ZOU Open Access E-Journals Portal (Zimbabwe Open University)
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Evaluating Gender Parity in Wood Technology Programmes at a TVET Institution in Harare, Zimbabwe
Full text link This study explored gender parity in wood technology programmes at a technical and vocational education and training institution in Harare, Zimbabwe, amidst rising female enrolment in higher education. A mixed-methods approach, using a concurrent nested design, was employed to collect both quantitative data from enrolment registers, attendance records and performance lists, and qualitative data through focus groups, interviews and questionnaires with eight lecturers and 30 students. The findings revealed that Gender Parity Index (GPI) for enrolment in wood technology programmes was 0.44. The study also showed that female students slightly outperformed males in theoretical assessments but were outperformed in practical tasks requiring gross motor skills. Females showed higher lesson attendance and better organisational skills but faced higher dropout rates due to gender-based discrimination and challenges in balancing academic and household responsibilities. Suggested strategies to improve gender parity include gender sensitisation workshops, mentorship, flexible schedules and childcare support.
The Influence of Instructional Leadership Behaviours of School Heads on Teachers\u27 Instructional Practices in Primary Schools in Muzarabani District
Full text linkThe school\u27s effectiveness increases when the school head prioritises teaching and learning, dedicating significant time to academic programmes and inspiring teaching staff. Effective instructional leadership is known to enhance educational outcomes and yet its application in resource-constrained primary schools in rural districts in Zimbabwe remains underexplored. There is a notable gap in literature that scrutinises the influence of instructional leadership behaviours of school heads on the instructional practices of primary school teachers in rural districts of Zimbabwe. Addressing this gap is crucial for providing significant insights into the influence of instructional leadership behaviours of school heads on teachers\u27 instructional practices in primary schools in rural districts. This study therefore explores the influence of instructional leadership behaviours of school heads on teachers\u27 instructional practices in primary schools within Muzarabani District. The study employs a qualitative research approach through a case study to collect data using semi structured interviews. The participants were primary school heads and teachers selected by means of purposive sampling from five primary schools in Muzarabani district. The findings reveal that school heads\u27 instructional leadership behaviours, such as setting clear instructional goals, providing support and fostering a collaborative culture, significantly influence teachers’ adoption of innovative teaching strategies and practices. Despite these positive influences, barriers including limited resources, time constraints and inadequate professional development opportunities hinder the effectiveness of instructional leadership. The study concludes that school heads who prioritise the development and demonstration of instructional leadership behaviours in their schools can enhance the instructional practices of their teachers in the primary schools. This research contributes to the field of educational leadership by offering insights into the specific challenges and opportunities of instructional leadership in a rural context, providing actionable recommendations for enhancing leadership practices in similar settings.
Examining Malfeasances Behind the Underperformance of State Entity Boards in Zimbabwe
Full text linkPublic entities in Zimbabwe have been experiencing frequent corporate failures that are attributed to endless scandals that include embezzlement of funds, unscrupulous rewarding of tenders and nepotism. The primary objective of the study was, therefore, to examine the malfeasances that contribute to poor corporate performance among state entity boards in Zimbabwe. The Agency Theory and Political Theory informed the study. The pragmatism research philosophy, mixed research approach and cross-sectional survey research design were adopted. The study population comprised permanent secretaries, CEOs, executive and nonexecutive directors from all public entities across Zimbabwe. A sample of 261 participants was used for collecting quantitative data and 25 participants for collecting qualitative data. The stratified sampling and purposive sampling techniques were applied to sample quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth personal interviews were applied to collect and generate data from participants. The study established that poor recruitment procedures and board inefficiencies were behind the underperformance of public entities. The results indicated that government policy on how public entities are governed indeed moderates the relationship between board malfeasances and corporate performance. The respondents urged the government to transform the public entities by applying stern measures to curb corruption and employing the right people to boards.
