Southern African Business Review

The Role of Social Network Brand Personality in a Consumer-Brand Relational Model

2023-12-05T07:29:54+00:00

Purpose: This research employs Aaker’s brand personality framework to explore the interrelationships between social network platform brand personality and attitude, motivations, behavioural intention, and behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative data were collected from three samples of social network (Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube) users via online self-administered surveys. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings: The results showed that some personality traits positively relate to attitudes (excitement for Facebook and LinkedIn; sincerity for YouTube). Excitement was positively related to all motivations for Facebook and LinkedIn and one for YouTube.

Practical implications: The paper provides insights into how social network users perceive the brand personality of social network platforms.

Originality/value: The paper brings new insights into social networks as brands, contributing new knowledge into the role of brand personality in the social media realm. It further demonstrates how brand personality facilitates consumer-brand relationships and user behaviour. A South African view is provided, contributing to the limited work from an African view.

Incubate-Based Challenges and Deficiencies to Successful Business Incubation in Northern Cape, South Africa

2023-11-30T13:19:40+00:00

Background: Incubates are individuals who are start-up entrepreneurs and have deficiencies vested in their own personal capabilities. These personal deficiencies or shortcomings originate from a lack of entrepreneurial experience; a lack of entrepreneurial orientation; and a lack of entrepreneurial and management skills. It is unclear which personal deficiencies are applicable or unique to incubates within the Northern Cape province, South Africa.

Purpose: As South Africa’s unemployment rate is at the highest it has ever been, the question is posed to government regarding what is being done to improve the situation. This study focuses specifically on identifying the personal deficiencies of incubates within the incubator sector and exactly why these factors are negatively impacting incubates.

Setting: This study was conducted amongst incubates, incubator managers and incubator staff within the Northern Cape province, South Africa.

Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst 63 participants who were Northern Cape incubates. A purposive non-probability sampling strategy was used whereby homogenous and snowballing sampling were used. The interview data was transcribed and analysed into research themes aligned within entrepreneurship.

Findings: The main deficiencies identified included a lack of: (1) entrepreneurial experience; (2) entrepreneurial orientation; and (3) entrepreneurial skills.

Value: New themes on entrepreneurial deficiencies amongst incubates are identified that are unique to the region and provides recommendations for future research. Professional development, a diversification of commercial activities, along with a selection instrument for applicant-entrepreneurs in incubators within the region are recommended.

An Analysis of the Efficacy of South African MBA Programmes in relation to the 4th Industrial Revolution

2023-11-02T06:24:08+00:00

Background: MBA programmes are considered flagship business programmes for business individuals. Business schools are often revered for being cutting-edge and critical business thought centres. However, over the years, programmes such as the MBA have been criticised due to their relevance. Changes such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the 4th Industrial Revolution, and increasing global political instability have resulted in harsher trading environments for business. As the business landscape evolves, so too are business schools’ programmes, such as the MBA, required to evolve.

Purpose: This study explored the efficacy of a sample of South African MBA programmes concerning their perceived efficacy in developing leaders fit for the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Methodology: The study conducted a series of semi-structured qualitative interviews with identified stakeholders relating to the business school ecosystem to explore perceived opinions of the efficacy of business schools in programmes such as the MBA.

Findings: The analysis from the interviews revealed that MBA programmes in South Africa need to enhance their focus on aspects such as technology-linked technical skills, as this is a key driver that continues to shape the business landscape.

Improving Automotive Component Supplier Service through Physical Distribution Activities to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

2023-12-11T11:30:40+00:00

Purpose/objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether physical distribution activities can significantly improve customer service for automotive component suppliers to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the Eastern Cape.

Design/methodology/approach: By means of non-probability sampling, namely convenience sampling, 50 automotive component suppliers in the Eastern Cape were visited. Each business firm received four questionnaires to be completed by logistics practitioners. Altogether, 126 usable questionnaires were returned. The data were collected by means of a survey using a self-administered, structured questionnaire.

