Research Articles (Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS))

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/51279

The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) is a leading business school in the heart of Illovo, Johannesburg, close to the Sandton business hub. Academic programmes as well as a wide range of executive courses are availble and can be custom-designed to suit specific company needs.

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Conscientious corporate brands : the roles of organisational purpose, organisational culture, brand authenticity and corporate social responsibility
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2025-09) Abratt, Russell; Quaye, Emmanuel Silva; Kleyn, Nicola Susan; kleynn@gibs.co.za
The Conscientious corporate brand (CCB) is a nascent concept whose importance has grown in recent years due to stakeholder demands for organisations to address environmental and social changes as well as to display ethical behaviour in business dealings. Amidst calls for the identification and validation of the antecedents and mediators of CCBs, the purpose of this paper is to establish the role organisational purpose, ethical organisational culture, CSR and brand authenticity plays in shaping stakeholder perceptions of a CCB. Two studies were conducted, using samples obtained from Prolific. In study 1, the results show that organisational purpose is a powerful concept that positively influences the perception of a strong CCB by stakeholders, and that organisational culture moderates the relationship between organisational purpose and brand authenticity. In study 2, our results show that brand authenticity mediates the link between organisational purpose and stakeholder perceptions of a CCB and our findings also suggest that corporate brands with a strong organisational purpose are more likely to be perceived by stakeholders to be a CCB. The theoretical and managerial implications of these findings are discussed, and recommendations for future research are suggested.
The determinants of student loan repayment worry
(Wiley, 2025-06) Magwegwe, Frank Mashoko; magwegwef@gibs.co.za
Millions of student loan borrowers worry about their loan repayments. Previous research has focused on student loan debt's impact on post-college outcomes, overlooking psychological aspects like repayment worry. Utilizing data from the 2021 National Financial Capability Survey (n = 2582), we developed and tested a theoretical model for understanding the determinants of student loan repayment worry (repayment worry) and the moderating effects of gender on the association between stressors (financial hardship and student loan delinquency) and repayment worry. Logistic regression showed that financial hardship and student loan delinquency are significant predictors of repayment worry. The coping resources we studied—financial self-efficacy, financial satisfaction, and household income—were significantly linked to lower repayment worry, except for financial capability. Notably, gender was a significant moderator of the financial hardship—repayment worry association, with males experiencing stronger effects than females, but did not moderate the student loan delinquency—repayment worry association. Implications for mitigating repayment worry are offered.
Cross-cultural insights for customer engagement with access and lateral service systems
(Emerald, 2025) Peasley, Michael C.; Berndt, Adele; BerndtA@gibs.co.za
PURPOSE : This study aims to advance the understanding of how macro-social structures and cultural orientations intricately shape consumption preferences – specifically perceived utilitarian value and behavioral intentions – within access and lateral exchange markets. Through integrating insights from consumer culture theory with the dynamics of sharing service systems, this research underscores that consumption choices are not merely individual acts of preference but are embedded within broader cultural frameworks and shaped by historical and societal narratives. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : This study uses structural equation modeling using Mplus, version 8, to analyze a dataset comprising 2,428 survey responses. A random-effects model is applied to assess the influence of macro-cultural orientations across multiple national contexts, allowing for the simultaneous consideration of country-specific random effects and cross-national generalizability. Respondents represent six culturally diverse countries spanning five continents, enabling the derivation of insights applicable to other markets with similar cultural profiles. FINDINGS : Markets characterized by higher cultural indulgence and individualism, and lower uncertainty avoidance, present greater opportunities for connecting consumers’ preferences to lateral exchange markets. In contrast, cultures with greater restraint, collectivism and higher uncertainty avoidance may provide better opportunities for access to exchange markets than lateral exchange markets. These findings underscore the importance of firms aligning their market selection, entry plan and promotional strategies with the cultural dimensions that enhance the appeal and usability of their sharing economy services. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This research contributes to the limited body of cross-cultural empirical studies on sharing economy platforms, particularly in distinguishing between lateral and access exchange models. By highlighting the relationship between cultural orientations and consumer preferences, this study provides actionable guidance for platform developers and marketers seeking to expand globally.