Collaborative Water Governance and Social Equity: A Sub-Saharan Perspective
No full textAccess to water and sanitation services is a global crisis, however, it is more prominent in poor and disadvantaged communities, especially in developing countries. This paper adopts a qualitative discourse analysis approach to examine collaborative water governance in African countries (Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe). A discourse analysis approach was adopted as it is useful in examining and analysing written content by considering the context of the study. Therefore, since the study is qualitative in nature, a series of journal articles, reports and newspapers were chosen as key data sources. The chapter examines the collaborative and participatory approaches in enhancing equality towards access to water and sanitation services in indigenous communities in selected African countries. It further discusses the role of water governance systems and their different dimensions in shaping different outcomes towards access to water. The study is explored under the theoretical constructs of the theory of social equity, organisational justice and targeted universalism. The study established that, water collaborative governance approaches did not consider the unique nature of indigenous communities (values, culture and knowledge) which bears greatly upon how they perceive water resources. Therefore, collaborative approaches did not enhance equity towards access, hence this study recommends governments to incorporate indigenous knowledge systems in water governance.
Effectiveness of the Performance Management Systems in Promoting Employee Performance: Lessons for Zimbabwean SMEs – A Narrative Literature Review
Full text linkThe study aimed to determine whether Performance Management Systems (PMS) are effective in improving employees\u27 performance or not. The paper also addresses policies and procedures used when implementing PMS and whether recommendations should be made to improve what isn\u27t working well and maintain what is in to provide the best system execution in Zimbabwe\u27s Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. The objectives of the study were to determine how well PMS works to enhance the performance of the employees and to determine the protocols and guidelines utilised in the implementation of PMS. Theoretical literature review looked at the Theory of Expectancy, the Goal setting theory, the Theories of staff productivity and performance management systems, the effect of performance reviews on workers\u27 output and how employee productivity is affected by performance training and development. Reviews of the theoretical and empirical literature were conducted to answer research questions. The study employed systematic review of literature. It was discovered that the Small to Medium Enterprises sector is using PMS and that the yearly performance reports were being prepared on time. The themes that were found from the study were improved and increased teamwork and communication, increased fairness, transparency and better hiring decisions, provision of detailed, qualitative feedback and increased motivation and protection of employees from potential bias. It can be inferred that the SME sector should continue to employ the assessment system. The study recommended that additional research be conducted to empirically assess the effect of performance management system on employee performance in specific context
The Cost of Corruption in a Resource-Constrained Country: The Case of Zimbabwe
Full text linkDespite repeated reform efforts, corruption remains deeply entrenched across key institutions. Zimbabwe is now ranked 160 out of 180 in terms of the perceived levels of public sector corruption. Whilst the cost of corruption has remained un-assessed in most economic zones, Zimbabwe included, there is significant amount of evidence that suggests it has been widespread in most nations, including Zimbabwe. However, the consequences differ from one country to the other and from institution to institution. The cost of corruption in resource constrained environments, Zimbabwe has remained a grey area, unexplored and untheorised. Zimbabwe as a case remains a’ black box’. This study employed qualitative content analysis to assess the cost and impact of corruption in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a multi-theoretical framework encompassing Social Exchange Theory, Game Theory, White-Elephant Theory, and X-inefficiency Theory to adequately conceptualise the dynamics of corruption in Zimbabwe. These perspectives enable nuanced analysis of behavioural, institutional and structural dimensions of corruption. A purposive sample of 30 scholarly sources including peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and policy briefs from 2010 to 2024 was selected from academic databases and institutional platforms. Findings indicated that corruption eroded institutional accountability, exacerbated poverty and inequality, discouraged investment, undermined public services in health, education, infrastructure and natural resource sectors. Social cohesion was compromised, with rising public disillusionment and inequality in service access. The study concluded that corruption in Zimbabwe was multidimensional and pervasive, impeding national development goals. Addressing it required comprehensive reforms, including stronger transparency frameworks, independent oversight institutions, civic engagement and global cooperation on asset recovery. These measures were essential for restoring accountability, enhancing governance and achieving sustainable development. The study highlighted the need for further research into the psychosocial dimensions of corruption; how societal norms, expectations and historical injustices influenced corrupt behaviour.
