Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37942
Browse
2 results
Search Results
Item Technological innovation, entrepreneurial orientation, and performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises in Ghana(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Abebrese, Rose; Dorson, ThomasTechnological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation are noted to be key ingredients for business success. Given that advanced economies enjoy the benefits of technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation, emerging economies are rolling out programmes and projects to facilitate technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation. However, empirical studies that bring forth the benefits of technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation is scanty. With partial least square structural equation modelling, we explore the relationship between technological innovation, entrepreneurial orientation, and performance of MSMEs in Ghana. Specifically, the research examined the effect of technological innovation on entrepreneurial orientation in MSMEs in Ghana, assessed the effect of technological innovation on the performance of MSMEs in Ghana and analysed the combined effect of technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of MSMEs. Primary data was collected from using closed-ended structured questionnaire between the period of 31 March 2022 to 1 June 2022 and analysed with the Structural Equation Modelling based on Partial Least Squares. The analysis and discussion of the study utilized the Schumpeterian theory of innovation and the resource-based theory. The findings of this study confirm the positive and substantial influence of technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation on performance, aligning with the foundational principles of resource-based theory, which highlights the pivotal role of resources in gaining competitive advantage. It is advised that managers of MSMEs instill organizational practices steeped in technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation and anchored in knowledge. Additionally, these managers should foster an environment where innovative ideas and solutions from their employees are not only welcomed but encouraged. The study also underscores the significance of the policy recommendations derived from these resultsItem The effects of ethical business practices on the profitability of firms(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Kasiyamhuru, Iris; Seely, DerekIn the last decade, many South African Corporates have been implicated in a series of scandals involving unethical behaviour. The resulting losses and loss of reputation that have occurred, have caused business ethics to gain prominence. This study aims to identify how ethical business practices influence company profitability, in an attempt to inspire organisation leaders to act ethically and in turn, preserve the long-term profitability of companies. A qualitative research methodology using semi-structured interviews was used. Data was collected from a convenience sample of 12 participants comprising C-suite employees and senior finance professionals in Corporates. The findings suggest that corporate leaders have a pivotal role to play in shaping ethics in an organisation. Furthermore, not only should leaders role model the desired ethical behaviours, but they should also see to the fact that necessary resources, systems and processes are put in place for ethics to prevail. Ethics is the responsibility of everyone within an organisation, with leaders leading from the front. The findings suggest that ethical business practices towards various company stakeholders safeguard the profitability and sustainability of a business in the long run