Faculty of Humanities (ETDs)
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Item Strategic Approaches to Disruptive Innovations in Regulated Markets: Two Cases Of State-owned Electric Utilities(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Bhugwandin, Kubeshnie; Carmichael, TerriBoth state- and privately-owned electric utilities are currently navigating a wave of disruptive innovations that are reshaping the energy sector. While the overarching goals of profit and shareholder value apply to both, state-owned utilities have a distinct set of challenges in that their objectives also encompass social welfare, economic growth, and national development. Thus, their survival is a matter of national interest. An interpretivist paradigm guided this research, and a qualitative multi-case study was used to investigate strategic approaches to disruptive innovations in the regulated electricity markets of South Africa and France. The theoretical interrelationships between Disruptive Innovation theory, Dynamic Capabilities and Ambidexterity were holistically explored within the regulated markets. The data comprised documentation and interviews with the electric utilities, Eskom and Électricité de France and the national energy regulators in each country. The study's key findings indicated that disruptive innovations are multi- organisational and multi-dimensional, impacting the industry at the macro- and meso-levels, transforming the entire ecosystem via concurrent interconnected actions. Hence, there are many pathways to disruption, and state-owned electric utilities must reposition themselves in the market and respond with multifaceted approaches. State-owned electric utilities are recommended to engage in coopetition strategies such as investing in disruptive innovations with start-ups and building strong partner interdependence via joint activities or investments to facilitate the exchange of resources and capabilities and build trust. This research recommends an integrated response when faced with a wave of disruptive innovations, e.g. (i) investing in an existing business to improve efficiencies and retain customers, or extending the life of power plants and converting coal-fired power plants to biomass technology, whilst at the same time (ii) adopting disruptive innovations which have emerged in the market to offer new products iv and services such as e-mobility, energy efficiency, solar photovoltaic and energy storage services and (iii) investing in continuous research and innovation to compete with disruptors such as the piloting of floating wind turbines and lightweight solar photovoltaic structures. Furthermore, ambidexterity and dynamic capability can be used as tools by electric utilities to strategise effectively under VUCA conditions. Dynamic capabilities should be built to support sensing, sensemaking, shaping, seizing and transforming the organisation to retain competitive advantages and market leadership. The study identified risk-taking, negotiating ability, and organisational agility as dynamic capabilities required to seize opportunities. The research also identified the ability to modify and reconfigure human resources, organisational structure, assets, processes and culture as dynamic capabilities required to compete and maintain market leadership. Lastly, this study presented an alternative pathway to achieve ambidexterity. Electric utilities can utilise a hybrid ambidextrous approach, which entails simultaneously combining different modes at both the meso and micro levels, such as (i) creating structural separation, forming intra and inter-organisational alliances, (iii) building dynamic capabilities to accelerate exploration activities, and (iv) establishing dual executive management roles. This study has made theoretical contributions by proposing a new definition of disruptive innovations for the electricity industry and has widened the domains for Strategy-as-Practice research by extending the levels of praxis from micro, meso and macro to include an industry level. This moves strategising actions beyond the firm to incorporate wider practices in society. Furthermore, the dynamic capability theory was extended to include sensemaking and shaping as micro foundations to respond to disruptive innovations and maintain competitive advantages. This finding also contributed to the understanding of the resource- based theory by providing a source of heterogeneity. In addition, the research suggested that simultaneous use of casual and effectuation decision-making logic can be a source of heterogeneity for firms. The study clarified that shaping v capabilities are used not only during sensing and seizing opportunities but also influences or shapes transformation activities of the firm. The ambidexterity view was extended by presenting an alternative combination of modes within the hybrid ambidexterity approach. Practically, this research suggests that an integrated approach should be implemented by state-owned electric utilities to respond to a wave of disruptive innovationsItem A gendered inquiry into South Africa’s agrarian question and agro-food system trends(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Mabasa, Khwezi; Williams, Michelle; Cock, JacklynSouth Africa’s agrarian question has been shaped by the evolution of racial capitalism for nearly four centuries. Dispossession, commodification, and social stratification continue to characterise the country’s agrarian system and broader social structure. However, these three structural features exist in a 21st century finance-led racial capitalist system, which has decoupled socio-economic development from rural-based agrarian livelihoods and exacerbated uneven spatial development across the country. Sixty-seven per cent of the population resides in urban areas and deagrarianisation continues to expand. The country’s agro-food system is highly industrialised, with strong upstream and downstream linkages to other economic sectors dominated by large corporates along value chains. Yet these structural shifts, created through centuries of dispossession and racially segregated industrialisation, have not totally obliterated the role of agrarian livelihood practices in households or community social reproduction. This study used a gendered lens to explore the agrarian political economy structural changes mentioned above, drawing primarily on the experiences of black African women from low-income communities. The discussions elevate gendered socio-economic and sociological impacts of structural agrarian changes in South Africa, which are often underplayed in agrarian political economy literature focusing on transforming race or class relations. More importantly, the study examined the women’s individual and communal agentic agrarian livelihood practices. The main aim was to explore significant lessons for contributing towards debates on alternative agro-food systems in South