Ubuntu leadership and employee engagement in mining : the moderating role of safety culture
(AOSIS, 2025-07) Nelwamondo, Mpho Brian; Price, Gavin; priceg@gibs.co.za
ORIENTATION : This study explored the influence of Ubuntu leadership on employee engagement in South Africa’s mining industry, with a focus on the moderating role of safety culture. RESEARCH PURPOSE : The purpose was to examine whether Ubuntu leadership significantly predicts employee engagement and whether safety culture strengthens this relationship. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : The mining sector faces persistent challenges such as hazardous working conditions and disengagement. Addressing these issues requires leadership models that are both effective and culturally relevant. RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD : A descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. Data were collected from 351 mining employees using the Ubuntu Leadership Scale (ULS), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and a custom-developed safety culture scale. Statistical analysis included correlation and moderated regression. MAIN FINDINGS : Ubuntu leadership was positively associated with employee engagement (r = 0.633, p < 0.001), and the interaction term with safety culture was statistically significant (B = 0.187, p = 0.003), confirming a moderating effect. The model explained 40.6% of the variance in engagement. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS s: Integrating Ubuntu leadership with a strong safety culture can enhance employee engagement, and improve safety compliance. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : This study contributes to the understanding of culturally grounded leadership in high-risk industries and highlights the synergistic role of safety culture in enhancing leadership effectiveness.
Resilience strategies to counter gender discrimination in South Africa’s manufacturing industry
(AOSIS, 2025-08) Kinnear, Lisa C.; Mareletse, Disebo; kinnearl@gibs.co.za
ORIENTATION: A deeper understanding of women’s resilience strategies in the face of gender discrimination warrants exploration for theory building. RESEARCH PURPOSE : This study sought to examine the nature of gender discrimination as experienced by women leaders in South African manufacturing workplaces; the personal resilience strategies that they employ to counter gender discrimination; and how these strategies transform the praxis of resilience. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : The study heeds the call for epistemologies of resilience to incorporate women’s perspectives in response to systems of injustice and to provide insights for gender transformation efforts in South African manufacturing organisations. RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD : A qualitative research approach was used, supported by semi-structured interviews with 15 female leaders in South African manufacturing organisations whose narratives were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). MAIN FINDINGS : This study confirmed the prevalence of gender discrimination in South African manufacturing workplaces, perpetuated by normalised masculine cultures. Women leaders in these environments have developed personal resilience strategies that reflect both a survivalist approach and a more transformative approach; however, the sustainability and systemic impact of these strategies are limited. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : The research has practical implications for women leaders’ resilience strategies in the face of gender discrimination, as well as implications for human resource (HR) practitioners and leaders committed to developing more inclusive workplace cultures in male-dominated environments. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : This article contributes to scholarship on gender discrimination and resilience within the unique context of South African manufacturing, incorporating gendered perspectives.
Journey to senior leadership : intersectional narratives from women in the leadership pipeline
(AOSIS, 2025-07) Mbatha, Vamisile; Ruiters, Michele; ruitersm@gibs.co.za
ORIENTATION : This study explores the factors influencing women’s progression to senior leadership positions, focusing on their experiences within South Africa’s financial services sector. RESEARCH PURPOSE : The aim was to identify key elements that impact women’s advancement through the leadership pipeline. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY : Despite growing gender diversity initiatives, women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles. Understanding barriers from the perspective of women in middle management offers valuable insights into addressing this gap, particularly in a multicultural context like South Africa. RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD : The study employed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 14 women – 12 from middle management and two from senior executive levels. Thematic analysis was used to extract themes from participants’ shared experiences. MAIN FINDINGS : Four main themes emerged: organisational culture, leadership, intersectionality and emerging issues such as sponsorship and expectations from senior female leaders. Participants noted that organisational practices and leadership behaviours often impeded their progression. Additionally, socio-demographic factors – especially motherhood and marital status – created further barriers, revealing how intersecting identities influence leadership advancement. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : Organisations must reconsider their leadership development strategies to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of women. Optimising leadership pipeline practices and addressing cultural and gender dynamics are essential for enabling women’s advancement. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD : The study applies leadership pipeline theory in a South African multicultural setting, uncovering new intersections between organisational culture and gender. It enhances understanding of the complex factors hindering women’s leadership progression and offers guidance for more equitable talent development practices.
Understanding customer grief in brand relationships
(Elsevier, 2026-01) Berndt, Adele; Tierney, Kieran D.
