Research Reports: Faculty of Commerce

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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.
An exploratory study on the impact of workplace conditions on truck drivers’ job satisfaction within Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
(The IIE, 2020) Ngwane, Nomagugu
This study’s aim is to explore the phenomena of workplace conditions that truck drivers are subject to and their impact on truck drivers’ job satisfaction. Workplace conditions highlighted in this research are: working hours, pay and stress. This study utilised a qualitative research design as the aim was to gain an in-depth understanding of its participants, truck drivers, behaviour and perceptions. Qualitative research deals with interpretive data, interpretive data is subjective in nature. The researcher utilised in-depth interviews with semi-structured, open-ended questions to collect data. Three participants were interviewed in this study. Data collected was categorised into themes, interpreted and utilised to support or oppose existing literature. Findings from the data collected aligned with the theoretical foundation of this study, Herzberg’s two-factor theory, as it supported the premise that hygiene factors such as, workplace conditions, impact job satisfaction. Truck drivers’ job satisfaction was negatively impacted by their poor workplace conditions. The researcher gave possible solutions to improve truck drivers’ current workplace conditions.
Transformational leadership as driver of sustainability: An employee perspective
(The IIE, 2020) Comninos, Stefano
Leadership and sustainability are two related concepts that have gained a lot of interest in recent years among businesses in tough economic conditions. In the dynamic business market, the impact transformational leadership has on the sustainability of a business has become a popular topic of discussion. Research on the influence transformational leaders have on the employees of the business when aiming to achieve sustainability is important for the development of a dynamic workforce and is useful to leadership teams across the business market. Thus, the research identifies the influence of a transformational leader’s actions has in achieving organisational sustainability. Previous literature identifies the importance of transformational leadership and a business culture that focuses on employee development when aiming to achieve business sustainability. This qualitative research highlights the relationship between transformational leadership and organisational sustainability during tough periods in a business. A total of 5 participants’ data was collected from an employee group of top-level management in the transportation and supply chain management market from Unilogic Supply Chain and Logistics (USCL). The research made use of thematic coding to analyse the data gained from the in-depth interviews of the participants. The findings of the research indicated that transformational leadership had a positive influence on the sustainability of a business. Further, it was evident that a transformational leadership style assists in managing change within an environment, increasing the level of sustainability for the business.
The role that financial and non-financial incentives play in motivating employees within a financial institution in Sandton
(The IIE, 2020) Dicko, Kelson
The objective of this study was to find investigate the impact of employee motivation on organisational effectiveness. The study focused on identifying the most important indicators of motivation, defining the motivation concepts and methods, and the linkage of employee motivation with an organisation’s productivity and effectiveness. In addition, suggestions to increase employees’ level of motivation and direction for further study were also discussed. To gain deeper understanding of the research topic, different motivation theory models were reviewed. However, the attention was on analysing the two motivation theories; Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory and Self-Determination Theory. A close-ended questionnaire was used as the foundation for collecting the data from the participants, which comprised of twenty customers. In addition, quantitative method was used in order to acquire data due to the fact that it is time-efficiency and cost saving. In conclusion, the study pinpointed that personal growth, and challenging tasks are most influential motivation factors for employees. Nonetheless, the research also revealed the factors that motivate employees were not the same as the factors that retain employees at work. While there might still other ways to increase employee’ level of motivation, the practice of combining both financial incentives and non-financial was proved to be the most effective.
The role that financial and non-financial incentives play in motivating employees within a financial institution in Sandton
(The IIE, 2020) Dicko, Kelson
The objective of this study was to find investigate the impact of employee motivation on organisational effectiveness. The study focused on identifying the most important indicators of motivation, defining the motivation concepts and methods, and the linkage of employee motivation with an organisation’s productivity and effectiveness. In addition, suggestions to increase employees’ level of motivation and direction for further study were also discussed. To gain deeper understanding of the research topic, different motivation theory models were reviewed. However, the attention was on analysing the two motivation theories; Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory and Self-Determination Theory. A close-ended questionnaire was used as the foundation for collecting the data from the participants, which comprised of twenty customers. In addition, quantitative method was used in order to acquire data due to the fact that it is time-efficiency and cost saving. In conclusion, the study pinpointed that personal growth, and challenging tasks are most influential motivation factors for employees. Nonetheless, the research also revealed the factors that motivate employees were not the same as the factors that retain employees at work. While there might still other ways to increase employee’ level of motivation, the practice of combining both financial incentives and non-financial was proved to be the most effective.
