A methodology for examining geotourism potential at the Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Matshusa, Khodani, Thomas, Peta, Leonard, Llewellyn
- Authors: Matshusa, Khodani , Thomas, Peta , Leonard, Llewellyn
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Geotourism , Sustainability , Geoheritage
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/482421 , uj:43746 , Citation: Matshusa, K., Thomas, P., & Leonard, L. (2021). A METHODOLOGY FOR EXAMINING GEOTOURISM POTENTIAL AT THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 34(1), 209–217. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.34128-639 , ISSN: 2065-1198
- Description: Abstract: In contrast to Europe, Asia and South America where geotourism is actively pursued, geotourism activities in South Africa have not to-date been a focus of tourism products. The purpose of this paper is to propose a field methodology that can be used to assess the potential for geotourism development. Existing procedures to establish geotourism site potential are reviewed and a new methodology that accounts for more characteristics than currently found in documented methods is proposed. This consists of three phases: creating a standardised manner of inventorying the sites; standardising field rank scoring for each site by geotourism value, cultural value, ecological sensitivity, accessibility, development requirements, currently available academic literature, and, developing a final multi-site database assisting the South African National Parks to preserve geoheritage sites. Based on previous studies, the Kruger National Park has geoheritage sites that could form the basis for geotourism development: therefore, the methodology was piloted in its northern regions at well-known geoheritage sites. The findings of this study intend to assist the South African National Parks, local community leaders, the private sector (including existing tour operators) and government departments in achieving a national database of geoheritage sites to ultimately be associated with sustainable tourism activity led by local communities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Matshusa, Khodani , Thomas, Peta , Leonard, Llewellyn
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Geotourism , Sustainability , Geoheritage
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/482421 , uj:43746 , Citation: Matshusa, K., Thomas, P., & Leonard, L. (2021). A METHODOLOGY FOR EXAMINING GEOTOURISM POTENTIAL AT THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 34(1), 209–217. https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.34128-639 , ISSN: 2065-1198
- Description: Abstract: In contrast to Europe, Asia and South America where geotourism is actively pursued, geotourism activities in South Africa have not to-date been a focus of tourism products. The purpose of this paper is to propose a field methodology that can be used to assess the potential for geotourism development. Existing procedures to establish geotourism site potential are reviewed and a new methodology that accounts for more characteristics than currently found in documented methods is proposed. This consists of three phases: creating a standardised manner of inventorying the sites; standardising field rank scoring for each site by geotourism value, cultural value, ecological sensitivity, accessibility, development requirements, currently available academic literature, and, developing a final multi-site database assisting the South African National Parks to preserve geoheritage sites. Based on previous studies, the Kruger National Park has geoheritage sites that could form the basis for geotourism development: therefore, the methodology was piloted in its northern regions at well-known geoheritage sites. The findings of this study intend to assist the South African National Parks, local community leaders, the private sector (including existing tour operators) and government departments in achieving a national database of geoheritage sites to ultimately be associated with sustainable tourism activity led by local communities.
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Challenges of Geotourism in South Africa : a case study of the Kruger National Park
- Matshusa, Khodani, Leonard, llewellyn, Thomas, Peta
- Authors: Matshusa, Khodani , Leonard, llewellyn , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Geotourism , Challenges , Kruger National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/489750 , uj:44665 , Citation: Matshusa, K.; Leonard, L.; Thomas, P. Challenges of Geotourism in South Africa: A Case Study of the Kruger National Park. Resources 2021, 10, 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/ resources10110108
- Description: Abstract: As a new phenomenon, geotourism research is on the rise. Although South Africa has some interesting geoheritage sites, not much has been done to investigate the potential contribution of geotourism to the tourism sector, the protection of natural resources and employment generation, let alone the challenges that may be experienced in promoting geotourism. Therefore, this paper aims to describe the concept of geotourism and to identify the challenges of geotourism. It achieves this by looking at the case of the Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, containing an abundance of geotourism sites. This research adopted a qualitative approach, with data collection involving semi-structured interviews with sixteen key informants to understand the challenges of geotourism. Manual content analysis was employed for analysing the data. A significant finding was that there were seven potential challenges in promoting and developing geotourism in the Kruger National Park: (1) a lack of packaging and marketing; (2) a lack of infrastructure; (3) security and access to geoheritage sites by tourists; (4) access to finance and markets; (5) destruction of geoheritage sites; (6) social challenges and (7) regulatory challenges. The results indicated that these challenges of geotourism can lead to negative perceptions about geotourism and can negatively impact the potential for geotourism development towards effective local social sustainability, especially for communities abutting the KNP. The major contribution of this study is its expansion of the geotourism academic literature through newly generated data on the challenges of geotourism in South Africa. Furthermore, this study theoretically contributes to the body of knowledge on geotourism and its challenges in Africa, particularly regarding the Kruger National Park.
