Theses and Dissertations (University of Pretoria)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/31741

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Power asymmetric relationships between mining firms and community stakeholders : what works and what does not? The case of the South African mining industry
(University of Pretoria, 2024) Dawkins, Cedric; Barnard, Helena; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Sangqu, Andile Hesperus
The study presents observations and analyses of, and conclusions about, how relationships between mining firms and their stakeholders’ function under conditions of power asymmetry. Power is an important dimension of stakeholder relationships yet remains understudied in the literature; power asymmetry is inherent in relationships, including stakeholder relationships. However, if asymmetry is not effectively addressed, it can engender conflicts or schisms, with stakeholders experiencing unfair and inequitable assessment and promotion of their interests by mining firms. Addressing this demands that both parties engage with each other in ways that promote joint interests and proactively address power asymmetry. One strategy is to develop specific mechanisms and frameworks to promote these joint interests. This study presents a perspective on how stakeholder relationships currently work in the mining industry in South Africa, where power asymmetry is prevalent, and how they can work better. The findings derive from three case studies, with data assembled through interviews with both stakeholders and mining firms. Based on this, the study proposes a novel engagement framework within which the relationship can function optimally, and which stakeholders can apply to assert and leverage their power during engagements. The research thus contributes to theorising an understudied area and proposes an innovative engagement framework for handling power asymmetry to benefit both stakeholders and mining houses.
Exploring how incumbent firms deal with digital challengers
(University of Pretoria, 2024-04) Habermann, Harald; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Oladejo, Ayobami
The empirical study explored how incumbent firms deal with digital challengers by identifying the micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities. Extant literature mainly focussed on resource ownership as a consideration when incumbent firms respond to challengers. The resource-based theory proposes the ownership of valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable resources to achieve competitive advantage. In contrast, dynamic capabilities do not only focus on acquiring resources but also exploiting external resources and the orchestration of both. The study followed a qualitative multiple case study method of inquiry due to the nascent state of the dynamic capabilities literature and the explorative nature of the research questions. Four incumbent firms in telecommunications and financial services that have responded to digital challengers were selected as case companies. The study contributes to theory by identifying twenty-eight practices aggregated into eight micro-foundations of the dynamic capabilities of sensing, seizing and transforming. Out of the twenty-eight practices, seven were unique and not identified in the micro-foundations of DC literature relevant to business model innovation. A comprehensive framework of thirty-five practices aggregated into twelve micro-foundations was developed by integrating more practices and micro-foundations from two relevant literatures. Furthermore, the study identified Sixteen inhibitors to dynamic capabilities when incumbent firms deal with digital challengers. Company executives will benefit from the comprehensive framework. It will open discussions on looking beyond resource ownership and focusing on internal/external resource orchestration and agility. The study reveals that the incumbent companies struggled to deal with the digital challengers when focused on the resource-based approach. The need for good sensing skills to pre-empt digital competition threats and opportunities and be agile enough to react was highlighted. The study also revealed that incumbents must adequately transform their business models to respond to digital challengers not just from the usual customer/products perspectives but also from an investment attractiveness point of view.
The role of autonomy as a strategy for the financial performance of large acquisition targets : evidence from mergers and acquisitions on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11-10) Barnard, Helena; Saville, Adrian; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Manyawi, Eminos
This thesis empirically investigates the role of target autonomy on the financial performance outcomes of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), considering the relative size of the target to that of the acquirer. Managing a large M&A target in a takeover often proves a daunting task for acquirers, often leading to value destruction for acquirer Shareholders. Consistent with prior work, the study suggests the existence of systematic differences in takeover value creation because of the relative size between acquirer and target. The classical view holds that acquisitions of relatively large targets destroy shareholder value due to considerable amount of management attention drawn away from profitable activities to deal with the challenges of new business integration. This study uses the theoretical work on autonomy to argue that large targets are more likely to perform well when given autonomy, as opposed to the structural integration view both in Africa and Developed world. Extant literature often blames size of targets, relative to that of acquirer as a major driver of merger failures in creating value. If anything, I proffer that size, by itself may be tamed in an M&A by introducing a strategic angle, a moderator, where autonomy is granted to large acquirees and is irrespective of geography, or level of economic development. My findings explain that relatively large targets can enhance shareholder value if the large targets are given the necessary autonomy and support to continue their core business with minimal interference from the acquirer companies. This has clear implications for M&A practitioners. An important contribution of this study is the development of a conceptual framework, incorporating autonomy as a significant moderating variable of relative size and the acquirer performance where the target is considered of relative size compared to the size of the acquirer. This has been found to be a significant contributor to the size effect on acquisitions in Africa, as much as in the developed markets.