Brands are key in building customer-brand relationships, yet organisations change their product lines by reformulating or discontinuing brands. This results in negative customer emotions, including pain and grief. While identified in marketing, grief has received little academic attention. Thus, this research seeks to explore and develop an understanding of customer grief as pain. The empirical context is the change of a breakfast cereal. By applying netnographic research to eight customer-brand fora, this qualitative study analysed 4,080 online customer posts to understand customer grief. Applying the stages of the Kübler-Ross grief model, this study shows that grief is associated with a misalignment of customers’ expectations, practices, and emotions in response to an unexpected brand change. This generates a more fine-grained understanding of customer grief, providing theoretical and practical implications for organisations in managing their brand relationships. HIGHLIGHTS • The brand is key in building customer-brand relationships, yet organisations change their product lines. • Organisational actions can result in negative customer emotions such as grief. • The empirical context of the study is that of the withdrawal of a breakfast cereal. • This qualitative netnographic study analyses 4,080 online customer posts to understand customer grief. • The study applies the stages of the Kübler-Ross grief model in the context of marketing.
The implications of the European green deal for African agricultural exports
(Adonis and Abbey Publishers, 2025-09) Muller, Luke B.B.; Ndlovu, Mbongeni M.
The European Green Deal is the central policy blueprint for regional climate goals by 2050, and it can potentially affect African agricultural exporters. This study investigates related non-tariff barriers, focusing on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, packaging, pesticide, fertiliser and traceability regulations. The research combines desk research, statistical analysis and expert interviews. Key findings indicate that while African agriculture may benefit from its relatively low carbon footprint, the increasing complexity of European Union regulations is posing a significant challenge for African agricultural exporters, mainly small-scale exporters. The study highlights the need for African agribusinesses to adapt to the evolving European Union regulatory landscape, invest in sustainable practices and packaging, monitor greenhouse gas emissions, keep track of land use change, restrict the use of pesticides, restrict the use of chemical fertilisers and pre-emptively adopt traceability and certification compliance requirements. As a parallel strategy, agribusinesses should seek to strengthen intraregional trade with trade-liberalising countries in Africa, where the costs imposed by tariffs and non-tariff barriers are being intentionally lowered.
Leveraging big data analytics capabilities and data-driven decision-making to enhance farm-level performance in agriculture
(Adonis and Abbey Publishers, 2025-09) Wolvaardt, Francois; Fourie, Alicia; fourieA@gibs.co.za
Big data analytics offers actionable insights that enhance data-driven decision-making and improve firm performance by optimising production and reducing costs. While its application in agriculture is growing, research on its impact at the farm level is limited. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring how data analytics capabilities can enhance decision-making and organisational performance in agriculture. Utilising a resource-based view and dynamic capabilities perspective, the study develops a research model connecting big data analytics capabilities, data-driven decision-making, and farm performance. An exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted on data from 145 farming organisations in South Africa. The results indicate that big data analytics capabilities and data-driven decision-making positively affect farm performance. This research contributes to the data analytics literature by identifying key capabilities that enhance performance, offering practical insights for farmers and agricultural service providers seeking to leverage data analytics effectively.
How and when bridging and buffering strategies drive financial performance : evidence from companies using key account management
(Elsevier, 2025) Olabode, Oluwaseun E.; Nalmpanti, Athanasia D.; Essuman, Dominic; Leonidou, Constantinos N.; Hultman, Magnus; Boso, Nathaniel; boson@gibs.co.za
The key account management (KAM) literature has increasingly adopted a supply chain perspective to understand how firms manage supplier and customer networks to drive business success. Within this context, bridging and buffering strategies have emerged as critical tools for managing interorganizational relationships and resource flows. Yet little is known about how these strategies generate performance gains and under what conditions they are most effective. This paper addresses these gaps by uncovering the supply chain responsiveness capability mechanism that links bridging and buffering strategies to performance outcomes under varying supply chain disruption conditions. Using primary data from 205 business-to-business firms that rely on KAM programs, we find that while buffering directly benefits financial performance, responsiveness capability positively mediates the effect of both bridging and buffering strategies on financial performance. Moreover, buffering and responsiveness capability have stronger effects in covariate than in idiosyncratic disruptions. Interestingly, the direct effect of bridging strategy on performance remains consistent, regardless of the type of supply chain disruption conditions. The findings help clarify the economic value of bridging and buffering strategies and provides actionable insights to guide companies using KAM programs on how and the supply chain conditions which each strategy could be deployed optimally. HIGHLIGHTS ● Evidence from companies using key account management suggests that while buffering, and not bridging, strategy is positively related to financial performance. ● Responsiveness capability serves as a channel through which buffering/bridging strategies contribute to financial performance ● Covariate supply chain disruption conditions better strengthen the indirect association between buffering/bridging strategies and performance than idiosyncratic supply chain disruption conditions