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- Authors: Matshusa, Khodani , Leonard, llewellyn , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Geotourism , Challenges , Kruger National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/489750 , uj:44665 , Citation: Matshusa, K.; Leonard, L.; Thomas, P. Challenges of Geotourism in South Africa: A Case Study of the Kruger National Park. Resources 2021, 10, 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/ resources10110108
- Description: Abstract: As a new phenomenon, geotourism research is on the rise. Although South Africa has some interesting geoheritage sites, not much has been done to investigate the potential contribution of geotourism to the tourism sector, the protection of natural resources and employment generation, let alone the challenges that may be experienced in promoting geotourism. Therefore, this paper aims to describe the concept of geotourism and to identify the challenges of geotourism. It achieves this by looking at the case of the Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, containing an abundance of geotourism sites. This research adopted a qualitative approach, with data collection involving semi-structured interviews with sixteen key informants to understand the challenges of geotourism. Manual content analysis was employed for analysing the data. A significant finding was that there were seven potential challenges in promoting and developing geotourism in the Kruger National Park: (1) a lack of packaging and marketing; (2) a lack of infrastructure; (3) security and access to geoheritage sites by tourists; (4) access to finance and markets; (5) destruction of geoheritage sites; (6) social challenges and (7) regulatory challenges. The results indicated that these challenges of geotourism can lead to negative perceptions about geotourism and can negatively impact the potential for geotourism development towards effective local social sustainability, especially for communities abutting the KNP. The major contribution of this study is its expansion of the geotourism academic literature through newly generated data on the challenges of geotourism in South Africa. Furthermore, this study theoretically contributes to the body of knowledge on geotourism and its challenges in Africa, particularly regarding the Kruger National Park.
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Libreville residents’ perspective on tourism at Akanda National Park
- Beyeme, Renaldy, Thomas, Peta
- Authors: Beyeme, Renaldy , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Akanda , National park , Tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/489459 , uj:44629 , Citation: Beyeme, R. and Thomas, P., Libreville residents’ perspective on tourism at Akanda National Park. RE-IMAGINING MANAGEMENT RESEARCH, p.717.
- Description: Abstract: Akanda National Park (ANP) is one of thirteen national parks in Gabon. ANP was established in 2002 in support of the Gabonese government strategy to diversify the country’s hydrocarbon dependent economy by developing a tourism industry. However, ANP remains one of the less popular of Gabon’s tourism attractions despite its natural assets and geographical location in close proximity to Gabon’s capital, Libreville. This study investigated residents’ opinions about the tourism industry at ANP in terms of both leisure and business opportunities. Semi-structured interview schedules were employed for data collection from residents in residential areas of Libreville abutting ANP. Findings revealed that local people saw no value in the ANP either as a leisure pursuit or to generate a business leveraging the park as a business resource. This study recommends that the Gabonese government and relevant stakeholders need to redevelop tourism strategies with community stakeholders promoting the role of ANP for all Gabonese not only foreign tourists. Furthermore, there is a need to provide tourism infrastructure at ANP with facilities that help to foster the tourism environment.