Exploring a capital structure decision-making framework for financially distressed companies
(University of Pretoria, 2022-08-10) Pretorius, Marius; u89448490@tuks.co.za; Van Beek, Coenraad J. S.
Depending on the stage of its life cycle, a company will require a different composition of its capital structure. The life cycle stage does not automatically determine the probability of financial distress for a company. However, the inverse is true; financial distress can determine the life cycle phase of a company. The question that academics and practitioners continue to grapple with is, what should the financially distressed company’s capital structure consist of to maximise its chances of success? This study explores severity of distress, reasonable prospect to rescue a financially distressed company, various capital structure theories, and the determinants of capital structures to investigate what may inform capital structure decision-making for distressed companies. The aim of this study is to explore a capital structure decision-making framework for financially distressed companies. This is achieved by investigating the following research questions: 1. How does severity of distress impact the capital structure decision of financially distressed companies? 2. How does the reasonable prospect of rescuing a company affect the capital structure decisions of financially distressed companies? 3. What are the determinants of the capital structure of financially distressed companies? 4. What decision-making framework should funders and practitioners use when considering the capital structure decisions of financially distressed companies? The main contributions of this study were to expand on the existing frameworks to evaluate severity of distress on a framework that is more aligned to capital structure decision-making. Furthermore, it was also to further investigate the boundaries of the zone of insolvency and its consequences for capital structure decision-making. However, the study explored how severity of distress and the zone of insolvency impact the reasonable prospect of rescuing a company. This study then aims to contribute further to the limited academic literature that is available on the concept of reasonable prospect and explores how existing reasonable prospect calculations can be adapted to make them less subjective and align them to make sense of the capital structure that financially distressed companies require. The unique circumstances that a company in financial distress finds itself in result in determinants affecting its capital structure that is different from the norm. This study explored possible determinants that have a practical implication as well for companies in financial distress. The study then aims to propose a capital structure decision-making framework that can be used for future research and by practitioners to hopefully move the capital structure debate and practical value thereof forward for practitioners. Literature review The literature review explored the literature on severity of financial distress, the zone of insolvency, and the reasonable prospect of rescuing a company. Furthermore, the study reviewed the three main capital structure theories, namely, the irrelevance capital structure theory, the trade-off theory, and lastly, the pecking order theory and considered the impact of financial distress. The study also focuses on the shutdown rule and key case law to assist in the exploration of determinants of capital structure when a company is financially distressed. Theoretical framework To address this gap in theory, the researcher explores what may inform capital structure decision-making for distressed companies from an ontologically subjective constructivist-interpretive paradigm, believing that knowledge comes from facts associated with real-life cases and their context. The reality for a financially distressed company is not the norms that govern the company as a going concern in finance, accounting, investment, and economic disciplines. The researcher’s epistemological position acknowledges that as a constructive interpretivist, the researcher is inclined to a more qualitative research methodology to explore and understand the phenomenon of financially distressed companies’ capital structure. Methodology A mixed-method approach was used to first explore the constructs and themes around severity of distress, zone of insolvency, reasonable prospect to rescue a company, and capital structure of companies in financial distress through a review of relevant literature. This was followed by pilot qualitative semi-structured open-ended interviews with various industry experts that span management, practitioners, and funders. As a practitioner in the field, the researcher’s own observations were also used for further triangulation. The themes and constructs established were then further explored through a Qualtrics questionnaire extracted from the initial concourse