Electronic Theses and Dissertations (PhDs)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37943

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Start date: 2019Subject: search.filters.subject.South Africa

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    The nexus between the digital divide and social cohesion and their socio-economic drivers in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Magida, Ayanda; Armstrong, Brian
    The study aimed to achieve two objectives. Firstly, it sought to investigate the correlation between the digital divide and social cohesion in South Africa. Secondly, it aimed to evaluate the socio-economic factors contributing to the digital divide and attaining social cohesion. The study used ecological systems theory as the primary theory to underpin its research. Social categorisation and resource appropriation theories were employed as secondary theories to enhance understanding of social cohesion and the digital divide, respectively. A concurrent mixed-method design incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods was utilised to gather comprehensive data. The quantitative data was acquired through online and paper-based surveys, while in-depth interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data. Using the Qualtrics data collection platform, the online survey was distributed through various channels and platforms, including social media, using convenience sampling. Fieldwork in three semi-urban areas in Gauteng was conducted to carry out the paper-based survey. A total of n=1140 surveys were completed, and after data cleaning, n=857 respondents were included in the final analysis using SPSS. The quantitative data collected from the survey was analysed using descriptive statistics, structural equation modelling, and regressions. Meanwhile, the qualitative phase involved purposively selecting twelve participants for an interview, with the transcripts being analysed using thematic analysis and NVivo. Eight themes were identified through a hybrid data analysis approach combining inductive and deductive approaches. Results from the quantitative phase indicate a correlation between social cohesion and the digital divide. Socio-economic factors such as age, geographic location, and population group drive social cohesion. Similarly, age, education level, and gender influence internet access: socio-economic factors, population group, geographic location, education level, and economic activity impact internet usage. Lastly, the advantages of being online are influenced by socio-economic factors such as age, education level, and economic activity. Nine themes emerged from the qualitative analysis through an inductive and deductive approach. Participants expressed shared definitions and understandings of the digital divide and identified iii its drivers, which encompassed infrastructure, affordability, electricity, and literacy levels. Regarding social cohesion, the participants expressed that the notion of a "rainbow nation" is a myth, and socio-political factors act as barriers to achieving social cohesion. The research indicates that the digital divide significantly impacts social cohesion in South Africa. However, it is important to recognise that social cohesion and the digital divide are complex issues influenced by various factors, such as socio- economic status, race, culture, and historical context. Therefore, exploring and addressing other obstacles that prevent the country from achieving social cohesion and bridging the digital divide is vital. The report has significantly contributed to several empirical, methodological, and practical areas. The study has provided valuable insights into the digital divide, social cohesion, and socio-economic drivers, contributing to our understanding of these complex issues. The research has enriched our understanding of the digital divide and social cohesion by adopting a comprehensive approach that captures a range of perspectives and provides nuanced insights. Additionally, using both quantitative and qualitative data has enhanced the validity and rigour of the findings. Ultimately, the study's practical contributions are especially noteworthy given that social cohesion is a crucial pillar of South Africa's democratic project. Understanding the factors that hinder its attainment is essential, and this research sheds light on micro and macro factors contributing to achieving social cohesion.
