empirical survey involved 98 principals, with 83 responses (84.7% response rate), who rated the importance of accountability and decision-making in instructional leadership using a four-point Likert scale. Findings show that principals view accountability and participative decision-making as essential, particularly in addressing Covid-19-19 disruptions. Key themes include the need for enhanced digital literacy, accountability in curriculum continuity, and collaborative decision-making for health and safety protocols. Despite the pandemic, fostering a positive school culture, promoting teacher collaboration, and improving student performance remained priorities. The study highlights the need for professional development to strengthen school leaders’ competencies in crisis management, digital transformation, and transparent decision-making. These findings emphasize the value of inclusive leadership in sustaining instructional excellence during crises
EFL learners’ academic progression: challenges for teachers and higher education
Full text linkThe progression of English First Additional Language (EFL) learners from foundational and intermediate phases to higher education poses considerable obstacles for both primary educators and tertiary institutions. This study presents an innovative multi-stakeholder viewpoint by incorporating the insights of instructors, higher education experts, and students, thereby delivering a thorough grasp of the issues encountered throughout educational stages. Notwithstanding initial language teaching, numerous EFL learners encounter difficulties with the academic requirements of higher education, frequently attributable to insufficient reading, critical thinking, and academic discourse competencies. This disparity adversely affects their successful assimilation and academic achievement in higher education. This study seeks to identify the primary pedagogical and systemic problems faced by educators in educating EFL learners, as well as those encountered by higher education institutions in facilitating their uninterrupted academic advancement. A qualitative study methodology will be utilised to collect data via semi-structured interviews with foundation and intermediate phase educators, language support professionals in higher education, and EFL students. Thematic analysis will be employed to reveal persistent patterns and insights. Initial findings indicate substantial discrepancies in curricular alignment, inadequate teacher preparation emphasising the scaffolding of advanced academic language abilities, and restricted comprehensive language support services in higher education. Students encounter challenges with academic reading, writing, and comprehending discipline-specific vocabulary. Addressing the EFL progression gap necessitates a collaborative and comprehensive strategy, incorporating explicit academic language training throughout all educational stages and creating strong support structures in higher education. This study employs a multi-stakeholder perspective to elucidate systemic obstacles to EFL academic achievement and offers pragmatic solutions for curriculum enhancement, teacher professionalisation, and improved tertiary language support
The exploration of innovative leadership transition in service delivery performance within the digitalisation era: A case of provincial public sector
Full text linkThe current global headwinds of trade wars triggered by the imposition of tariffs have rattled the geopolitical landscape, with policymakers having to repurpose their leadership acumen in the context of innovation within the public sector. The contemporary era of the 5th Industrial Revolution, characterised by fast-advancing innovative technologies, has spurred the leaders to take the public spaces to the forefront and centre of their decision-making. These uncertainties and predictabilities have exerted more pressure on policy-makers and authorities to prioritise their leadership and innovative prowess to embrace the new normal of e-commerce, big data and cloud computing pervasiveness in the organisational environment. The study examined the collaboration of the transformational leadership perspective within the demands and challenges of the innovation culture and corresponding permutations within the public sector for the optimisation and maximisation of public value and social good. The study adopted an interpretivist research philosophy predicated on the inductive solicitation of the participants\u27 inputs based on theoretical insights, expertise and experiences within the challenges juxtaposing leadership and innovation assimilation. A rigorous analysis of the extraction of contributions within the study findings revealed unbalanced nuances of innovation as an integral organisational inevitable culture, processes and intervention which should be led by the decision-makers and practitioners. The implications indicate the urgent priority for the public sector entities to invest in innovations in infrastructure, facilities and software coupled with capabilities to drive this integral deliverable. Furthermore, findings presented that the adopted innovations demonstrated to be beneficial in terms of advancing service delivery expectations
Deducting the suspension period from the duration of the Restraint of Trade Clause: A note on Future Packaging and Machinery (Pty) Ltd v Polti
Full text linkThe Labour Court examined enforcing a restraint of trade clause against a senior employee fired after over three decades in Future Packaging and Machinery (Pty) Ltd v Polti. This dispute hinged on whether the court may enforce a national restraint clause for 36 months under section 22 of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996, which protects the right to freely select a trade. Proceedings revealed that the employee worked for a competitor, violating his contract.Based on Magna Alloys, Basson, and Reddy, the court reiterated that limitations are permissible but unenforceable if against public policy and unjust. The court found that the employer had a protectable interest, but it deducted the employee\u27s suspension from the restraint. The court also ruled the restraint appropriate without explanation. The judgement adds to trade jurisprudence\u27s constraint. The court underlines that employees, regardless of status, should honour their contractual commitments but also that the breadth and length of the restraint must be balanced. The judgement balances contractual commitments with constitutional ideals
Why do organizational support and social influence drive the use of artificial intelligence? A perspective from Social Cognitive Theory with performance expectancy as a mediator
Full text linkArtificial intelligence has gradually become an important tool for organizational strategy and research and development activities, with applications involving human–machine collaboration, process transformation, and the dynamic process of technology adoption. However, AI usage behavior of research and development personnel in professional contexts has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Grounded in social cognitive theory, this study examines the mechanisms through which organizational support, social influence, performance expectancy, and personal innovativeness affect AI usage. Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 238 valid responses of technology R&D personnel in Kaohsiung, and structural equation modeling was employed for analysis. The results indicate that the direct effects of organizational support and social influence on AI usage are not significant, but both indirectly influence AI usage through performance expectancy, highlighting performance expectancy as the core driver of AI adoption. In addition, personal innovativeness demonstrates a significant moderating effect, as individuals with higher innovativeness are better able to translate performance beliefs into actual behavior. These findings suggest that in knowledge-intensive environments, external support and social norms must be integrated with employees’ perceptions of AI benefits to facilitate actual adoption. Theoretically, this study extends the application of social cognitive theory to AI usage, addressing the limitations of prior research that focused solely on external factors; practically, it reminds managers to strengthen employees’ performance expectancy and design promotion strategies tailored to individual differences in order to foster organizational digital transformation
Integrated security Risk Management model developed for public hospitals in Gauteng Province, South Africa: A South African case study.
Full text linkPublic hospitals in South Africa are regularly faced with safety and security incidents that expose personnel, patients, and visitors to serious and violent crimes such as assault, rape and murder. In addition, theft of valuable assets, is a huge problem in public hospitals. This article identifies the ineffectiveness of security measures implemented in public hospitals and formulation of an integrated security management model. A quantitative study was conducted at five public hospitals in the province of Gauteng. Quantitative data were collected through a survey questionnaire. Additionally, safety and security documents were analysed, followed by observations of security personnel in the control rooms. The findings revealed that safety and security measures implemented by these hospitals do not fully comply with the Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act, No. 53 of 1985. The research participants identified gaps and shortcomings such as poor implementation of access?control measures that included the searching of personnel and visitors. This results in the loss of assets and the disappearance of patients from hospital premises. The research confirmed that inadequate security systems regarding perimeter fences, closed?circuit television and trained security personnel at the research sites made it difficult to deter, detect and detain perpetrators. This research contributes by highlighting safety and security procedures that need to be followed to keep personnel, patients and visitors in public hospitals safe. Furthermore, the use of an Integrated Security Risk Management Model developed specifically for public hospitals during this research is recommended