The perceived impact of technological advancement on a telecommunications company’s competitive advantage in Johannesburg, South Africa
(The IIE, 2020) Pillay, Ryan Keegan
In recent years technology has been the focal point of everything, technology is an integrated part of everyone’s lives as majority of the world’s population uses technology in their daily lives. It is something that has drastically made living easier, made various things more accessible and has all in all helped the way the world has transcended and evolved. This study looked at how the technological landscape has shaped the way businesses operate and more importantly it aimed at finding the link between technological advancement and competitive advantage in a technologically intensive company. In-dept interviews were conducted between 10 participants who worked for technologically intensive firms, the aim of these interviews were to evaluate how each person perceived technological advancement and competitive advantage as well as it helped in gaining an inside look as to how the firms who these individuals worked for used technology to gain a competitive advantage. A thematic analysis study was used to evaluate each response and it was found that technological advancement has quite a significant impact on a firms competitive advantage and by using technological advancement greatly helped the companies be more effective and efficient in their competitive advantage achievement.
The Perceived Impact of Employee Motivation on the Productivity of Millennials (Generation Y) in the Workplace
(The IIE, 2020) Mofokeng, Mamodupi
Employee motivation is positive work behaviour and willingness towards carrying out organisational objectives. It is a concept that has been considered ever since the discovery of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in the 1950s. Firms tend to profit from employee motivation, the main advantage being improved productivity (include a statistic here). Even though there is previous literature regarding employee motivation, there is less known about millennial employee motivation in particular. The purpose of this study was to access the perceived impact of employee motivation on the productivity of millennials or Generation Y employees in the work place. Qualitative questionnaires were given out to five participants, all of whom are employees. It was found that employee motivation does not impact a millennial employee’s productivity. There are other factors that need to be considered such as – passion and genuine love for the work at hand. Thus, the results suggest that employee motivation does not influence millennial productivity within the workplace.
The perceived impact of leadership styles on employee turnover in a pharmaceutical company in South Africa
(The IIE, 2020) Brayton, Genna
Leadership is crucial for effective functioning of an organisation, though many conflicting and varying definitions and theories. Leadership styles can depend on the leader’s personality and the situation at hand. The rate at which an employer gains and losses its staff is called employee turnover. Employee turnover has always been a concern for all types of organisations and poor leadership is a common marker for high employee turnover and cost the organisation time and money. This is especially relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, where employees are highly educated, undergo extensive training and the skills required to fill the positions are scarce. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceived impact of leadership styles on employee turnover in a pharmaceutical company in South Africa. A qualitative questionnaire was conducted with four participants (all working in the human resource department). Responses were analysed using content analysis and both demographic characteristics and themes emerged. The study determined the relationship between leadership styles and employee turnover at Kahma Pharmaceutical Group. The responses indicated that most employees had a very basic understanding of what leadership actually is and a passing knowledge of the various leadership styles. From what the respondents did understand, it was clear that most consider transformational leadership style applicable to them and influence their stay at the company. The respondents had a relatively accurate understanding of what employee turnover is and reported employee turnover in their company to be low. It was clear that the respondents all considered employee turnover and leadership styles to be interconnected though they did not seem able to firmly grasp each concept.
Employee perception of artificial intelligence towards job security in Private Higher Education institutions
(The IIE, 2020) Borges, Dario
Educational artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging field of expertise that has the potential to transform the practices of both students and lecturers. Sophisticated technologies would be able to expand into higher educational institutions which would allow for the possibility of interactions with less effort required from lecturers at almost no cost. Thus, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of employees’ that work at a private higher educational institution in terms of the affect artificial intelligence could have on job security. This study used a data collection technique that was qualitative in nature through the use of interviews that will allow for the gathering of in-depth information for the purpose of addressing the research problem. The data was interpreted through thematic and hermeneutic analysis. The study found that a large portion of the employees at a private higher educational institution would feel a sense of insecurity about their jobs as a result of the introduction of AI within higher education. The study however highlighted the fact that AI will be used in order to assist as well as enhance the teaching and learning experience rather than completely replacing the job of the teacher.
An exploratory qualitative study on the processes followed when developing crisis communication strategies at a Mpumalanga based company
(The IIE, 2020) Mynhardt, Daniellé
This is an exploratory qualitative study on the processes followed when developing crisis communication strategies at a Mpumalanga based company. Interpretivism paradigm allowed the researcher to gain in-depth understanding into this unique topic. Crisis communication management has become an integral part of the business environment for every organisation is vulnerable to a crisis. Communication is a purposeful process of conveying important information. The researcher wants to determine what Quantum Energy CC does to develop a crisis communication strategy. The problem the researcher wants to solve is the lack of information when it comes to what practical steps organisations take in developing crisis communication strategies. This research study will attempt to determine what happens within the planning, executing and managing phases when developing crisis communication strategies in Quantum Energy by conducting semi-structured interviews with three participants. The research found that planning, executing and managing phases in crisis communication strategies development can assist Quantum Energy. Quantum Energy’s practical steps used in developing crisis communication strategies were determined and the researcher found that continuous monitoring of implemented communication is crucial to ensure communication was received. The researcher suggests further studying into this topic in order to make a generalised statement regarding how to practically develop crisis communication strategies.
