Assessment of teaching corporate entrepreneurship to master’s level students.
- Authors: Groenewald, Darelle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Corporate entrepreneurship - Study and teaching (Higher) - South Africa , Masters degrees - South Africa , Teaching methods - South Africa , Personality and academic achievement - South Africa , Intrapreneurial Performance Quotient
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5850 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7937
- Description: Tertiary education in terms of entrepreneurship is not adequate to stimulate entrepreneurial activity in South Africa. By assessing the effect and successfulness of tertiary modules offered in entrepreneurship (and in this case specifically corporate entrepreneurship) an improvement can be made to these courses which would lead to increased entrepreneurial activity. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of a corporate entrepreneurship module that has been offered to master’s level students. The research is designed as a formal study where stated hypotheses are tested to demonstrate if there is a statistical significant difference between the corporate entrepreneurial style and personality of students (over a period of three year) before and after they have completed a master’s level module in CE. A pre- and post test were conducted over a period of three years (2007 – 2009). A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the data. A judgemental purposive sampling technique was used and the sample consisted of 101 students. The results indicated that there is a statistical significant difference between the corporate entrepreneurial styles and personalities of students that have completed the course as well as the Intrapreneurial Performance Index. It is recommended that tertiary institutions, specifically in South Africa, must adopt a corporate entrepreneurship module in their post-graduate programmes which will assist to equip employees to become more entrepreneurial within existing businesses.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Groenewald, Darelle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Corporate entrepreneurship - Study and teaching (Higher) - South Africa , Masters degrees - South Africa , Teaching methods - South Africa , Personality and academic achievement - South Africa , Intrapreneurial Performance Quotient
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5850 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7937
- Description: Tertiary education in terms of entrepreneurship is not adequate to stimulate entrepreneurial activity in South Africa. By assessing the effect and successfulness of tertiary modules offered in entrepreneurship (and in this case specifically corporate entrepreneurship) an improvement can be made to these courses which would lead to increased entrepreneurial activity. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of a corporate entrepreneurship module that has been offered to master’s level students. The research is designed as a formal study where stated hypotheses are tested to demonstrate if there is a statistical significant difference between the corporate entrepreneurial style and personality of students (over a period of three year) before and after they have completed a master’s level module in CE. A pre- and post test were conducted over a period of three years (2007 – 2009). A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the data. A judgemental purposive sampling technique was used and the sample consisted of 101 students. The results indicated that there is a statistical significant difference between the corporate entrepreneurial styles and personalities of students that have completed the course as well as the Intrapreneurial Performance Index. It is recommended that tertiary institutions, specifically in South Africa, must adopt a corporate entrepreneurship module in their post-graduate programmes which will assist to equip employees to become more entrepreneurial within existing businesses.
- Full Text:
Intergenerational socio-economic mobility and national development in Nigeria
- Otto, G., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Otto, G. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Nigeria - Economic development , Nigeria - Economic conditions , Intergenerational socio-economic mobility
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5786 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7793
- Description: Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of human and natural resources. It is the 6th largest exporter of crude oil, formerly the largest and now the third largest exporter of palm oil in the world. It has the largest gas reserves in Africa including a vast accumulation of other natural resources and a population of about 147 million people, but it is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. This contradiction seems to evidence the fact that resources alone are not sufficient to engender growth and national development. For development to occur, the resources (human and material) must be employed to serve the positive needs of man. The human resources must be encouraged to work, initiate, interact and direct material resources towards solving practical problems and creating conveniences for man. For these to be, each and everybody in the society should be given an opportunity to contribute his or her quota toward meeting individual and collective needs. There is a need to create an opportunity space for all to contribute their talents, abilities and aptitudes towards solving societal problems. The wider the opportunity, the better for the economy. However, in Nigeria, unemployment, poverty, corruption, inequality among others, narrow the opportunity structure with the consequence that only a few people are positively engaged while majority of Nigerians rest heavily on receipts from the petroleum industry with its pollution and corruption side effects. This, has generated so much problems as the untapped energy is dissipated in negative directions in an attempt to ‘corner’ a larger share of the petroleum proceeds which is seen as free, God-given national cake which needs no work to benefit from. Intergenerational socio-economic mobility is an index that measures the opportunity structure in society, and the wider the opportunity structure, the more development is likely to occur. In sum, it is not just resources (oil or no oil) but the opportunity space that will engender development.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Otto, G. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Nigeria - Economic development , Nigeria - Economic conditions , Intergenerational socio-economic mobility
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5786 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7793
- Description: Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of human and natural resources. It is the 6th largest exporter of crude oil, formerly the largest and now the third largest exporter of palm oil in the world. It has the largest gas reserves in Africa including a vast accumulation of other natural resources and a population of about 147 million people, but it is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. This contradiction seems to evidence the fact that resources alone are not sufficient to engender growth and national development. For development to occur, the resources (human and material) must be employed to serve the positive needs of man. The human resources must be encouraged to work, initiate, interact and direct material resources towards solving practical problems and creating conveniences for man. For these to be, each and everybody in the society should be given an opportunity to contribute his or her quota toward meeting individual and collective needs. There is a need to create an opportunity space for all to contribute their talents, abilities and aptitudes towards solving societal problems. The wider the opportunity, the better for the economy. However, in Nigeria, unemployment, poverty, corruption, inequality among others, narrow the opportunity structure with the consequence that only a few people are positively engaged while majority of Nigerians rest heavily on receipts from the petroleum industry with its pollution and corruption side effects. This, has generated so much problems as the untapped energy is dissipated in negative directions in an attempt to ‘corner’ a larger share of the petroleum proceeds which is seen as free, God-given national cake which needs no work to benefit from. Intergenerational socio-economic mobility is an index that measures the opportunity structure in society, and the wider the opportunity structure, the more development is likely to occur. In sum, it is not just resources (oil or no oil) but the opportunity space that will engender development.