Africa. Feminist and extended case methodology framed the overall methodological approach in the study, and data was obtained from semi-structured individual and focus group interviews. I relied on Marxist feminist and black feminist political economy literature to develop the study’s theoretical framework and analytical concepts. The central argument of the study is anchored on the following three points. Firstly, South Africa’s post-apartheid agro-food system structural change logic advances narrow agrarian transformation goals, which seek to change racial ownership patterns and integrate ‘emerging’ women farmers into existing commercial agro-food system market structures. This approach has led to negative gendered socio-economic impacts because it fails to address structural social reproduction dimensions that cause gender disparities in the first place. Secondly, black African women have created dynamic agrarian subsistence practices in response to their structural socio-economic challenges, which form part of multiple livelihood and income sources. Their contribution towards local economic v development through these subsistence livelihood practices is overlooked because it takes place outside formal markets. Thus, it is imperative to examine and study these livelihood practices with the aim of obtaining key lessons on how to support marginalised black African women who view agrarian development as an importance source of social reproduction in their communities. Thirdly, black African women-led agency goes beyond orthodox productivism approaches in studying agrarian and non-agrarian livelihood strategies. This study revealed other essential elements in the women’s agentic practices such as solidarity building, experiential learning, indigenous knowledge sharing and creating spaces for formulating women-led public policy demands.Item (Il)legitimacy of Freelance Artists: Exploring Current Government Legislation and Policies that Influence Economic Exclusion and Inclusion of South African Freelance Artists(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-03) Mmeti, Lehlohonolo Tebalelo Rudy Matome; Chatikobo, MunyaradziThe prevailing descriptors—such as "illegitimate," "non-compliant," "unprofessional," and "informal"—resonate globally, attributing a lack of structure to freelance artistry. This characterization places these artists in precarious legal and economic positions, hindering access to fundamental employment benefits, credit, loans, and housing. Therefore, it is imperative to answer the central questions, Which legislative measures and policies currently influence the economic integration, compliance and legitimacy of freelance profession within Cultural Creative Industry and Economy in South Africa? The scarcity of literature on the subject prompts an exploration into the legislative landscape, framed by the notion that policy acts as a guiding roadmap. The central argument is that existing policies failure to adequately address the unique challenges faced by South African freelance artists, leaving a critical void in understanding their economic participation. Focused on a qualitative methodology, the research examines documents and policies to unravel the impact on freelance artists' economic standing, employing lenses that navigate the intersections of formality and informality within the Cultural Creative Industries. The research underscores the imperative to bridge this knowledge gap, arguing for targeted interventions to rectify the economic disparities and (il)legitimacy associated with freelance artists in South Africa. It is through the aims and objectives of this research that I was be able to come with a concrete understating of the landscape so appropriate intervention measures can be suggested.Item The Case of Analytic Philosophy as ‘the Philosophy’ and Its Problem for the Decolonization of the Curriculum(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2018) Ramaphala, Dorcus; Etieyibo, EdwinIn this research, I shall be examining two related issues. The first issue is about whether the presentation of analytic philosophy as the proper and only method of doing philosophy is justified. The second concerns the problems posed for the decolonization of the philosophy curriculum by this hegemonic and triumphant position of analytic philosophy as “the philosophy.” My motivation for engaging with these issues is to try and make the case for other philosophical traditions and methods, including African philosophy as legitimate and proper philosophical enterprises even when they do not share all or some of the traits and features of analytic philosophy. Success in making this case seems crucial to the project of decolonizing the philosophy curriculum.Item On The Nature and Rationality of Desire(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2018) Mtshali, Khondlo; Leon, MarkItem Would You Drink It? An Exploratory Study Gauging the Public’s Perceptions and Attitudes on the Use of Reclaimed Wastewater in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Prins, Franciscus X.; Thatcher, Andrew; Etale, AnitaIncreasing population figures globally, and in South Africa, and other factors, such as climate change could result in countries and regions suffering severe water scarcity. Alternative water sources, such as wastewater reclamation, are available which could bridge the supply and demand gap. Historically consumers have been against the use of water from water reclamation plants. This study aimed to determine consumers’ attitudes and key trade-offs toward alternative water sources, and to inform policy-and decision-makers for improved future public engagement. This could potentially improve the support for, and success, of future water reclamation plants. With the use of traditional surveys consumers’ willingness to consider alternative water sources are often determined after having assumed that they have existing knowledge of often complex topics. In this study, a decision pathway design allowed for information provision within an adaptive online survey with a set of linked questions. This encouraged the deliberate construction of opinions and views. In this way, respondents’ choices were more likely to be based on correct information before being asked to provide their opinions. By selecting one pathway information was revealed about respondents’ trade-offs and reasoning processes. Quantitative data were collected, and various demographical variables and responses were explored. Respondents’ most preferred water alternatives were provided at two points (at the start and at the end of the survey). The data revealed that there were changes between respondents most preferred alternative at the start and end of the survey. Furthermore, under situations of severe water scarcity most South African consumers would be in support of direct reclamation, however, respondents’ level of trust in the government, and the associated