International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293)
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Organisational culture, responsible leadership, and job satisfaction: A social identity and learning approach
Get PDFThis study investigated the influence of organisational culture and responsible leadership on employee job satisfaction. A positivist research philosophy was adopted, with a stratified sample of 373 permanent employees from a South African state-owned enterprise, using a quantitative approach and cross-sectional design. Data were collected using the Organisational Culture Assessment Inventory (OCAI), the Responsible Leadership Scale (RLS), and the Job Satisfaction Index (JSI). Data reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression were used to determine predictive relationships among variables. The results indicated that organisational culture correlated positively and significantly with both responsible leadership and job satisfaction, and responsible leadership also correlated positively and significantly with job satisfaction. Furthermore, responsible leadership significantly predicted job satisfaction, whereas organisational culture did not significantly predict job satisfaction. From a business ecosystem and strategy perspective, the findings highlight the importance of fostering responsible leadership and adaptive organisational cultures as key enablers of sustainable performance, ethical governance, and stakeholder trust. These factors are crucial for strengthening strategic alignment and long-term competitiveness in complex institutional environments. The study also has socio-economic development implications: by promoting responsible leadership and enhancing employee satisfaction, state-owned enterprises can drive productivity, social equity, and inclusive growth, thereby reinforcing South Africa’s broader business and socio-economic ecosystem
Developing a framework of non-academic staff motivation at a state university in Zimbabwe
Get PDFInvestigations into establishing a framework for incentivising non-academic personnel in universities have been scarce. The research sought to establish a paradigm for motivating non-academic personnel in institutions. The study was informed by Herzberg’s two-factor theory and Adams’ equitable theory of motivation. The research employed a quantitative methodology, wherein a sample of 216 non-academic personnel at the Zimbabwe Open University filled out closed-ended questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 30.0. The resulting framework details the obstacles, intrinsic motivators, extrinsic motivators, and performance outcomes of university non-academic personnel. The report advises colleges to utilise the framework to create motivational programs for non-academic personnel
Assessing the influence of cultural values on the operations management of SMEs in the Ethekwini municipal area
Get PDFEstablishing adaptable cultural practices is the target of organizations and communities to guarantee ongoing development and change. To ensure exceptional performance, the leaders need to promote the organization\u27s inimitability qualities. The paper aims to assess the influence of cultural values on the operations management of SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipal Area in KwaZulu-Natal Data from a variety of SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipal Area was gathered by basic random sampling. The study\u27s sample consisted of 250 respondents who completed the questionnaire. This data was captured and analyzed on SPSS (version 26) and yielded both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study\u27s conclusions demonstrated that cultural values have a major role in improving the performance level of SMMEs. The total efficacy of operations management depends on these cultural values, and it is recommended that their application be increased to create standards that people will want to live up to
Bridging the competency chasm: An experiential learning and competency-based model for revitalising South African public sector service delivery
Get PDFThis paper addresses the critical issue of eroding service delivery by the South African public and local government. One of the primary arguments presented is that a significant contributory factor is the theory-practice gap endemic to public servants. Drawing on a vivid analogy used by the Indian Supreme Court\u27s outrage at the appointment of judicial officers without on-the-job experience, this paper contends that theoretical proficiency alone is not adequate for complex, high-stakes professional work. Through a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical literature review, the study is grounded on conceptual analysis highlighting the inadequacies of academic training devoid of real-world practice. A theoretical framework is then developed by bringing together Kolb\u27s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and Competency-Based Education (CBE), demonstrating how these pedagogical frameworks can bridge the knowledge-practice divide. Contextual critique assesses the South African public sector setting based on secondary data sources including government reports, academic studies, and public policy briefs. Failures in governance, financial mismanagement, political meddling, and a systematic lack of practical competencies are revealed by the analysis to be underlying factors of the defects in service delivery in the country. The article proposes an integrated "Competency-Driven Public Service" model on such a basis that integrates experiential learning and skills development within public administration. This conceptualisation model aims to foster ethical leadership, induce a culture of continuous organisational learning, and enhance practical competency at all levels of public administration. The article concludes with practical suggestions made particularly for policymakers and leaders in public administration. These aim to reboot public service provision through education reform and organizational capacity building. Overall, the article contributes to the debate around public sector reform through the provision of theoretically informed, practically useful analysis of a significant issue of governance
