Research Articles (Business Management)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/2508

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Information sharing and information quality in Southern African humanitarian supply chains during disaster response
(AOSIS, 2025-03) De Wet, Marni; Niemann, Wesley; Schutte, Carla; wesley.niemann@up.ac.za
ORIENTATION : A global increase in the frequency and severity of disasters has underscored the critical need for more effective humanitarian supply chains (HSCs) and the optimisation of humanitarian organisation (HO) operations. RESEARCH PURPOSE : This study explored the role of information sharing and information quality between HOs in Southern Africa during disaster response. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : The effectiveness of HSCs is heavily reliant on the efficient sharing of high-quality information. Despite research addressing various challenges in humanitarian logistics, significant gaps remain, particularly concerning information sharing and quality during disaster response efforts. These challenges are even more pronounced in developing countries, where the complexities of communication and infrastructure exacerbate the issue. RESEARCH DESIGN, APPROACH AND METHOD : Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 participants who are employed by humanitarian relief organisations in Southern Africa. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. MAIN FINDINGS : The study reveals that effective information sharing during disaster response is crucial for coordination, transparency and efficient operations, facilitated through methods such as meetings, humanitarian relationship management and cluster-based approaches. Quality information, characterised by accuracy, clarity and trustworthiness, is ensured through dedicated quality assurance teams, manual vetting and data cross-checking. However, significant challenges persist, including information duplication, lack of inter-actor sharing and ethical issues, highlighting the need for improved tools and processes to address these barriers. PRACTICAL AND/OR MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : Practitioners can leverage the insights from the findings of this study to develop and implement proactive strategies for information sharing and quality, enhancing their effectiveness in future disaster responses. CONTRIBUTIONS AND/OR VALUE ADD : This study contributes to knowledge by elucidating the specific roles of information sharing and information quality within HSC disaster response. It also identifies the methods and tools employed to enhance these aspects, with a particular focus on the Southern African context.
Evaluating the power of social media influencing mainstream media social representations of migrants in South African townships
(Springer, 2024-06) Sitto‑Kaunda, Karabo; sitto-kaunda.mk@up.ac.za
The relationship between mainstream media and social media for news reporting is a complex one. Mainstream media news is relied on as a source of information on key social issues, carrying and reproducing the social representations of a society. South African townships have been reported as a hotbed of anti-migrant unrest, with the growing reliance on the communities’ lens through their social media representations shared online often considered by mainstream media as authentic sources of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM). Townships are spaces of contestation for belonging and despite the diversity of those communities, there remains stigmatizing social representation between migrants and citizens, with communities attributing social ills to migrants. This study analyses how social media has influenced the reproduction of social representations in mainstream media of anti-migrant township unrest. Through a qualitative exploratory approach, mainstream news articles were analyzed for how social representations from social media are reproduced in mainstream media reporting. Social media representations reproduced in mainstream media reporting may risk perpetuating communication risks of othering, affect social cohesion in those communities, and fuelling mistrust among citizens and migrants living in South African township communities.
Supply chain risk management capabilities during enterprise resource planning implementation : perspectives of enterprise resource planning providers and their clients
(JCMAN, 2024-04) Kunneke, Kyle; Niemann, Wesley; wesley.niemann@up.ac.za
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Firms rely on information systems (IS) to improve information sharing and visibility, cut costs, and boost productivity. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are being used as important strategic tools in this direction, providing competitive advantages and resulting in increased operational efficiencies. However, ERP implementation failure rates remain high because of ineffective risk management to limit supply chain disruptions during implementation. The objective of supply chain risk management (SCRM) is to enable firms to remain sustainable in the face of major disruptions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the role of SCRM capabilities associated with ERP implementation to limit supply chain disruptions during ERP operations. DESIGN/METHODOLOGYy/APPROACH: A generic qualitative research design was used to collect primary data through semi-structured interviews with fourteen ERP providers and clients in South Africa. Thematic analysis was utilised to evaluate the data. FINDINGS: The study determined that SCRM capabilities can assist firms in returning to superior operations after ERP implementation. Furthermore, the findings shed light on the specific SCRM processes used during ERP implementation, as well as identifying areas for improvement. Recommendations/value: This study equips ERP providers and ERP clients with valuable insight into understanding the capabilities of SCRM in ERP implementation. MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: Along with leveraging the SCRM capabilities identified, managers are advised to use formal and external assessment tools, implement a formal SCRM process, increase efforts to involve supply chain partners during ERP implementation and selection, and finally, incorporate a change management division to reduce disruption during ERP implementation.
