scholarly journals Managerial Political Competencies and the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nhamo Mashavira ◽  
Crispen Chipunza ◽  
Dennis Y. Dzansi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Competency Development ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Correlational Design ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: Research on managerial political competencies has progressed well in other organisational setups; but not so much in entrepreneurial ventures, yet literature documents the pivotal role played by political competencies in the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Research Purpose: This study intended to find the impact of managerial political competencies on the performance of SMEs as measured by both innovation and return on investment (ROI) in SMEs in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.Motivation for the study: Regardless of the contribution done by SMEs in contemporary economies, and the fundamental role managerial political competencies play in sustaining these enterprises, no known study has been done among SMEs in South Africa.Research design, approach and method: The study employed an ex post facto correlational design that adopted a purely quantitative approach. The sample comprised of 211 owner/managers in Gauteng Province. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation were used for data analysis.Main findings: Owner/managers were found to be politically competent in the dimensions of social astuteness and networking abilities, but fared not so well on the apparent sincerity and interpersonal influence dimensions. It was also established that SMEs performed relatively better in terms of innovation compared to   ROI, although ROI had greater potential to respond to improvements in  the quality of managerial political competencies when compared to innovation . There was a statistically significant relationship between managerial political competencies and SME performance as measured by innovation and ROI.Practical/managerial implications: It is recommended that managerial political competencies be augmented internally through deliberate human resource development initiatives in order to leverage on them. It is also recommended that support structures and agencies that assist owner/managers in competency development be augmented at both provincial and government levels.Contribution/Value-add: The study attempts to fill the gap between research and practice regarding managerial political competencies in SMEs in South Africa.

scholarly journals Disaggregated Analysis of Performances of Grade 12 Learners in Gauteng Province, Republic of South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-44
Author(s):  
Letsoalo M.E
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Interpretive Analysis ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Adjusted Model ◽  
Passing Grade

This paper presents the researchers’ interpretive analysis of data from the main study that was aimed at proposing the method that will plausibly be used to analyse the Grade 12 results and to compare performances of learners between provinces of South Africa. This cross-sectional, quantitative, and ex-post-facto designed study used secondary and clustered data, as supplied by Department of Basic Education through Umalusi council, to compare the likelihood of passing Grade 12 between male and female learners in the Gauteng Province, even after adjusting for school quintile. Thus, this work attempted to model the relation between school resources inputs and school outcomes called educational achievements or academic performances. The dataset contained a total of 98894 (45.44% male and 54.56% female) learners who set for Grade 12 examinations in 2008 academic. The crude estimates indicated that female learners than male learners were significantly 1.035 more likely to pass Grade 12 (OR = 1.035, p = 0.016, 95% CI: 1.006 - 1.065). Also, the school quintile adjusted model indicated that female learners than their male counterparts were significantly 1.040 more likely to pass Grade 12 (OR = 1.040, p = 0.010, 95% CI: 1.009 - 1.072). The significant effect of school quintile favoured female learners (p < 0.001). These results, from disaggregated analysis, indicated that there was sufficient evidence that female than male learners had better chances of passing Grade 12 in Gauteng Province. Therefore, authorities may consider the issue of learner-gender when allocating resources to different school In Gauteng Province.

scholarly journals The relationship between marital status and employment in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caro C. Janse van Rensburg ◽  
Carike Claassen ◽  
Alicia Fourie
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Marriage Patterns ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Orientation: Marriage formalises gender roles in society and as such has a significant impact on the labour force. The institution does, however, change over time, which makes it important to continually assess the impact that it has.Research purpose: In this article, the impact of marital status on employment is gauged.Motivation for the study: Marriage is arguably one of the most engrained institutions in modern society. Understanding the link between the marriage institution and employment could be essential in understanding the social and economic externalities that policy could have.Research design, approach and method: Logistic regressions are used to analyse what the relationship between different marital statuses and employment is.Main findings: The findings show that women are least likely to be employed when they are married, whereas men are most likely to be employed when they are married.Practical/managerial implications: Marriage clearly influences the labour market outcomes of women differently than those of men. This is an important certitude, especially for policy-makers who have to consider how their policies will differently affect men and women, and thereby how those policies will either work against or for gender equality.Contribution/value-add: This article attempts to uncover the link between marital status and employment in South Africa and thereby realise the potential implications of changes in marriage patterns on employment patterns.

scholarly journals In-Service Teachers’ Perception of Continuing Education Programmes in Two African Universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-135
Author(s):  
Francis O. Olaniyi ◽  
Dumisani R. Nzima
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Continuing Education ◽  
Target Population ◽  
State University ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Africa University ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
The Impact