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    Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance within the South African Minibus Taxi Industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Kier, Jessica; Urban, Boris
    The primary purpose of this research is to understand the relationship between the three dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation within the South African minibus taxi industry. This industry is pivotal to the South African economic structure and landscape as a whole. The taxi industry serves as the main mode of public transport in South Africa. A survey was used to conduct an empirical research study. A sample size of 120 participants was originally selected; however, of those 120, only 95 surveys were valid and used due to missing values in the data provided in the others. This sample size is representative of the population concerning the taxi industry. The research instrument included a 7-point Likert scale. Further, the instrument included demographic coverage and sections covering the three entrepreneurial orientations’ dimensions. The aim of this study is to understand the extent to which entrepreneurial orientation enables small- to medium-enterprise growth performance within the South African taxi industry. Empirical data to support research suppositions is difficult to access within the public domain, but this research identified and provided an analysis extracted from private enterprise which fills the gap in the current research literature space. The results indicated a weak positive influence between the three dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation and growth performance within the industry. Due to the significance of the findings, the results are not strong enough for generalising the same findings for the entire South African minibus taxi population. This industry is the main source of public transport within the country and needs to increase its literature in order to grow and further improve. Further findings can contribute to the understanding of the complexity that surrounds the industry’s atmosphere. The value of working to formulate constructive information on the taxi industry will allow for further engagement within the field
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    The Glass Cliff: Exploring the Dynamics Around the Appointment of Women to Precarious Leadership Positions in Corporate South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mashele, Winsome; Alagidede, Imhotep Paul
    The current research explores the "glass cliff" form of discrimination. The research argues that while women are now appointed in high-profile positions, there is a greater likelihood that they end up on a 'glass cliff' as compared to their male counterparts. Glass cliff positions put women executives' in potentially risky roles that could harm their reputations and career prospects because, when a company performs poorly, people tend to blame its leadership without considering situational variables. The research problem statement centres around the overrepresentation of women who are in senior leadership positions in organizations that are experiencing difficulties, which is an increasing concern in corporate South Africa. The main objectives of the study, among others includes to: (i) gain a better understanding of why women choose risky leadership positions. (ii) identify the leadership experiences of women in leading organisations in relation to gender. (iii) understand the suitable leadership styles that women facing the glass cliff have at their disposal to build relationships with internal shareholders as well as influence the structure of the organisation. (iv) understand the tools and resources that are needed to support women in senior leadership roles during times of crises in corporate South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research methodology was employed, and data collected through semi-structured interviews from a total of 15 participants. Findings: The findings suggest that women are now allowed to occupy senior leadership positions where these positions record a decline in status, competence and prestige, and as a result are time consuming and difficult to combine with a successful academic career. An important set of findings is: (i) the participants perceived the risky activity as a form of promotional opportunity and were willing to accept an offer. (ii) if women are placed in the right positions with the right skills, success is potentially guaranteed. (iii) leaders should practice the situational leadership style which evolves according to the situation, the time at hand and its nature. Contribution / value: Despite some limitations that were experienced over the course of the study, some answers emerged in response to the key question on which the study was premised. Furthermore, the aim of this study was achieved in terms of its contribution not only in providing guidance to organizational decision makers, policy makers and business leaders to address inequalities in corporate South Africa, but also in highlighting the role played by women in making career decisions within the rubric of the glass cliff phenomenon
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    Antecedents of Social Networks and their Influence on the Propensity of Academic Entrepreneurs to Develop Successful Spin-Off Ventures
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Seely, Derek; Urban, Boris
    There is an ongoing discussion about potentially commercialisable academic research not resulting in effective commercialisation in South Africa. This research adds to the body of knowledge by considering the role that an individual academic entrepreneur's social network plays in the spin-off process. The purpose of research is to improve our understanding of the social networks used by academic researchers that enable them to identify and commercialise their innovative research and commercialise it within the university context through the formation of an entrepreneurial spin-off. The study followed a quantitative methodological approach to establish the role of these networks in spin-off development and was actualised using a cross-sectional survey. Respondents were self-identified academic entrepreneurs, drawn from South African academic institutions. The research considered assumptions that research mobilisation, collaboration, unconventionality, university support, bureaucracy and the aspirations of the academic entrepreneur impact spin-off success. The study results provided a conceptual framework that integrates and enhances spin-off success using the academic entrepreneur's social network while enhancing entrepreneurial spin-off theory. The research showed that the existence of a triple helix is insufficient on its own to create a successful spin-off by providing insight on the networks needed for success. Further, the study clarified the importance of individual-level characteristics that are important for academic entrepreneurship to succeed. The outcomes highlighted that research mobilisation, collaboration, risk taking activities, bureaucracy and academic aspirations have significant implications for successful academic entrepreneurship. These findings are noteworthy as the research has been conducted across disciplines and universities with vastly different resource availabilities
