scholarly journals South African Generation Y students’ intention towards ecopreneurship

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Strydom ◽  
Natanya Meyer ◽  
Costa Synodinos
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
University Students ◽  
South African ◽  
Generation Y ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Managerial Implications

Orientation: It has been argued that the solution to the deteriorating state of the natural environment should not simply be one of regulation but rather of innovation. As such, entrepreneurship or, more specifically, ecopreneurship has been identified as a possible solution.Research purpose: This study’s primary objective was to determine Generation Y students’ intention towards becoming ecopreneurs within the context of South Africa.Motivation of study: Research regarding ecopreneurship is still scarce within academic literature both globally and in South Africa. This study aims to address this research gap.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative research approach was followed using a descriptive, cross-sectional research design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 522 students across three Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. The statistical analysis used to analyse the collected data included exploratory factor analysis, descriptive analysis, and correlation analysis.Main findings: This study’s findings indicate that university students belonging to the Generation Y cohort in South Africa display positive intentions towards becoming ecopreneurs. The students’ intentions were, however, lower than their reported knowledge and concern for the environment. All constructs used yielded positive results, albeit to varying degrees and a positive correlation between them were noted.Practical/managerial implications: Generation Y university students in South Africa display positive intentions towards becoming ecopreneurs. Thus, support to assist them in starting such ventures should be prioritised by incubation programmes and governments funding opportunities.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the existing literature on entrepreneurship, ecopreneurship, environmentalism and Generation Y students in the South African context.

scholarly journals Assessing cultural intelligence, personality and identity amongst young white Afrikaans-speaking students: A preliminary study

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Nel ◽  
J. Alewyn Nel ◽  
Byron G. Adams ◽  
Leon T. De Beer
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Ethnic Identity ◽  
South African ◽  
Religious Identity ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Cultural Intelligence ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
The South ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Managerial Implications

Orientation: Cultural intelligence (CQ) is a relatively new construct to academia that has recently gained increasing attention. Its relevance in a multicultural context like South Africa is apparent since cultural interaction between different ethnic groups is unavoidable.Research purpose: The objective of this research is to determine the relationship between personality, identity and CQ amongst young Afrikaans-speaking South Africans.Research approach, design and method: A quantitative research design was used in this study. This study was cross-sectional in nature. For the purpose of this study, a sample of young South African university students (N = 252) was used. The personal identity subscale from the Erickson Psychosocial Stage Inventory, the Multi-Ethnic Identity Measure, the Religious Identity Short Scale, the South African Personality Inventory questionnaire and the Four Factor Model of Cultural Intelligence Scale were applied as the measuring instruments.Main findings: Religious identity and ethnic identity have a relationship with cognitive CQ. Soft-heartedness and conscientiousness have a relationship with behavioural CQ. Also, soft-heartedness, facilitating, extroversion and religious identity have a relationship with motivational CQ.Practical/managerial implications: Organisations within South Africa will gain a better understanding of CQ and the benefits of having a culturally intelligent workforce as a strengths-based approach. Culturally intelligent employees will be able to adjust to working with co-workers from another culture, not feel threatened when interacting with co-workers and clients and be able to transfer knowledge from one culture to another, which will aid the organisation in completing overseas assignments, cross-cultural decision-making, leadership in multicultural environments and managing international careers.Contribution/value-add: CQ is a relatively new concept and empirical research on positive subjects is still very limited. Research on personality, identity and CQ within the South African context is still very limited. Therefore, this study will contribute to literature on positive psychology and cultural intelligence.

Generation Y students' purchase behaviour towards organic foods in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-212
Author(s):  
Kirsty-Lee Sharp ◽  
Costa Synodinos
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Generation Y ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Full Time ◽  
The South ◽  
Organic Foods

Objective - The primary objective of this study is to identify and explain the antecedents of organic food purchase behaviour of Generation Y students in the South African context. This study aimed to shed some light on Generation Ystudents' health consciousness, perceived behaviour control, convenience, attitudes, purchase intentions, and actual buying behaviourtoward organic food products. The study also attempted to determine the underlying strengths and relationships between the constructs used in the measurement scale. Lastly, gender relationships were investigated to determine if any differences existed between males and females in terms of their organic food product purchases. Methodology/Technique - This research study employed a descriptive, non-probability, convenience sampling design. The intended target population was full-time registered undergraduate Generation Y students aged between 18 and 24 years. The sample size was 200 students based across the four faculties within the chosen higher education institution, namely the Faculty of Management Sciences, the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Human Sciences. The 200 self-administered questionnaires were distributed during recess times as to not to disrupt any learning time. The questionnaire contained a cover letter explaining the purpose of the study and that participation in the study was completely voluntary. Findings - The measurement scale displayed adequate reliability and validity for all constructs. Furthermore, all constructs had statistically significant positive means, indicating that Generation Y students are health-conscious, care for the opinions of friends and family, display pro-organic attitudes, intentions, and behaviour. Results from this study indicate that there is a need for food organizations to consider implementing organic-based products in their product offerings within the South African market. Novelty - Investigation oforganic food product purchase behaviouramong South African Generation Y students (Consumer behaviour). Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Organic Foods; Purchase Behaviour; Generation Y, South Africa. JEL Classification: M31, M39.