Findings/results: The results indicated that physical distribution activities, such as transportation management and order processing, were significant predictors of customer service.

Practical implications: The results have managerial implications where the logistics department should continuously update its transportation and order processing systems to keep abreast of the best practices within the automotive industry. The results could be used by managers to highlight the benefits of improved customer service, focusing on a firm’s transportation and order processing activities.

Originality/value: Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that automotive component suppliers in the Eastern Cape employ transportation management and order processing (activities of physical distribution) to improve customer service. It is also recommended that the automotive component suppliers regularly benchmark their logistics practices against world-class business firms, as the results may have a positive effect on the way transportation and order processing activities are managed and executed if customer service is to be improved.

Factors of Multi-Level Marketing Success Strategies Which Motivate Participants

2023-09-13T08:06:22+00:00

Background: Remarkable successes have been registered throughout the world by individuals engaged in multi-level marketing (MLM), also called network marketing, which refers to individuals selling products to the public, often by word of mouth and direct sales.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of MLM success strategies in the Zimbabwean economy and to identify factors that influence multi-level marketers in Zimbabwe.

Methodology: A quantitative approach using a survey questionnaire was used to collect data which was then analysed using SPSS. A sample of 146 usable responses drawn from Harare and Masvingo was used in the study. Statistical techniques, which included exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the correlation matrix, were carried out to deduce the strategies associated with achieving success as a distributor for a MML company.

Findings: The study findings suggest that success in MLM is dependent primarily on the following factors: incentives for motivation; team-building methods; and support strategies. It is from these factors that the study further sought to identify the individual variables or combinations thereof that could be endorsed as predominantly influencing the success of MLM in Zimbabwe.

Value: Empirical evidence is provided on the latent constructs or factors that influence individuals to join MLM companies. As part of the practical contribution, MLM practitioners should focus on the compensation plan, trust, and commitment as key factors in motivating individuals to participate in MLM.

Value Network Configuration and Competitiveness of Emerging Agricultural Cooperatives in the Central Free State of South Africa

2023-12-05T07:24:53+00:00

Introduction: While many emerging agricultural cooperative firms in the Central Free State of South Africa remain inclined to progress into mainstream markets, conditions of market exclusion continue to dampen their predisposition to exploit competitive opportunities. Since cooperatives determined to reach their full market potential must contemplate competitive positions in their value networks, the business strategy literature on cooperative firms foregrounds the theoretical assertion that the value network configuration significantly influences competitiveness.

Purpose: This conceptual study challenges the assertion that emerging agricultural cooperative firms’ value network configuration significantly influences their competitiveness.

Methodology: Drawing on the transaction cost economics theory and a review of literature, the study sought to address the core constructs that constitute the claims, establishing, rather, that sustained competitive performance has a direct influence on the competitiveness of emerging agricultural cooperative firms.

Findings: The findings suggest sustained competitive performance as the principal determinant of competitiveness and a function of the cooperative firms’ ability to navigate through transaction interaction dynamics and configurational influences.

Originality: The study links industry structure and competition intensity to configurational influences, manifesting in various drivers and indicators determining sustained competitive performance, a novel concept underexplored in cooperative entrepreneurial literature.

Institutional Isomorphism and Adoption of Activity-Based Costing in Tanzanian Manufacturing Sector

2023-11-30T13:19:43+00:00

This study aimed to ascertain the correlation between the three forces of institutional isomorphism and the adoption of different levels of activity-based costing (ABC) by manufacturing companies in Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey design was executed to collect the primary data from the three research areas: Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma regions. The study employed the multinomial logistic regression model (MLRM) to analyse the quantitative data from a sample of 188 manufacturing companies. The analytical results show that only normative pressures positively correlated with level 2 of ABC adoption, while mimetic and coercive pressures positively correlated with level 3. Level 4 of ABC adoption positively correlated with mimetic pressures, while level 5 was found to correlate with coercive pressures only positively.

A Performance Management System, Employment Relationships and Work Engagement Framework for a public sector in South Africa.

