Research Reports: Faculty of Commerce

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ADKAR Change Management: A Cross-Sectional Qualitative Focus Group to Describe Perceptions of Factors that Motivate Volunteers in a South African Environmental Organisation
(The IIE, 2017) Dorrofield, Kendall
Understanding the motivation behind volunteers is a key requirement for effective management and retention of volunteers within an NGO. A South African environmental organisation has limited understanding on the types of volunteers or volunteer motivational factors and limited knowledge on the effectiveness of management tools to improve volunteer relationships. This reduces their volunteer workforce, posing a problem. In response, a study was undertaken to describe the motivational factors of volunteers, identify types of volunteers and obtain recommendations for the improvement of volunteer motivation. To facilitate this, the Multi-Paradigm model of volunteering and the ADKAR model of change were utilised. The qualitative and descriptive nature of the study required a focus group approach to obtain an in-depth analysis of motivational factors from managers and volunteers who were selected through convenience and purposive sampling. It was determined that the current level of volunteer motivation seems to be lacking, with a strong concern for volunteers feeling unenthusiastic. Managerial and research implications indicate that volunteer motivation could be improved with a new volunteer management strategy. The ADKAR model of change was utilised and incorporated with findings into a framework that could take the environmental organisation through the change management process.
The Business Knowledge Training Needs of South African Biokineticists to Ensure Business Sustainability
(The IIE, 2020) Lumb, Michael James
Business knowledge training is essential to succeed in the modern era. Health and medical professionals are exposed to knowledge that allows them to treat pathologies, but it would seem little effort is given towards preparing health and medical professionals to manage businesses in a sustainable, effective, and efficient manner. The following study examined the business knowledge training needs of South African Biokineticists, a health profession that is a part of the Health Professions of South Africa (HPCSA). The approach to examining the problem included identifying and conducting deductive research on previous literature that explored similar problems amongst different health and medical professionals including American Chiropractors and South African Audiologists. In order to collect the required data an online questionnaire was developed and distributed through the Biokinetics Association of South Africa (BASA) to its members. The reason for using an online based questionnaire was due to the low cost for distribution, respondents could complete the questionnaire in their own convenient time, and it excludes researcher bias and pressure. It was also in regulation with COVID-19 protocols. A quantitative, cross-sectional, deductive, and combination of descriptive and inferential research design was used for this study. 69 Biokineticists responded to the questionnaire. Combined high to very high needs for the business knowledge areas explored were: Accounting: 27.5%, Business Sustainability: 33.3%, Corporate Social Responsibility: 23.2%, Ethics: 55%, Financial Management: 34.7%, Human Resource Management: 28.9%, Leadership and Managerial Decision Making: 43.4%, Marketing: 40.6%, Operational Management: 39.1% and, Strategic Management: 33.3%. 70.6% per cent of the participants who partook in the study suggested they needed other business knowledge training needs by providing suggestions in the final question. Of the 70.6%, the most standout requests included information technology (17.02%), Tax related management and knowledge (19.15%) and medical aid training for ICD-10 coding (12.77%). The other 51.06% of the participants that answered the final question provided suggestions that could be categorised into the areas of business already reported on in the Likert Scale.
Business managers’ knowledge and leadership behaviour in relation to artificial intelligence in Nelson Mandela Bay
(The IIE, 2019) Fourie, Tiaan Jakobus
South Africa is in an interesting situation, whereby the country needs to make an important decision; does the country embrace, manage and assist in developing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driver of Industry 4.0, and invaluable for knowledge management in terms of data storage, management and dissemination. The processes required for AI development and its’ embracement is largely dependent on leadership behaviour in South Africa and the world. This study has focussed on the leadership behaviour and knowledge of business managers in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) with regards to AI, and how AI is able to assist knowledge management within organisations. This research report implemented a combination of purposive, convenience and snowball sampling, due to specific constraints. The data was collected and interpreted from 25 business managers, utilising descriptive statistics. AI is the main concept of evaluation when Industry 4.0 is discussed. This research report has indicated that the sample of business managers would trust AI in certain circumstances, however, their leadership behaviour towards AI is sceptical, and they have a knowledge gap. The research also indicated that employees do have opportunities to develop their skills.