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- Authors: Beyeme, Renaldy , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Akanda , National park , Tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/489459 , uj:44629 , Citation: Beyeme, R. and Thomas, P., Libreville residents’ perspective on tourism at Akanda National Park. RE-IMAGINING MANAGEMENT RESEARCH, p.717.
- Description: Abstract: Akanda National Park (ANP) is one of thirteen national parks in Gabon. ANP was established in 2002 in support of the Gabonese government strategy to diversify the country’s hydrocarbon dependent economy by developing a tourism industry. However, ANP remains one of the less popular of Gabon’s tourism attractions despite its natural assets and geographical location in close proximity to Gabon’s capital, Libreville. This study investigated residents’ opinions about the tourism industry at ANP in terms of both leisure and business opportunities. Semi-structured interview schedules were employed for data collection from residents in residential areas of Libreville abutting ANP. Findings revealed that local people saw no value in the ANP either as a leisure pursuit or to generate a business leveraging the park as a business resource. This study recommends that the Gabonese government and relevant stakeholders need to redevelop tourism strategies with community stakeholders promoting the role of ANP for all Gabonese not only foreign tourists. Furthermore, there is a need to provide tourism infrastructure at ANP with facilities that help to foster the tourism environment.
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Overcoming COVID-19 Risk in South African Nature-based Tourism through the use of disruptive technologies
- Nel- Slander, Danielle, Thomas, Peta
- Authors: Nel- Slander, Danielle , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Resilience , Nature-based tourism , Film
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/494382 , uj:44845 , Citation: Nel- Slander, D., Thomas, P., 2021. Overcoming COVID-19 Risk in South African Nature-based Tourism through the use of disruptive technologies.
- Description: Abstract: Resilience is a concept that defines peoples’ and governments’ ability to withstand shocks and stresses. Resilience should be embedded into systems to allow them to adapt to manage change in order to flourish. Measuring resilience entails a comprehensive analysis of the risk landscape. The tourism industry has been brought to a halt due to a systemic risk, a novel corona virus, COVID-19. This article analyses the current risk landscape of nature-based tourism (NBT) in South Africa, focusing on creating resilience and longevity for the country’s nine World Heritage Sites. The paper undertakes a theoretical exploration of the usefulness of disruptive technologies and their potential to redevelop nature-based tourism post pandemic. The study is descriptive, conceptual and theoretical in nature. COVID-19 has created a number of ‘wicked problems’, including socioeconomic problems resulting from chronic stress on the tourism physical footfall, which affect communities reliant on tourism. This paper identifies solutions to solve physical tourism challenges. Solutions should be fit for purpose and not generic one-size-fits-all, as South Africa has a unique developmental context regarding the value of its heritage sites and their natural, cultural and historical value. The article concludes that new, innovative disruptive technologies from the creative arts such as film and virtual augmented reality are useful in some manner to overcome current challenges.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Nel- Slander, Danielle , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Resilience , Nature-based tourism , Film
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/494382 , uj:44845 , Citation: Nel- Slander, D., Thomas, P., 2021. Overcoming COVID-19 Risk in South African Nature-based Tourism through the use of disruptive technologies.
- Description: Abstract: Resilience is a concept that defines peoples’ and governments’ ability to withstand shocks and stresses. Resilience should be embedded into systems to allow them to adapt to manage change in order to flourish. Measuring resilience entails a comprehensive analysis of the risk landscape. The tourism industry has been brought to a halt due to a systemic risk, a novel corona virus, COVID-19. This article analyses the current risk landscape of nature-based tourism (NBT) in South Africa, focusing on creating resilience and longevity for the country’s nine World Heritage Sites. The paper undertakes a theoretical exploration of the usefulness of disruptive technologies and their potential to redevelop nature-based tourism post pandemic. The study is descriptive, conceptual and theoretical in nature. COVID-19 has created a number of ‘wicked problems’, including socioeconomic problems resulting from chronic stress on the tourism physical footfall, which affect communities reliant on tourism. This paper identifies solutions to solve physical tourism challenges. Solutions should be fit for purpose and not generic one-size-fits-all, as South Africa has a unique developmental context regarding the value of its heritage sites and their natural, cultural and historical value. The article concludes that new, innovative disruptive technologies from the creative arts such as film and virtual augmented reality are useful in some manner to overcome current challenges.