Exploring the Challenges Encountered During the Process of Shifting from ODL to ODeL in Higher Education: The Case of Zimbabwe Open University
Full text linkThe challenges that higher education institutions face when switching from Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) are examined in this research. The incorporation of online learning offers educational institutions both benefits and challenges as digital technologies transform the landscape of education. Non-probability sampling (purposive) was used to determine research participants for qualitative data, while probability sampling (simple random) was used to determine respondents for quantitative data. The population of the study was 300 respondents comprising academics, administrators and students in three Matabeleland Regional Campuses of ZOU, subsequently the sample size was 100 respondents. To analyse data exploratory sequential design was used as justified by Cresswell and Clark (2018). To collect accurate data on the transition process, this study used a mixed method approach that included surveys and interviews with administrators, students and academics. Observations and focus group discussions also proved to be useful tools for data collection. Limitations in the study included technology infrastructure, faculty unpreparedness, technophobia, inappropriate pedagogical methodologies and low levels of student involvement are the main challenges which were revealed by this study. Analyses of research findings indicated that the stakeholders were fully aware of the benefits to be accrued in the successful transition from ODL to ODeL but they also faced the hitches that are inherent in the implementation strategies. The shift was found to have implications for prospective students, current students, lecturers, support staff and senior management. Based on the findings of this research the following recommendations were proffered. More work must go into the planning process, before launching changes of such magnitude, the qualifications of educators should have a strong bias towards digital literacy and institutions should possess the appropriate infrastructure and gadgets to facilitate a smooth shift from ODL to ODeL.
Harnessing the Role of Succession Planning on the Performance of Retail Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mashonaland West Province Zimbabwe
Full text linkSmall to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), within the Zimbabwean retail sector, play a pivotal role in the nation\u27s economic growth. This study investigated the antecedents for adopting succession planning by retail SMEs in Mashonaland West Province. The study was guided by Positivism Research Philosophy. The study was anchored on Systems Theory and a Raosoft sample size calculator with a 5% margin of error and 95% confidence level was used. The sample size reached was 148 owner-managers of the SMEs. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data was uploaded on SPSS Version 21 and analysed using descriptive statistics and correlations. It was established from the main study findings that effective succession planning prepares the next generation of leaders, minimising disruptions when key personnel leave. This is vital in retail, where customer relationships and operational knowledge are critical. The study findings showed that investors and stakeholders are more inclined to support businesses with a succession strategy. They view it as a sign of stability and foresight, which can lead to better funding opportunities. It was established that once employees saw a path for advancement, it boosted morale and productivity. Engaged employees were more likely to contribute positively to the business, enhancing overall performance. It was revealed that succession planning encouraged long-term thinking and strategic goal setting. Retail SMEs can align their succession strategies with their overall business goals, ensuring sustained growth. The recommendations proffered by the study was that owners should provide the necessary support and strategies such as focusing on continuity, knowledge retention, employee engagement and strategic adaptability. These businesses could improve their resilience and competitiveness in the marketplace.
Unpacking the Impact of social media on Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Insights from SMEs and Start-Ups in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis study evaluated the impact of social media (SM) technologies on the growth of business start-ups (BSs) and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Specifically, it examined how the following social media platforms—X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok—affect key business outcomes: (i) sales growth, (ii) expansion of customer base, (iii) profit maximisation, (iv) enhancement of brand image and (v) increased product and sales visibility. Through the application of various quantitative analysis methods, the study findings were that Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are the most widely adopted platforms for promoting BSs and SMEs, while YouTube and X (Twitter) are the least utilised. The results revealed a significant correlation between the use of social media technologies and improvements in sales, customer acquisition, profitability, business image and brand awareness among SMEs and BSs in Bulawayo.
The Determinants of Poor Service Delivery in Zimbabwe’s Local Government System
Full text linkThis article, grounded in decentralisation theory, examined the determinants of poor service delivery in Zimbabwe’s local government system, against a backdrop of chronic underperformance and growing public discontent. Using a survey-based methodology and statistical analysis via SPSS, the study captured public perceptions to uncover the root causes of service delivery failures. Findings revealed a divided citizenry, with a significant proportion expressing dissatisfaction with the management of local services. Governance-related issues, including corruption, weak accountability, limited local autonomy, poor community engagement and inadequate legal and policy frameworks, emerged as the most critical contributors to poor performance. In contrast, technical challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and human resource shortages were not widely perceived as primary obstacles. These results suggested that governance failures, rather than resource constraints, lie at the heart of the service delivery crisis. The study concludes by advocating for stronger governance and accountability mechanisms, institutionalised community engagement and meaningful reform of the legal and policy frameworks governing local government—all of which are essential steps toward improving service delivery and rebuilding public trust in local governance.