The Business of Staying in Business: a cross sectional, mixed method questionnaire and interview of managers’ perceptions of the influence of economic variables on profit sustainability of retail firms in Scottburgh
(The IIE, 2017) Dhaja, Sadhana
This paper describes how the researcher uses qualitative interview research techniques to better understand the results of the quantitative survey research techniques used to identify managers’ perspectives pertaining to the influence of economic variables on business sales. Data from the quantitative survey were used to construct the qualitative interview questions to provide explanations to manager’s individual responses. The data obtained from the quantitative study was inserted within the Theory of the Firm Profit Maximisation Model to identify the perceived increase/decrease of profits caused by the fluctuations of economic variables. These findings were backed up with the reasoning given by the qualitative data. The insights gained from the combined quantitative and qualitative data suggest that the economic variables are perceived to have an effect on the sales made within each manager’s business, however, the managers provide different types of impacts and reasoning’s to back up how the different economic variables have an influence on the sales of their business.
A case study exploring entrepreneurial resilience in Durban, South Africa
(The IIE, 2017) Reddy, Menokin
South Africa is currently experiencing a high level of unemployment, and entrepreneurship is regarded as a tool that can help solve the problem (Business Tech, 2017). Resilience is believed to influence a person’s course of action and is considered to be one of the motivating factors that are necessary for entrepreneurship. With this in mind, the persistent question is how do entrepreneurs motivate themselves after failure? Data was collected using a semi-structured interview approach as it enabled the researcher to explore the views, experiences and beliefs of the participants on specific matters thus providing the researcher with a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. The study found that perseverance and a positive mindset are prominent components that contribute to entrepreneurs staying motivated even after experiencing failure. Furthermore, the study found that all participants had a desire to be in control of their destiny. Recommendations were made for future researchers to increase the sample size so more rigorous data could be generated. It was also recommended that entrepreneurial resilience is analysed across the country, but more specifically in Johannesburg, as it has the most entrepreneurs in South Africa (Statistics South Africa, 2017).
A case study exploring the influence that management policy and motivational strategies have on employees within a Durban restaurant
(The IIE, 2017) Beeput, Diajal
Owing to the current state of the South African economy and the country’s unemployment rate, employees endure harsh business practises to secure employment, leading to demotivation and reduced performance. The restaurant industry is missing a chance to improve staff motivation and performance, and therefore to improve their business. Another problem is that those staff members are faced with potentially abusive treatment in their workplace. The aim of the study was to explore the influence that management policy and motivational strategies have on employee motivation and performance. The sample for this study was three individuals employed at a particular Durban restaurant. The study showed that management policies and motivational strategies negatively influence motivation and performance. Recommendations for future research include a larger sample size, conducted across various restaurants, to improve reliability and trustworthiness of the findings. Further research can also aim to explore the illegal practices used by restaurants and how this influences motivation and performance.
A case study on the critical success factors of two small businesses in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
(The IIE, 2017) Naidu, Priyanka
In a country that has an economy that is not performing, growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) is often vital so as to allow the prosperity of a business. The high failure rate of small businesses in South Africa suggests that there is something wrong and overall in South Africa there is a low level of research about SMMEs (Burger, 2016). The purpose of this study is to explore the critical success factors for two small businesses in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The research applied a qualitative approach and a case study methodology as its research design. By utilizing the method of semi-structured interviews, the researcher gathered data from a sample of two entrepreneurs. Through the exploratory study of the two businesses, some common factors were found to be important for their successes, such as leadership and relationship management, quality and management of finance. However, there was a difference found between the ways they marketed their businesses. This study might give an insight into what two local entrepreneurs found to be success factors in their businesses.
The challenges women entrepreneurs face in Pietermaritzburg
(The IIE, 2018) Chabwera, Thokozile
The success of any economy, South Africa included, lies on the success and number of entrepreneurship ventures. Over the years, women entrepreneurs in various industries have been rising up and taking on the business environment as the male counterparts. However, due to discrimination and biasness that has been shown towards women for so many years, this research set out to identify the challenges that women entrepreneurs in Pietermaritzburg face and to determine whether gender empowerment is truly being practiced. The main challenge of this research was getting an estimated population of women entrepreneurs in Pietermaritzburg as the departments that source this information were not forth coming for a reason that remains unknown. However, this challenge was then sorted by using a different type of data collection method. The data collection method which was used was the snowball sampling method because without having an estimated population, a sample size could not be calculated and neither was a list found with names of women entrepreneurs. Therefore, the participants of this research was based on references. The most significant findings included how motivated the sampled interviewees who were all women entrepreneurs have chosen to overcome the challenges they face. This research contributes to the current way government departments and support groups operate by just towards all entrepreneurs and conducting activities that focus on the business aspect.