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Developing a scale for measuring influential factors towards geotourism development
- Matshusa, Khodani, Thomas, Peta, Leonard, Llewellyn
- Authors: Matshusa, Khodani , Thomas, Peta , Leonard, Llewellyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Kruger National Park , South Africa , Geotourism
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/457383 , uj:40583 , Citation: Matshusa, K., Thomas, P. & Leonard, L., 2020, ‘Developing a scale for measuring influential factors towards geotourism development’, Acta Commercii 20(1), a861. https://doi.org/10.4102/ ac.v20i1.861 , ISSN: (Online) 1684-1999
- Description: Abstract: Orientation: This article provided a theoretical enhancement for geotourism development positing the geotourism development index that contributed to gaining understanding of geotourism development by different stakeholders. Research purpose: To establish and delineate a measurement scale of factors and subsequent variables that influenced geotourism development. Motivation for this study: Geotourism has been recognised as a branch of sustainable tourism that can be used for local social sustainability through job creation, poverty alleviation, geoconservation and the development of rural economies. Effective geotourism was impossible without understanding the factors influencing geotourism development. Developing the measurement scale for measuring influential factors was deemed important in understanding and towards geotourism development. Research design, approach and method: Quantitative data were collected from 105 volunteering respondents in order to understand their perceptions of the influential factors in the context of geotourism in a South African national park. Consequently, a statistical analysis using exploratory factor analysis was performed through the principal axis factoring data extraction method to determine factors to establish a measurement scale for influential factors towards geotourism development. Main findings: The research proposed a measurement scale for measuring the influential factors towards geotourism development. Practical/managerial implications: Theoretically, this article consolidated the knowledge and understanding of the concept of geotourism development for South African national parks and other stakeholders such as the National Department of Tourism, local communities and academic institutions. Practically, this research emphasised the importance of geotourism-influential factors as mechanisms to develop geotourism and stimulate interest from tourists. Contribution/value-add: Geotourism concept has been under-researched and no previous research has comprehensively and systematically determined the influential factors of geotourism in an African national public park proposing a quantitative measurement scale towards geotourism development with such parks as public resources for abutting communities.
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- Authors: Matshusa, Khodani , Thomas, Peta , Leonard, Llewellyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Kruger National Park , South Africa , Geotourism
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/457383 , uj:40583 , Citation: Matshusa, K., Thomas, P. & Leonard, L., 2020, ‘Developing a scale for measuring influential factors towards geotourism development’, Acta Commercii 20(1), a861. https://doi.org/10.4102/ ac.v20i1.861 , ISSN: (Online) 1684-1999
- Description: Abstract: Orientation: This article provided a theoretical enhancement for geotourism development positing the geotourism development index that contributed to gaining understanding of geotourism development by different stakeholders. Research purpose: To establish and delineate a measurement scale of factors and subsequent variables that influenced geotourism development. Motivation for this study: Geotourism has been recognised as a branch of sustainable tourism that can be used for local social sustainability through job creation, poverty alleviation, geoconservation and the development of rural economies. Effective geotourism was impossible without understanding the factors influencing geotourism development. Developing the measurement scale for measuring influential factors was deemed important in understanding and towards geotourism development. Research design, approach and method: Quantitative data were collected from 105 volunteering respondents in order to understand their perceptions of the influential factors in the context of geotourism in a South African national park. Consequently, a statistical analysis using exploratory factor analysis was performed through the principal axis factoring data extraction method to determine factors to establish a measurement scale for influential factors towards geotourism development. Main findings: The research proposed a measurement scale for measuring the influential factors towards geotourism development. Practical/managerial implications: Theoretically, this article consolidated the knowledge and understanding of the concept of geotourism development for South African national parks and other stakeholders such as the National Department of Tourism, local communities and academic institutions. Practically, this research emphasised the importance of geotourism-influential factors as mechanisms to develop geotourism and stimulate interest from tourists. Contribution/value-add: Geotourism concept has been under-researched and no previous research has comprehensively and systematically determined the influential factors of geotourism in an African national public park proposing a quantitative measurement scale towards geotourism development with such parks as public resources for abutting communities.
