International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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What are the effects of demographic factors on employees’ resistance to change?
Full text linkThe aim of the study is to investigate how employees\u27 unwillingness to change is influenced by demographic factors (age, gender, and educational attainment). Employees at car dealerships in the eThekwini region of South Africa make up the statistical population of this study. The means of data collection was by administration of questionnaires distributed across 170 employees from selected dealership automobiles. Cronbach\u27s Alpha was used to compute and confirm the questionnaire\u27s reliability, while factor analysis and the KMO index were used to authenticate its validity. The results demonstrate employees\u27 resistance to change in the cognitive rigidity dimension to be significantly influenced by the mean of the variables in the two groups of men and women. Employee resistance to change in the cognitive rigidity construct is unaffected by age, and employees with better educational backgrounds displayed less cognitive resistance than those with lesser educational backgrounds. The tenure of employment also indicated that those with more years of tenure showed less resistance compared to those with lesser years of the tenure at the organisation. The study suggests that these insights are valuable for organisations seeking to improve their change management practices by considering demographic factors as means to understand change is increasingly essential and promises more successful change efforts in the future
Trade facilitation and revenue enhancement nexus in Zimbabwe
Full text linkMany developing countries currently base their trade policy modifications on the execution of trade facilitation reforms. There exists a gap between the policy intervention aimed at reform and the practical capacity to implement these trade facilitation reforms. This research employed a straightforward regression model to evaluate the effect of trade facilitation on revenue collections in Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2022, utilising the Logistics Performance Index as a proxy for trade facilitation. Total tax revenue, the variable of interest, is quantified as a percentage of gross domestic product, indicating the efficiency of government tax collection. The findings demonstrate that the efficiency of border clearance and the competence and quality of logistical services positively influence revenue collections, whereas the quality of trade and transport infrastructure negatively affects revenue collection . The findings indicate that governments should prioritise enhancing the efficiency of border processes and the quality of logistics services to increase revenue, while also mitigating the adverse effects of inadequate trade and transport infrastructure. The implementation of public-private partnerships, investment in alternative energy sources, automation of customs processes, and the establishment of quality management systems in customs administrations can facilitate this achievement. This study confirms that effectively implemented trade facilitation initiatives can realise their intended economic benefits, including reduced trade costs, enhanced efficiency, and increased access to international markets
AI powered leadership: Shaping the future of management
Full text linkThis study explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on contemporary leadership practices, highlighting how AI-powered tools redefine decision-making, communication, and organisational management. Traditional hierarchical leadership models, rooted in command-and-control, are increasingly supplemented by AI-enabled approaches that enhance operational efficiency, strategic foresight, and inclusivity. AI facilitates real-time data analytics, predictive modelling, and automation of routine tasks, enabling leaders to focus on innovation and employee empowerment. The integration of AI with established leadership theories—such as transformational, situational, and servant leadership—demonstrates a synergistic potential where technology augments human judgment rather than replacing it. Additionally, AI fosters personalised leadership by analysing employee sentiments and performance, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion through bias reduction in recruitment and performance evaluations. The study underscores the critical balance leaders must maintain between leveraging AI capabilities and preserving ethical standards, data privacy, and human-centric decision-making. Challenges such as algorithmic bias, over-reliance on automation, and accountability gaps are examined alongside the imperative for continuous learning and ethical governance frameworks. Real-world cases from global companies like Amazon, IBM, Tesla, and JPMorgan Chase illustrate both successful AI integration and cautionary failures, emphasizing lessons for effective AI adoption in leadership. Looking forward, the research highlights emerging trends including autonomous leadership systems and the need for developing AI literacy, emotional intelligence, and adaptive capabilities among future leaders. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for organisations to foster responsible AI use, promote human-AI collaboration, and advance leadership development to thrive in an AI-driven digital era. Further research is called for to investigate long-term implications, cultural variations, and psychological aspects of AI-enhanced leadership
Artificial intelligence, decoloniality and epistemic justice in the South African public sector: Implications for human resource management in Industry 5.0
Full text linkIn the context of Industry 5.0, the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), decoloniality, and epistemic justice presents both opportunities and challenges for Human Resource Management (HRM) in the South African public sector. This paper emanates because of the possibility that AI-driven HRM practices could reinforce colonial legacies, repeat systemic bias, and prolong epistemic exclusion if not led by justice-oriented perspectives. This paper aims to explore how concepts of ethical, decolonial, and epistemic justice might inform the use of AI in HRM to promote inclusivity and fairness. This paper employs bibliometric analysis to map and evaluate scholarly discourse on AI, decoloniality, and HRM, aiming to uncover research trends, gaps, and theoretical intersections. Findings indicate that although AI can be efficient and predictive, its application in HRM frequently ignores ethical requirements and local knowledge systems. To protect equity, the study recommends integrating decolonial ideas, participatory methods, and epistemic justice frameworks into HRM technology. This paper concludes that the South African public sector may reconcile technological innovation with transformation and social justice imperatives by ethically aligning AI in Industry 5.0