A Comparative Qualitative Case Study on Employee Wellness Programs using Discovery and Johnson & Johnson
(The IIE, 2017) Nyoni, Zandile
Employee wellness has been identified as one of the leading factors contributing towards organisational performance. Discovery is the largest medical aid provider within South Africa and Johnson & Johnson are the leader in consumer goods within South Africa. The aim of the study is to explore employee wellness programs within Discovery and Johnson & Johnson providing an insight into the types of employee wellness programs used in these organisations. The research design used in this research is a qualitative case study. Content analysis is the selected data analysis tool and a coding scheme was used to code the data in the research. The first main finding found in the research is employee wellness programs are tools to retain and attract employees within the organisation. The second finding found in the research is employee wellness programs have the ability to yield a higher return on investment for the organisation and are not simply a corporate expense. The third finding found in the research is having an organisational culture that supports the use of employee wellness programs within the organisation will lead to a decrease in absenteeism within the organisation. The last finding found is that employee wellness programs have the ability to increase organisational performance and increase employee wellness within an organisation.
Creating sustainable entrepreneurship: Cross-sectional qualitative in-depth interviews to describe Durban SME entrepreneurs’ perception of motivation for entrepreneurship using key success factors
(The IIE, 2017) Kriel, Shannah
Studies from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) had shown, South Africa (SA) had a lack of entrepreneurship as it continued to drop below 38 percent from 2015, but SA was in desperate need for it to better South African lives through job creation and contributing to economic development (Herrington & Kew, 2016). South Africans were also said to lack motivation to achieve; as many people in SA needed only to survive, therefore understanding the key success factors for and finding ways to encourage entrepreneurship could have encouraged potential entrepreneurs to strive for success (Khan, 2014). A qualitative, in-depth interview questionnaire was used to gather information from four successful entrepreneurs that had more than ten years’ experience in entrepreneurship; because it was necessary to have gained a deeper understanding of the key success factors available to create a successful business and to find ways to encourage entrepreneurship. However, from this study, McClelland’s Achievement Motivation theory was rejected in a South African context and the combination of the participant’s responses could be used to form the key success factors that could guide potential SA entrepreneurs to success.
A cross sectional, mixed method questionnaire and interview of managers’ perceptions of the influence of economic variables on profit sustainability of retail firms in Scottburgh
(The IIE, 2017) Dhaja, Sadhana
This paper describes how the researcher uses qualitative interview research techniques to better understand the results of the quantitative survey research techniques used to identify managers’ perspectives pertaining to the influence of economic variables on business sales. Data from the quantitative survey were used to construct the qualitative interview questions to provide explanations to manager’s individual responses. The data obtained from the quantitative study was inserted within the Theory of the Firm Profit Maximisation Model to identify the perceived increase/decrease of profits caused by the fluctuations of economic variables. These findings were backed up with the reasoning given by the qualitative data. The insights gained from the combined quantitative and qualitative data suggest that the economic variables are perceived to have an effect on the sales made within each manager’s business, however, the managers provide different types of impacts and reasoning’s to back up how the different economic variables have an influence on the sales of their business.
A cross-sectional exploration of leadership styles exhibited when facing workplace challenges: qualitative interviews with “the Company’s” managers
(The IIE, 2017) Gillespie, Roxanne
There are many different challenges that are currently affecting businesses in South Africa in the 21st century. These challenges are volatile, uncertain and complex; they present harsh consequences to businesses across South Africa. It is crucial that an organisation has a leadership style that is strategically capable of identifying, analysing and managing those challenges. This may require the leader to adapt and alter their leadership style. This process is linked to Fiedler’s Theory of Contingency, which states that a leader’s style of leadership is effective when it takes into account the different situation factors, or challenges, which surround the leader. The Contingency Theory states that there is no best style of leadership, but that leadership depends on the situational factors that affect the company. This research is a cross - sectional exploration of the various challenges that affect a property development company in South Africa. The data was collected using interviews in order to obtain a rich and in-depth understanding of the different challenges and leadership styles used within the company. The research revealed that BEE, managing multiple leadership styles and the age gap within “the Company “were the prominent challenges facing this business. The research found that the CEO’s leadership style did adapt to the challenges faced by the company.