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Exploring interdependence in Tourism Economic Development Ecosystems
- Authors: Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Ecosystem , Tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/440197 , uj:38327 , Thomas, P. 2020: Exploring interdependence in Tourism Economic Development Ecosystems.
- Description: Abstract: , Ecosystems represent complex interrelated systems monitored by economic indicators. To maximise future desired economic performance, resilience within the economic ecosystem leads to its long-term sustainability. The aim of this article is to review how resilience could be achieved for a tourism economic ecosystem to disruptive change. Resilience is a concept that defines business and government’s ability to adapt to economic disruptive change. Resilience for tourism entails ensuring the sustainability of an economic ecosystem to delineate future growth of that destination. The research is descriptive and conceptual in nature, adopting a qualitative research approach. A map of a tourism ecosystem is proposed reliant on economic indicator interpretation to realistically put forward future economic development strategies that promote overall system resilience towards economic growth. Researchers with a specific interest in tourism ecosystems may find this paper useful in understanding the complexity of interpreting economic indicators to develop future economic growth opportunities.
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- Authors: Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa , Ecosystem , Tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/440197 , uj:38327 , Thomas, P. 2020: Exploring interdependence in Tourism Economic Development Ecosystems.
- Description: Abstract: , Ecosystems represent complex interrelated systems monitored by economic indicators. To maximise future desired economic performance, resilience within the economic ecosystem leads to its long-term sustainability. The aim of this article is to review how resilience could be achieved for a tourism economic ecosystem to disruptive change. Resilience is a concept that defines business and government’s ability to adapt to economic disruptive change. Resilience for tourism entails ensuring the sustainability of an economic ecosystem to delineate future growth of that destination. The research is descriptive and conceptual in nature, adopting a qualitative research approach. A map of a tourism ecosystem is proposed reliant on economic indicator interpretation to realistically put forward future economic development strategies that promote overall system resilience towards economic growth. Researchers with a specific interest in tourism ecosystems may find this paper useful in understanding the complexity of interpreting economic indicators to develop future economic growth opportunities.
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Preparing for participation in international research : lessons for Africa
- Authors: Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Collaboration , Business research , Risk
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404626 , uj:33941 , Citation: Thomas, P. 2019. Preparing for participation in international research : lessons for Africa.
- Description: Abstract: This paper explores the challenges that researchers new to being part of, or, managing a collaborative research team should consider when conducting business management research as part of a cooperative international research study composed of several research teams working in cohesion but isolated by geography. This provides a review of best practice to consider when undertaking a research project that is commenced simultaneously across borders by different researchers. This paper conceptually suggests aspects of planning collective research design that may be critically important to consider in gaining ethical, reliable and valid findings. As the world is interconnected, research that leads to producing comparative studies of findings drawn from two or more countries simultaneously, becomes valuable yet the risk management of this is infrequently dealt with in a consolidated chapter or section in research methodology textbooks.
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- Authors: Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Collaboration , Business research , Risk
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404626 , uj:33941 , Citation: Thomas, P. 2019. Preparing for participation in international research : lessons for Africa.
- Description: Abstract: This paper explores the challenges that researchers new to being part of, or, managing a collaborative research team should consider when conducting business management research as part of a cooperative international research study composed of several research teams working in cohesion but isolated by geography. This provides a review of best practice to consider when undertaking a research project that is commenced simultaneously across borders by different researchers. This paper conceptually suggests aspects of planning collective research design that may be critically important to consider in gaining ethical, reliable and valid findings. As the world is interconnected, research that leads to producing comparative studies of findings drawn from two or more countries simultaneously, becomes valuable yet the risk management of this is infrequently dealt with in a consolidated chapter or section in research methodology textbooks.