The study compared the in-service teachers’ perception of continuing education programmes from two universities in Africa; University of Zululand, South Africa (UZ), and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria, (AAU). The study covers the impact, effectiveness and efficiency of UZ and AAU on in-service teachers’ of continuing education programmes. The target population and sample for the study were the current teachers of continuing education programmes of these universities. The instrument tagged ‘Questionnaire for Perceptions of Continuing Education Programmes by in-service Teachers’   (QPCEPIT) was designed and used for data collection. The descriptive survey research design of ex-post facto was adopted for the study. 150 questionnaires were randomly used for pilot study, carried out at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, whilst 500 questionnaires each were administered at both UZ and AAU of which 365 and 321 responses were valid and analysed respectively. Four research questions were carefully formulated to ascertain the perceptions of continuing education programmes by in-service teachers in the selected universities. Inferential statistics was used to draw conclusions and test the research questions for the study. The results of the comparative study revealed that the conclusiveness of the learning environment, the nature and quality of student support services provided, the quality and learners’ perception of course modules or materials, accommodation problems and venue of the programme were the major predictors for motivation of in-service teachers of the programme. Based on the findings of the study recommendations were made on how the programme will have impact on the in-service teachers and how the universities that are running the programme will be effectively and efficiently manage the programme for the acceleration and advancement of socio-economic growth in South Africa, Nigeria, and the world at large.

scholarly journals The impact of job description and career prospect on job satisfaction: A quantitative study in Mauritius

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ketan S. Ramhit
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Team Leaders ◽  
Job Description ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Career Prospect ◽  
Value Add ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Negative Relationships ◽  
Good Career

Orientation: Literature shows that job description and career prospect are connected to job satisfaction and it is seen that, in Mauritius, job description and career prospect impact job satisfaction.Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between job description, career prospect and job satisfaction in Mauritius.Motivation for the study: It has been noticed that employees are dissatisfied when they perform duties outside their job description and also when they see that they do not have a good career prospect. Despite the existence of several researches, limited research exists in the Mauritian context. The outcome will provide significant relevance to existing knowledge.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative approach was adopted and a survey was conducted in a multinational company in Mauritius. A sample of 132 employees was chosen.Main findings: This research unravelled significant negative relationships between job description, career prospect and job satisfaction. The results revealed that, when duties are not well described or when duties are not in line with current responsibilities, the employees are dissatisfied. Similarly, the greater the chances that employees are not given the opportunity to get promoted, the more they are dissatisfied.Practical/managerial implications: Human resource practitioners, managers and team leaders need to recognise that employee’s moods influence the work pattern in the organisation and a clear job description and an appropriate career plan should exist.Contribution/value-add: Literature on the relationship between job description, career prospect and job satisfaction in the context of Mauritius is almost inexistent. This study will add to existing knowledge.

scholarly journals Developing and supporting coordinators of structured mentoring schemes in South Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny Abbott ◽  
Xenia Goosen ◽  
Jos Coetzee
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Job Description ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
People Development ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Purposive Sample ◽  
The Coordinator

Orientation: Mentoring is considered to be such an important contributor to accelerated people development in South Africa that structured mentoring schemes are often used by organisations. There are at present few sources of development and support for coordinators of such schemes.Research purpose: The aim of this research is to discover what the characteristics of coordinators of structured mentoring schemes in South Africa are, what is required of such coordinators and how they feel about their role, with a view to improving development and support for them.Motivation for the study: The limited amount of information about role requirements for coordinators which is available in the literature is not based on empirical research. This study aims to supply the empirical basis for improved development and support for coordinators.Research design and method: A purposive sample of 25 schemes was identified and both quantitative and qualitative data, obtained through questionnaires and interviews, were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.Main findings: Functions of coordinators tend to be similar across different types of mentoring schemes. A passion for mentoring is important, as the role involves many frustrations. There is little formalised development and support for coordinators.Practical/managerial implications: The study clarifies the functions of the coordinator, offers a job description and profile and makes suggestions on how to improve the development of the coordinator’s skills.Contribution/value-add: An understanding of what is required from a coordinator, how the necessary knowledge and skills can be developed and how the coordinator can be supported,adds value to an organisation setting up or reviewing its structured mentoring schemes.

scholarly journals Transformative consumer research: Its origins and possible enrichment of the field of consumer research in South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leona M. Ungerer
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Consumer Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Traditional Research ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Additional Approach ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Transformative Consumer Research

