1,720,977 research outputs found
The interplay between workplace bullying, quiet quitting and turn over intention: an integrative review
Full text linkThis integrative review explores the intricate and interconnected issues of workplace bullying, quiet quitting, and turnover intention—three pressing challenges that have a significant impact on organizational performance and employee well-being. The review highlights workplace bullying as a significant precursor to employee disengagement, often exemplified by quiet quitting, where employees diminish their discretionary efforts while remaining in their positions by synthesizing literature from organizational behavior, psychology, and management studies. This disengagement subsequently contributes to an increased intention to leave the organization. The review employs Organizational Justice Theory as a framework to elucidate how perceived disparities in distributive, procedural, and interactional justice contribute to this detrimental cycle of behavior. The findings indicate that unresolved bullying not only deteriorates organizational culture but also diminishes employee motivation and elevates the risk of voluntary resignation. Consequently, the review underscores the critical necessity for proactive organizational strategies, such as implementing anti-bullying policies, fostering supportive leadership, and monitoring employee engagement, as effective interventions. It also suggests avenues for future research, recommending longitudinal and cross-cultural studies to deepen the understanding of the causal relationships and variances in these dynamics across different organizational contexts
The nexus between the design thinking, strategy formulation and innovation in SMEs: an integrative review
Full text linkSmall to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential to global economic development. However, they frequently encounter strategic and innovative challenges stemming from limited resources, unpredictable environments, and informal planning processes. This integrative review examines the interconnected roles of design thinking, strategy formulation, and innovation within the context of SMEs. The study investigates how design thinking—a human-centered, iterative problem-solving methodology—can enhance the strategic agility and innovation capacity of SMEs by drawing on multidisciplinary literature. Grounded in the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the review emphasizes how design thinking enables SMEs to identify opportunities, implement innovations, and adapt their operations through the development of flexible strategies. Key themes explored include the democratization of strategic planning, the facilitation of cost-effective innovation, and the establishment of feedback loops that align business objectives with changing market demands. The review also identifies significant gaps in empirical research and underscores the necessity for context-sensitive approaches tailored to SMEs in developing economies. The findings present practical implications for SME managers and policymakers, advocating for the incorporation of design-led thinking within strategic and innovation processes to foster resilient, customer-centric enterprises.
Towards a customer engagement framework to enhance organisational change communication and customer satisfaction at Absa bank in the greater Durban area.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Events that have unfolded in the past decade — the ease of new entrants into the banking sector, uncertain economic outlook, the 2008 global financial crisis, competition within the South African banking sector, have changed the banking sector in South Africa. Retail banks are under tremendous pressure to realign their business models to meet these challenges and changes. Conforming to the mounting pressure in the South African banking sector, Barclays bank PLC a major shareholder in Barclays Africa Group announced its departure from Barclays Africa Group. A move that will make Barclays Africa Group lose its strategic partner with over 100 years of experience working in Africa. The departure was received mixed reactions in the banking sector including Absa customers. In the South African banking sector context with reference to Absa bank, research on customer engagement is still in its infancy and a model that can be adopted during organisational change did not exist. To address this research gap, this study developed a customer engagement framework that is linked to organisational change communication and customer satisfaction. The research design adopted was the quantitative paradigm with a pre-coded structured closed ended questionnaire comprising the 5 Point Likert Scale that was used to administer the instrument to the selected sample respondents. The questionnaire comprised of 4 Sections, each under a specific main theme. The target population comprised of 650 000 Absa bank customers in the greater Durban area. Sekaran statistical table was used to for the sample selection. The sample of 384 customers was selected using convenience sampling a non-probability sampling technique. The analysis of the data involved the use of robust parametric and non-parametric tests for the empirical analyses using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for Windows. A variety of non-parametric tests were also used to test hypotheses formulated for the various sections and components of the study. Some significant findings emerged from the comprehensive statistical analyses which were also corroborated by national and international studies conducted by various researchers who also showed their concordance or discordance with the current findings and were referenced accordingly
The interplay of psychological safety, quiet quitting, and employee resilience: a framework for sustainable workplace engagement