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Barter trading : an empirical investigation of management practices
- Authors: Oliver, P. , Mpinganjira, M.
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Barter trade , Barter practitioners , Management practices
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5789 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7796
- Description: Barter trade is on the increase worldwide in both developed and developing countries. This study is aimed at investigating the management practices used by firms involved in barter trading in order to ensure that they take optimal advantage of benefits of barter trade and minimise its potential problems. Data was collected from 61 barter trade practitioners from the South African media industry. The findings show that most of the firms realise the need to have dedicated personnel responsible for barter trade in their firms. Having dedicated personnel responsible for barter trade helps ensure accountability. The findings also show that most of the firms actively search for barter opportunities, have top management support in their barter trading activities, make use of in-house specialists to negotiate barter deals and have in place clearly defined policies on managing barter trade. Nearly all the policies prescribe products that can be bartered, maximum value of deals acceptable, evaluation criteria for barter deals, accounting and tax treatment of barter deals as well as barter trade authorisation procedures. The findings of the study have practical significance to firms considering using barter trade in their organisations. These have been highlighted in the paper.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Oliver, P. , Mpinganjira, M.
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Barter trade , Barter practitioners , Management practices
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5789 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7796
- Description: Barter trade is on the increase worldwide in both developed and developing countries. This study is aimed at investigating the management practices used by firms involved in barter trading in order to ensure that they take optimal advantage of benefits of barter trade and minimise its potential problems. Data was collected from 61 barter trade practitioners from the South African media industry. The findings show that most of the firms realise the need to have dedicated personnel responsible for barter trade in their firms. Having dedicated personnel responsible for barter trade helps ensure accountability. The findings also show that most of the firms actively search for barter opportunities, have top management support in their barter trading activities, make use of in-house specialists to negotiate barter deals and have in place clearly defined policies on managing barter trade. Nearly all the policies prescribe products that can be bartered, maximum value of deals acceptable, evaluation criteria for barter deals, accounting and tax treatment of barter deals as well as barter trade authorisation procedures. The findings of the study have practical significance to firms considering using barter trade in their organisations. These have been highlighted in the paper.
- Full Text:
Forecasting the exchange rate in South Africa : a comparative analysis challenging the random walk model
- Botha, Ilsé, Pretorius, Marinda
- Authors: Botha, Ilsé , Pretorius, Marinda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates - South Africa - Forecasting
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5526 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13933
- Description: Literature shows that exchange rates are largely unpredictable, and that a simple random walk outperforms structural exchange rate models. In order to determine whether fundamentals explain exchange rate behaviour in South Africa, the two approaches to exchange rate forecasting - the technical and fundamental approach - will be compared. Various univariate time series models, including the random walk model, will be compared to various multivariate time series models (using the MAD/mean ratio), combining the two approaches. The determinants of the South African exchange rate are identified, and these determinants are used to specify multivariate time series models for the South African exchange rate. The multivariate models (VARMA) outperformed the univariate models (except for the Random walk model) in the short-run forecasts, one step ahead, while the multivariate models, performed better in the longer-run forecasts. To improve the accuracy of especially the multivariate models, it is recommended that multiple frequencies be used to capture the dynamic behaviour between variables in a Structural VAR framework.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Botha, Ilsé , Pretorius, Marinda
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates - South Africa - Forecasting
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5526 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13933
- Description: Literature shows that exchange rates are largely unpredictable, and that a simple random walk outperforms structural exchange rate models. In order to determine whether fundamentals explain exchange rate behaviour in South Africa, the two approaches to exchange rate forecasting - the technical and fundamental approach - will be compared. Various univariate time series models, including the random walk model, will be compared to various multivariate time series models (using the MAD/mean ratio), combining the two approaches. The determinants of the South African exchange rate are identified, and these determinants are used to specify multivariate time series models for the South African exchange rate. The multivariate models (VARMA) outperformed the univariate models (except for the Random walk model) in the short-run forecasts, one step ahead, while the multivariate models, performed better in the longer-run forecasts. To improve the accuracy of especially the multivariate models, it is recommended that multiple frequencies be used to capture the dynamic behaviour between variables in a Structural VAR framework.