2023-09-19T08:38:01+00:00

Purpose: This study sought to establish a performance management system, employment relationships and work engagement framework for the public sector in South Africa.

Methodology: The study used a survey research design and a quantitative approach in which a structured questionnaire was employed to obtain information from respondents. The data were processed using SPSS. Four hundred employees who were permanently employed, who were at job levels 1–12 and had been employed for more than five years from the population of 10 660 employees took part in this study. The study utilised a non-probability, purposive sampling method.

Findings: Empirical findings proved that there is a strong relationship between performance management systems, employment relationships and work engagement.

Research limitations: This study was conducted within the public sector; therefore, the results may not apply to other institutions such as those in the private sector and government-private entities.

Practical implications: This paper provides good insight into the relationship between performance management systems, employment relationships and work engagement and the way they impact each other. The study advocated that public sector managers are required to ensure that passion for employment relationships and work engagement is high and employee performance can be optimal.

Originality/value: There is still a gap left in the literature concerning the relationship between performance management systems, employment relationships and work engagement framework for the public sector in South Africa. Therefore, this study makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge already available.

Financial Performance and Green Supply Chain Management in a South African National Electrical Energy Provider

2023-11-22T06:30:22+00:00

Introduction: The body of literature on green supply chain management (GSCM) in various organisations has increased steadily. However, contextual literature on GSCM is still limited, such as within the electrical energy sector in developing countries such as South Africa.

Purpose/objectives: The study examined the relationships between internal GSCM (IGSCM), customer monitoring (CM) and -supplier monitoring (SM), customer-supplier collaboration (CC, SC), and financial performance at Eskom Holdings, the national electrical energy provider in South Africa.

Design/ Methodology: The study employed a quantitative approach design on a sample of 350 supply chain professionals drawn from various Eskom depots nationwide. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling based on the SMART partial least squares (PLS) technique.

Findings: IGSCM positively impacted customer and supplier monitoring and collaboration, linked to higher financial performance. However, IGSCM negatively impacted financial performance.

Practical implications: To managers in the electrical energy sector, the study suggests that implementing IGSCM, SM, CM, CC, and SC activities is key in influencing the level of FP. Similarly, it is important to implement IGSCM activities in tandem with customer and supplier monitoring and collaboration if gains in FP are to be realised.

Originality/Value: This study contributes to GSCM literature as it is one of the few studies that explore IGSCM, customer and supplier monitoring, customer-supplier collaboration, and financial performance within a South African national electrical energy provider.

Understanding Opportunity Evaluation Prototypes in Search of more Entrepreneurs

2023-05-29T06:42:54+00:00

Background: In search of more entrepreneurs for economic development, academics and policy makers are continuously seeking ways in which the participation of potential entrepreneurs in the economy can be enhanced.

Purpose: This study investigates whether entrepreneurial prototype factors could be identified to inform how entrepreneurs evaluate opportunities.

Design/Methodology: In an experimental design, participants were requested to evaluate a single start-up opportunity. They completed a questionnaire exploring their thinking of the single case. Participants included 193 nascent and novice entrepreneurs that evaluated the same opportunity. The questionnaire was administered, leading to factor and regression analyses.

Findings: The factor analysis identified four prototype factors for potential use in selection. Discrimination was possible between the prototype factors (cognitive frameworks) of novice (first-time) and repeat (experienced) entrepreneurs for “positive financial model”; “uniqueness of the idea”; “big markets”; and “intuition.” Significant differences for the identified factors were reported between those who decided for and against starting the venture. Regression analysis suggested further discriminatory value, with the prototype factors for the start-up decision contributing to a potential selection process by venture capitalists, as well as educators.

Research limitations: The generalisability of the findings may be limited by the use of a single case evaluation.

Originality/value: Firstly, support was found for the effectiveness of the methodology in identifying the prototypes. Secondly, the study contributes by informing educators of entrepreneurs about the relevancy of cognitive frameworks that could be developed to meaningfully enhance opportunity evaluation.