The role of socioeconomic background in shaping ‘black tax’ obligations: A case study of emerging professionals in rural Limpopo
Full text linkThe term "Black Tax" refers to the perceived financial responsibilities that Black South African professionals feel obligated to meet in order to support their families. This complex socio-economic phenomenon traverses the nuanced relationship between cultural expectations and financial pressures. This research investigates the impact of socioeconomic background on the emergence and severity of Black Tax responsibilities among young professionals in rural Limpopo. A qualitative research design was utilised, characterised by exploratory inquiry. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five purposefully selected emerging professionals in rural Limpopo, who offered significant insights into the complex relationships among rural upbringing, financial advancement, and familial responsibilities. This research utilises the framework of Structural Functionalism to conceptualise Black Tax as a social mechanism that supports family stability and economic equilibrium in communities with insufficient formal support structures. The findings reveal contradictions between individual aspirations and collective expectations, especially as young professionals navigate the challenges of balancing personal development with familial obligations while addressing their own needs. This study critiques the simplification of Black Tax as solely a financial obligation, arguing that it is a complex socio-cultural phenomenon influenced by historical inequalities and the necessity for community survival. This research enhances discussions on class mobility, intergenerational obligations, and socio-economic dynamics in the post-apartheid context, providing a detailed understanding of the complexities involved in achieving success that cannot be exclusively linked to individual efforts. The research emphasises the necessity for cohesive financial literacy and community empowerment frameworks to align personal development with cultural responsibilitie
The application of digital technologies in external auditing: a double edged sword?
Full text linkThe adoption of digital technologies in external auditing has become increasingly common and significant in the digital era, revolutionizing audit practices and offering several opportunities. This study explores whether the application of digital technologies in external auditing presents a double-edged sword, with the ability to transform and disrupt the audit profession. Through a comprehensive examination of the likely opportunities and challenges of the digital transformation of the external audit function, this study sought to provide an insightful discussion of the dual nature of the implications of digital technologies. The aim of this study is to not only provide a balanced assessment of the application of digital technologies in external auditing but also to recommend possible ways for auditors, auditee companies, and other stakeholders to reap maximum benefits from the use of digital technologies, including how these various stakeholders can navigate the associated challenges effectively. Opportunities stemming from the application of digital technologies include the enhancement of audit quality, improved accuracy in audit procedures, increased efficiency and effectiveness, heightened comprehensiveness and extensiveness in risk assessment, and an increased degree of confidence in the audited financial statements by stakeholders (reduction in the audit expectation gap). On the downside, challenges and risks concern the lack of or the need for new skills and competencies for auditors, technological complexities linked to digital technologies, cybersecurity risks, overdependence on technology affecting audit quality, audit evidence, professional skepticism, and the widening of the audit expectation gap. To maximize the possible benefits and minimize risks, this study recommends continuous professional development, capacity building through education, training and collaboration, better technology and data governance initiatives, and continuous assessment of risks
Article-based thesis or thesis by monograph? Supervisors’ views on the route to completion of doctoral studies
Full text linkThe growth in the use of article-based theses, when compared to the traditional monograph-style thesis raises the question why students, supervisors and academic institutions are pursuing this particular route. This study explores the views of experienced supervisors involved in doctoral studies. The study aims to explore the advantages, disadvantages, caveats and various routes that doctoral students can take in completing their thesis. The study was exploratory in nature, employing a qualitative research design and made use of semi-structured interviews with nine doctoral supervisors from Canada. Data was collected from experienced doctoral supervisors from Canada, selected by means of a snowball sampling approach. Data was analysed by means of thematic content analysis. Findings show that supervisors preferred the sandwich-based thesis approach, as it allowed for more rapid time to completion. In addition, the main benefits for both institution and student included having a larger volume of published research output at the end of the doctoral supervision process, as well as more rapid career advancement owing to development of both research and soft skills. The finds hold value for universities who are considering an article-based thesis as an alternative to the traditional monograph style, as well as universities who have not used this option extensively. Findings also provide an impetus for supervisors and faculties in management education to adopt the article-based thesis approach more widely and rapidly owing to the multitude of benefits it holds. 