- Full Text:
Globalisation and the challenges of unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa
- Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Globalisation - Africa , Unemployment - Africa , Income inequality - Africa , Poverty - Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5906 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8025
- Description: There is an urgent need to re-investigate the functional relationship between globalisation, unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa. Unemployment accelerates the level of income inequality and poverty within a given society. In spite of the beautiful slogans associated with it, the current globalisation seems to have aggravated the problem of unemployment, the corollary of which is endemic income inequality and mass poverty in Africa. In fact, the trickle down economy pattern has consistently failed Africa. What is good for Wall Street may not necessarily be good for Africa. Viewed from any angle, the African continent seems to have been marginalised and left behind by globalisation. Capitalist globalisation undeniably, created wealth but also intensified inequality and poverty, particularly in Africa. High growth rate of Gross domestic product (GDP) may be a good statistics to parade at international conferences and seminars. However, for the hungry jobless youths in the streets, these are meaningless numbers since they do not translate into job creation or cure their hunger. Therefore, it is high time that African nations look beyond the official statistics of the so called high GDP growth rate and get down to the hard business of creating real jobs that take out the hungry, angry and jobless youths from the streets into workplaces. African countries need to develop comprehensive strategies to create jobs locally. In this paper, the current author posits that there is a strong linkage between globalisation, unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa. Some mechanisms were proffered to overcome these bottlenecks.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Globalisation - Africa , Unemployment - Africa , Income inequality - Africa , Poverty - Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5906 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8025
- Description: There is an urgent need to re-investigate the functional relationship between globalisation, unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa. Unemployment accelerates the level of income inequality and poverty within a given society. In spite of the beautiful slogans associated with it, the current globalisation seems to have aggravated the problem of unemployment, the corollary of which is endemic income inequality and mass poverty in Africa. In fact, the trickle down economy pattern has consistently failed Africa. What is good for Wall Street may not necessarily be good for Africa. Viewed from any angle, the African continent seems to have been marginalised and left behind by globalisation. Capitalist globalisation undeniably, created wealth but also intensified inequality and poverty, particularly in Africa. High growth rate of Gross domestic product (GDP) may be a good statistics to parade at international conferences and seminars. However, for the hungry jobless youths in the streets, these are meaningless numbers since they do not translate into job creation or cure their hunger. Therefore, it is high time that African nations look beyond the official statistics of the so called high GDP growth rate and get down to the hard business of creating real jobs that take out the hungry, angry and jobless youths from the streets into workplaces. African countries need to develop comprehensive strategies to create jobs locally. In this paper, the current author posits that there is a strong linkage between globalisation, unemployment, income inequality and poverty in Africa. Some mechanisms were proffered to overcome these bottlenecks.
- Full Text:
Success factors of entrepreneurial activity in the Overberg region of Western Cape, South Africa
- Witbooi, Megan, Cupido, Chris, Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Witbooi, Megan , Cupido, Chris , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-03
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Social entrepreneurship , Entrepreneurial activities
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5833 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7850
- Description: Entrepreneurial activities around the world accounted for about 70% of the global GDP on average. However, in South Africa entrepreneurial activities only share 40% of the country’s GDP. With an unemployment rate of approximately 25%, accelerating entrepreneurial activity becomes crucial in a developing country like South Africa. A recent study executed in the Overberg rural district has shown vast opportunity for new endeavors in this direction. Entrepreneurial activity is mostly centered on large-scale agricultural practices. This district is the largest apple producer in the country and the second largest pear producer. However, unemployment in this region has increased in recent years due to the nature of fruit farming which is seasonal. Off-season farmers employ only up to 9% of the district farm workers which leaves 11.1% workers without employment for the rest of the year. Though this area is affluent with natural resources; scarcity of skills, poor infrastructure and lack of technology result in slow economic growth. Further, the absenteeism of entrepreneurial success factors makes it impossible for the many survivalist businesses in the informal sector to be sustainable and to show any form of growth. This paper will analyze the success factors or lack thereof and make recommendations towards opportunities that will help to advance the Overberg region’s entrepreneurial activity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Witbooi, Megan , Cupido, Chris , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-03
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Social entrepreneurship , Entrepreneurial activities
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5833 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7850
- Description: Entrepreneurial activities around the world accounted for about 70% of the global GDP on average. However, in South Africa entrepreneurial activities only share 40% of the country’s GDP. With an unemployment rate of approximately 25%, accelerating entrepreneurial activity becomes crucial in a developing country like South Africa. A recent study executed in the Overberg rural district has shown vast opportunity for new endeavors in this direction. Entrepreneurial activity is mostly centered on large-scale agricultural practices. This district is the largest apple producer in the country and the second largest pear producer. However, unemployment in this region has increased in recent years due to the nature of fruit farming which is seasonal. Off-season farmers employ only up to 9% of the district farm workers which leaves 11.1% workers without employment for the rest of the year. Though this area is affluent with natural resources; scarcity of skills, poor infrastructure and lack of technology result in slow economic growth. Further, the absenteeism of entrepreneurial success factors makes it impossible for the many survivalist businesses in the informal sector to be sustainable and to show any form of growth. This paper will analyze the success factors or lack thereof and make recommendations towards opportunities that will help to advance the Overberg region’s entrepreneurial activity.
- Full Text:
The relevance of Obama’s victory to post-modern theory
- Chuku, C.D., Ogoloma, F.I, Ukpere, W. I.
