International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge

EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE INFORMAL BUSINESS SECTOR IN A RURAL SOUTH AFRICAN TOWN

2023-06-30T09:23:16+02:00

South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. This unemployment is more pronounced for those living in rural areas. As a result, many unemployed rural people turn to informal trading as a gateway to employment and economic activity. The study aims to explore the experiences and challenges of digital transformation in the informal business sector in a rural South African town. A case study design was used. Data was collected through interviews with a sample of 20 purposefully selected informal traders. The data was then analysed thematically. The study revealed that there is a lack of knowledge on digital transformation among formal traders. The study further revealed that the challenges concerning digital technology include a lack of ICT skills, network and internet connectivity problems, mistrust of technology, and fear of fraudulent activity. The study recommends greater expansion of digital technology support and training to informal traders. This study further recommends that digital technologies must be developed with the end user in mind. Moreover, the study recommends greater internet and connectivity investment in rural areas. Lastly, the study recommends the development of greater security features for digital technologies aimed at informal traders with low literacy levels. The study contributes to knowledge on the benefits and enhancement of the potential of digital technologies to assist small businesses against the background of high unemployment in the rural town of Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

FACTORS AFFECTING EFFECTIVE PARTICIPATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

2024-04-10T08:28:02+02:00

Globally, public procurement has been used as a tool to support small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) due to the important role they play in the economy. SMEs participation in every sphere of economic activities including public procurement is one of the ways the sector can promote economic development of the country. However, SMEs sometimes are usually reluctant to sell to government. The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors affecting effective participation of SMEs in public procurement market in Zambia. This study employed cross sectional descriptive design, with a quantitative approach. Data was collected was collected from a total of 186 respondents drawn from SMEs registered with PACRA and operating in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Random sampling was used in selecting SMEs, and respondents included company/business owners, managers as well as supervisors. Data collected was analysed using exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis. The findings revealed that regulatory framework factors, SMEs capacities factors, public procurement tendering factors and SMEs attitude factors are significant determinants with a combined effect size of (0.675) and a coefficient of determination of 43.9%. Further, based on the Hierarchical regression model, the study finds that the largest predictors of SMEs effective participation in public procurement market are public tendering process and SMEs attitude towards public procurement. Findings of this research can potentially contribute to high participation of SMEs in the public procurement market in Zambia.

BOARD ATTRIBUTES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING: THE INFLUENCE OF OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE

2024-04-16T13:43:16+02:00

This study aims to investigate the influence of ownership structure on the extent to which the board attributes in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) promote environmental Sustainability Reporting. Using the dynamic panel-data estimation method, the paper uses 1,970 firm-year observations manually extracted from publicly listed non-financial firms' financial reports in SSA from 2012 to 2021. The paper finds that the block ownership structure does not significantly moderate board attributes and environmental sustainability reporting in publicly listed SSA forms. Also, Government-owned firms moderate board independence and environmental sustainability reporting. The paper further finds that foreign ownership structure influences the relationship between board gender diversity and environmental sustainability reporting in SSA. The paper finds that the relationship between board attributes and ecological sustainability reporting differs and depends on the ownership structure type. These findings imply that corporate governance reforms in the ownership structure should be implemented to improve environmental reporting in SSA. To strengthen sustainability reporting, policymakers in SSA should prioritize the development of robust regulatory frameworks and consider the nature of ownership structure since the influence of corporate governance characteristics depends on the type of ownership structure. The paper presents a new perspective on board attributes and environmental sustainability literature by uncovering the influence of ownership structure on board attributes and environmental sustainability reporting in SSA. The paper contributes to board attributes and environmental sustainability literature and holds significant theoretical, conceptual, and practical implications.

CENTRALIZATION AND CORPORATE GREENING PRACTICES IN A HIGH-RISK SECTOR

2024-07-30T16:05:53+02:00

The trend of an ongoing global environmental crisis amidst various devastating impacts on biodiversity is increasing. Unfortunately, while many organizations are indulging in unsustainable business practices by pursuing profitability at the expense of sustainability, only some committed to mitigating the worsening global humanitarian escalations are finding it difficult to attain their sustainability set goals due to unsupportive structures. Hence, the present study examined the effect of centralization structure (OSC) on corporate greening practices (CG) in the downstream sector in southwest Nigeria. To achieve the set objective, the study adopted a survey design and used a stratified random sampling technique, structured questionnaire (adapted), Survey Monkey Software, and Raosoft sample size calculator to select 410 respondents from 1,732 population of the lower-level managers. The 326 valid responses collected were analysed using the Categorical Regression Model at a 5% significance level because the data collected were categorical. The study findings showed that OSC, though it has a positive relationship with CG, but its effect was insignificant. The study concluded that OSC is not a good predictor of CG practices in the downstream sector in southwest Nigeria. Therefore, it is recommended that OSC be blended with other structural elements, particularly professionalization, to promote pro-environmental behaviours among the employees and foster a safe and conducive environment in the sector. Finally, the study findings offered valuable contributions that were useful for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers, as well as adding to the existing body of knowledge in the field of management.

