Human capital and entrepreneurial success in the context of South African informal economy
Date
2017
Authors
Ntuli, Tshikani Derrick
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Abstract
Existing literature indicates a positive relationship between human capital and entrepreneurial capital. This has been a dominant supported view for ages. Among other scholars, Unger, et al. (2011); Davidson and Honig (2003); still uphold the view that human capital influence entrepreneurial success to a certain magnitude. However, contemporary studies argue that although the relationship has been demonstrated for decades, some assumptions to the perception should be questioned as the world evolves over time. Unger (2011); Martin, et al. (2013), and more other scholars identify the modification of the traditional assumptions. In terms of these scholars, uncertainty remains over the magnitude of this relationship and the circumstances under which human capital is more or less strongly associated with entrepreneurial success. Consideration of fragmentation in today's study with regard to conceptualization of human capital, the choice of success indicators, the context of study provide some critical challenges to the traditional perception of consistent relationships. All these aspects provide some open gaps to be filled by research. Oostebreek, et al. (2010) sees a questionable relationship between human capital factors and entrepreneurial success, which in terms of Unger, et al. (2011) give rise for the consideration of a moderator approach to study the effects of human capital on business success in order to efficiently determine whether the stated relationships exist or not. Resourced-Based Theory (RBT) was used as theoretical framework to this study. Three main constructs and five sub-constructs have been used to formulate the conceptual model from which three hypotheses were developed and tested. Empirical studies was conducted among selected informal traders in Limpopo Province – focusing in three districts. 257 unregistered small business owners were potential respondents. A quantitative methodology was employed to collect and analyse data through survey research design. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) along with AMOS 23, SPSS were used as descriptive statistical tools to test the validity of the hypotheses. Both theoretical and applied implications will assist the knowledge-base of researches. Policymakers will also find the implications useful in industrial policymaking. This study provides recommendations which may assist further research and other related enquiries of academic nature.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management specialising in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
Johannesburg, 2017
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Citation
Ntuli, Tshikani Derrick (2017) Human capital and entrepreneurial success in the context of South African informal economy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, <http://hdl.handle.net/10539/23102>