statements. The final Q-set of 66 statements was then sorted by expert industry participants and analysed using the PQMethod software for quantitative correlation and factor extraction. Finally, a holistic interpretation of all statements to explore the phenomenon was made to find synergies between the data and the theories explored. Interpretation The interpretation revealed a surprisingly high correlation between the three-factor arrays (viewpoints) identified through the Q method process and the three main capital structure theories, namely, pecking order theory, trade-off theory, and irrelevance theory, that were selected as the focus during the literature review. Another surprising outcome was the realisation after exploration of a holistic range of statements that the factor arrays did not favour a particular capital structure theory but rather differentiated the use of a capital structure theory based on severity of distress and the reasonable prospect of rescuing the company. The determinants that have an impact on the determination of severity of financial distress and the calculation of the reasonable prospect were also explored. This study proposes a less subjective framework that can practically be aligned to the distressed company capital structure. Discussion This study concluded by making observations on the propositions made from the original literature review. Furthermore, a capital structure decision-making framework for financially distressed companies is proposed that will hopefully evoke further academic debate and be useful for practitioners. Conclusion This study explored literature relevant to the phenomenon of capital structure decision-making for financially distressed companies. Furthermore, the gaps identified in the literature and lacking in practice were addressed with the mixed-method exploratory research using the Q methodology for the first time in this context. The results were surprising findings linking severity of distress, reasonable prospect, the determinants of capital structure for financially distressed companies, and the capital structure theories in a new way. This allowed for the proposal of a capital structure decision-making framework for financially distressed companies that will hopefully evoke further academic research and practical application.
The dynamic evolution of means and goals during the early internationalisation of South African small and medium-sized enterprises
(University of Pretoria, 2025-01-31) Barnard, Helena; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Mans, Theunis Gerhardus
This study examines how the transformation and evolution of means influence the internationalisation goals of South African small and medium-sized enterprises during their early internationalisation, using effectuation theory. According to this theory, during periods of scarce resources and uncertainty, firms start internationalising by increasing their means—such as identity, knowledge, and networks—influencing their goals. While scholars have started to examine this means-goal relationship, they often overlook the dynamics of this process. The findings of this study should prompt early internationalising small and medium-sized enterprises to reconsider goal setting as a process influenced by their means. Small and medium-sized enterprises often struggle with scarce resources and uncertainty during their early internationalisation. Furthermore, understanding how they reconfigure and increase their means and how this influences their goals remains complex. Thus, effectuation theory was relevant for this study, as it addresses these challenges. This study contributes to effectuation theory in three ways. I offer a more precise categorisation of the goals that emerge during the process of effectuation. I confirm the current effectuation literature that the goals of the firm evolve when its means evolve. Finally, I show that this process of means and goals evolution is dynamic during effectuation. How does evolving means enable small and medium-sized enterprises to evolve their internationalisation goals was the main research question asked in this study. A case study on eight early internationalising South African small and medium-sized enterprises was conducted. Evidence suggests that during early internationalisation, means and goals evolve dynamically. Goals may range from general to more specified in no particular order, influenced by increased or decreased means. This study contributes to the literature by showing that means and goals evolve dynamically during effectuation. Firms should set general goals rather than specified goals when facing scarce resources and uncertainty during early internationalisation. The process perspective of this study provides methodological contributions to the literature. Future studies can incorporate the goal-setting literature into this study or test my findings in more developed markets over an extended period of time.