Full text linkWorkplace dynamics have significantly evolved, leading to increased discussions around psychological safety, quiet quitting, and employee resilience. Psychological safety fosters an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing ideas, taking risks, and seeking support without fear of negative consequences. However, the emergence of quiet quitting, where employees disengage emotionally while meeting only minimal job requirements, raises concerns about workplace motivation and commitment. This conceptual paper explores the interplay between psychological safety, quiet quitting, and employee resilience, proposing a framework for sustainable workplace engagement. Drawing on existing theories in organizational behavior and psychology, this paper examines how fostering psychological safety can mitigate quiet quitting and enhance resilience among employees. The study further highlights strategies for organizations to build adaptive work cultures that promote employee well-being, engagement, and long-term productivity
The impact of digital footprint on interview invitation rate and perceived cultural fit: An integrative review
Full text linkThe ongoing digitization of professional interactions has significantly altered how employers evaluate candidates throughout the hiring process, with digital footprints emerging as a crucial factor in recruitment decisions. This integrative literature review investigates the influence of digital footprints on two essential recruitment outcomes: interview invitation rates and perceived cultural fit. Digital footprints, which encompass social media activity, professional profiles, and online interactions, provide employers with valuable insights into a candidate\u27s qualifications, personality traits, and cultural alignment. Research indicates that candidates with well-managed digital profiles, particularly on platforms such as LinkedIn, tend to receive a higher number of interview invitations, whereas adverse online content can negatively impact job prospects. Furthermore, employers are increasingly leveraging digital footprints to gauge cultural fit by analysing online behavior, shared content, and social media interactions to assess alignment with organizational values. However, the reliance on digital footprints raises ethical concerns, including privacy issues, unconscious bias, and discrimination, as employers may unconsciously favour candidates who share similar personal or political views. The review underscores the necessity for standardized ethical guidelines in digital screening practices to ensure fair and unbiased hiring decisions. Additionally, job seekers are encouraged to proactively manage their online presence, curating content that accurately represents their professional identity. Employers should strive to balance efficiency with fairness by implementing transparent digital screening policies to mitigate bias risks. This study contributes to both academic discourse and practical approaches for digital hiring, emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks and systematic evaluations in the digital recruitment process. Future research should investigate cross-cultural variations in digital screening practices and the implications of artificial intelligence in automating digital footprint assessments. Ensuring fairness and transparency in digital hiring practices will be essential for fostering equitable employment opportunities in the digital era
Understanding customer Decision-Making in retail banking: Insights from a selected retail bank in South Africa
Full text linkIn the ever-changing realm of retail banking, it is essential for banks to grasp the elements that affect customer decisions to stay ahead in the competition. This study delves into customer preferences when selecting a bank, focusing specifically on Absa Bank in South Africa. By utilizing a case study approach, the research delves into the factors that influence customer behavior in the retail banking industry. Referencing the consumer decision model, the study investigates various stages such as problem recognition, information search, evaluation of options, purchase decision, and post-purchase assessment. Factors such as security, convenience, assurance, accessibility, and responsiveness are pinpointed as crucial aspects in bank selection. The study employs quantitative research techniques, conducting surveys with Absa Bank customers to dissect their preferences. Findings suggest that transaction fees, corporate image, bank coverage, and size play a significant role in influencing customer decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing these customer-identified factors to deter customer attrition. Recommendations include conducting regular surveys to keep abreast of changing customer preferences and maintaining a competitive edge. The research offered valuable insights that can guide strategic decision-making and marketing efforts in the retail banking sector
Customers perceptions on competitiveness of ABSA Bank in South Africa
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management Sciences: Marketing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2018.The purpose of this study was to determine customer perceptions of the competitiveness of Absa Bank in South Africa. To address the main research question, the study was divided into three sections which then become the objectives of the study. The first objective was to determine customer perceptions of the level of bank competition in South Africa. The second objective was to determine the factors that customers consider when they choose a bank and the last objective was to determine customer perceptions of the competitiveness in the South African banking sector.
An Absa Bank communiqué indicated that its major shareholder, Barclays Bank, is pulling out of Absa due to continued uncertainty in the African market. The market has mixed feelings over the matter. Customers and various stakeholders are sceptical whether the departure will affect the performance of the bank. The study was conducted in Durban. The branch has an estimated of 150 000 Customers who use Absa and subsequently who become the target population of the study. Four hundred walk-in customers at the branch made up the sample. They were selected using a non-probability sampling technique in the form of convenience sampling. In total, 400 questionnaires were distributed to the walk-in customers. Thirteen questionnaires were discarded because the majority of the questions were not answered. Hence a total of 387 questionnaires were returned to the researcher, giving a response rate of 96%.