- Authors: Chuku, C.D. , Ogoloma, F.I , Ukpere, W. I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Postmodernism , Contemporary societies , Obama, Barack Hussein
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5773 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7780
- Description: The paper focused on the postmodern theory and its relevance to contemporary societies with America as a reference point. The argument here is that there is conceptual mutuality between postmodern theory and Obama’s victory as the 44th president of the United States of America. In this paper, the authors argue logically in favour of postmodern theory, that we are now in a postmodern world where stereotype perceptions against colour and gender are no longer necessary. Rather what counts most is the content of the character of an individual. The author relied extensively on secondary data and focused group discussion.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chuku, C.D. , Ogoloma, F.I , Ukpere, W. I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Postmodernism , Contemporary societies , Obama, Barack Hussein
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5773 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7780
- Description: The paper focused on the postmodern theory and its relevance to contemporary societies with America as a reference point. The argument here is that there is conceptual mutuality between postmodern theory and Obama’s victory as the 44th president of the United States of America. In this paper, the authors argue logically in favour of postmodern theory, that we are now in a postmodern world where stereotype perceptions against colour and gender are no longer necessary. Rather what counts most is the content of the character of an individual. The author relied extensively on secondary data and focused group discussion.
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The impact of globalisation on higher education : achieving a balance between local and global needs and realities.
- Meyer, Marius, Bushney, Melanie, Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Meyer, Marius , Bushney, Melanie , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Universities - South Africa , Globalisation and higher education , Global curriculum , International standards , Corporate universities , Local needs
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5889 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8005
- Description: The business world has changed dramatically over the last decade to address the reality of globalisation in the sphere of business. However, most universities have remained intact as local universities servicing local needs of citizens studying at their closest universities. For instance, a small number of universities have managed to attract students from other provinces, countries and regions. The question arises: to what extent have universities in South Africa embraced to the reality of globalisation? Are higher education institutions preparing students to work globally, or do they still function as institutions operating with a local mindset for a local market? Although South African universities have been widely criticised for not producing graduates meeting the needs of the local economy, these institutions are now challenged to prepare students for global markets. Only one local university achieved a ranking in the top hundred universities in the world according to the latest international ranking of universities. This reality poses several challenges for universities, for example, globalising curriculum to meet global needs and realities, as well as sourcing more academics from different parts of the world to infuse a global focus in the development and delivery of a global curriculum. Similarly, local universities are expected to play a key role in the socio-economic transformation of South Africa, while being challenged to meet international standards. This dichotomy places severe strain on the resources of universities, of which many may not be ready to compete globally, especially in the light of the rapid growth of private higher education, and big business, resorting to corporate universities to meet their needs. This paper seeks to determine the impact of globalisation on higher education with specific recommendations for achieving a balance between global and local higher education needs and realities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meyer, Marius , Bushney, Melanie , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Universities - South Africa , Globalisation and higher education , Global curriculum , International standards , Corporate universities , Local needs
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5889 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8005
- Description: The business world has changed dramatically over the last decade to address the reality of globalisation in the sphere of business. However, most universities have remained intact as local universities servicing local needs of citizens studying at their closest universities. For instance, a small number of universities have managed to attract students from other provinces, countries and regions. The question arises: to what extent have universities in South Africa embraced to the reality of globalisation? Are higher education institutions preparing students to work globally, or do they still function as institutions operating with a local mindset for a local market? Although South African universities have been widely criticised for not producing graduates meeting the needs of the local economy, these institutions are now challenged to prepare students for global markets. Only one local university achieved a ranking in the top hundred universities in the world according to the latest international ranking of universities. This reality poses several challenges for universities, for example, globalising curriculum to meet global needs and realities, as well as sourcing more academics from different parts of the world to infuse a global focus in the development and delivery of a global curriculum. Similarly, local universities are expected to play a key role in the socio-economic transformation of South Africa, while being challenged to meet international standards. This dichotomy places severe strain on the resources of universities, of which many may not be ready to compete globally, especially in the light of the rapid growth of private higher education, and big business, resorting to corporate universities to meet their needs. This paper seeks to determine the impact of globalisation on higher education with specific recommendations for achieving a balance between global and local higher education needs and realities.
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Global warming mitigation promotes corporate entrepreneurship within Woolworths’ supply chain
- Authors: Dos Santos, M A. O.
- Date: 2012-09
- Subjects: Corporate entrepreneurship , Woolworths , Sustainable marketing strategies , Global warming mitigation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5788 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7795
- Description: This study demonstrates how Woolworths, a South African retail chain promotes corporate entrepreneurship within its supply chain as it implements sustainable marketing strategies. A qualitative case study approach, restricted to a single retail chain, was used and the data analysed was derived from their public documents. A content analysis using a thematic approach that incorporated product life cycle model variables was used to code the data. The results demonstrate that retailers can promote entrepreneurial activity within supply chains as they implement sustainable marketing strategies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dos Santos, M A. O.
- Date: 2012-09
- Subjects: Corporate entrepreneurship , Woolworths , Sustainable marketing strategies , Global warming mitigation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5788 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7795
- Description: This study demonstrates how Woolworths, a South African retail chain promotes corporate entrepreneurship within its supply chain as it implements sustainable marketing strategies. A qualitative case study approach, restricted to a single retail chain, was used and the data analysed was derived from their public documents. A content analysis using a thematic approach that incorporated product life cycle model variables was used to code the data. The results demonstrate that retailers can promote entrepreneurial activity within supply chains as they implement sustainable marketing strategies.