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    Implication of Regulated Cannabis Legalisation on Wellbeing and Economic Growth
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Quarshie, Emmanuel; Alagidede, Imhotep Paul
    This is a thesis on the cost benefit analysis of cannabis legalisation, public (mis)perception about cannabis usage and cannabis users, the medical application of cannabinoids and their commercial and industrial potential in the new global political economy. The study shows that, although there are misconceptions about cannabis, there is still much to unpack about its effects on human well-being. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative cross-country dataset from Ghana and South Africa, the study employed a logit model to address the following questions: (a) What does society know about cannabis and its industrial and medical applications? (b) What is the evidence-based scientific claims of cannabis regarding human well-being? (c) What are the existing gaps between perception and knowledge? Among the contributions, this study clarifies the often-misunderstood position of cannabis in society and illuminates the blind side of the role of cannabis as an economic enabler in the post pandemic world. More importantly, while some schools of thought project cannabis as a gateway drug to the infernal realm, this study provides evidenced based on real-time practical experience from well- informed and educated users. The study provides a model for regulated cannabis legalisation, a proper guide on value-added supply chain mechanism, and guiding principles to ensure the model functions properly, based on lessons and best practices from countries that have legalized cannabis, such as the Netherlands, Canada, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. This study further establishes empirical and theoretical foundations for the key thematic subjects of cannabis use, as well as a policy direction pertaining to its regulated legalisation, prohibition, or decriminalization in Ghana and South Africa. Given the disconnect between knowledge and perception about cannabis, the study recommended knowledge enhancement and adequate advocacy on the pros and cons of cannabis for society to enhance understanding of the benefits and its side effects to provide evidence-based guidance on the medical application and industrial potentials
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    The Leadership of the CEO in the Turnaround of South Africa’s State-owned Enterprises
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mpete, Morongwa; Maier, Christoph
    This qualitative research analyses the leadership of the CEO in the turnaround of South Africa’s State-owned enterprises (SOEs). Numerous SA SOEs have embarked on turnaround strategies without any success, thus having a negative impact on economic growth. The research was conducted within 10 of the 21 SOEs classified as Schedule 2 (major public institutions) in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) that have previously embarked on turnaround strategies. The study comprised 24 semi-structured interviews with CEOs, CFOs, COOs, board members, union representatives, regulators and shareholders as the main role players during a turnaround of the SOE. This research makes use of pseudonyms for the organisations and participants for anonymity purposes. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data collected through the interviews. This thesis is amongst the first to narrate the experiences of the Captains of the Industry within the SOEs in SA in an attempt to turn around the SOEs. This research identified the challenges that the CEOs of SOEs face in executing turnaround strategies and affirms that turnaround implementation should be free from political interference in order to be successful. Political landscape and power struggles, leadership practices and inefficient operations were found to be the overarching reasons for failure of turnarounds in the SOEs. This research is consistent with public choice, agency, and resource dependence theories. The findings of this research suggest that not any general CEO can turn around an SOE by specifying a job profile (capabilities, attributes, and values) of a CEO of turnaround. The profile will guide the SOEs’ boards, shareholders, and recruiters with the traits to consider when recruiting the CEO to turn around SOEs. The research suggests however, that the identified traits which were found to be more aligned to transformational, servant and situational leadership theories may not have any influence towards the outcome of a turnaround strategy in an SOE in South Africa. SOEs are characterised by de facto and de jure power. Legally, the CEO should influence turnaround as a key driver of a turnaround. However, due to the political landscape of an SOE in SA, there are multiple stakeholders that are influential towards turnaround, thus reducing the level of influence to three (moderate influence) instead of five (high influence) and therefore limiting the CEO’s authority on turnaround. Non-supportive SOE culture is also a reason for the CEO’s low influence on turnaround thus concluding that a combination of the CEO leadership and organisational characteristics influence turnaround. This empirical research therefore does not largely support upper echelons theory on the premise that CEOs of SOEs in SA are constrained in the actions they take. Future studies are recommended to test the proposed profile of a CEO of a turnaround
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    The moderating role of implicit person theories on gender-role orientation and entrepreneurial intentions
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Moloi, Jeremia; Urban, Boris
    South Africa, like the rest of the world, has suffered an economic downturn as a result of the pandemic, COVID-19. In addition, the country has historically experienced an unequal distribution of resources, which affects poverty levels. Unfortunately, this unequal distribution of resources and opportunities continues to impact young people. As a watershed, this research is critical for unlocking entrepreneurial potential. The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between gender role orientation (GRO) and entrepreneurial intentions (EI) and the function of implicit person theories (IPT), also known as mindsets, in regulating this relationship. There is consensus that entrepreneurship is a critical motivator for identifying, seizing, and creating new opportunities. Therefore, it is important to understand the elements associated with the intention to engage or behave entrepreneurially. Previous research on entrepreneurship relied on biological sex as a predictor of entrepreneurial intentions and results have been mixed and sometimes inconclusive, particularly among university students. Therefore, this study focuses on gender role orientation and mindset as determinants of entrepreneurial inclinations as opposed to biological sex. The study was cross-sectional and followed a quantitative approach. Primary data were collected from a sample of 415 individuals. Data analysis included Pearson correlation, structural equation modelling (SEM) as a statistical technique and t-tests. The results showed that the