A Cross-sectional Qualitative Study Describing Banking Employee Perceptions on White-Collar Crime in the Banking Sector, within Durban
(The IIE, 2018) Pather, Kamini
The prevalence of White-Collar Crime in the banking sector has led to increased financial damage and increased reputational risk. This crime was also committed by employees of high social status and was not usually taken seriously by individuals. Additionally, the General Strain Theory (GST) stated that employees engaged in White-Collar Crime due to having experienced subjective and economic strain. This study aimed to describe employee perceptions on reasons as to why banking employees commit White-Collar Crime in the banking sector, as well as to suggest better control systems to be implemented by banks. In-depth interviews were conducted with four banking employees; the data collected was categorised into themes, interpreted and utilised in confirming or refuting existing literature and the GST. The findings declared that the crime was committed by both high and low social status individuals, employees engaged in the crime mostly due to economic strain and finally, White-Collar Crime was taken seriously and reported on a regular basis by both employees and the leadership of the bank. Furthermore, it was discovered that White-Collar Crime affected the profitability and reputation of the bank, thus losing trust in the eyes of stakeholders and the community.
Cross-sectional, qualitative in-depth interviews to understand the success factors that Durban-based start-up business owners perceive as vital to grow from infancy to adolescence in the organisational life cycle, using the Concept of Key Success Factors by Grunert and Ellegaard (1992).
(The IIE, 2017) Powell, Dylan
Why is there such a high failure rate with start-up businesses, in the initial stages of operation, in Durban, South Africa? To answer this question, the current study uses a sample of four Durban based start-up business owners that have successfully grown a start-up business from the infancy to adolescence stage of the organisational life cycle. The study uses in-depth interviews to gain in-depth perceptions on what the participants believe as the most common challenges faced by these start-up businesses and how their businesses managed to avoid or deal with these challenges and achieve successful growth to adolescence. The current study is influenced by The Concept of Key Success Factors by Grunert and Ellegaard (1992) and after collecting responses from the participants, the study develops a success factor narrative to assist future entrepreneurs to increase their start-up business knowledge and increase their chances of achieving success. The findings point to financial challenges, personal sacrifices and marketing and staff issues, whilst establishing that possible success factors include utilising professional advice, gaining access to capital, developing staff, finding a niche market, knowing your customers and staying innovative.
A cross-sectional, qualitative study describing interpretations of a South African Arrive Alive (2015) advertisement: an audience reception analysis
(The IIE, 2018) Nepaul, Cherise
With the increased use of technology, such as cell phones among young adults has come dangerous behaviours such as texting while driving. To prevent this act, organisations such as Arrive Alive in South Africa have developed advertisements that depict the dangers associated with texting while driving. Using Stuart Hall’s Audience Reception Theory (1973), this study focuses on describing how audience members interpret a South African Arrive Alive: You’re a killer if you text and drive advertisement (2015). The aim of this study was to describe whether audience members interpret this advertisement by taking the dominant-hegemonic position, or not, as proposed by Hall. With the use of a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews, this report provides descriptions of how young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 interpret the 2015 Arrive Alive: You’re a killer if you text and drive advertisement in accordance with the intended meaning of the advertisement. The findings of the study show that audience members interpret the advertisement as intended by the sender, but some will not refrain from texting while driving. This contributes to practice as Arrive Alive will be provided with results that will assist them in understanding how audience members have interpreted this 2015 advertisement on texting while driving.
A cross-sectional, qualitative study using the Pecking Order Theory to describe the importance of cash flow management on the sustainability of SMEs in Durban
(The IIE, 2020) Naicker, Vidya
The engine room of a modern economy requires that small businesses, an integral part of the economy, function optimally in order to support the overall health of the economy. The South African context of a developing economy and severe resource limitations means, small businesses provide a significant and tangible impact on the general economic conditions and well-being of our society. The purpose of this crosssectional qualitative study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the importance of cash flow management in small and medium-sized businesses, as well as how this would impact the sustainability of these businesses. This study critically examines Myer and Maljuf’s (1984) Pecking Order theory and evaluates its application in terms of SME’s sources of funding preferences. This research examined the importance of financial management in small businesses and how cash management practices would impact these businesses. This research seeks to advance the body of knowledge related financial management and may assist SME owners/managers in improving the sustainability of their businesses. Any improvement in the sustainability of the small business sector of South Africa will have a positive impact on the country’s general economic conditions.
Determinants of Rapid Internationalisation in the Technological Industry: Lessons from South African born global firms.