Relationship norms, rewards and consumer-brand bonds : when cultural context and attachment anxiety matter
(Emerald, 2025) Iveson, Abbie; Davvetas, Vasileios; Hultman, Magnus; Boso, Nathaniel
PURPOSE : The consumer–brand relationship (CBR) literature is grounded in the notion that CBRs mirror interpersonal relationships. Yet little research has examined whether the relational norms that underpin these relationships operate consistently across cultural contexts. This study challenges the assumption that consumers universally value balanced and equitable relationships. It examines two contrasting national settings to explore how the norms guiding relational engagement vary across cultural contexts, focusing on differences in relational norms (communal vs. exchange) and relational rewards (intrinsic vs. extrinsic). Cultural dimensions such as power distance provide a useful interpretive lens for understanding these differences. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The study uses the student–university relationship as the empirical context to investigate cultural differences in CBRs. A cross-cultural survey was administered to 511 respondents in the United Kingdom (U.K.) and 263 respondents in Ghana. FINDINGS : The results reveal distinct relational patterns across the two cultural contexts examined. In the U.K., communal and exchange-based CBRs aligned with conventional relationship theories. In Ghana, however, these patterns diverged from expected distinctions between communal and exchange norms. Furthermore, attachment anxiety interacted with cultural context, moderating the effects of relational norms and attenuating contextual differences. ORIGINALITY : This study contributes to the growing body of CBR research by introducing a cross-cultural perspective. It demonstrates that relational norms are not universally applied but vary across contrasting cultural contexts and are further shaped by individual attachment styles. These findings offer actionable insights for relationship marketing strategists, highlighting the importance of adapting approaches to both cultural and individual differences.
Factors influencing top management team dynamics for successful strategy implementation
(AOSIS, 2025-09) Mvubu, Yoliswa S.; Madziva, Tonderayi Jafias; Mathibe, Motshedisi Sina; mathibet@gibs.co.za
PURPOSE : This study explores the factors influencing top management team (TMT) dynamics to successfully implement an organisation’s strategy. It seeks to understand how such factors influence the TMT’s decision-making regarding strategy implementation. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : A qualitative research approach was utilised for the study, and data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with six C-suite executives and 12 chief executive officers of large corporates across South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS/RESULTS : The study found that emotional acumen and TMT relationships drive successful strategy implementation; the management style that displays effective communication and accountability leads to successful strategy implementation; work gratification propels innovation in strategy implementation; and diversity of group characteristics drives or thwarts collaboration for successful strategy implementation. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : This study enables business leaders, C-suite executives and senior and middle managers to better comprehend the impact of TMT dynamics on strategy implementation. Additionally, the study provides managers and leaders with insights on which TMT dynamics are best to focus on for their respective firms to enhance strategy implementation and ultimately organisational performance. Originality/value: This study is significant and necessary in bridging the aforementioned theoretical gaps on TMT dynamics and strategy implementation.
Cultural norms, commercial friendship, and customer citizenship behaviour
(Emerald, 2025) Osakwe, Christian Nedu; Adeola, Ogechi; Maduku, Daniel K.
PURPOSE : This study investigates the relationships between cultural norms, including personal cultural orientations and religiosity, commercial friendship, and customer citizenship behaviour in the subsistence retail marketplace – an underexplored context in retail and marketing research. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Following a positivist philosophical stance and a deductive approach, survey data were gathered from 414 participants using self-administered questionnaires. FINDINGS : The findings underscore the significant impact of cultural norms on friendship development, specifically with regard to independence, power distance, long-term orientation, and religiosity. Furthermore, the results indicate a positive relationship between commercial friendships and customer citizenship behaviours, including resistance to negative information, feedback provision, tolerance, and word-of-mouth communication. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This research offers an original contribution to literature by examining the influence of cultural norms on customer-firm relationships and the role of commercial friendship in fostering customer citizenship behaviours. This study is the first to investigate these relationships within the context of the subsistence retail marketplace, thereby advancing scholarship in retail and marketing.