antecedents of entrepreneurship had a positive influence on the relationship between a feminine gender role orientation and entrepreneurial intentions. However, the observed relationships were not significant. This was also true for the moderating role of mindset on the relationship between gender role orientation and entrepreneurial intentions. On the other hand, this study found a significant propensity toward commercial entrepreneurship in a feminine gender role-oriented population. These findings not only contradict persistent gender stereotypes that claim entrepreneurial intentions are negatively associated with femininity, but also address the problem of few role models, as attributing feminine attributes to the entrepreneurial image will increase the number and visibility of symbolic role models for individuals with a feminine gender role orientation. The overall findings of this study will motivate and empower educational institutions, policy makers and training programmes to promote entrepreneurial content and activities that give equal weight to masculine and feminine gender roles and lead to a perceived congruence between femininity and entrepreneurship. These findings are equally effective in persuading financial institutions, media, and other key individuals to support individuals with a feminine gender role orientation in their businesses, leading to an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem
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    Determinants of intrapreneurial performance within the banking industry in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Govender, Thanusha; Urban, B.
    The ability for large corporates to remain competitive and grow ahead of the market in an era that has been defined by globalisation, the fourth industrial revolution, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic has become increasingly difficult. Therefore, it is a critical imperative for organisations to develop a new capability that equips them to navigate the turbulent global macro-economic environment and complex business markets successfully. Globally, banks have experienced severe pressure to transform their business models from capital intense businesses into revenue diversification drivers through new fee-based services. Investors are leaning towards new generation banking models that serve customers holistically, intuitively, and better by employing “new age” technology solutions, as profitability levels within global banks have slipped below the cost of shareholder equity. Coupled with the reality on the ground pre-2020, COVID-19 has become awatershed transformation moment for banks. It has accelerated many long-term banking trends that have resulted in customer shifts in relation to their needs, behaviours and expectations and has subsequently impacted their recovery performance. As such, African banks need to pivot their focus towards growth and relevance by ensuring the establishment of a fundamentally different business model that provides integrated digital ecosystem solutions that go beyond traditional banking, and offer to ensure market competitiveness. Corporate entrepreneurship is a strategic capability that enables organisations to embed innovation as a core competency and simultaneously engage in explorative and exploitative activities, which are essential thrusts in the strategic renewal of a company. This research study enriched the domain of corporate entrepreneurship by deepening the understanding of the mechanisms that underpin the corporate entrepreneurial embedment process, within a dynamic complex organisational setting. This was through the development of a core embedment capability model of corporate entrepreneurship that predicts the value drivers of corporate entrepreneurial performance and explores the contextual corporate entrepreneurship nuances attributed to banking corporations domiciled in Africa. This study importantly furthered contextual setting theory development and shed light over the heterogeneity of corporate entrepreneurship, which arose due to an idiosyncratic corporate entrepreneurship embedment process. This process consists of institutional path dependencies that resulted from gradations in the macro, meso, and micro layers. The model and theories emanating from this study not only aimed to bridge the research gap by exploring the dynamic complexity of corporate entrepreneurship, but also assessed the knowledge transfer of market intelligence into corporate entrepreneurial performance, and the significance of network ties in developing countries as an influencer of corporate entrepreneurial activity. In this research study, the levels of corporate entrepreneurship within the financial services sector of companies domiciled in South Africa were analysed to determine the quantum of influence that organisational, individual, and environmental antecedent factors have as predictors of corporate entrepreneurial performance. This was a precursor to crafting an embedment capability model that would enable financial services organisations to embed a corporate entrepreneurial ecosystem systematically, and enable effective and agile corporate entrepreneurial transformation. The research purpose was achieved by employing a three-prong approach. First, a configurational method was applied to existing literature to consolidate prevailing theories and to integrate existing models and frameworks as a basis of the proposed theoretical model. Second, the theoretical model was empirically tested using partial least squares structured equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the model and to establish causal relational influence among the three different sets of antecedent variables. This would determine their quantum of impact on corporate entrepreneurial performance. Finally, an optimal configuration was proposed as a premise to describe and predict corporate entrepreneurial performance as a function of system thinking. The empirical evidence from this study validated that the most significant transformational driver of corporate entrepreneurial activity within incumbents remained organisational antecedents and entrepreneurial corporate strategy as the bedrock of a corporate entrepreneurial embedment ecosystem. Its singular effect on corporate entrepreneurial activity was circa five times larger than any other predictor within the corporate entrepreneurial embedment ecosystem. This was flanked equally by employee enablement of the corporate entrepreneurial strategy and the execution of the corporate entrepreneurial strategy. Employee enablement consisted of two supporting predictors, namely, the decisions and behaviours of transformation leaders, and the entrepreneurial cognitive horsepower of employees to develop initiatives and formulate strategic plans that enable the delivery of the corporate entrepreneurial strategy. Strategy execution encompassed two underpinning predictors, namely, the implementation of an organic organisational structure and the deployment of novel resource recipes to build new capabilities and adjacent capabilities to a firm’s core offering. Considering the nuances in the African operating environment, both macro level antecedents and network ties were deemed non-significant direct value drivers of corporate entrepreneurial performance within African banks.