Augmented intelligence in social engineering attacks: a diffusion of innovation perspective
Full text linkThis article explores social network site (SNS) users’ understanding of the danger the integration of human intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI), termed “augmented intelligence,” presents. Augmented intelligence, a subsection of artificial intelligence (AI), aims to enhance human intelligence with AI and is heralded as a significant step in problem-solving. A crucial concern is the profound threat to SNS users’ information security. A quantitative approach examined SNS understanding regarding the diffusion of augmented intelligence into SNS users’ spaces. An online survey was administered to 165 SNS users residing in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory was used as the theoretical lens. Ethical clearance was obtained, and the data collected was anonymized and kept confidential. The article provides new insights that can help SNS users understand that a new threat to their information security in the form of augmented intelligence is emerging. Findings suggest that out of the five constructs drawn from DOI that explain the diffusion of augmented intelligence into sophisticated social engineering attacks, relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity were perceived by study participants as likely predictors of augmented intelligence adoption. Users, however, differed on exactly how the augmentation process was being achieved
Investigating the current state of the adoption of e-health tools for digital mental health services in a selected South African higher education institution
Full text linkThis study aims to explore the current state of the adoption of e-health tools for digital mental health services (DMHS) at a selected South African higher education institution. A quantitative case study was conducted at a single university in Cape Town, South Africa, surveying 348 voluntary participants. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. The results of this study indicate that awareness of freely accessible DMHS, service providers, and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies are significant factors driving the adoption of e-health tools. However, internet accessibility, internet cost concerns, multiple device use, social media use, searching for services, and preferences for digital over in-person services showed no significant correlation with the current state of adoption factor. The study concludes that awareness of DMHS, service providers, and 4IR technologies are key drivers for the sustainable adoption of e-health tools post-COVID-19. The results inform practical strategies for the sustainable adoption of e-health tools in SA HEIs and may be relevant to similar institutions in global contexts. The findings are potentially applicable to similar contexts globally. Thus, helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 3 of the United Nations of ensuring good health and wellbeing
Exploring the impact of women\u27s leadership and governance towards stability and development: a case study of Limpopo Province
Full text linkThis study explores the impact of women’s leadership and governance on stability and development in Limpopo province in South Africa, employing a qualitative research approach to provide a comprehensive analysis. Limpopo Province, with its complex socio-political landscape and historical context, presents a unique case for examining the role of women in leadership positions within both governmental and non-governmental sectors. The research integrates qualitative data to assess how women in leadership contribute to fostering stability, promoting socio-economic development, and influencing policy reforms. The qualitative component involves in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women leaders, policymakers, and community members to gain insights into the strategies, challenges, and impacts of female leadership in governance. The findings showed that women in leadership positions have a positive influence on governance practices, social cohesion, and inclusive development, though challenges related to gender-based discrimination, political power dynamics, and institutional barriers remain significant. This study contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality in leadership, offering policy recommendations aimed at enhancing women’s participation in governance to achieve sustainable development and long-term stability in South Africa. Anti-discrimination laws must also be given top priority by governments and organizations, and prejudices in hiring and promotion procedures must be actively addressed