scholarly journals Self-perceived employability among undergraduate students at a South African university

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doret Botha
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
The Self ◽  
The South ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Employability ◽  
Managerial Implications

Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since 2008. The youth is regarded as the most at-risk group in the South African labour market and unemployment amongst the youth is considered one of the most critical socio-economic problems in South Africa. Increasing one’s employability is essential to securing employment and enhancing one’s well-being.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a scarcity of published research on the self-perceived employability amongst undergraduate students at higher education institutions in South Africa.Research approach/design and method: The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative-based cross-sectional survey design was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the students who were included in the survey. Data were collected through a web-based survey, using a standardised coded questionnaire that consisted of a five-point Likert-type scale.Main findings: The results indicated that the respondents were relatively confident about their internal employability, but they were less confident about their opportunities in the external labour market.Practical/managerial implications: Understanding one’s employability and the accompanied issues creates awareness of one’s potential, skills and knowledge to become a successful citizen and employee.Contribution/value-add: The study shed light on the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university and consequently contributes to the existing literature on employability in the South African context.

scholarly journals The development and investigation of the psychometric properties of a burnout scale within a South African agricultural research institution

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris N. Asiwe ◽  
Lené I. Jorgensen ◽  
Carin Hill
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Institution ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
New Instrument ◽  
Construct Equivalence

Orientation: Burnout of employees is well documented within South Africa, but researchers have adapted imported instruments with a number of limitations. Therefore there is a need to develop a new instrument suitable for use in South Africa.Research purpose: To give an overview of current burnout measures, identify gaps within the literature and develop a new burnout scale for use within South Africa. The research examined the construct validity, reliability, construct equivalence and item bias of this new scale and investigated any differences that exist in relation to demographic variables.Motivation for the study: This study aimed to address various limitations regarding existing measures by developing a reliable and valid instrument for measuring burnout in South African employees that includes cognitive, physical and emotional (affective) components.Research approach, design and method: This empirical, quantitative research study delivered a cross-sectional survey, including the burnout scale and a biographical data questionnaire, to 443 employees of an agricultural research institution. Items for the burnout scale were written based on a literature review.Main findings: Exploratory factor analysis with target rotations resulted in a three-factor burnout model. Reliability analysis showed that all three scales (1) were sufficiently internally consistent and (2) showed construct equivalence for Black and White employees and speakers of Afrikaans and African languages. A practically significant difference in burnout levels was found in relation to age.Practical/managerial implications: The scale can be used to assess burnout for different cultural groups within research-based institutions.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to knowledge regarding the burnout levels of employees in an agricultural research institution in South Africa and provides a new burnout scale that can be utilised in similar institutions.

scholarly journals Some password users are more equal than others: Towards customisation of online security initiatives

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rika Butler ◽  
Martin Butler
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
User Authentication ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Online Security ◽  
Password Security

Background: Online security is a growing concern and user authentication through passwords remains an important mechanism to protect online assets. Research to date has highlighted the need to address human behaviour but without an indication of where the emphasis of security education, training and awareness (SETA) initiatives should be, beyond improved password practices. Objectives: The aim of this study was to, through analysis of the password behaviour of South African online consumers: (1) understand the prevalence of poor password practices among consumers overall and (2) identify specific password deficiencies prevalent among different demographic groups to be focus areas for tailored intervention programmes. Method: The study uses a quantitative research approach. An online survey was used to gather demographic data, perceptions about online security and applied password practices. A sample of 737 valid responses was analysed for this research. Results: Based on the descriptive analysis of the responses three key observations were made. Firstly, there is a distinct difference in the incidence of poor password practices for all respondents and thus support for tailored interventions. Secondly, there are variances between the practices within different demographic groups that could be used for customisation of interventions. Finally, the different poor practices cannot be uniquely attributed to one particular set of demographics. Conclusion: The study concluded that to improve computer password security in South Africa, password SETA programmes should be customised for areas where individual needs exist and not merely per password practice or demographic group.

Sustainability - Oriented Innovation and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Olawale FATOKI
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The study adopted a multi-dimensional measure of performance (financial, social, environmental, innovation and quality). The study used the quantitative research approach and the descriptive and causal research design. Data was collected from one hundred and ninety eight owners/managers of SMEs in the manufacturing sector. The cross-sectional survey method (self-administered questionnaire) was used for data collection. The participants in the study were conveniently sampled. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlation and regression analysis were used for data analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha was used as a measure of reliability. The findings of the study indicate that economic, environmental and social dimensions of SOI have significant positive relationships with the five measures of performance. Limitations, areas for further study and recommendations to improve the SOI of SMEs are suggested.