Mapping sustainable gender-based violence accountability ecosystems in rural communities: cases of Vhembe District
Get PDFRural communities have tremendous difficulties in social justice and sustainable development due to the prevalent and ongoing nature of gender-based violence (GBV). This study aims to map sustainable GBV accountability ecosystems in the rural communities of the Vhembe district. The study seeks to discover the contextual elements, institutional mechanisms, and community dynamics that support long-lasting and sustainable response to GBV within the Vhembe District. Through in-depth interviews, the study gathered qualitative data using a qualitative research approach. The study engaged different stakeholders, including survivors, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and government representatives, in order to get an in-depth understanding of the current GBV accountability structures and their sustainability. While a non-probability purposive sampling was adopted for the selection of the participants. Data was analysed using the Thematic analysis, with the assistance of Atlas TI Data software. The results of this study brought to light the complex issues that rural communities face in preventing GBV, which includes resource access issues, cultural norms, and weak institutional support. Moreover, the research has revealed the potential practices and community-driven initiatives that support sustainable accountability, including launching community-based support teams, establishing capacity-building programs, and stakeholders’ collaboration. The study findings will significantly assist the policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to develop targeted interventions and strengthen sustainable responses to GBV in rural communities of Vhembe district. Additionally, the ethical considerations were followed to protect the participants from any harm
Sectoral labour productivity and unemployment in South Africa
Get PDFThis study investigates the relationship between sectoral labour productivity and unemployment in South Africa by answering the question how has labour productivity across different sectors affected employment rates in South Africa? Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillips-Perron tests and Autoregressive Distributed Lag Bound test and estimation techniques) were applied on obtained timeseries data for the period 1991-2022. The analysis surprisingly shows that none of the sectoral labour productivity variables contribute to unemployment reduction in the country. Plausible reasons for this finding include the adoption of automation and technological advancements in labour intensive, imbalance between rate of job loss in labour intensive sector and rate of job creation in the service sector during sectoral shifts and economic transition, and general lower purchasing due to unequal distribution of labour productivity gain and income inequality that could have boosted consumer demand, these measures can stimulate economic growth and job creation. Various recommendations are suggested to reduce unemployment in the light of these findings
The role of renewable energy technology in powering medical laboratories and other health facilities in the Global South: SDGs evidence from Zimbabwe
Get PDFRenewable energy technologies to power health facilities have become very important in the 21st century due to the lack of power from conventional power supplies especially in the case of Global South and specifically in Zimbabwe. The study\u27s objective was to examine the role of renewable energy technology in powering medical laboratories and other health care facilities in the Global South- Sustainable Development Goals washing each other’s hands with evidence from Zimbabwe. The study used qualitative methods and secondary data was collected from various sources such as United Nations Development Programme, Reach Alliance, World Health Organisation and Green Platform Policy documents. The main results of the study showed that renewable energy technology has provided relief to patients and rural communities who have not been failing to get services due to a lack of conventional electricity. Additionally, the study indicated that over 1044 health facilities in Zimbabwe are now under solar support hence these facilities now have electricity 24 hours a day and key services are being provided, hence, improving health outcomes and SDG 3 objectives. Additionally, sustainable energy is also more sustainable in the long run as compared to conventional electricity generation which has negative effects on the environment. The policy shift by the government of Zimbabwe to work with partners to provide solar energy to health institutions is applauded. The government can shift its policy towards further empowering the locals to get contracts to implement and install solar energy in the remaining facilities considering that already there was knowledge transfer done when the local engineers were trained by the primary contractors of UNDP. The study recommended that the government may provide policies that support more of the solar grids and move away from relying on conventional electricity generation which has been giving the country problems of load-shedding since year 2008