The impact of the Rand depreciation on the risk management practices of small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in Johannesburg
(The IIE, 2020) Ferreira, Daniel
This research report is for the purposes of the exploration in the use of strategies utilised by small medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s), in managing the risks associated with foreign-exchange rate exposure and the depreciation of the rand against other foreign currencies. Depreciation rate poses the risk on hindering company’s purchasing power and competitive advantages .The research is to discover the reasons as to why SMME’s make use of these specific strategies as well as weather or not the chosen strategies have proven to be successful and effective when managing the incurred risk of the rand depreciation and foreign exchange rate risks. Research has found that smaller enterprises are more vulnerable to fluctuations concerning the rand versus the larger firms due to the accessibility and capital resources that are available. Extensive and exploratory research designs were used to answer the research questions. It was determined that hedging the most commonly used form as a risk management strategy among SMME’s, however there was also a hybrid method of combing hedging and spot rates in order to better secure future purchasing power capability of the company. Even though companies did find this method to be a successful means of risk management, the reason for this method being so popular was that the participant was not aware of many alternatives as well as the fact that the company had a limited budget, but are willing to further their knowledge and become familiar with new and innovative methods.
The impact of technological evolution on business innovation strategy in Johannesburg South Africa
(The IIE, 2020) Muller, Brendan
Business models are evolving from traditional Brick and Mortar to e-commerce with online retail sales growing 300% since the year 2001. Employee skills and changing and may need to be restructured and marketing is shifting from traditional media to internet-based applications such as YouTube or Facebook. Innovation strategy is now becoming more important than ever as businesses who do not invest in product improvement, or a disruptive or breakthrough innovation approach are unable to successfully operate due to the advancements in technology. The results from this study will provide valuable insight on the true importance of innovation strategy’s purpose to obtain a competitive advantage in relation with technological evolution. Indepth interviews were conducted with twenty participants. Reponses were analysed using descriptive statistics which revealed certain findings. It was found that the concept of a business innovation strategy is not fully understood by most participants which highlights one of the core problems mentioned in the research problem which is the slacking of the business innovation strategy. The results suggest that most participants should focus more on educating themselves in the concepts and intricacies of business innovation strategy so that they are not only able to understand their importance but effectively execute them to combat technological evolution.
The perceived effect of youth development programmes on youth unemployment in South Africa
(The IIE, 2020) Nana, Arhel Aubin Kouatcho
In its broadest context, youth development encompasses the procedures undertaken by all adolescents in acquiring their personalities, skills, beliefs and social skills needed and deemed as important in becoming effective adults. In efforts to successfully assist in the development and transition from adolescence to adulthood, any private and public companies have formulated programmes designed to upskill the youth of South Africa in order for them to take charge of their futures by providing the necessary support and skills needed to overcome various challenges. Given the high levels of unemployment in South Africa among the youth, the use of Youth Development Programmes (YDP’s) as a mechanism to reduce youth unemployment as been driven by the existing knowledge surrounding the benefits of the programmes as well as the perception that YDP’s increase employability through skills development and promote entrepreneurship among the youth. The purpose of this research was to examine the perceived effect YDP’s have on youth unemployment in South Africa. The study made use of an unobtrusive qualitative data collection in the form of a survey comprising of open and closed-ended questions which were analysed using contentment analysis. Based on the results obtained, it was found that the successful implementation and use of YDP’s have the perceived effect of reducing youth unemployment.
A qualitative, cross-sectional study describing employee motivation as perceived by Petrol Station employees in Durban, KwaZulu Natal
(The IIE, 2020) Moodley, Yuvani
The petroleum sector in South Africa can be challenging especially when dealing with the motivating of petrol attendants. Petrol attendants may experience poor communication and management as well as a lack of incentives which are considered demotivating factors. It is essential for employers at petrol service stations to understand the motivation experienced by petrol attendants to ensure job satisfaction. The aim of this phenomenological qualitative study was to describe employee motivation as perceived by petrol attendants in the petroleum sector, specifically in petrol stations in the Durban area. This study analysed Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory with regards to employee motivation experienced by petrol attendants. Petrol attendants were asked questions based on Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory, through semi-structured interviews. Thereafter, a six-step thematic analysis process was used to determine the findings of the data collected. Findings included the following themes; teamwork makes the dream work, communication of supervisors provides clarity and less confusion, reward and recognition, family over money. This study is significant to the management field as it will provide insight on how managers can increase employee motivation in the petroleum sector.