Exploring followership influence on a leader’s value system development
(University of Pretoria, 2024-05-31) Scheepers, Caren; Jankelowitz, Lauren; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Bailey, Charlene
Literature shows that leadership cannot exist without followership, therefore the lens within research has been reversed from leadership to followership. My study answered the call for more research on the Theory of Basic Individual Values, value system development and followership, focusing on the influence of followership on the leaders’ value system development. Followership influence is an important context variable that influence leadership outcomes. Understanding how this variable interacted with leadership is an important scholarly pursuit. However, research on this topic is slim, with several theoretical limitations within this line of inquiry. My research provided a comprehensive review of the extant research on followership influence on leadership. In total, 24 interviews were held with 12 senior leaders meeting specific criteria, namely senior leaders operating in South Africa (SA), leaders with followers reporting to them, and leaders from flat-structured companies. As two interviews were held with each leader, the first interview obtained stories of followership influence on the leader’s value system, and the second interview ensured all aspects of a story were covered. The Theory of Basic Individual Values was used in my research, aiding in explaining human behaviour. Values are invaluable in explaining personal change characterising societies and individuals, tracing this change over time, and explaining the motivation behind behaviour. A leader’s value system is an essential part of their leadership. There were 42 stories shared about followership influence on the leaders’ value system development. Narrative analysis resulted in several key stories that served to answer the research question of how followership influences leaders' value system development. My study found that leaders possess a hierarchy of importance of values, and that followership influenced leaders’ value system by challenging the leader’s values. My research identifies followership as an antecedent to leadership development and value system development. Two approaches were identified, namely followership influence and reciprocal influence. These findings add to the Theory of Basic Individual Values and literature on leadership development, value system development and followership.
The impact of inclusion on employee engagement : evidence from the South African financial sector
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Ruiters, Michele; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Sekhukhune, Mpatsake Jessica
Globalisation has been expedited by technological advancements, which have led to a growing number of diverse workforces on a global scale. Nevertheless, diversity is an inherent characteristic of South Africa's demographic makeup. However, the mere presence of diverse individuals does not necessarily promote an inclusive environment, and diversity alone does not equate to inclusion. Scholars have conducted a comprehensive examination of diversity and inclusion, highlighting the significance of inclusion in facilitating the success of diverse workforces. Nevertheless, such studies have not investigated South Africa's finance sector context; this research has been conducted in other regions and various sectors. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the correlation between employee engagement and inclusion in the finance sector of South Africa, thereby contributing to the current existing knowledge on the subject. This study employed a structured questionnaire to collect data from 211 respondents in the South African finance sector, utilising a quantitative approach. The results demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between employee engagement and inclusion, suggesting that inclusion functions as a predictor of employee engagement. These findings emphasise the critical importance of inclusive practices in the development of a productive and engaged workforce in diverse organisational settings.
Examining the role of business analytics for the adaptation of business models among South Africa SMEs
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Mathibe, Tshidi; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Nyandane, Meranda Rirhandzu
SMEs play a critical role in fostering economic growth across developing countries. However, these enterprises face noteworthy challenges in developing strategies to survive and be competitive in the dynamic business environment. The purpose of this study was to bridge the research gap and examine the role of business analytics (BA) in adapting business models among SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative multiple-case method was employed through semi-structured interviews of SME business owners and managers Findings: The examination conducted in the study through thematic analysis revealed that SMEs face several challenges. However, BA is instrumental in helping SMEs understand majorly customer needs and behaviour, enabling them to adapt their value proposition based on customer insights. To maximise the benefits of BA, SMEs need to have a clear objective for business analytics that aligns with their overall business strategy.
The lived experiences of African and coloured women in top management and their contribution to organisational strategic decision-making in South African organisations
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Scheepers, Caren; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Nyamande, Muelelwa
Despite the progress women of colour in South Africa have made in being represented in top management, African and Coloured women remain underrepresented in most senior parts of their organisations. With that in mind, what is still unclear is what happens with women of colour when they have reached top management, and how they are involved in critical decisions within their organisations. Understanding their lived experiences through the lens of intersectionality and role congruency theory gives insights into what these experiences look like and whether the idea of tokenism persists in corporate South Africa at that level. The main elements of focus concerning their roles are the intersection of race and gender, together with their leadership level, and examining what role they play in strategic decision-making in their organisations. this study examines how African and Coloured women are engaged in the process of strategic decision-making in their organisations. Through interviews, data was gathered that answered the question, confirming that they are involved in this process of strategic decision-making. Even with this outcome, they still face barriers in their roles as senior leaders, with their organisations committed to the cause of accelerating women in leadership role.
