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Abstract - Critical Analysis of Transformative Interventions Mainstreaming Historically Disadvantaged Black South Africans into the Mining Sector
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Abstract: Mining in South Africa has experienced racial discrimination with regard to beneficiation. It has primarily benefited white elites during the apartheid era causing undesirable inequality and escalation of poverty for the Black South Africans. Currently, South Africa has one of the highest level of inequality in the world which may be attributed to most of the means of production still being in the hands of white minority. Despite mineral resources being the common heritage of the people of South Africa, both black and white, under the custodianship of the State. Mining has always formed the backbone of South Africa’s economy and in the last two decades it has contributed significantly towards employment and economic growth. But, most of the Historically Disadvantaged Black People have not benefited from it. It is against this backdrop of exclusion that this article examines the innovative minerals interventions introduced to adequately unlock economic potentials of mining for the benefit of the black majority. This article is novel and contributes to the body of knowledge using transformative innovative interventions in the mining industry to mainstream previously denied black majority to take active part in the processes of beneficiation. This article accentuates that to some greater extent, implementation of the interventions would alleviate poverty, promote inclusion and create jobs as the black majority would be able to be part and parcel of exploring, processing and converting mineral resources to finished products and benefit broadly. Keywords: Natural resources, Beneficiation, Entrepreneurship, Poverty alleviation, Job opportunities. |
Abstract - Employee Construct of Work-Values among University Support-Staff
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Abstract: Work-values of employees often determine the attitude and disposition that they are likely to display, while discharging their daily duties. In addition to the extrinsic and intrinsic values attached to work by employees in organisations, social factors, such as family roles and responsibilities are also major determinant of how people conceive their jobs and tasks allocated to them. In essence, the conception that workers have about their jobs affect their level of commitment and performance. This study examined employees’ construction of work-values. Specifically, the study highlighted work-values of staff in terms of gender, cadre and profession constructs. The self-determination theory explained the theoretical underpinnings the study. The research design was descriptive which relied on quantitative and qualitative research methods. A total of 312 questionnaires were administered and twenty-four in-depth interview conducted in six clustered departments. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using NVIVO and IBM_SPSS. The study submitted that staff’s construct of work-values varied with regards to gender, cadre, and professions. Married female employees preferred the intrinsic part of their job, such as convenience, autonomy, and hours spent at work which allowed them to attend to their domestic roles of a wife and mother. The majority of the junior cadre conceived job security as illusionary, thereby, making them extrinsically oriented, however, work-values varied among the professions, which were clustered along departmental lines. Keywords: Work-values, organisational commitment, reward system, job security, employee construct. |
Abstract - Eradicating Poverty and Unemployment: Narratives of Survivalist Entrepreneurs
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Abstract: Researchers continue to argue that survivalist entrepreneurs remain the untapped source for improved socioeconomic development because they have the potential to create employment, and reduce poverty. Unemployment and poverty remain the biggest challenges for sub-Saharan Africa but specifically South Africa with an escalating unemployment rate. This is the basis for this study, which set out to provide an authentic insight into the lives of survivalist entrepreneurs in Cape Town, South Africa, for the purpose of revealing the reasons why they are unable to significantly grow and add substantially to the economy. A qualitative approach by way of personal interviews was followed so as to gain an in-depth understanding of the participants’ stories. The findings suggest that survivalist entrepreneurs are able to assist in the socioeconomic development of an economy if appropriate support is given to them by government or through some public-private growth initiatives. This study contributes to survivalist entrepreneurship literature by specifically illuminating why, according to Statistics South Africa, survivalist entrepreneurs do not seem to create more employment opportunities, improve the economy and alleviate poverty. In acknowledgment of some of the study’s limitations, we consequently advise that further study in this area may consider a combination of methods as well as other locations. Keywords: Survivalist entrepreneurship, Small and medium enterprises, Red tape, Glass ceiling, Female entrepreneurship, Cape Metropolitan Municipality, Developing economies, Poverty, Unemployment, Inequality. |
Abstract - Entrepreneurial Marketing and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa
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Abstract: The study investigated the effect of entrepreneurial marketing (EM) on the performance of SMEs. Performance was measured using both organisational and personal criteria. The study utilised the quantitative research approach. The cross-sectional survey method was used for data collection. Data was collected from small business owners through the survey method. The self-administered questionnaire method was used to collect data from the participants. Convenience and snowball methods were used for sampling. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression were used for data analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha was used as the measure of reliability. The results of this study showed significant positive relationships between some dimensions of EM and organisational and personal performance. Theoretically, the study linked EM to the personal performance of the owners of SMEs. Empirically, the study adds to the literature on the relationship between EM and the financial performance of SMEs. Practically, the study suggested recommendations that can improve EM by SMEs. Keywords: Small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurial marketing, performance, South Africa. |
Abstract - Financial Development and Income Inequality in the Selected Southern African Development Community Countries
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Abstract: Financial development is widely regarded as another conduit through which income inequality can be reduced. The study empirically examines the relationship between financial development and income inequality in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, employing the Generalised Method of Moments technique for the period 1980 to 2016. Based on the inequality-decreasing hypothesis, a model which links financial sector development and inequality was estimated. Empirical results revealed that financial sector development overall does have an impact on income inequality in the selected SADC countries. An interesting observation from the empirical results is that the actual dimension of financial development plays a significant role in determining the relationship between financial development and income inequality in the SADC region. The impact of financial depth on income inequality is not obvious in the study, depending on the variable used. On the relationship between financial system stability and income inequality, results reveal that a stable financial system is beneficial to the poor. Financial efficiency does not appear to have a significant role in reducing income inequality in the selected SADC countries. The findings imply that a specific approach to financial sector development rather than a blanket approach is desirable. Keywords: Financial sector development, income inequality, SADC, GMM. |