level of affect, could play a determining factor in the future successful implementation and operationalisation of water reclamation plants.Item Men, Masculinity, Aggression and Dominance: An Exploration of How Young Men are Socialized to Deal with Situations of Man-on-Man Aggression and Dominance(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2019) Vilakazi, Zinhle; Davies, NickThere is a considerable body of research placing young South African men at the core of interpersonal violence. Within these studies they are frequently positioned as both perpetrators and victims of extreme and homicidal modes of aggression. In light of this gendered nature of interpersonal violence, this study was directed at exploring how young men’s responses to a situation of man-on-man aggression and dominance might be linked to how society encourages or expects a certain masculine performance from men in such situations. This study’s secondary goal was to offer some ideas about how young men might establish a masculine identity through aggression and dominance. In the pursuing research aims, a total of 14 young adult men attending university participated in this qualitative study. From the analysis what became evident was the continuous pressure that young adult men experience in society, through various social institutions, to somehow fit into dominant or hegemonic constructions of masculinity. Within the context of this study, the proximal cause of aggression and dominance was attributed to broader concerns regarding presentation of a masculine identity, self-worth and social status.Item Racial-based Impression Management, Sense of Belonging and Work Engagement among Black Professionals in South African Organisations(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Ledwaba, Khensane Amanda; Kock, Ruwayne; Donald, FionaDespite the increasing prevalence of diversity in many organisations in South Africa, the lack of inclusivity is an issue that most of these organisations are still challenged with. This is evidenced by the racial-based impression management (RIM) strategies that are still used by Black professionals to manage aspects of their racial identities and to navigate multiracial dynamics in workplaces in South Africa. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore how RIM strategies (avoidance, affiliation, racial humour, enhancement) relates to work engagement (vigour, dedication, absorption) of Black professionals in organisations in South Africa and, whether this proposed relationship is mediated by the sense of belonging at work. A cross-sectional, correlational design with purposive sampling and snowballing was used. 206 Black professionals in a sample of various organisations in South Africa completed a self- developed demographic questionnaire, Schaufeli et al.’s (2002) Utrecht work engagement scale, Roberts et al.’s (2014) adapted RIM scale and Hagerty and Patusky’s (1995) sense of belonging instrument. The results indicated that racial humour was used least and affiliation most amongst the RIM strategies. There were weak to moderate correlations between the RIM strategies of affiliation, racial humour and enhancement with work engagement, none for avoidance. Similarly, there were weak and moderate correlations between sense of belonging at work and work engagement and RIM strategies of affiliation, racial humour, none for avoidance and enhancement. Sense of belonging acted as a mediator only between RIM (affiliation, racial humour) and work engagement, with an exception of avoidance and enhancement. The results suggest that the use of RIM strategies seems to be successful in so far as they might ‘free’ Black professionals up in organisations in South Africa to engage in their work. The mediating role of sense of belonging at work indicates the importance of allowing employees to feel like valued ‘insiders’ and the need for organisations to prioritise and strive to create working environments that are inclusive for all versus expecting assimilation.Item Consumption, Femininity and the City in the Real Housewives of Johannesburg: A Content Analysis of a Franchise(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Hellberg, Tessa; Iqani, MehitaThe following study explores how consumption, femininity and theorizations of the city are presented to the audience in The Real Housewives of Johannesburg. While the Real Housewives franchise is a global text with numerous iterations in a range of countries, The Real Housewives of Johannesburg is the first South African (and African) version of the programme. The study begins with an outline of the ways in which the city is represented, before moving to define the ‘spirit’ of Johannesburg. As will be demonstrated through the findings of a quantitative content analysis, this is inherently tied to automobility. By way of a subsequent textual analysis, challenges to automobility are also discussed, along with an analysis of luxury consumption in Johannesburg, and the ways in which it is racialized. This research then considers how the postfeminist undertones for which the Real Housewives is known translate into a South African context. Issues like sexual respectability are explored in-depth, as is the concept of being the ‘perfect’ hostess. The thesis concludes with a note concerning how The Real Housewives of Johannesburg highlight local South African cultures through glocalization of a global media text.Item Exploring the use of Process Drama in dialogues on Race and Memory among black ‘Born Frees’ of South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2018) Radebe, Tebogo; Lepere, RefiloeThis research project examines the use of Process Drama in creating dialogue about race and memory among Black Born Frees in South Africa. Process Drama was used as a dialogue facilitation tool, which involved both participants and a facilitator in role. The study further unpacks how process drama impacted participants’ attitudes on race and memory. Reflective practice is employed to interrogate how Process Drama creates empathy, to enable reflection on lived experiences, to lead to an examination of stereotypes around race and memory through constructive dialogue. The research focuses on the facilitation of improvised, episodic scenes and creation of images structured around themes of race and memory leading to post 1994 democratic South Africa. From the facilitation process, it emerged that improvisation in the dramatic action enables dialogue by allowing the participants to raise each other’s awareness by sharing various perspectives and understandings. Using a Process Recording as a tool for analysing the facilitator in action the paper makes a case for performative writing as way to present the process and findings of the research. The method of allowing the participants voices to be heard and validated began a process of healing psychological and emotional wounds among the black born frees.