Assessment of franchisees through the entrepreneurial process
(JCMAN, 2024-07) Ngwenya, Lulama; Van Vuuren, Jurie Jansen; Davies, Clint E.; jurie.vanvuuren@up.ac.za
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY : Since few studies had been conducted in the South African context on whether franchisees progress through an entrepreneurial process this study sought to fill the gap by assessing South African franchisees in the context of an entrepreneurial process and investigating the progress of South African franchisees through an entrepreneurial process. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Primary surveyed-quantitative data were collected using self-administered, structured questionnaires with six factors: personal, internal environmental, external environmental, innovation, triggering and implementation factors. Purposive sampling was employed for a sample of 711. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for exploratory factor analysis and scale reliability, while Stata 14 performed confirmatory factor analysis and estimated the structural equation model (SEM). FINDINGS : Construct validity and scale reliability conditions were satisfied. SEM estimates showed that implementation factors, and external environmental factors, have a positive and statistically significant influence on franchise business growth. Furthermore, internal environmental factors have a positive and statistically significant influence on the innovation of a franchise business. RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE : Before pursuing a franchisee business, franchisees should assess the industry and market conditions, expression of interest by financial institutions, the availability of legal assistance, and the availability of key success factors that drive the franchise business growth. Furthermore, franchisees should ensure that conditions, innovation prospects, established structures and diversified products are provided to stimulate the franchise's growth.
The intervening role of absorptive capacity in the nexus of effectual actions and performance in small businesses
(Narotama University, 2024-01) Osuigwe, Ubochioma U.S.; Eresia-Eke, Chukuakadibia E.; chuks.eresia-eke@up.ac.za
PURPOSE : This study interrogates the interfering role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between the effectual actions of small businesses and their performance. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Structured questionnaires were used to generate primary data from 685 small businesses from a variety of sectors in South Africa. The data was used to interrogate the hypothesized relationships using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique. FINDINGS : The findings report a significantly positive relationship between effectuation and small business performance. Further, it is revealed that absorptive capacity partially mediates the relationship between effectuation and small business performance. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : The limitations of this study include the use of primary data from a sample of small businesses in South Africa and dependence on specific modeling techniques. The implications of this research provide a deeper understanding of the mediating effects of absorptive capacity on the relationship between effectual actions and small business performance. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : This study provides fresh insights into the mediating effects of the absorptive capacity capability of small businesses in the continuous interaction between their effectual actions and performance. As such, it highlights the connection between the growing theory of effectuation and existing theories in the field of management sciences. This study enables the emergence of knowledge that could spur small businesses to effectively navigate the endemic uncertainties prevalent in their contexts. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This study contributes to the understanding of the role of absorptive capacity in the relationship between effectual actions and small business performance, thus adding value to the literature on small business management.
Span-of-control’s role at the intersection of transactional leadership and employee commitment
(AOSIS, 2025-01) Mabasa, Tabea Regina; Eresia-Eke, Chukuakadibia E.
ORIENTATION : South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are overburdened by excessive top-level management, straining human capital budgets. Reducing this may increase the span of control, affecting the relationship between leadership style and employee commitment. RESEARCH PURPOSE : This study examines the role of span of control in the relationship between the transactional leadership behaviours of Black top managers and employee commitment in South African SOEs. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : Aligning leadership behaviours with employee expectations is crucial for fostering commitment and retaining talent, especially in South African SOEs facing performance issues. RESEARCH DESIGN, APPROACH AND METHOD : A positivist approach and quantitative method were employed. Data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires from a purposive sample of employees of SOEs. The study’s constructs were assessed using validated instruments, including the multifactor leadership scale and the three-component employee commitment model. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed for data analysis. MAIN FINDINGS : The study reveals that span of control does not moderate the relationship between contingent reward behaviour or management by exception (Passive) and employee commitment. However, span of control moderates the relationship between management by exception (Active) and affective commitment, but not with normative commitment or continuance commitment. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATION : The findings highlight specific leadership behaviours that can enhance employee commitment in South African SOEs with increased span of control. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : This study contributes to leadership theory by identifying how span of control influences the relationship between leadership behaviour and employee commitment in South African SOEs.