Data was analysed using the latest computerised Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0. Pearson’s Chi-Square and Spearman’s Correlation tests were conducted to determine whether there were statistically significant relationships between the variables. The findings from the study revealed that there is competition in the banking sector and banks compete for customers using pricing strategies. The study also revealed that Absa customers consider the image of the bank and the level of product knowledge by bank employees when they choose a bank. The study also revealed that the majority of customers’ view Absa Bank as competitive in the market. The researcher recommended that the branch management should regularly conduct
customer surveys as a method to engage customers and to identify the factors that they want to be improved and incorporated into the branch. After the study was completed, the researcher solicited the services of the post graduate librarian to run the turnitin programme to test the entire thesis for plagiarism. A similarity index of 12% was recorded.
The impact of customer engagement on organisational change communication at Absa bank in greater Durban area
Full text linkEvents that unfolded in the past decade- the ease of new entrants into the South African banking sector, uncertain economic outlook, the 2008 global financial crisis, competition within the South African banking sector, have changed the retail banking landscape in South Africa. Retail banks are under tremendous pressure to realign their banking operations to meet these global challenges. Conforming to the mounting pressure in the South African banking sector, Barclays PLC a major shareholder in Barclays Africa Group now (Absa bank) announced its departure from the bank. A move that made it lose its strategic partner with over 100 years of experience working in Africa. The departure was received with mixed reactions across the banking landscape. Research on customer engagement in South African banking sector is still in its infancy and no study has been undertaken to determine the impact of customer engagement on organisational change communication during episodes of organisational change. To address this research gap, this study seeks to determine the impact of customer engagement on organisational change communication at Absa bank in the greater Durban area. The study adopted a quantitative research paradigm, with a pre-coded structured closed ended questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale administered to a target population of 650 000 Absa customers in the greater Durban area. Sekaran statistical table was used for sample selection. A sample of 384 customers was selected using convenience sampling a non-probability sampling technique. Some notable conclusions resulted from the extensive statistical analysis, which were also validated by national and international studies undertaken by various researchers, who also demonstrated concordance or discordance with the current findings and were appropriately referenced
Navigating IAS 21: An integrative review of compliance challenges for SMEs in emerging markets
Full text linkAs globalization advances and cross-border trade expands, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets are increasingly engaged in foreign currency transactions. This development requires adherence to International Accounting Standard 21 (IAS 21), which addresses the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates. While compliance with IAS 21 is vital for ensuring accurate and comparable financial reporting, SMEs often face significant challenges in meeting these requirements due to limited financial resources, technical expertise, and access to appropriate accounting infrastructure. This integrative review consolidates existing academic and industry literature to identify key obstacles encountered by SMEs in implementing IAS 21. These challenges include difficulties in selecting appropriate exchange rates, translating foreign operations, and maintaining up-to-date accounting systems. Guided by institutional theory, contingency theory, and the resource-based view, the study examines how external institutional pressures and internal resource constraints impact compliance levels among SMEs. The review also discusses the implications for financial reporting quality, investor confidence, and policy development within emerging economies. The findings underscore the importance of simplified regulatory guidance, capacity-building efforts, and customized support frameworks to close the compliance gap and strengthen the financial transparency of SMEs operating in international market
Meritocracy vs cadre deployment in the global South: an integrative review
Full text linkThis integrative review examines the persistent governance challenge between meritocracy and cadre deployment within public administration in the Global South. Meritocracy focuses on the selection and advancement of individuals based on their qualifications, skills, and performance, while cadre deployment pertains to politically motivated appointments within the civil service, often rationalized in post-liberation or dominant-party environments. The review integrates empirical research, policy analyses, and comparative case studies to evaluate the effects of these competing approaches on state capacity, public service delivery, institutional integrity, and governance outcomes. The findings suggest that meritocratic systems, as demonstrated by countries such as Botswana and Rwanda, are positively correlated with administrative efficiency, professional ethics, and developmental progress. Conversely, cadre deployment, prevalent in contexts like South Africa and Zimbabwe, is typically associated with diminished institutional autonomy, corruption, and state capture. Grounded in the Developmental State Theory, this review highlights the significance of capable, independent, and professional bureaucracies for sustainable development. The study concludes that incorporating meritocratic principles into governance frameworks is vital for fostering long-term institutional resilience and public trust in the Global South
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