What happens when your hand is in my pocket: the foreign policy effects of China’s foreign direct investment in Africa
(Springer, 2025-06) Ndofor, Hermann Achidi; Jones, Carla D.; Li, Mengge
This study utilizes social exchange theory to argue that a more complete picture of the effects of China’s FDI in Africa needs to include non-economic factors, especially institutional forces that incorporate macro political considerations. We propose that economic dependencies created by China’s FDI in Africa are reciprocated by votes in international organizations, and thus, we hypothesize and test that increasing China’s FDI in African nations leads to increased political alignment in international affairs with those African nations. The proposed relationship, however, will be weakened for African countries with stronger governance mechanisms. Using data for China’s FDI in African countries from 2001–2019, we find support for our hypotheses. We find that China’s economic engagement in Africa has resulted in increased political alignment on international issues evidenced by votes in United Nations organizations raising the possibility Africa’s most attractive resource may not be economic, but rather political. This, however, poses the question of whether votes are a ‘resource’ that can be traded for economic purposes.
Enhancing flow in remote work: the influence of IT consumerization
(Emerald, 2025) Doargajudhur, Melina; Huzooree, Geshwaree; Dutot, Vincent; Lichy, Jessica; Hosanoo, Zuberia
PURPOSE : The widespread adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) post pandemic has reshaped remote work, yet its implications for employee well-being and work outcomes remain inconclusive. This study proposes a research model to examine how IT consumerization influences employees’ flow, a state of control, enjoyment and focus on work. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Grounded in the job demands-resources (JD-R) model theory. This study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze survey from 476 full-time remote workers across various sectors in Mauritius, a developing economy where IT consumerization has surged to support remote connectivity. FINDINGS : The results highlight IT consumerization as a “double-edged sword”, enhancing autonomy while simultaneously generating techno-pressure. However, autonomy buffers the negative effects of techno-pressure, ultimately improving flow. Techno-pressure, autonomy and work-life conflict serve as mediators, deepening the understanding of how IT consumerization impacts flow. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : Practical implications are suggested for organizations seeking to optimize remote work remote conditions. Strategies that balance autonomy and mitigate techno-pressure can improve employees’ flow in remote work environments. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This research contributes to the telework literature by examining IT consumerization within remote work settings, particularly in a developing economy context. By highlighting its dual role as both a resource and a demand, the study enriches understanding of its impact on flow.
Differing associations between organizational training types and operational resilience
(Emerald, 2025) Ataburo, Henry; Essuman, Dominic; Mensah, Henry Kofi; Aditchere, James; Nkrumah, Prince
PURPOSE : How and when organizational training relates to operational resilience remains underexplored empirically, despite a growing body of literature suggesting that human capital development is essential for enhancing operational resilience. To address this limitation, this study examines how two forms of organizational training – dynamic and ordinary capability training – relate to operational resilience under differing levels of job autonomy. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The study uses the ability-motivation-opportunity theory to develop hypotheses regarding how each type of organizational training relates to operational resilience and how job autonomy moderates these relationships. Survey data from 259 firms in Ghana were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. FINDINGS : The results reveal that the relationship between organizational training and operational resilience varies by training type and level of job autonomy. Specifically, compared to ordinary capability training, dynamic capability training has a stronger positive association with operational resilience. The positive relationship between dynamic capability training and operational resilience is weaker in high than low job autonomy conditions. Conversely, ordinary capability training has a stronger positive relationship with operational resilience in high than low job autonomy conditions. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This study elaborates on the underdeveloped literature on the link between human capital development and organizational resilience outcomes. Rather than assuming homogeneity in organizational training, this study reveals distinct ways in which dynamic and ordinary capability training relate to operational resilience under varying levels of job autonomy.