South African post-apartheid context : self-reflection of student leaders' role identity in a multicultural context
(Wiley, 2024) October, Heidi; De Jongh, Derick
Since South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994, the student leadership profile has changed dramatically at historically white universities (HWUs). Given the postapartheid South African context where this study was conducted, and how participants navigate multiple role identities within a multicultural setting, the article elucidates student leaders’ self-reflection on their role identity and draws on identity theory from the discipline of social psychology as its theoretical framework, while referencing the roles model from leadership studies.
Youth entrepreneurship : a systematic literature review of the domain and future research agenda
(Emerald, 2025-03) Fubah, Clavis Nwehfor; Kansheba, Jonathan Mukiza; Marobhe, Mutaju Isaack; Tabas, Abdollah Mohammadparast
PURPOSE : The purpose of this article was to review the existing literature on youth entrepreneurship (YE), focusing on the context, methodological and theoretical approaches employed, alongside any emerging themes on the subject. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APROACH : A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, drawing on an evidence base of 77 articles identified from different databases. These articles were either published in Association of Business Schools (ABS list 2021 edition) or Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) listed journals. FINDINGS : The review revealed that the majority of research on the topic has been conducted in Africa, employing a quantitative methodology. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) has been the dominant theoretical lens used by scholars. The four major themes covered on the topic to date include (1) entrepreneurial motivations; (2) entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) and entrepreneurial attitudes (EAs); (3) entrepreneurial competencies, education, training, and support, and (4) innovation and technology adoption. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this SLR is the first review that addresses this fast-growing area of research. This paper incorporated insights on YE across academic disciplines. It also provided a nuanced discussion of the major themes covered in the research and suggested directions for future research.
Effect of temperature on the spread of contagious diseases : evidence from over 2000 years of data
(MDPI, 2024-12) Balcilar, Mehmet; Mukherjee, Zinnia; Gupta, Rangan; Das, Sonali; rangan.gupta@up.ac.za
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in interest among scholars and public health professionals in identifying the predictors of health shocks and their transmission in the population. With temperature increases becoming a persistent climate stress, our aim is to evaluate how temperature specifically impacts the incidences of contagious disease. Using annual data from 1 AD to 2021 AD on the incidence of contagious disease and temperature anomalies, we apply both parametric and nonparametric modelling techniques and provide estimates of the contemporaneous, as well as lagged, effects of temperature anomalies on the spread of contagious diseases. A nonhomogeneous hidden Markov model is then applied to estimate the time-varying transition probabilities between hidden states where the transition probabilities are governed by covariates. For all empirical specifications, we find consistent evidence that temperature anomalies have a statistically significant effect on the incidence of a contagious disease in any given year covered in the sample period. The best fit model further indicates that the contemporaneous effect of a temperature anomaly on the response variable is the strongest. As temperature predictions continue to become more accurate, our results indicate that such information can be used to implement effective public health responses to limit the spread of contagious diseases. These findings further have implications for designing cost effective infectious disease control policies for different regions of the world.
The role of supply chain risk mitigation strategies to manage supply chain disruptions
(AOSIS, 2024-07-26) Nel, Jacobus D.
BACKGROUND : Supply chain disruptions have always existed, but have become more intense during the last decade or so. Factors in the macro environment have also contributed and none more so than during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In general, firms were not ready for disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, numerous firms were resilient and recovered quicker to their pre-COVID positions than other firms. OBJECTIVES : This research addressed how firms with effective supply chain risk mitigation strategies managed supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and which lessons were learned to prepare for future disruptions. METHOD : An online survey instrument with scalable responses was used to conduct quantitative research. A total of 221 workable questionnaires were used to analyse the data using SPSS software. Several hypotheses were formulated and were tested using t-tests. RESULTS : The findings show clear differences in how firms used agility and flexibility, collaboration and redundancy as supply chain risk mitigation strategies to manage upstream, internal and downstream disruptions. CONCLUSION : The level of effective supply chain risk management strategies implemented by firms seems to significantly contribute to the effective management of upstream, internal and downstream disruptions. It appears as if agile and flexible firms that collaborate more with their supply chain partners and who implement redundancy strategies, are better prepared to respond to disruptions. CONTRIBUTION : Managers can improve the effectiveness of their supply chain risk management strategies by seeking more agile and flexible solutions, collaborating more with supply chain partners and utilising redundancy strategies.