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.
A Qualitative Cross-Sectional Study Describing the Challenges of Value-Added Tax as Perceived by Low Economic Group Consumers in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal
(The IIE, 2020) Sewraj, Remalia Teshandre
This qualitative research study aimed to describe the challenges faced by lower economic group consumers. These challenges arise due to the payment of VAT on most products. Value-added tax is an indirect tax that is charged on certain goods and services. Due to the current VAT rate, retail businesses are struggling to keep its loyal consumers and attract new shoppers. In addition, this study aimed to identify ways retail store can retain its consumers. The researcher used the Consumer Decision-Making Process theory to determine the purchasing decisions of lower economic group consumers. This theory will inform businesses on the consumer decisions so marking and pricing tactics can be adjusted accordingly. This research report was based on an interpretivism paradigm of research. Face-to-face interviews were used as the data collection tool. The data was analysed using a qualitative content analysis method.
A quantitative, cross-sectional study describing brand loyalty amongst Millennials in the fashion industry in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal
(The IIE, 2020) Houston, Nicole
The purpose of this cross-sectional positivist quantitative research study was to gain an in-depth understanding describing millennial brand loyalty in the South African fashion industry. This research study is supported by Aaker’s Brand Loyalty Pyramid which guided the framework of the survey questions. The loyalty ladder together with behavioural and attitudinal loyalty was identified as this helped to gain a varying perspective of millennials and how brands will be placed accordingly by these millennials. These theories highlight that millennials can either be satisfied or dissatisfied with the brands products. Survey data was collected from 30 millennials in which only 27 responded as this was further analysed through descriptive statistics where graphs and tables were constructed to further gain an understanding of millennial brand loyalty. Furthermore, the findings reflected a low millennial response rate to brand loyalty in Durban, South Africa.
A qualitative cross-sectional study describing the role Small Medium Enterprises play in reducing unemployment in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal
(The IIE, 2020) Mungal, Neha
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have an important role to play in the development of the country. The SME sector contributes immensely to the economy by reducing the level of unemployment, reduction in poverty levels, promoting of entrepreneurship activity and assisting in the prosperity of the nation. In addition to the above, SMEs are generally inexpensive to start and have the potential to generate economic growth in South Africa. This research study explored the experiences, perceptions, role and challenges of SME owners and managers in reducing unemployment in Durban. The study made use of an interpretivist qualitative methodology to gain an in-depth understanding of the role SMEs play in reducing unemployment in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Non-probability purposive sampling was the sampling method used which further made use of semi-structured interviews as the data collection tool for this study. The data analysis was performed using thematic content analysis and made use of the Five Stages of Business Growth to deduce and address the research questions. The significant findings of the study revealed that owners and managers within the SME sector in Durban experienced difficulties in their role due to the lack of access to financial resources, high operating costs and inadequate managerial skills and competencies were found to be the major challenges faced by SMEs. The findings also indicated that SMEs are not getting enough support from the government and other development agencies.
An exploitation of how social media marketing impacts the decisionmaking process of students attending private higher learning institutions in Pretoria
(The IIE, 2020) Gininda, Zwelibanzi Destiny
Social media is increasingly playing an important role in the everyday lives of young and old people alike. Consumers today turn to online sources more and more to help them make decisions. This has implications for private higher learning institutions (HLI) as the accelerated growth of the internet has led to increased social media marketing competition among recruiters. Having conducted a broad literature review, it was noted that the research conducted on this topic predominantly focuses on public higher learning institutions in countries outside of Africa. The purpose of this study was to determine how social media marketing impacts the decision making process of students choosing to attend private HLI institutions in South Africa. More specifically, data was collected from students attending private HLI in Pretoria by means of an emailed self-administered questionnaire. The sample was selected using non-probability sampling in the form of convenience sampling. This data collection method was chosen because of the difficulty in identifying pupils attending private HLIs who also use social media given the time implications of this research report. The results of the proposed study show that social media marketing only plays a moderate role in student’s decision making process. It features most as an information source, however only slightly influences student’s decision-making when choosing a private HLI.
Generational divide and its effects on business culture, employee engagement and teamwork compatibility
(The IIE, 2020) Cambell-Wilson, Zuan
The purpose of this research study is to inspect the social phenomena of the generational divide, and identify whether it influences organisational performance in terms of employee engagement, collaboration, and intrinsic motivation towards the business and its collective impact on the culture of an organisation.

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