Orientation: This article provides a rationale for considering transformative consumer research as a research approach for investigating the relationship between consumption and consumers’ well-being in South Africa.Research purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the principles underlying transformative consumer research, including how it differs from traditional research methods and pointing out some established research areas in this field.Motivation for the study: Apart from pointing to a lack of literature, this article highlights the relevance of this approach for emerging countries by investigating the principles and practices embedded in transformative consumer research. It provides some indication of how an investigation of these areas may contribute to enhancing the relevance of consumer research to its various stakeholders.Research design, approach and method: The author used a literature review to conduct the study.Main findings: It appears that consumer research currently lacks external and internal relevance. A transformative consumer-research approach may address some of the fundamental problems in the way consumer psychologists plan and conduct their research, contributing to this lack of relevance.Practical/managerial implications: Most stages of the traditional research approach may need to be adapted for transformative research purposes. Some approaches appear particularly suited to transformative consumer research, including revelatory, incendiary, policy, participatory and coalition research. Contribution/value-add: This study’s primary contribution stems from suggesting a rather novel additional approach to enhance the relevance of consumer research in South Africa, pointing out some established practices in the field of transformative consumer research and suggesting how they may augment consumer research in South Africa.

scholarly journals Inner strategies of coping with operational work amongst SAPS officers

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masefako A. Gumani ◽  
Mattheus E. Fourie ◽  
Martin J. Terre Blanche
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
The Body ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing ◽  
Critical Incident Stress ◽  
South African Police Service ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: Identification of the inner coping strategies used by South African Police Service (SAPS) officers who do operational work is something the SAPS should consider to ensure the officers’ management of trauma and efficiency at work.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to describe inner coping strategies used by officers in the Vhembe district (South Africa) to reconstruct stressful and traumatic experiences at work.Motivation for the study: Most studies on coping amongst SAPS officers focus on organisational stress and not on the impact of the officers’ operational work.Research design, approach and method: An exploratory design was used and 20 SAPS officers were selected through purposive sampling. In-depth face-to-face and telephone interviews, as well as diaries were used to collect data, which were analysed using content thematic data analysis.Main findings: The results showed that the main categories of coping strategies that led to management of the impact of operational work amongst the selected sample were centred around problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies, with some use of reappraisal and minimal use of avoidance. Considering the context of the officers’ work, the list of dimensions of inner coping strategies amongst SAPS officers should be extended.Practical/managerial implications: Intervention programmes designed for the SAPS, including critical incident stress debriefing, should take the operational officers’ inner strategies into account to improve the management of the impact of their work.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the inner coping strategies amongst SAPS officers, with special reference to operational work in a specific setting.

scholarly journals Ex post-facto study of long-term stress in a sample of adoptees

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Amelia Díaz ◽  
Eugenia Infanzón ◽  
Ángela Beleña
Keyword(s):  
Life Events ◽  
Spanish Civil War ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Stressful Life ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Posttraumatic Symptoms ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Ex Post Facto Study ◽  
The Impact

In this work we study the impact of relinquishment and the adoption process in posttraumatic symptoms and stressful life events in a group of 55 adults that were adopted as children after the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The effects of institutionalization, maltreatment and traumatic revelation of the adopted status have also been studied. No significant differences were found between institutionalized and non-institutionalized adoptees in posttraumatic symptomatology and stressful life events frequency. However, maltreated adoptees scored significantly higher in intrusion, arousal and stressful life events frequency than non-maltreated. Similar differences were found in the comparison between adoptees with and without traumatic revelation; those adoptees who suffered traumatic revelation presented significantly higher intrusion, arousal and stressful life events frequency than those who did not suffer traumatic revelation. Traumatic revelation, alone or in association with maltreatment, seems to play an important role in posttraumatic symptoms in the sample studied.

scholarly journals The Impact of Wait Time Instruction and Teaching Experience on Teachers’ Feedback in Moroccan Speaking Classes

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Sana SAKALE
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
The Impact

Instruction plays a major role in the development of speaking skills for second language learners. Different approaches and methods have emerged throughout the history of language learning/teaching based on the influence of different theories of language, psychology, and related domains such as psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, pragmatics and cultural studies. Two major trends in language teaching emerged under the influence of these mentioned language theories, namely, accuracy based versus fluency based approaches. This article gives a historical sketch up to these trends in an attempt to provide a historical background and to empirically bring evidence that wait time instruction and teaching experience can impact classroom feedback in Moroccan classes. Relevant questions related to the role of teachers’ experience in leading different types of feedback, the effect of the number of teaching years as well as the correlation between wait time instruction and the corresponding teaching experience are closely investigated. This article adheres to a mixed design or what has been identified in research methodology as ex-post facto (Cohen, Manion, Morrison, 2007). Therefore, it is both a qualitative and a descriptive one. For the type of instructions used, the results obtained show the insignificance of the impact of experience on this variable. On the other hand, results retained that wait- time instruction in comparison to other items recorded a higher significance of the impact of experience. Therefore, current article brings empirical evidence on how wait- time instruction plays a crucial role in spoken activity for second language learners.

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