(The IIE, 2017) Jakins, Lauren Paige
Over the past two decades the world has witnessed the emergence of a new type of internationalising firm, formally known as a Born Global. Such a phenomenon has infiltrated the study of internationalisation, where a Born Global commonly refers to a firm that internationalises since inception, or within 2-3 years after and reaches a significant degree of internationalisation in a short period of time. Not only have these firms challenged the traditional method of internationalisation but also stretched previous local technological firms to the international level through the rapid internationalisation of operations from inception. Various perspectives have been researched to enrich this new area of business, however little research has been conducted in the context of type of industries from where these firms emerge. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon from the technological industry perspective by investigating the various determinants that influence these Born Global firms from developed markets to thrive in their international markets. To achieve the purpose of this study a multiple case-study of two firms both within the technological industry was conducted. The two Born Global firms selected as part of the sample were Sproxil and Uber. This study adopted a qualitative approach for the literature review, data collection and analysis throughout the course of the study. The multiple case-study approach collected secondary data, which enabled the development of an in-depth understanding of multiple cases of Born Global firms. This study utilised several theoretical concepts to build an underlying framework to guide the study. The findings of this study identified six main determinants influencing Born Global firms to rapidly internationalise from the technological industry within the developed market context. These determinants are as follows; superior human capital, technology, innovation and product differentiation, market characteristics and orientation, networks and lastly timing: speed of internationalisation. This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing lessons learnt for the developing market context, like South African Born Global firms operating within the technological industry.
The Effect of Celebrity Endorsement on 15-34 Year Old Consumer Buying Behaviour
(The IIE, 2017) Lima, Shary
The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of celebrity endorsement on consumer’s buying behaviour. This study concentrated on the 15-34 years old consumer segment because a study by The Nielsen Global Survey (2015) revealed that this segment is the most influenced by celebrity endorsement. The research examined the relationship between the key attributes of celebrity endorsers and consumers’ buying behaviour as well as their overall experience with celebrity endorsement. The study adopted a quantitative approach using a structured online questionnaire with a final sample of 23 respondents. The findings revealed that celebrity endorsement has an effect on consumers. It also highlighted that consumers deemed four attributes more important for a celebrity endorser to possess: likeability, credibility, attractiveness and expertise. Based on these findings, it was calculated through descriptive statistics that Shimp’s NO TEARS Model and the Source Attractiveness Model are more effective in the choice of celebrity endorsers. Lastly, it was found that social media platforms are the most effective medias for celebrity endorsement, in particular Instagram.
The effect of environmentally friendly packaging on consumer preference within the cosmetics industry in KwaZulu-Natal
(The IIE, 2020) Daniel, Cooper
The effects of packaging waste from cosmetic products is a worldwide problem and has been described by many academics as a severe environmental threat. Environmental sustainability is growing in importance as consumers become increasingly aware of its necessity. This quantitative research study focuses on whether environmentally friendly packaged cosmetic products has an effect on consumer preference in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa has an emerging cosmetic market which could benefit from the use of environmentally friendly packaging. Icek Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour (1991) has been used as a foundation to describe consumer behaviour. Data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire as objectivity was important and the data obtained was easy to analyse and quantify. The research indicated that cost plays an important role in consumer spending in the cosmetic market. It was also found that cosmetic consumers are brand loyal and that the primary household shopper has control over products individuals in the household use. The results indicate that there is a link between consumer purchasing preference and cosmetic products that make use of environmentally friendly packaging. Therefore, cosmetic manufacturers in KwaZulu-Natal should incorporate environmentally friendly packaging into their products, potentially leading to an increase in sales and market share.
The effectiveness of organisational training and development programmes on employee satisfaction in a telecommunications firm in Johannesburg
(The IIE, 2020) Thamae, Norica
Employers are consistently seeking to employ individuals who have strategic thinking abilities and an innovative mindset. With this in mind, it is questionable if the South African workforce is prepared for the new attitude towards employment. Research has identified that training and development programmes are advantageous to organisational growth, however, their underlying purpose is aimed at achieving satisfaction by positively improving employee attitudes. Vast research indicates that by investing in training and development programmes, organisations achieve employee satisfaction and experience employees who are more determined and have increased knowledge on digital concepts, and improved skill abilities. This study aims to gain the above knowledge by exploring a telecommunications SMME. A research qualitative questionnaire is used to gain in-depth understanding of the SMME’s employees on the topic at hand. Through this, it was found that the SMME has knowledge of training and development programmes, however, they are not explored to their maximum potential.

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