scholarly journals Evaluating the MBTI® Form M in a South African context

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Casper J.J. Van Zyl ◽  
Nicola Taylor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Classical Test Theory ◽  
Good Evidence ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Classical Test ◽  
Gender Groups

Orientation: Psychological instruments require continued refinement, updating and evaluation.Research purpose: To investigate the reliability, validity and differential item functioning of the MBTI® Form M across groups in South Africa using Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) methods.Motivation for the study: To add to the continual research and improvement of the MBTI® Form M through the investigation of its psychometric properties across groups in South Africa.Research design, approach and method: This study falls within the quantitative research paradigm. Classical test theory methods and Rasch analysis were used to evaluate the functioning of the MBTI Form M across gender and ethnic groups. A cross-sectional study was completed consisting of 10 705 South African respondents.Main findings: Excellent reliability was found for the instrument across groups in the sample. Good evidence for construct validity was found using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Some evidence for uniform bias was found across ethnic and gender groups and a few items reflected non-uniform DIF across gender groups only. The effect of uniform and non-uniform DIF did not appear to have major practical implications for the interpretation of the scales.Practical/managerial implications: The results provided evidence that supports the psychometric validity of the MBTI instrument in the South African context.Contribution/value-add: This study is the largest study to date regarding the psychometric functioning of the MBTI instrument in South Africa. It contributes to the evolution of the instrument in line with the legislative requirements concerning the use of psychometric tests in South Africa. 

scholarly journals Strategic priorities for cultivating commitment amongst academic staff: The militating effect of workplace spirituality

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desere Kokt ◽  
Esther P. Palmer
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Workplace Spirituality ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Management ◽  
Organisational Commitment ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Critical Competencies

Orientation: Organisational commitment remains an ongoing concern for organisations, especially universities that often struggle to retain academic staff. Universities cannot operate or fulfil their mandate to society without the critical competencies of academic staff.Research purpose: This investigation focused on workplace spirituality as a militating factor in enhancing the commitment of academic staff.Motivation for the study: As organisational commitment remains a challenge for universities, this article contributes to a theoretical and empirical understanding of the militating influence of workplace spirituality. The study is underpinned by social learning theory and proposes strategic priorities to universities – informed by an empirical study conducted amongst academic staff members at a South African university.Research approach/design and method: The study employed a quantitative research approach and a structured questionnaire was administered to 285 academic staff members (ranging from junior lecturers to professors) of a South African university. The research design was a survey and, as a single university formed part of the study, regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between workplace spirituality and organisational commitment.Main findings: The empirical findings showed a strong linear relationship between workplace spirituality and organisational commitment. A regression formula was developed to statistically calculate the commitment score of individuals.Practical/managerial implications: The study proposed strategic priorities that may be useful to university management and human resource practitioners to cultivate increased commitment amongst academic staff.Contribution/value-add: The study contributed empirical evidence of the militating effect of workplace spirituality on organisational commitment, implying that workplace spirituality is a predictor for organisational commitment.

scholarly journals The use of storytelling in quantitative research reports: A marketing research firm perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Maritz ◽  
Daniel J. Petzer ◽  
Christine De Meyer
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Business Impact ◽  
Strategic Value ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add

Orientation: Actionable reporting ensures that a marketing research firm communicates with clients to achieve business impact as opposed to merely communicating data to clients. Storytelling communicates with impact as it focuses on creating engagement and inspiring action.Research purpose: This article investigates the use of storytelling as a tool for actionable reporting by South African marketing research firmsMotivation for the study: Clients of marketing research firms often criticise research reports as being too technical and lacking in strategic value. Storytelling is a reporting technique that can be used to develop actionable research and provide clients with more strategic value. Research design, approach and method: A total of 26 in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with client service directors and managers of marketing research firms that deliver quantitative research reports to clients.Main findings: Results indicated that all marketing research firms but one use storytelling. Barriers that impede more regular use are inexperienced research executives and the time intensity associated with creating stories.Practical/managerial implications: Storytelling should be used by marketing research firms to provide clients with more actionable research.Contribution/value-add: The study provides marketing research firms in South Africa with recommendations as to how to implement storytelling as a reporting technique, which will add value to clients and enable marketing research firms to remain competitive and develop relationships with clients. 

scholarly journals Determinants of Social Entrepreneurial Intentions of University Students in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6A) ◽  
pp. 72-80
Author(s):  
Olawale Fatoki
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
University Students ◽  
South African ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Entrepreneurial Behaviour ◽  
Questionnaire Method ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Entrepreneurial behaviour can be predicted by intentions. The study investigated the determinants of social entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) of university students in South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative research design that involved the use of a survey. The self-administered questionnaire method was used to collect data from the survey participants. The participants in the survey were final year undergraduate students of the Department of Business Management of two South African universities. Reliability was measured using the Cronbach’s alpha. The data analysis methods for the study were descriptive statistics, principal component analysis and regression analysis. The results indicated that empathy, moral obligation, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and perceived social support are predictors of social entrepreneurial intentions. The recommendations to improve the SEI of university students focus on passive and active entrepreneurship teaching methods.

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