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Academic staff and employment equity profile in Business Management departments at universities in South Africa
- Authors: Nieuwenhuizen, Cecile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Academic staff , Employment equity , Business Management departments
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5888 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8004
- Description: This article is a report on an attempt to determine the composition of academic staff of Business Management departments at South African universities. The objective was to determine the qualifications, level of employment and ranks filled by academics from the designated groups (black, coloured and Indian) and whites. Business Management and related departments from 13 universities representing 136 academics participated in the study. The findings indicate that academics from all the designated groups combined, constitute only 40%, as opposed to 60% whites, which indicates a shortage of academics from the former group. Thirty one per cent of all academic staff in Business Management have doctorates, and of these, 2% are from the combined designated groups and 29% from the white group. Ranked academics from the designated groups are in the minority: 31% are senior lecturers, 11% are associate professors and 7% are professors. The majority, which is 57%, of academics in business management are male and 43% are female. Representation of females from the designated groups is the lowest at 14%, with white males the highest at 31%. The results indicate that in the senior ranks, the number of academics from the designated groups, especially females, are far below employment equity expectations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nieuwenhuizen, Cecile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Academic staff , Employment equity , Business Management departments
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5888 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8004
- Description: This article is a report on an attempt to determine the composition of academic staff of Business Management departments at South African universities. The objective was to determine the qualifications, level of employment and ranks filled by academics from the designated groups (black, coloured and Indian) and whites. Business Management and related departments from 13 universities representing 136 academics participated in the study. The findings indicate that academics from all the designated groups combined, constitute only 40%, as opposed to 60% whites, which indicates a shortage of academics from the former group. Thirty one per cent of all academic staff in Business Management have doctorates, and of these, 2% are from the combined designated groups and 29% from the white group. Ranked academics from the designated groups are in the minority: 31% are senior lecturers, 11% are associate professors and 7% are professors. The majority, which is 57%, of academics in business management are male and 43% are female. Representation of females from the designated groups is the lowest at 14%, with white males the highest at 31%. The results indicate that in the senior ranks, the number of academics from the designated groups, especially females, are far below employment equity expectations.
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Exploring the relationship between trust, commitment and customer loyalty through the intervening role of customer relationship management (CRM).
- Authors: Roberts-Lombard, Mornay
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Customer relationship management , CRM , Short-term insurance industry - South Africa - Gauteng , Customer loyalty , Trust , Commitment
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5865 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7962
- Description: The purpose of the study is to investigate customer relationship management (CRM) and its influence on customer loyalty at selected short-term insurance providers in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The target population included all South Africans who currently have a policy with at least one of the selected short-term insurance providers in the study. The convenience sampling method was applied, and a sample of 500 respondents was selected. An interview administered questionnaire was used for the gathering of data. The study indicated that a significant negative relationship existed between commitment and CRM. It was evident that no significant relationship existed between trust and CRM. The study also revealed that a strong positive relationship existed between CRM and customer loyalty at the four selected short-term insurance providers in South Africa. Strategies were also provided for ways in which the four selected short-term insurance providers can maintain and improve their relationships with their customers in order to encourage loyalty, and therefore increase profitability.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Roberts-Lombard, Mornay
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Customer relationship management , CRM , Short-term insurance industry - South Africa - Gauteng , Customer loyalty , Trust , Commitment
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5865 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7962
- Description: The purpose of the study is to investigate customer relationship management (CRM) and its influence on customer loyalty at selected short-term insurance providers in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The target population included all South Africans who currently have a policy with at least one of the selected short-term insurance providers in the study. The convenience sampling method was applied, and a sample of 500 respondents was selected. An interview administered questionnaire was used for the gathering of data. The study indicated that a significant negative relationship existed between commitment and CRM. It was evident that no significant relationship existed between trust and CRM. The study also revealed that a strong positive relationship existed between CRM and customer loyalty at the four selected short-term insurance providers in South Africa. Strategies were also provided for ways in which the four selected short-term insurance providers can maintain and improve their relationships with their customers in order to encourage loyalty, and therefore increase profitability.
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Local economic development in sub-Saharan Africa : defining potential roles for national government
- Authors: Rogerson, C.M.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Business development , National government , Local economic development , Sub-Saharan Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5787 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7794
- Description: Policy debates around local economic development (LED) are mainly focussed on the role of subnational levels of government. Limited attention is given to the appropriate role of central or national government. Nevertheless, an important set of functions can be assumed by national governments in support of LED programming, not least in furnishing a coherent framework and guidelines for local planning affecting business development. The aim of this article is to offer a critical synthesis of international experience, mainly from OECD countries, concerning the roles played by national government in support of organizing LED initiatives. From international experience, twelve different roles can be discerned. In Africa, the most fundamental in energizing LED processes are improving the national business environment, reviewing national regulatory processes that impede local development initiatives, appropriate support for small business development, enhancing coordination across different government departments, and strengthening the competiveness of cities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rogerson, C.M.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Business development , National government , Local economic development , Sub-Saharan Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5787 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7794
- Description: Policy debates around local economic development (LED) are mainly focussed on the role of subnational levels of government. Limited attention is given to the appropriate role of central or national government. Nevertheless, an important set of functions can be assumed by national governments in support of LED programming, not least in furnishing a coherent framework and guidelines for local planning affecting business development. The aim of this article is to offer a critical synthesis of international experience, mainly from OECD countries, concerning the roles played by national government in support of organizing LED initiatives. From international experience, twelve different roles can be discerned. In Africa, the most fundamental in energizing LED processes are improving the national business environment, reviewing national regulatory processes that impede local development initiatives, appropriate support for small business development, enhancing coordination across different government departments, and strengthening the competiveness of cities.