The adoption of artificial intelligence in programmatic advertising in South Africa based on relative ease and usefulness using the diffusion of technology theory
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Myburgh, Suzanne; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Panday, Adheesha
The modern business landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the fourth industrial revolution, which fundamentally changes customer needs and expectations. The dynamic duo of technological advancement and changing customer expectations has rewritten the rules of the brand-customer engagement model. Customers are now seeking personalised experiences while prioritising data safety and privacy, adding complexity to online interactions. In this digital era, successful brands will be those that balance personalised connection with robust data protection. This research study leveraged the Diffusion of Technology theoretical framework to understand how the adoption of artificial intelligence in programmatic advertising is influenced based on relative ease and usefulness in South African organisations. The extant literature review process revealed that the adoption of artificial intelligence in programmatic advertising is still in a nascent stage in South Africa. Furthermore, programmatic advertising within digital advertising is significantly under-researched. Therefore, this research study has been undertaken to understand the adoption of artificial intelligence in programmatic advertising based on relative ease of use and usefulness. This exploratory study employed a qualitative research approach, conducting 12 semistructured interviews with Google Partners, digital media experts with hands-on experience in artificial intelligence-driven programmatic advertising. Google Partners' expertise made them ideal participants, providing valuable insights into artificial intelligence’s role in programmatic advertising. This study found a significant gap in artificial intelligence adoption for programmatic advertising, driven by marketers' perceptions of AI's usefulness and ease of use. These findings, informed by the Diffusion of Technology theory, highlight key factors influencing marketers' decisions to integrate artificial intelligence into their advertising strategies.
The effects of inclusive leadership behaviour on the turnover intention of knowledge workers
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Meintjes, Anel; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Ntulini, Mncedisi Xolani Tamayi
The knowledge-based economy has created circumstances where knowledge held by employees is an asset that a firm can use to create and sustain a competitive advantage. Despite this increased attention to knowledge and knowledge management, the retention of knowledge workers remains a challenge. Increasingly, employers are turning to inclusiveness to realise the best out of their knowledge workers. This research investigated the impact of inclusive leadership on the turnover intention of knowledge workers in South Africa. The researcher conducted 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews to explore how inclusive leadership behaviours, such as creating a supportive environment, promoting fairness, involving employees in decision-making, soliciting different perspectives and showing appreciation, influence employees’ sense of workgroup inclusion. Through a phenomenological study, it was found that inclusive work behaviours reduce the likelihood of turnover intention among knowledge workers. It was also found that showing appreciation and creating a perceived environment of support had the most impact on knowledge workers' turnover intention. The study provides insights into how these leadership behaviours can reduce turnover intention, thereby helping organisations retain valuable knowledge workers and maintain a competitive advantage.
Trust as a moderator in the influence of AI technology readiness on AI technology adoption
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Chiba, Manoj; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Van Niekerk, Hendrik Albertus Cornelius
Artificial intelligence adoption is accelerating and transforming industries worldwide through a wide range of applications with the potential to generate significant value. Thus, understanding what effectively drives adoption would give organisations a competitive advantage. The study determines whether trust moderates the relationship from AI technology readiness to AI technology adoption by individuals working for organisations. The frameworks used for the study are the technology readiness index and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. The data comprising 213 usable responses was collected using an online survey. The correlation and moderation were separately tested using the Spearmans Correlation Coefficient and stepwise hierarchical multiple regression. Although there is support from broader context literature for trust’s moderation on the relationship between AI technology readiness and AI technology adoption, the study only found that trust has a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between Readiness Motivators and the use of AI in specialised tasks. The research delivered a model that managers can use to facilitate the effective adoption of AI technology by individuals in their organisations. Finally, a need was identified to do more research, especially on the adoption of AI technology by individuals in an organisation.