Artificial intelligence and information systems capabilities for supply chain resilience : a study in the South African fast-moving consumer goods industry
(AOSIS, 2024-05-31) Hirsch, Karl; Niemann, Wesley; Swart, Brendan; wesley.niemann@up.ac.za
BACKGROUND : Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chains have become increasingly exposed to disruptions during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The industry is vulnerable to supply chain disruptions due to unstable commodity markets and demand volatility. Artificial intelligence (AI) and information systems as technology enablers provide capabilities that can improve supply chain resilience to recover from a disruption. However, FMCG firms are slow with digital transformation and often do not leverage the capabilities of AI and information systems to improve their supply chain resilience. OBJECTIVES : The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to determine how AI and information systems capabilities can be leveraged to improve supply chain resilience in the South African FMCG industry. METHOD : This study employed purposive sampling methods to identify 12 FMCG manufacturers and retailers that participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. A thematic analysis approach was followed to analyse the data. RESULTS : Supply chain integration, automation, monitoring and analytical capabilities of AI and information systems should be considered when designing post-COVID-19 supply chains to deal with increased complexity. Furthermore, supply chain resilience is enhanced by having AI and information systems capabilities such as information sharing, planning and predictive capabilities and decision-making capabilities. This study identified internal and external organisational driving factors, such as reducing costs and competitive factors, leading to the adoption of AI or information systems. CONCLUSION : This study creates awareness of the value-adding benefits of AI and information systems that improve supply chain resilience. CONTRIBUTION : This study expands on existing literature by identifying various capabilities of AI and information systems that improve FMCG manufacturers’ and retailers’ supply chain resilience in a developing country context.
Navigating the fourth industrial revolution : a systematic review of technology adoption model trends
(Emerald, 2024) Kruger, Sean; Steyn, Adriana Aletta (Riana); sean.kruger@up.ac.za
PURPOSE – Several disciplines and thousands of studies have used, developed and supported technology adoption theories to guide industry and support innovation. However, within the past decade, a paradigm shift referred to as the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has resulted in new considerations affecting how models are used to guide emerging technology integration into business strategy. The purpose of this study is to determine which technology adoption model, or models are primarily used when assessing smart technologies in the 4IR construct. It is not to investigate the rigour of existing models or their theoretical underpinnings, as this has been proven. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH – To achieve this, a systematic literature review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis methodology is used. From 3,007 publications, 125 papers between 2015 and 2021 were deemed relevant for thematic analysis. FINDINGS – From the literature, five perspectives were extracted. As with other information and communication technology studies, the analysis confirms that the technology acceptance model remains the predominantly used model. However, 105 of the 125 models extended their theoretical underpinnings, indicating a lack of maturity. Furthermore, the countries of study and authors’ expertise are predominantly clustered in the European and Asian regions, despite the study noting expansion into 16 different subject areas, far beyond the smaller manufacturing scope of Industry 4.0. ORIGINALITY/VALUE – This study contributes theoretically by providing a baseline to develop a generalisable 4IR model grounded on existing acceptance trends identified. Practically, these insights demonstrate the current trends for strategists and policymakers to understand technology adoption within the 4IR to direct efforts that support innovation development, an increasingly crucial factor for survival in the digital age. Future research can investigate the additional constructs that were impactful while considering the level of research they were applied to.
Investigating the confidence business leaders have in business rescue
(Emerald, 2024) Rosslyn-Smith, Wesley John; wesley.rosslyn-smith@up.ac.za
PURPOSE – The study measures business leaders’ perceptions of the likelihood of recovery, the competency of business rescue practitioners and the level of support they are expected to provide to businesses in rescue. By examining these three facets of confidence, using expectancy theory, the study seeks to reveal the perceptions of directors as decision-makers in commencing proceedings by inferring their level of confidence in the business rescue process to the likelihood of directors initiating business rescue proceedings timeously. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH – An online survey targeted South African business leaders, especially directors, was developed to recognise the confidence in the business rescue process. The study combined quantitative (Likert scale) and qualitative (open-ended questions) methods. Data were analysed using the expectancy theory, linking behaviour to anticipated outcomes, to derive confidence in the rescue process. Limitations such as the sensitive nature of insolvency and its inherence negative inclinations should be noted. FINDINGS – The study revealed some complex sentiments surrounding the business rescue proceedings. The responses are indicative of both confidence in and scepticism of the process, offering a nuanced look at South Africa’s insolvency proceedings from outside the confines of the industry itself. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS – The limitations of the study are notably reflected in its reliance on qualitative insights, which may inherently skew towards negative perceptions due to the nature of the subject – business rescue proceedings. Moreover, despite the anonymity of the survey, there remains a possibility that respondents, who are directors with fiduciary duties, may not have been completely forthcoming. This reticence could stem from an unconscious bias to present themselves and the decisions they make in a more favourable light, thus potentially downplaying or overlooking their own hesitations or misgivings about the business rescue process. This may lead to an underrepresentation of both the depth of scepticism and the complexity of the challenges faced in initiating business rescue proceedings. ORIGINALITY/VALUE – The originality of this paper lies in investigating the confidence business leaders have in the business rescue process in the context of South Africa derived from a survey instrument.