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Intergroup conflict within a South African mining company
- Havenga, Werner, Visagie, Jan, Linde, Herman, Gobind, Jenni
- Authors: Havenga, Werner , Visagie, Jan , Linde, Herman , Gobind, Jenni
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mining industry - South Africa , Intergroup dynamics , Conflict management , Industrial relations
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5903 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8022
- Description: The uncertainty that accompanies organizational change heightens prospects for intra-organizational conflict. Notwithstanding this, the knowledge base on the sources (or causes) of organizational conflict is underdeveloped – largely as a result of a low incidence of empirical research, and in particular in South Africa. The current study explored the perceived sources of intergroup conflict in a South African mining company. The aim of this research is to investigate intergroup conflict and to look into how intergroup conflict influences employment relations throughout all levels of the organization. From a probability population of 1000 in the twelve departments a random sample of 200 employees was chosen to participate in the research. This number represents 20% of the total population. Intergroup conflict was analysed and evaluated. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made on the occurrence of intergroup conflict based on the findings of the literature and empirical study. Data frequencies, correlations and a correlation analysis were performed through the SPSS programme.
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- Authors: Havenga, Werner , Visagie, Jan , Linde, Herman , Gobind, Jenni
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mining industry - South Africa , Intergroup dynamics , Conflict management , Industrial relations
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5903 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8022
- Description: The uncertainty that accompanies organizational change heightens prospects for intra-organizational conflict. Notwithstanding this, the knowledge base on the sources (or causes) of organizational conflict is underdeveloped – largely as a result of a low incidence of empirical research, and in particular in South Africa. The current study explored the perceived sources of intergroup conflict in a South African mining company. The aim of this research is to investigate intergroup conflict and to look into how intergroup conflict influences employment relations throughout all levels of the organization. From a probability population of 1000 in the twelve departments a random sample of 200 employees was chosen to participate in the research. This number represents 20% of the total population. Intergroup conflict was analysed and evaluated. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made on the occurrence of intergroup conflict based on the findings of the literature and empirical study. Data frequencies, correlations and a correlation analysis were performed through the SPSS programme.
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South African Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 and current affirmative action : an analysis of labour economic history
- Jordaan, Charline, Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Jordaan, Charline , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Apartheid , Affirmative action , Industrial relations , Labour unions , South Africa. Industrial Conciliation Act, 1924
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5818 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7834
- Description: This paper is directed towards making a comparison between the Industrial Conciliation Act (ICA) of 1924 and the current Affirmative Action (AA) in South Africa (SA), in order trace their respective impact to industrial relations in SA. First and foremost, it is necessary to give an overview of Industrial relations within the period of 1924 to 1948, and to identify three events that took place within that period and give a discussion of the events. Furthermore, the impact of those events on the labour legislation at that time, and its effect on the labour relationship will be analysed. Additionally, the different approaches used during these periods towards the labour relationship will be reviewed. Finally, an analysis will be made between Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 and the current South African Affirmative Action.
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- Authors: Jordaan, Charline , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-02
- Subjects: Apartheid , Affirmative action , Industrial relations , Labour unions , South Africa. Industrial Conciliation Act, 1924
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5818 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7834
- Description: This paper is directed towards making a comparison between the Industrial Conciliation Act (ICA) of 1924 and the current Affirmative Action (AA) in South Africa (SA), in order trace their respective impact to industrial relations in SA. First and foremost, it is necessary to give an overview of Industrial relations within the period of 1924 to 1948, and to identify three events that took place within that period and give a discussion of the events. Furthermore, the impact of those events on the labour legislation at that time, and its effect on the labour relationship will be analysed. Additionally, the different approaches used during these periods towards the labour relationship will be reviewed. Finally, an analysis will be made between Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 and the current South African Affirmative Action.
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Developing a national cadre of effective leadership towards sustainable quality service delivery in South Africa
- Havenga, W., Mehana, V., Visagie, J. C.
- Authors: Havenga, W. , Mehana, V. , Visagie, J. C.
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Three dimensional leadership competency model , Developmental local governance framework , Service delivery
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5790 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7797
- Description: The application of the three (3) dimensional leadership competency model has the likelihood of having a positive impact on a sustainable developmental local governance framework. The purpose of the study was to explore the relevance of the Three (3) dimensional leadership competency model so as to suggest leadership traits that can be used in the enhancement of a developmental local governance framework. The lack of leadership with the requisite competencies and capabilities in the local government system has been the source of corruption and maladministration, and therefore necessitates an intervention in the development of leadership competencies. The research design, approach and method focuses primarily a qualitative approach, namely face-to-face in-depth interviews using a structured interview schedule triangulated through the review of published documents and publications. The findings show that significant progress has been achieved in many areas of the ideal of a developmental local governance framework, yet the lack of a value-based cadre of leaders is reversing the gains that have been achieved in the last 15 years of the ANC rule. Managerial competencies that are key components of leadership limit the acceleration of a developmental governance framework. This study indicates the relevance of the Three (3) dimensional leadership competency model in the enhancement of a developmental local governance framework, and has suggested key elements of leadership traits within the context of what can be used to achieve the objects of a developmental local governance framework.
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- Authors: Havenga, W. , Mehana, V. , Visagie, J. C.