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The state of communication between management levels in a municipality
- Ramodike-Thovhakale, Mankwana, Thomas, Peta
- Authors: Ramodike-Thovhakale, Mankwana , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internal communication , Municipality , Management
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/288455 , uj:31274 , Citation: Ramodike-Thovhakale, M. & Thomas, P. 2018. The state of communication between management levels in a municipality.
- Description: Abstract: A large South African municipality conducted two employee satisfaction surveys in 2012/13 and in 2014/15 to determine the employees' overall satisfaction with the organisation as a preferred employer. The level of communication was one of the areas from the surveys employees indicated as inadequate. This study uses a qualitative enquiry to review the quality of the internal communication between levels of management at the municipality. The findings indicate that although the municipality, through its communication policy, is cognisant of the varied communication needs of employees and the need for differentiated communication according to functions and responsibilities, mass communication is taking place rather than varying the message based on the needs of the employees.
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- Authors: Ramodike-Thovhakale, Mankwana , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internal communication , Municipality , Management
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/288455 , uj:31274 , Citation: Ramodike-Thovhakale, M. & Thomas, P. 2018. The state of communication between management levels in a municipality.
- Description: Abstract: A large South African municipality conducted two employee satisfaction surveys in 2012/13 and in 2014/15 to determine the employees' overall satisfaction with the organisation as a preferred employer. The level of communication was one of the areas from the surveys employees indicated as inadequate. This study uses a qualitative enquiry to review the quality of the internal communication between levels of management at the municipality. The findings indicate that although the municipality, through its communication policy, is cognisant of the varied communication needs of employees and the need for differentiated communication according to functions and responsibilities, mass communication is taking place rather than varying the message based on the needs of the employees.
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Towards a collective-values framework of ubuntu : implications for workplace commitment
- Molose, Thembisile, Goldman, Geoff, Thomas, Peta
- Authors: Molose, Thembisile , Goldman, Geoff , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance management , South Africa , Workplace commitment
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/286306 , uj:30978 , Citation: Molose, T., Goldman, G.A., & Thomas P. (2018). Towards a Collective-Values Framework of Ubuntu: Implications for Workplace Commitment. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 6(3), 193- 206. https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2018.060312
- Description: Abstract: This research offers an extension of current research on commitment across cultures. It incorporates the concept of Ubuntu as an integrating model that can be paired up with other perspectives for directing employee workplace commitment. Research Design & Methods: A literature review entailing concepts related to crosscultures and their relationship to Ubuntu and commitment was considered. The review spanning 50 years covered online-databases of global and African research. Findings: We argue here that the conceptualisation of Ubuntu is important in adapting currently accepted cultural frameworks as operationalised by individualism, collectivism and power distance dimensions for regional management application. Ubuntu collective values (compassion, survival, group solidarity, respect and dignity), which relate affirmatively with a sense of workplace collectivism, was identified as a unique element of cultural management philosophy for directing personal interactions, workplace commitment and performance management improvements...
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- Authors: Molose, Thembisile , Goldman, Geoff , Thomas, Peta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance management , South Africa , Workplace commitment
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/286306 , uj:30978 , Citation: Molose, T., Goldman, G.A., & Thomas P. (2018). Towards a Collective-Values Framework of Ubuntu: Implications for Workplace Commitment. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 6(3), 193- 206. https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2018.060312
- Description: Abstract: This research offers an extension of current research on commitment across cultures. It incorporates the concept of Ubuntu as an integrating model that can be paired up with other perspectives for directing employee workplace commitment. Research Design & Methods: A literature review entailing concepts related to crosscultures and their relationship to Ubuntu and commitment was considered. The review spanning 50 years covered online-databases of global and African research. Findings: We argue here that the conceptualisation of Ubuntu is important in adapting currently accepted cultural frameworks as operationalised by individualism, collectivism and power distance dimensions for regional management application. Ubuntu collective values (compassion, survival, group solidarity, respect and dignity), which relate affirmatively with a sense of workplace collectivism, was identified as a unique element of cultural management philosophy for directing personal interactions, workplace commitment and performance management improvements...