Exploring the role of middle managers enabling leadership for organisational adaptability
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Ndletyana, Dorothy; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Van der Merwe, Liezel Emmerantia
In the context of a rapidly evolving and complex business environment, organisational adaptability has become a critical factor for sustainable success. This study explores the role of middle managers as a leader in fostering organisational adaptability within the highly complex mining sector. Drawing upon the theory of leadership for organisational adaptability, this study examines how middle managers influence adaptive spaces and the conditions that foster or inhibit organisational adaptability. Through a qualitative study analysis, the research investigates the practices employed by middle managers and the conditions to align organisational processes to be able to shift and adapt during market demands, technological advancements, and regulatory changes, which are examples of events of complexity in the business environment. The findings reveal that middle managers act as key enablers of adaptability by facilitating communication between senior leadership and operational teams, promoting innovation, and driving collaboration. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of cultivating adaptive spaces within the organisational structure to allow for decision-making, empowerment and continuous learning. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics in complex environments and offers practical insights into how the leadership positions in the hierarchical power of an organisation can be utilised to drive organisational adaptation, whilst facing high levels of complexity and volatility.
The impact of big data analytics capabilities on service innovation in state-owned enterprises : the moderating role of institutional pressure
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Makhubele, Lean; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Zondi, Sibahle Zamantungwa
Technological advances and trends such as connected devices, application of sensors, and online content have resulted in an increase in available data. This has led to an increased importance of big data analytics among researchers and managers, highlighting the value that big data analytics can bring to organizations. The study addresses a significant research gap in understanding how big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) influence service innovation within the context of stateowned enterprises (SOEs). While previous research has extensively explored the impact of BDAC on innovation in private and large multinational organizations, there is limited knowledge on its effects within SOEs, particularly in developing economies like South Africa. This study aims to also fill this gap by analysing the contextual environment by examining the role of institutional pressures in moderating the relationship between BDAC and service innovation. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of BDAC on service innovation in SOEs and to provide insights for SOE leaders on how to invest in BDAC to enhance efficiency and performance through service innovation. The research also seeks to uncover the role of institutional pressures in moderating this relationship A quantitative mono study methodology was conducted, involving a survey distributed to employees in various SOEs in South Africa. The data collected was analysed using statistical methods, including Structured Equation Modelling, Pearson’s correlation, Spearman’s rho correlation, and linear regression analysis. The results indicate that BDAC has a positive and significant impact on service innovation in SOEs. Among the BDAC components, intangible capabilities were found to have the most significant impact on service innovation. Additionally, the study found that institutional pressures, particularly normative and mimetic pressures, positively moderate the relationship between BDAC and service innovation. Coercive pressure, however, did not show a significant moderating effect. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of investing BDAC to drive service innovation in SOEs. It also emphasizes the need for SOE leaders to foster a datadriven culture and organizational learning to maximize the benefits of BDAC. The findings suggest that while institutional pressures can enhance the impact of BDAC on service innovation, the role of coercive pressure is less significant. Future research should explore the dynamic capabilities view of BDAC and its impact on ii service innovation over time, as well as the development of a standard BDAC model for different contexts.