Enhancing an equitable language learning environment through translanguaging in English language classrooms
Get PDFIn a learning environment where the system is insensitive to the learners\u27 different needs, this is likely to sideline specific learners\u27 populations, preventing their full participation in the teaching and learning processes. This study aimed to explore how translanguaging can enhance an equitable language learning environment in additional English language classrooms. This systematic review addressed two research questions: How can translanguaging enhance an equitable language learning environment in additional English language classrooms? What are the hindrances to translingual practices in English first additional language learning? This data was retrieved from major databases, including Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Web of Science. After identifying all the articles for the research review, we coded them according to the research questions and theoretical focus. The findings revealed that because of its global appeal in multilingual education, translanguaging has received a plethora of definitions; thus, presently, it has no absolute definition. Also, the paper reveals that translanguaging helps break the language barrier by enhancing the integration of the learners\u27 home languages with the language of teaching and learning, which is English, in this context. Through translanguaging, teachers will employ learner-centred teaching and learning, and not a top-down approach, which is in line with the communicative approach to language teaching. Moreover, through translanguaging, language teachers can use the collaborative approach to language learning; it promotes teamwork, enhances communication skills, and allows for the exchange of diverse perspectives among students. Lastly, the paper shares that the current testing measures are devoid of multilingual approaches in language testing, though there is a call to include learners\u27 multilingual repertoires in their constructs to reflect multilingual lifeworld
The transformative and communicative impact of digital marketing in rural retailing: the case of flagstaff
Get PDFThe rise of digital marketing has the potential to reshape consumer engagement and business strategies, particularly in rural retailing, where traditional marketing methods often dominate. This study examines the transformative and communicative impact of digital marketing in rural retailing, with a focus on Flagstaff, South Africa. A quantitative approach was employed, with questionnaires personally administered to retail store operators and management, achieving a response rate of 86.54% from the forty-five responses received out of the fifty-two distributed. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and factor analysis, were conducted using SPSS 27.0 to validate the data. The findings indicate that digital marketing plays a crucial role in transforming and sustaining retail businesses by enhancing brand perception, influencing consumer behaviour, and facilitating effective communication. To maximise these benefits, rural retailers should transform their operational strategies to effectively leverage online platforms for improved customer engagement. Additionally, policymakers should support local businesses through resources and training initiatives. Local communities also need to be supported through the development of infrastructure that enhances digital connectivity, ensures a reliable electricity supply, and provides access to devices. Workshops or informational campaigns aimed at improving digital literacy would also be beneficial for enhancing the diffusion of digital innovation in rural areas. This study provides valuable insights into how digital marketing can transform rural retailing, offering important implications for both practitioners and researchers
Sustainable procurement: a review and future research directions
Get PDFSustainable procurement has become a crucial strategy for attaining the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite the growing emphasis on the concept, understanding the development of sustainable procurement over the last two decades remains limited. This paper offers a comprehensive examination of sustainable procurement, outlining significant research topics, leading authors, relevant countries, and notable publications in the discipline. Nineteen (199) publications from 2004 to 2024 were retrieved from Scopus following the PRISMA protocol. Bibliometric analysis is utilised, followed by the construction of clusters through co-citation analysis. The clusters are analysed to identify emerging themes and potential areas for further research. The co-citation analysis identifies five distinct clusters of research themes: sustainable procurement practices and drivers, environmental management and performance in procurement, sustainable public procurement and implementation challenges, green procurement strategies and supplier management, and sustainable procurement adoption and influencing factors. Publications have been sourced exclusively from one database. Only publications from relevant academic journals have been utilised for the bibliometric analysis. Only articles with high citation counts were selected for co-citation analysis and cluster formation. The analysis of the identified clusters delineates study domains for further exploration aimed at improving the understanding of sustainable procurement and implementing its practices to achieve sustainability.