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Three dimensional leadership competency model , Developmental local governance framework , Service delivery
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5790 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7797
- Description: The application of the three (3) dimensional leadership competency model has the likelihood of having a positive impact on a sustainable developmental local governance framework. The purpose of the study was to explore the relevance of the Three (3) dimensional leadership competency model so as to suggest leadership traits that can be used in the enhancement of a developmental local governance framework. The lack of leadership with the requisite competencies and capabilities in the local government system has been the source of corruption and maladministration, and therefore necessitates an intervention in the development of leadership competencies. The research design, approach and method focuses primarily a qualitative approach, namely face-to-face in-depth interviews using a structured interview schedule triangulated through the review of published documents and publications. The findings show that significant progress has been achieved in many areas of the ideal of a developmental local governance framework, yet the lack of a value-based cadre of leaders is reversing the gains that have been achieved in the last 15 years of the ANC rule. Managerial competencies that are key components of leadership limit the acceleration of a developmental governance framework. This study indicates the relevance of the Three (3) dimensional leadership competency model in the enhancement of a developmental local governance framework, and has suggested key elements of leadership traits within the context of what can be used to achieve the objects of a developmental local governance framework.
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The role of women in peacemaking, conflict and rehabilitation management in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State, Nigeria
- Ogoloma, Fineface I., Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Authors: Ogoloma, Fineface I. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Nigeria , Conflict resolution , Women , Rehabilitation management , Elele (Nigeria) , Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State (Nigeria)
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5816 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7832
- Description: The basic energies common to all human beings have been directed in such a way that men seek power and women protect men from the consequences of excessive power. At the close of every war, destroyed communities have been rebuilt, and much of the physical labour of rebuilding is often heaped on women. Another activity traditionally expected of women is conflict resolution, since it is troublesome to go to war all the time. The old practice of marrying the daughters of one village to the sons of the next was a war avoidable strategy.
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- Authors: Ogoloma, Fineface I. , Ukpere, Wilfred I.
- Date: 2011-09
- Subjects: Nigeria , Conflict resolution , Women , Rehabilitation management , Elele (Nigeria) , Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State (Nigeria)
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5816 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7832
- Description: The basic energies common to all human beings have been directed in such a way that men seek power and women protect men from the consequences of excessive power. At the close of every war, destroyed communities have been rebuilt, and much of the physical labour of rebuilding is often heaped on women. Another activity traditionally expected of women is conflict resolution, since it is troublesome to go to war all the time. The old practice of marrying the daughters of one village to the sons of the next was a war avoidable strategy.
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FIFA World Cup 2010 : implications for and effects on the entrepreneurial performance of South Africa’s informal sector
- Venter, Robert B., Rogerson, Christian M., Semens, Anna, Myres, Kerrin
- Authors: Venter, Robert B. , Rogerson, Christian M. , Semens, Anna , Myres, Kerrin
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: FIFA World Cup 2010 , Entrepreneurship - South Africa , Informal sector - South Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5897 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8016
- Description: It is well established that so called ‘mega events’ have a marked impact on the socio-economic trajectory of a host nation. Research on the merits of mega- events is fairly substantial, and indeed, derived implications for entrepreneurship in a host country are a recurring theme. Yet, little has been done to investigate the potential impact of these events on the entrepreneurial performance of the informal sector. The informal sector is a significant contributor to employment and to the South African economy and shown to exhibit strong entrepreneurial potential. As such, it provides fertile grounds for research. This paper reflects on the FIFA 2010 world cup as catalyst for entrepreneurial activity in Johannesburg’s informal sector. Associated issues of ambush marketing and perceptions of legalities, formalities, and barriers related to the organisation of the world cup are investigated.
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- Authors: Venter, Robert B. , Rogerson, Christian M. , Semens, Anna , Myres, Kerrin
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: FIFA World Cup 2010 , Entrepreneurship - South Africa , Informal sector - South Africa
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5897 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8016
- Description: It is well established that so called ‘mega events’ have a marked impact on the socio-economic trajectory of a host nation. Research on the merits of mega- events is fairly substantial, and indeed, derived implications for entrepreneurship in a host country are a recurring theme. Yet, little has been done to investigate the potential impact of these events on the entrepreneurial performance of the informal sector. The informal sector is a significant contributor to employment and to the South African economy and shown to exhibit strong entrepreneurial potential. As such, it provides fertile grounds for research. This paper reflects on the FIFA 2010 world cup as catalyst for entrepreneurial activity in Johannesburg’s informal sector. Associated issues of ambush marketing and perceptions of legalities, formalities, and barriers related to the organisation of the world cup are investigated.
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Understanding service quality and patient satisfaction in private medical practice : a case study
- Peer, Mohammed, Mpinganjira, Mercy
- Authors: Peer, Mohammed , Mpinganjira, Mercy
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Private medical care - South Africa - Johannesburg - Evaluation , Health services - South Africa - Johannesburg - Evaluation , Service quality , Patient satisfaction
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5898 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8017
- Description: Understanding customers’ views on service quality is critical for any service provider interested in ensuring that they are being responsive to clients. Patients’ service quality perceptions are however often given little or no attention in health service quality improvement programs. In this study data was collected from 220 patients of a private medical practice. The focus was on patients’ service quality perceptions and how these relate to overall satisfaction as well as future behavioural intentions. The findings show that patients’ perceptions on service quality play a significant role in determining their overall satisfaction with a service provider and that patients’ overall satisfaction is critical in determining their future positive behavioural intentions towards a service provider. The implications of the findings are that there is need for patients’ voice to start playing a greater role in the design and evaluation of health care service improvement programs more so in private medical practices.