The influence of intragroup conflict on career advancement of women in corporate
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Whittaker, Louise; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Tleane, Refilwe
This paper investigates intragroup conflict as a mechanism that influences women's career progression in corporate settings, using as its basis mid-career women in South Africa's retail and wholesale industries. It explores how task and relationship conflicts among women are fuelled by competition for scarce resources, economic pressures, and feelings of rivalry. Building from the Realistic Conflict Theory and Social Identity Theory, this research seeks to explain how such conflicts shape women's workplace experiences and their careers. Through semi-structured interviews with 13 participants, this study found that such conflicts, as those identified with the Queen Bee Syndrome, form a barrier to collaboration, limit mentorship opportunities, and impinge on women's progress in the workplace. The findings suggest these internal conflicts are exacerbated by competitive corporate cultures and gender biases and call for policy changes that allow supports and cooperation among women at work. By addressing both external challenges and internal group dynamics, this study helps understand the barriers to women's advancement in corporate settings. It closes with recommendations for companies to provide an inclusive environment where women can collaborate with each other toward mutual success, and it highlights areas for future research on intragroup conflict in these diverse organizational contexts.
Remodelling public sector services through Innovative work behaviour : the role of new public management and public sector awards
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Fairhurst, Keith; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Ntshebe, Nokulunga
This study investigates the dynamics of innovation within public sector organisations, focusing on how structured management practices and employee empowerment can enhance performance. Grounded in the New Public Management (NPM) framework and recognizing the role of Public Sector Awards in promoting innovative practices, the research highlights the urgency for innovative solutions in response to evolving societal needs, especially as public entities strive to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Utilizing qualitative interviews with public sector award recipients for innovative projects, the study reveals critical factors that facilitate Innovative Work Behaviour (IWB) while identifying significant barriers to its implementation. Key findings emphasize the importance of stakeholder collaboration, supportive leadership, and aligning performance measurement with citizen feedback. The study employs the business model canvas as a recommendation model to transform public sector service delivery, integrating NPM strategies to create a more private-sector-like efficiency and responsiveness. However, a notable limitation of this research is its lack of direct assessment of citizen satisfaction as an indicator of public sector effectiveness. Future research should explore this relationship more thoroughly, investigating how innovations translate into tangible improvements in citizen experiences. This research not only contributes to the understanding of innovation in public administration but also offers practical insights for enhancing service delivery, equipping public organisations to navigate complex challenges in a rapidly changing environment.
The influence of transformational leadership on the process of innovation in teams
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Mbokota, Gloria; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Xolo, Nokwazi Misiwe Letheni
This study delves into the factors influencing the process of innovation in teams, emphasising the importance of understanding transformational leaderships’ influence in an Information Technology and Communication (ICT) organisation, and applying Transformational Leadership Theory to test how specific leadership behaviours can drive creativity, collaboration, and innovative outcomes among team members. The study employed qualitative methods in a single-case study within the ICT sector, embracing an interpretivist philosophy with an inductive approach. The findings highlight the complexities that exist in transformational leadership and the influence this has on the process of innovation in teams within a single ICT organisation in South Africa. The study underscores the importance of collaboration, communication, feedback, and customer centricity amongst other factors in the process of innovation. In addition, the study revealed the benefits associated with a leaders’ actions and attributes that foster innovative thinking in teams. In addition, the study emphasises transformational leaderships’ role for driving employees’ empowerment, development, and motivation, driving a shared vision and goal in the workplace. Insights are provided into naturing collaboration with direct teams or cross collaboration in the organisation is far reaching in encouraging group thinking and buy-in in the process of innovation, placing emphasis on shared value. The research findings enhance one’s understanding of transformational leadership and the process of innovation in teams, especially in an ICT organisation, and they provide actionable guidance for effective leadership management and improved innovation performance.