PERSONALITY TRAITS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL BUSINESSES

2024-08-05T09:17:04+02:00

The need for entrepreneurs to achieve desirable results in their entrepreneurial acts cannot be over-emphasized. In achieving this, the personality factors of the entrepreneurs in planning and organising their business processes and activities play a crucial role. To this end, the study examined the role of personality traits in determining the entrepreneurial performance of small businesses in Lagos State. The study used a descriptive research design and a simple random sampling method. The primary source of data collection was through the use of a questionnaire, which was administered to 379 small business owners in Lagos State. The findings from the multiple regression analysis indicated that extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience are personality traits that have a significant effect on business model innovation as well as the value creation of small businesses in Lagos State. It was concluded that personality traits determine small business performance in Lagos State. Based on this, the study recommended that small business owners in Lagos State should continue to exhibit more of their personality traits, especially extraversion and openness to experience the act of developing innovative models for business processes or activities. The study also recommended that small business owners focus on value creation by showing more personality traits, especially conscientiousness and openness to experience, than extraversion.

THE ROLE OF WOMEN-LED SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN ACHIEVING SDG3

2024-08-26T09:41:11+02:00

This study examines the influence of women-led social enterprises on public health in Lagos, Nigeria, with a focus on their contributions to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). It aims to explore how these enterprises enhance community health and address challenges in achieving better health outcomes. Employing a multimethod approach, the research draws on Social Capital Theory, Empowerment Theory, and the Resource-Based View to analyse how these enterprises leverage social networks and community engagement. The study combines both qualitative and quantitative data to reveal their broader impact on public health. The findings indicate that the average beneficiary is 29.5 years old and lives in a household with a monthly income of approximately NGN 35,000. Beneficiaries reported improved access to healthcare and significant gains in health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child health. There is a strong correlation between participation in these social enterprises and enhanced health results, with prolonged involvement leading to even better outcomes. The study emphasizes that social capital—community relationships and support—plays a more pivotal role in improving public health than income levels alone. This insight is critical for policymakers and development practitioners working to enhance health services in low-resource settings. By highlighting the significant role of women-led social enterprises, this research provides valuable recommendations for achieving SDG 3 and improving public health through community-driven initiatives.

DETERMINANTS AND BENEFITS OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: CASE OF THE DRGB SONATRACH TRC

2024-09-30T09:36:54+02:00

Knowledge management has become essential for organizations seeking a sustainable competitive advantage. However, its success depends on several prerequisites. This article aims to provide an overview of knowledge management applied within an Algerian company, the Regional Directorate of Bejaia, for transporting hydrocarbons by pipelines, "DRGB SONATRACH TRC." To this end, we employed two research instruments: an interview guide for a hierarchical manager and a questionnaire addressed to employees. Our final sample consists of 51 employees from various professional categories. SPSS version 23 was used for the analysis of the collected data, and the non-parametric Spearman's rho correlation test was utilized to verify the research hypotheses.

Our findings indicate that knowledge management in the studied enterprise manifests through the combination of five subprocesses: creation, acquisition, application, sharing, and storage of knowledge. These processes are influenced, to varying degrees, by the following determinants: organizational culture, leadership, information technologies, and strategy. Our study also highlighted the benefits of knowledge management, such as increased market share, improved quality of products and services offered, and enhanced company image and productivity.

In light of these results, we recommend the formalization of knowledge management practices and their integration into the company’s strategy, the promotion of a flexible compensation system that includes rewards for innovative ideas and solutions, as well as the relaxation of bureaucratic procedures to encourage individual initiatives and creativity. This study enriches the existing literature, which tends to analyze the knowledge management process in a fragmented manner, by proposing a focus on concrete mechanisms applicable in practice. Its practical contribution is reflected in the identification of strengths to leverage and obstacles to overcome.

NAVIGATING WORK-LIFE BOUNDARIES: HOW IT INFLUENCES EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT AND CAREER SUCCESS AMONG MILLENNIALS, WITH WORK-LIFE BALANCE AS A MODERATING FACTOR

2024-11-04T13:22:33+01:00

This study explores the relationship between navigating work-life boundaries and its influence on employee commitment and career success among millennials, with a focus on the moderating role of work-life balance. As the largest generation in the workforce, millennials prioritize work-life balance more than previous generations, viewing it as essential for job satisfaction and overall well-being. This research employs the quantitative approach to assess how millennials manage their work-life boundaries and the impact of these practices on their commitment to their organizations and their career advancement. A total of 324 employees in the Ghana service sector were included in this study. Convenience sampling techniques were adopted for the study, and the data were analyzed using a structural equation model and PLS-SEM. Data was gathered from millennials who work in various commercial banks within the Takoradi metropolis. Out of the four hypotheses formulated, three of them were significant and one insignificant. This study contributes to the understanding of millennial workforce dynamics and offers practical recommendations for organizations aiming to foster supportive environments that promote work-life balance, thereby enhancing employee engagement and retention. The study found that work-life boundary management significantly determines millennials’ employee commitment and career success. Work-life balance was found to moderate the relationship between managing work-life balance and employee career success. However, it did not moderate the relationship between managing work-life balance and employee commitment.