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- Authors: Peer, Mohammed , Mpinganjira, Mercy
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Private medical care - South Africa - Johannesburg - Evaluation , Health services - South Africa - Johannesburg - Evaluation , Service quality , Patient satisfaction
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5898 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8017
- Description: Understanding customers’ views on service quality is critical for any service provider interested in ensuring that they are being responsive to clients. Patients’ service quality perceptions are however often given little or no attention in health service quality improvement programs. In this study data was collected from 220 patients of a private medical practice. The focus was on patients’ service quality perceptions and how these relate to overall satisfaction as well as future behavioural intentions. The findings show that patients’ perceptions on service quality play a significant role in determining their overall satisfaction with a service provider and that patients’ overall satisfaction is critical in determining their future positive behavioural intentions towards a service provider. The implications of the findings are that there is need for patients’ voice to start playing a greater role in the design and evaluation of health care service improvement programs more so in private medical practices.
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The attitudes of donors towards non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Gauteng, South Africa : a generational perspective
- Du Plessis, Laureane, Petzer, Daniël J.
- Authors: Du Plessis, Laureane , Petzer, Daniël J.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Attitudes towards NPOs , Attitudes towards supporting NPOs , Non-profit organisations (NPOs) , Baby boomers , Generation Y , Generation X
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5770 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7777
- Description: Individual factors such as the demographic, socio-economic and psychographic characteristics of donors affect the levels of donations made to non-profit organisations (NPOs). As such, it is necessary for NPOs to have a better understanding of their donors’ psychographic characteristics and more specifically, their attitudes as this would enable NPOs to develop more effective marketing campaigns. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes of Baby Boomers, Generations X and Y towards NPOs and towards supporting NPOs in Gauteng, South Africa. Both exploratory and descriptive research designs were used in this study. Quota sampling was used to select respondents from the target population in the three generations under investigation. Overall, respondents have a positive attitude towards NPOs and supporting NPOs. At the end, however, no significant differences exist between the generations in terms of their attitudes towards NPOs and towards supporting NPOs; however, small positive correlations were evident for all three generations between their attitudes towards NPOs and towards supporting NPOs.
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- Authors: Du Plessis, Laureane , Petzer, Daniël J.
- Date: 2011-11
- Subjects: Attitudes towards NPOs , Attitudes towards supporting NPOs , Non-profit organisations (NPOs) , Baby boomers , Generation Y , Generation X
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5770 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7777
- Description: Individual factors such as the demographic, socio-economic and psychographic characteristics of donors affect the levels of donations made to non-profit organisations (NPOs). As such, it is necessary for NPOs to have a better understanding of their donors’ psychographic characteristics and more specifically, their attitudes as this would enable NPOs to develop more effective marketing campaigns. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes of Baby Boomers, Generations X and Y towards NPOs and towards supporting NPOs in Gauteng, South Africa. Both exploratory and descriptive research designs were used in this study. Quota sampling was used to select respondents from the target population in the three generations under investigation. Overall, respondents have a positive attitude towards NPOs and supporting NPOs. At the end, however, no significant differences exist between the generations in terms of their attitudes towards NPOs and towards supporting NPOs; however, small positive correlations were evident for all three generations between their attitudes towards NPOs and towards supporting NPOs.
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South African postgraduate consumer’s attitude towards global warming
- Authors: Dos Santos, M. A. O.
- Date: 2011-06
- Subjects: Global warming mitigation , Consumer social responsibility
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5784 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7791
- Description: The article explored postgraduate consumers’ attitude towards global warming in South Africa. This is relevant in a world where the negative impact of global warming is already felt in some countries and there is a great deal of discussion by stakeholders around the mitigation of greenhouse gases. The data used in this article was collected using a specially designed questionnaire which incorporated questions relating to the persuasion (attitude formation) stage of innovation decision process. The findings of this study revealed that the respondents were passively involved with the global warming phenomenon; many were aware of its negative consequences; they were worried about global warming; they felt that it would impact their personal lives, South Africa and future generations. Opinion leadership and word of mouth communication within the respondent’s social system occurred to a limited extent. This study demonstrated the respondents’ attitude towards global warming which within the context of derived demand is significant since consumers are indirectly responsible for businesses’ greenhouse gas emissions.
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- Authors: Dos Santos, M. A. O.
- Date: 2011-06
- Subjects: Global warming mitigation , Consumer social responsibility
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5784 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7791
- Description: The article explored postgraduate consumers’ attitude towards global warming in South Africa. This is relevant in a world where the negative impact of global warming is already felt in some countries and there is a great deal of discussion by stakeholders around the mitigation of greenhouse gases. The data used in this article was collected using a specially designed questionnaire which incorporated questions relating to the persuasion (attitude formation) stage of innovation decision process. The findings of this study revealed that the respondents were passively involved with the global warming phenomenon; many were aware of its negative consequences; they were worried about global warming; they felt that it would impact their personal lives, South Africa and future generations. Opinion leadership and word of mouth communication within the respondent’s social system occurred to a limited extent. This study demonstrated the respondents’ attitude towards global warming which within the context of derived demand is significant since consumers are indirectly responsible for businesses’ greenhouse gas emissions.
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