WIReDSpace

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 19

Recent Submissions

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    The Influence of Institutional Factors on the Growth Intentions of Township SMEs in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Mohlala, Nthabiseng Ngoanamagedi
    Small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') growth in the townships of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni hasn't really gotten the attention it deserves in South African research. This research sought to investigate how institutional factors influence the Growth Intentions of township SMEs in these areas. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in relation to enterprise and Institutional Theory (IT) served as the foundation for this study. This study was carried out utilising a post-positivist methodology using a quantitative, cross- sectional approach. Using a questionnaire sent through Qualtrics, 200 township SMEs in the Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metropolitan districts provided primary data. Multiple regression analysis was then performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that none of the variables had a statistically significant influence on Growth Intentions. Access to finance showed a very weak positive influence, but this was not significant. Likewise, both the regulatory environment and level of education demonstrated weak positive influences, which were also statistically insignificant. Infrastructure availability exhibited a weak negative influence that lacked significance. Moreover, the correlation between access to finance and Growth Intentions was not significantly influenced by innovativeness. This study adds some valuable insights to the existing knowledge on entrepreneurship, emphasising key barriers faced by township SMEs and suggesting practical methods for getting past them. This research suggests a different method for comprehending and dealing with the Growth Intentions of SMEs within the township areas of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metropolitan regions. It posits that policymakers have a critical role in mitigating key barriers such as access to finance, regulatory challenges, educational attainment, and infrastructure limitations within resource-constrained environments. The study advocates for targeted, systematic support to directly tackle these challenges and encourage SME growth.
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    The effects of remote working on leadership styles and job quality due to Covid-19
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Nyathi, Ntomboxolo
    The Covid-19 global pandemic took the whole world by surprise and has a social and economic devastating effect. Social distancing was one of the measures put in place by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus. Governments across the world were advised by the WHO to encourage employers to allow employees to work from home as one of the measures used to minimize the spread of the virus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of leadership when leading teams over digital platforms when they were forced to work from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic in South African organisations context. The study explored three leadership qualities that were used as measuring tool to determine the effectiveness of leadership on virtual teams that were enforced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the proposed conceptual model, leadership effectiveness on virtual teams was determined by three main factors, which were Delegation (DELE), e-Communication (COMM) and Technology Savvy (TS). In this model, leadership effectiveness on virtual teams (EL) was hypothesised to be affected by DELE, COMM and TS. The study confirms that there is a relationship between these leadership qualities and the effectiveness of leadership on virtual teams that were enforced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. These relationships were confirmed by the hypotheses the study focused on
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    The Impact of Succession Planning on Agricultural Investment in Kirkwood, Eastern Cape, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Nyamutsambira, Mpontsheng Olive; Ayodele, Ademola E.
    Succession plans are essential for ensuring the continuity of agricultural businesses. The next generation may be unsure about how to proceed with the farming operations, and they could be compelled to sell if an agreement cannot be reached. Succession planning involves a deliberate process of identifying, preparing, and grooming or training potential successors for future agricultural and asset management roles. To guarantee the survival of farming operations after the founder's retirement, having a succession plan is crucial. Considering this, the study examined the impact of succession on agricultural investment in Kirkwood, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The specific objectives include examining how factors related to implementing succession plans correlate with farm sustainability measures and financial key performance indicators, as well as identifying the main challenges in succession planning and analysing their connection to investment patterns and successor readiness. Google Forms and a face-to-face questionnaire were administered to seventy-six respondents, including farm owners, potential successors, and managers involved in succession planning, using purposive sampling methods. Analytically, descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed as estimation techniques to achieve the research objectives and test the hypotheses, respectively. Descriptively, the study found that the implementation of succession planning affects a farm’s sustainability and financial outcomes in Kirkwood, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study suggests that the implementation of succession planning has a positive impact on and contributes to the farm’s sustainability and financial outcomes in Kirkwood, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Furthermore, it was established that the primary barriers/challenges affecting effective succession planning, investment decision, and successor preparedness are financial constraints, interest from the younger generation, family conflict, and resistance from the current owner. The study concludes that, based on the regression analysis, succession planning has a positive and significant effect on agricultural investments. Therefore, succession planning can involve the younger generation with decision-making, critical thinking, and investment analysis as a wake-up call for the successor. Hitherto, governments have been encouraged to provide a business-friendly environment with maximum infrastructure that can facilitate the smooth operation of agricultural investments. This is imperative to achieve food sufficiency in Kirkwood, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
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    Exploring the relationship between leadership styles and quiet quitting in a tier-1 automotive supplier
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Charles, Nengwenani Fulufhelo Ravhutsi; Tabane, Lehlohonolo
    This research study explored the “quiet quitting” phenomenon, focusing on how different leadership styles, namely, autocratic, laissez-faire, and democratic, impact employee engagement and retention in a Tier-1 automotive supplier organisation. The study aimed to clarify the relationship between these leadership approaches and the likelihood of quiet quitting. Through a quantitative analysis, the findings revealed key insights into how leadership practices affect employee behaviour, providing actionable recommendations for enhancing retention strategies and understanding workforce motivations.
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    Challenges Encountered in Reaching Digital Maturity by Road Freight Logistics Service Providers (RFLSPs) in Gauteng province
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Motshwari, Itumeleng
    This research intends to evaluate the state of digital maturity among road freight logistics service providers (RFLSPs) in Gauteng, investigating challenges related to digital infrastructure, skills and knowledge, and technology adoption. The study employs a qualitative method approach by conducting interviews with experienced industry leaders. Findings reveal a remarkable commitment to progress, with a strategic focus on continuous development and knowledge empowerment. However, challenges include client resistance, financial disparities, and infrastructure issues, showcasing the complexities in the industry's digital transformation journey. Practical implications involve the need for comprehensive strategies, including client engagement, addressing financial gaps, and strengthen digital infrastructure. The study contributes to the field by providing insightful information about the challenges and opportunities specific to RFLSPs in Gauteng, offering valuable guidance for industry stakeholders navigating digital maturity.