Circular economy practices in international business : what do we know and where are we heading?
(Wiley, 2025-01) Kansheba, Jonathan Mukiza; Fubah, Clavis Nwehfor; Acikdilli, Gaye
The circular economy (CE) has gained the focus of scholars and policymakers as it is related to achieving sustainable development. Multinational corporations (MNCs) are adopting and implementing CE models, especially given their resources, global presence, and ability to share best practices across borders. However, a knowledge gap exists on how CE is practiced within the international business (IB) context. This study seeks to harmonize the existing literature on CE practices in IB using a bibliometric and systematic literature (content) review approach. Our findings of citation and network analyses using the co-authorship, citation, co-citation, bibliometric coupling, and co-occurrence techniques provide the current situation as well as identify three trending research themes in the CE-IB literature. The study also offers several potential avenues for future research.
Integrating ecosystems : the synergistic effects of digital innovation hubs on start-up growth
(AOSIS, 2024-09-25) Gumbo, Edwell; Moos, Menisha
BACKGROUND : South Africa faces significant socio-economic challenges, with unemployment rate. This highlights the need for economic strategies to generate employment, and start-ups are crucial in this context, as they foster innovation, create jobs and increase competitiveness. AIM : The study aims to investigate how digital innovation hubs (DIHs) influence start-up growth, focusing on their roles and functions. SETTING : The research is set within the context of DIHs in Africa, specifically examining the 12 DIHs established under the AEDIBNET programme. METHODS : A qualitative methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews with six DIH managers and 28 entrepreneurs or start-up founders. RESULTS : Supporting start-up growth, holistic development support and integrated ecosystem enhancement by DIHs emerged as key themes. These factors foster a conducive environment for innovation and sustained growth. CONCLUSION : Digital innovation hubs play a crucial role in supporting start-up growth by providing comprehensive and integrated support systems. Their functions collectively enhance start-up growth. CONTRIBUTION : This study fills a critical gap in the existing literature on DIHs, offering empirical insights into their impact on start-up growth within the African context. The findings provide valuable implications for policymakers, practitioners and researchers aiming to foster the growth of start-ups. Additionally, the study integrates and expands upon knowledge spillover theory, institutional theory and cluster theory. It demonstrates how DIHs facilitate knowledge sharing, provide formal support structures, foster informal networks, and create and sustain entrepreneurial clusters.
Exploring the applicability of effectuation theory in distressed venture environments
(AOSIS, 2024-10) Madigoe, Thabang; Pretorius, Marius; thabang.madigoe@up.ac.za
ORIENTATION: Once appointed, business rescue practitioners and turnaround professionals are faced with critical decision making of whether a distressed venture contains an opportunity as judged by reasonable prospect. RESEARCH PURPOSE: This study investigated and explored the application of ‘effectuation theory’ principles and/or causation elements to the distressed venture opportunity (DVO) decision making. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: Effectuation is applied by experts to an entrepreneurial opportunity, and it was important to investigate whether effectuation and its principles would inform practitioners for better decision making when evaluating a DVO. RESEARCH DESIGN, APPROACH AND METHOD: A qualitative study was conducted with 15 business rescue practitioners (BRPs) from the Gauteng province. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and a thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. MAIN FINDINGS: This study reveals that all five effectuation principles and some causation elements are applicable to the DVO judgement. The findings indicate that both effectuation and causation are applied in a complementary manner depending on the context. PRACTICAL AND/OR MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: This study highlights the importance of applying effectuation and causation elements for practitioners to achieve success. By applying both logics, BRPs can build resilience in their strategies, be creative in adapting to solutions as they arise and engage with stakeholders in the business rescue process. CONTRIBUTION AND/OR VALUE ADD: This study extended the application of effectuation theory to distressed venture environments, offering insights into how practitioners can make better decisions when evaluating a DVO.