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    Learning Transfer among Generation Y Entrepreneurs in the South African Manufacturing Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Raliphada, Nditsheni J.; Carmichael ,, Terri
    South Africa has one of the highest levels of unemployment in the world, and youth entrepreneurship is viewed as one of the interventions that can help with job creation and reduce unemployment. This study aimed to understand how learning transfer occurs among Generation Y Entrepreneurs in the South African manufacturing sector. The study followed the Glaserian classical grounded theory methodology. Data was collected through direct interviews (3) and from pre-recorded interviews (27) accessed online. Data was analysed until the theory emerged, observing the principles of constant comparison, theoretical sampling and saturation. The study found that GYEs core concern is “staying afloat” linked to the survival and sustainability of their business enterprises. “Relating” emerged as the core category; learning transfer among GYE occurs primarily through relationships. This study proposes Relational Learning Transfer Theory to account for how GYEs acquire and transfer learning, navigate their environments, respond to their primary concern of staying afloat, and strategise to outsmart the competition. Relational Learning Transfer Theory is a processual theory that recognises internal factors, such as the self, and external factors, such as support structures and the environment. The study also proposes a relational learning transfer matrix and model as contributions to learning transfer. Methodologically, a new coding approach was developed and used in the study as a contribution to grounded theory and qualitative research. The method codes data for actions, conditions, attitudes and consequences (ACAC). The study’s findings provide guidance to GY entrepreneurs to build and enhance their relationships with stakeholders to sustain their enterprises. Academics and practitioners can utilise the theory, matrix, and model to enhance the entrepreneurship curriculum. Policymakers should utilise the findings in this study to direct their policies and strategies to create a conducive environment for entrepreneurial endeavour amongst South African youth.
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    Determinants of intrapreneurial performance within the banking industry in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Govender, Thanusha; B, Urban
    The ability for large corporates to remain competitive and grow ahead of the market in an era that has been defined by globalisation, the fourth industrial revolution, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic has become increasingly difficult. Therefore, it is a critical imperative for organisations to develop a new capability that equips them to navigate the turbulent global macro-economic environment and complex business markets successfully. Globally, banks have experienced severe pressure to transform their business models from capital intense businesses into revenue diversification drivers through new fee-based services. Investors are leaning towards new generation banking models that serve customers holistically, intuitively, and better by employing “new age” technology solutions, as profitability levels within global banks have slipped below the cost of shareholder equity. Coupled with the reality on the ground pre-2020, COVID-19 has become a watershed transformation moment for banks. It has accelerated many long-term banking trends that have resulted in customer shifts in relation to their needs, behaviours and expectations and has subsequently impacted their recovery performance. As such, African banks need to pivot their focus towards growth and relevance by ensuring the establishment of a fundamentally different business model that provides integrated digital ecosystem solutions that go beyond traditional banking, and offer to ensure market competitiveness. Corporate entrepreneurship is a strategic capability that enables organisations to embed innovation as a core competency and simultaneously engage in explorative and exploitative activities, which are essential thrusts in the strategic renewal of a company