The impact of IT ambidexterity on organizational agility : the mediating role of organizational change capacity
(Association for Information Systems, 2025-03) Rawat, Waseem; Barnes, Justin
BACKGROUND : Organizational agility (OA) is recognized as a vital capability for competitiveness in dynamic business environments. While IT capabilities are acknowledged as a potential source of OA, there is limited research on the agility-enabling role of IT ambidexterity (ITA), which is the dual pursuit of IT exploitation and IT exploration. In particular, the influence of ITA on market capitalizing agility (MCA) and operational adjustment agility (OAA), which are key agility dimensions, remains unexplored. Although prior work has argued that intermediary organizational capabilities may be required to translate IT capabilities into OA, no previous studies have considered the role of organizational change capacity (OCC), in the ITA-OA relationship. To address these gaps, we draw on the dynamic capability view and the IT-enabled agility literature to examine the relationships between ITA and MCA, OAA, and OA, and propose that OCC mediates these relationships. METHOD : A comprehensive quantitative approach, involving the development of a robust research instrument, was used to empirically investigate the relationships between the constructs. Survey data was collected from 173 IT professionals. The analysis was performed using partial least squares structural equation modelling to assess the measurement model and to test the hypotheses. RESULTS : Our findings reveal that ITA has a direct positive impact on MCA, OAA, and OA, while OCC partially mediates the ITA-MCA, ITA-OAA, and ITA-OA relationships. All measurement and structural model assessment criteria were met, demonstrating the robustness of our conceptualized model. CONCLUSION : The results highlight the importance of balancing IT exploitation and exploration to foster OA, particularly through OAA and MCA, and introduces OCC as an intermediary capability that facilitates the translation of ITA into OA, and its dimensions. The theoretical arguments and empirical evidence offer insights for future research and organizational practice into the direct and indirect role of ITA in developing organizational dynamic capabilities.
Two decades of foreign direct investment in Africa : a systematic literature review, integrative framework, and agenda for future research
(Inderscience, 2025-08) Ameyaw, Abdul-Kadir; Panibratov, Andrei
Despite the increase in research efforts on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in International Business (IB), the literature on FDI in Africa suffers from disintegration, theoretical boundaries and empirical vagueness, leaving important countenances uninvestigated. The purpose of this article is to reveal how much work has been done, what knowledge has been obtained, and what directions need to be taken for future FDI in Africa research. We conduct a systematic literature review of pertinent theoretical and empirical studies encompassing 105 articles from reputable management and economics journals on FDI in Africa. Our study contributes to this body of scholarship by identifying and discussing prior research, agglomerating them into themes, providing a structured debate about what is already known, as well as offering an explanation of why and how Africa is a distinctive context different from other emerging markets. We further develop an integrative framework that provides extensive knowledge of contemporary and promising avenues for future research.
Enhancing financial inclusion and entrepreneurship drive in Africa : do digital technologies matter?
(Wiley, 2025-09) Mathibe, Motshedisi Sina; Oppong, Clement
The study investigates the use of digital technologies in promoting entrepreneurship and financial inclusion (FI) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Employing an exploratory and quantitative design, the research utilises a longitudinal dataset spanning 2016–2023, aligning with the UN SDGs implementation. Secondary data from 30 SSA nations were analysed, based on specific inclusion criteria and data availability, to examine the interplay between FI, digital technologies (DT), and entrepreneurship. A Pooled OLS regression model was used to assess the impact of digital technologies on FI and entrepreneurial drive in Africa. Recognising potential limitations of the pooled OLS model, including omitted variable bias and specification error, the GMM was applied as a robust check. Modern financial services like mobile banking, fintech solutions, and digital platforms significantly enhance FI and entrepreneurship success in underdeveloped regions. The study stressed the need for diverse financial products, regulations, and policies tailored to varying socio-economic backgrounds. The research contributes to existing literature by exploring how customer-centric innovations and stakeholder collaboration can sustainably promote FI, entrepreneurship, the achievement of SDGs, and economic growth in Africa.
Navigating market turbulence : a configurational perspective of ambidextrous innovation in strengthening organizational resilience in sub- Saharan Africa
(NISC Pty (Ltd) and Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group, 2025-07) Okrah, Andrews Osei; Boso, Nathaniel; Mensah, Henry Kofi
This study investigates the relationship between ambidextrous innovation capabilities and organizational resilience in Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana, with a focus on the moderating role of external market turbulence. Drawing on data from 285 MSMEs, the research adopts a quantitative approach, employing confirmatory factor analysis and Hayes PROCESS Macro to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal that ambidextrous innovation – comprising both exploitative and exploratory dimensions – positively influences organizational resilience, enabling firms to adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Additionally, the study highlights the significant moderating effect of external market turbulence, wherein higher turbulence levels strengthen the positive impact of ambidextrous innovation on resilience. These results contribute to the literature on innovation and resilience by providing empirical evidence from the sub-Saharan African context, particularly in MSMEs operating in volatile markets. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, with recommendations for MSMEs to foster balanced innovation capabilities to enhance their resilience in uncertain environments. The study also identifies areas for future research, including exploring additional contextual variables and expanding similar studies to other regions.

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