Raising the future together : assessing the impact of the Chics program on primary caregivers in low-income daycares
(Elsevier, 2024-12) Van der Merwe, Antoinette; Senyolo, Catherine; Van Niekerk, Attie; a.vandermerwe@up.ac.za
Parental involvement in a child's school is crucial during early childhood, a critical period for skill-forming and neurodevelopment. However, the impact of early childhood programs on parents is understudied. This study evaluates the Chics program – which includes teacher training, an improved curriculum, and support meetings – on parental involvement in low-income daycares in South Africa, focusing on parents’ wellbeing, unity, knowledge, and agency. Focus groups and surveys with 126 parents showed the program had positive changes in parental unity, life satisfaction, and agency, encouraging community projects. The results could advice other programs to cost-effectively increase parental involvement in daycare centres.
Employee engagement, telecommuting propensity, and employee performance in the virtual workplace
(Taylor and Francis, 2024-11-01) Ravhudzulo, Hangwani Raymond; Eresia-Eke, Chukuakadibia E.
The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed a monumental shift in the traditional workplace, compelling organisations worldwide to rapidly embrace telecommuting. This unplanned experiment has challenged assumptions about productivity and collaboration, while raising crucial questions about the intricate interplay between employee engagement, telecommuting propensity, and employee performance. This study aims to illuminate the dynamics underpinning the virtual workplace, offering insights to inform effective strategies for optimising employee performance in the evolving work landscape of the South African ICT sector. Leveraging the employee engagement theory, social exchange theory, and the Triarchy Model of employee performance, the study examines the relationships between these pivotal constructs. The population for this study is employees working in South Africa’s ICT sector. Data collected from 478 respondents was analysed through structural equation modelling. The study discovers direct relationships among the constructs. Employee engagement is positively associated with employee performance, and telecommuting propensity. However, the study found no relationship between telecommuting propensity and employee performance. The research findings suggest that the studied employees working in the South African ICT sector exhibit heightened engagement and performance when telecommuting, despite telecommuting propensity not being a direct determinant of performance. These insights offer valuable implications for organisational strategies and practices to foster employee engagement, productivity, and overall effectiveness in the evolving work landscape.
New venture legitimacy diffusion beyond the local entrepreneurial ecosystem : the transformative role of brokerage and network activities
(Emerald, 2024-06) Kansheba, Jonathan Mukiza; Fubah, Clavis Nwehfor; Wald, Andreas
PURPOSE : New ventures often encounter legitimation challenges due to their liability of newness and foreignness. This particularly applies to the legitimacy beyond the local entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE). The present study examines how new ventures’ local legitimacy influences legitimacy diffusion beyond the local EEs. It considers both the direct relationship between new venture local legitimacy and its diffusion beyond the EE and the moderating effects of legitimacy brokerage and network activities on this relationship. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : A hierarchical multiple linear regression is employed to test a series of hypotheses using the data of 228 Finnish firms which was collected with an online survey. FINDINGS : Firms that garner active local legitimacy have a greater chance to diffuse that legitimacy beyond an existing ecosystem. Results also reveal that network activities and legitimacy brokerage enhance (positively moderate) the association between (passive and active) local legitimacy and its diffusion. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The present study contributes to and extends the literature at the intersection of new venture legitimacy and legitimacy diffusion beyond the existing EE – an aspect which has not been sufficiently studied.
Exploring network typology and their role in immigrant entrepreneurship: insights from South Africa
(Emerald, 2025-02) Fubah, Clavis Nwehfor; Moos, Menisha
PURPOSE : This study aims to explore network typology and the role of networks in immigrant entrepreneurs’ (IEs) business operations in South Africa (SA). DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : In-depth interviews were carried out with 25 IEs operating their business ventures in SA, selected via the purposive sampling method. FINDINGS : The findings indicated that IEs in SA use social networks most often, with minimal use of international business networks. In addition, the findings showed that IE networks’ key roles include providing them with access to referrals and resource provision. However, whilst resource provision emerged as a significant role, finance appeared as the main resource provided by networks. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this original paper provided theoretical and empirical contributions to research on network typology and its role for IEs. Thus, the study extended the current literature on the intersection of IEs and their networking behaviours.

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