An exploration of the influence of employee empowerment on organisational commitment in the pharmaceutical regulatory affairs environment
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Meintjes, Anel; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Themane, Moore Jane
As healthcare organisations continually encounter difficulty in remaining adaptable and competitive in delivering exceptional healthcare in the midst of intense competition, shifting regulatory landscape, and a shortage of essential service providers, it is critical that healthcare organisations adopt strategies that will retain key talent who are committed to the organisation, especially scarce healthcare professionals such as Regulatory Affairs (RA) Pharmacists in the pharmaceutical organisations. By examining how both structural and psychological empowerment affects employee commitment to the organisation, this research sought to enhance the understanding of the various empowerment factors that influence the commitment of RA pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry and to tackle the issue of turnover among these professionals. The research employed an exploratory qualitative approach to acquire a more profound understanding and insight of the structural and psychological empowerment factors that influence the organisational commitment of regulatory affairs pharmacists. A total of sixteen semi-structured interviews were used to gather data with RA Pharmacists occupying various roles in pharmaceutical organisations to gain further insights. The research resulted in the identification of additional parameters that pharmaceutical organisations could utilise to enhance the structural and psychological empowerment of RA pharmacists, which would contribute to organisational commitment and the ultimate achievement of organisational goals.
Exploring how experience-based learning impacts hybrid entrepreneurship
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Myres, Kerrin; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Nomnqa, Nomakhosazana
The rising phenomenon of hybrid entrepreneurship, which is defined as the undertaking of entrepreneurial activities in conjunction with paid work, is the focal point of this study. It is a consequence of a shifting job market. Previous studies have found that businesses started by hybrid entrepreneurs are more likely to survive than traditional ones. This encouraged the undertaking of this study to investigate which mode of entry into business supports the perseverance of entrepreneurial activities and which will be more beneficial in refining and propagating success among entrepreneurs. This study further sought to understand the influence and impact of experiential learning on the different types of entrepreneurs by investigating the ramifications of experience-based learning on each type of entrepreneur. The adoption of an inductive qualitative approach allowed for data to be collected, using semi-structured interviews with a sample consisting of hybrid, traditional, transitioned, and transitioned entrepreneurs. Through narrative inquiry, the entrepreneurial journey and learning experience of each type of entrepreneur were captured. The findings of this research were demonstrated by building a framework which identified three factors that drive experiential learning in the hybrid phase, which include critical events, conducive learning platforms, the industry of work and business activity, and lastly, the background foundation of the entrepreneur. All these factors added together increase the experiential learning of the entrepreneur, thus driving the hybrid entrepreneur to exit the hybrid phase and enter into full-time business. Once in full-time business, a set of new skills and learnings are acquired, which inform the entrepreneur to diversify their business portfolio. This study contributes to the increasing body of knowledge of hybrid entrepreneurship, which brings to light how this type of entrepreneurship results in the longevity of businesses, thus making it necessary to promote and bring awareness to potential business owners.
Loyalty programmes as a predictor of customer retention in retail banking sector : a multiple mediation analysis of brand association and customer satisfaction
(University of Pretoria, 2024-11) Fourie, Sonja; ichelp@gibs.co.za; Nkosi, Xolani Mfundo
Loyalty programmes have made significant inroads in the retail banking sector and companies have reported spending billions of rands on these programmes since inception. Despite this popularity, their effectiveness in driving customer behaviour, such as customer retention, remains divergent among both academics and practitioners. Studies are being pursued to discover what differentiates successful ones from unsuccessful ones. Purpose This study aimed to determine whether loyalty programme perceived benefits predict/drive customer retention and assess the mediation effect of overall customer satisfaction and brand association in South Africa’s retail banking sector. Design/Methodology/Approach The study used a descripto-explanatory research approach where data was collected using electronic self-administered surveys comprising a sample of 205 banked, adult individuals who are using loyalty programmes. Structural equation modelling (SEM) through IBM SPSS AMOS29 was used to analyse the data in the hypothesis testing. Findings The empirical analysis using SEM confirmed that only exploration and recognition of perceived benefits of loyalty programmes have a significant impact on customer retention. However, the impact of both these perceived benefits were negative with a very small correlation to customer retention, indicating that the impact can is negligible. Moreover, monetary savings, social benefits, and entertainment were found not to have any significant predictive power on customer retention. Furthermore, mediation analysis was performed and established that only brand association fully mediates the relationship between loyalty programmes’ perceived benefits and customer retention.

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