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Integrating service quality as a second-order factor in a customer satisfaction and loyalty model
- Nunkoo, Robin, Teeroovengadum, Viraiyan, Thomas, Peta, Leonard, Llewellyn
- Authors: Nunkoo, Robin , Teeroovengadum, Viraiyan , Thomas, Peta , Leonard, Llewellyn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Service quality , Confirmatory factor analysis , Service qImage
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/256020 , uj:26868 , Citaion: Nunkoo R., Teeroovengadum, V., Thomas, P., & Leonard, L. (2017). Integrating Service Quality as a Second-Order Factor in a Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty Model. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 29(12), 2978- 3005.
- Description: Abstract: Purpose – The study conceptualizes service quality as a second-order factor and analyzes its influence on customer satisfaction, perceived value, image, consumption emotions and customer loyalty by testing a structural equation model. Design/methodology/approach – The model is tested using data collected from 672 guests staying in accommodation establishments located in South Africa. The study follows a hierarchical approach using confirmatory factor analysis to test the second-order factor model and structural equation modeling to test the overallmodel. Findings – The results indicate that the second-order factor model is acceptable both empirically as well as conceptually and performs better than other competing models of service quality. The findings provide support for all hypotheses and evidence of a structural model with a high explanatory power. Research limitations/implications – The second-order factor model is less useful when fine-grained analyses are needed, such as when a detailed assessment of the level of quality of service offered by a hospitality organization is required. Practical implications – The second-order factor model allows for an analysis of service quality at different levels of abstraction. Accommodation managers interested in customers’ evaluation of service on a cumulative basis can make use of the global measure to determine service quality evaluations. Practitioners can also use the findings to manage the different dimensions of service quality. Originality/value – The study demonstrates that service quality is best represented as a second-order factor, and in doing so, it provides an improved measurement of the construct. More so, by integrating the variable in a nomological network, the research develops a more parsimonious model than the existing ones.
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- Authors: Nunkoo, Robin , Teeroovengadum, Viraiyan , Thomas, Peta , Leonard, Llewellyn
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Service quality , Confirmatory factor analysis , Service qImage
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/256020 , uj:26868 , Citaion: Nunkoo R., Teeroovengadum, V., Thomas, P., & Leonard, L. (2017). Integrating Service Quality as a Second-Order Factor in a Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty Model. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 29(12), 2978- 3005.
- Description: Abstract: Purpose – The study conceptualizes service quality as a second-order factor and analyzes its influence on customer satisfaction, perceived value, image, consumption emotions and customer loyalty by testing a structural equation model. Design/methodology/approach – The model is tested using data collected from 672 guests staying in accommodation establishments located in South Africa. The study follows a hierarchical approach using confirmatory factor analysis to test the second-order factor model and structural equation modeling to test the overallmodel. Findings – The results indicate that the second-order factor model is acceptable both empirically as well as conceptually and performs better than other competing models of service quality. The findings provide support for all hypotheses and evidence of a structural model with a high explanatory power. Research limitations/implications – The second-order factor model is less useful when fine-grained analyses are needed, such as when a detailed assessment of the level of quality of service offered by a hospitality organization is required. Practical implications – The second-order factor model allows for an analysis of service quality at different levels of abstraction. Accommodation managers interested in customers’ evaluation of service on a cumulative basis can make use of the global measure to determine service quality evaluations. Practitioners can also use the findings to manage the different dimensions of service quality. Originality/value – The study demonstrates that service quality is best represented as a second-order factor, and in doing so, it provides an improved measurement of the construct. More so, by integrating the variable in a nomological network, the research develops a more parsimonious model than the existing ones.
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