Research Articles (Management and Entrepreneurship)

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Is trust about more than just money? insight into South African banking customers
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2025) Roberts-Lombard Mornay; Petzer Daniel
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore how trust guides retail banking customers’ behavioural intentions considering monetary and non-monetary drivers of trust and the moderating roles of corporate image and shared values on the relationships between these drivers and trust. Design/methodology/approach – Non-probability purposive and quota sampling were used to select a sample of South African banking customers. A self-administered questionnaire was fielded and 352 respondents participated in this study. Findings – All the proposed monetary and non-monetary drivers have a positive and significant influence on trust, except for calculative commitment. Trust mediates the relationships monetary and non-monetary drivers have with behavioural intention; and corporate image and shared values moderate all but one of the relationships between trust and its monetary and non-monetary drivers. Research limitations/implications – This study enhances knowledge of the role of trust, considering monetary and non-monetary drivers as antecedents and behavioural intention as an outcome of trust. Practical implications – This study guides retail banks in emergent markets on the mediating role of trust and its influence on behavioural intention through the application of selected monetary and non-monetary drivers. Furthermore, this study emphasises the importance of corporate image and shared values on selected relationships. Originality/value – The importance of trust as a mediating variable between its monetary and non-monetary drivers and behavioural intention is confirmed in an emerging economy setting. The moderating effects of corporate image and shared values in the relationships between these drivers and trust are also highlighted.
African entrepreneurial ecosystem resource constraints: a covid-19 perspective
(Sage Publications India Pvt. Ltd, 2025) Iwu, Chux Gervase; Sibanda, Lucky; Makwara, Tendai
Ordinarily, African countries suffer severe resource constraints. Resource constraints refer to insufficient means to meet sustainable economic growth demands. Regarding entrepreneurial activities, a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem is needed for the large uptake of and sustained interest in entrepreneurship. It is on record that African countries’ dilapidated infrastructure and maladministration, including weak institutions, are reasons sustainable entrepreneurial activities have been less than optimal. The recent COVID-19 pandemic no doubt extended the challenge of entrepreneurship on the continent. Using Pickering and Byrne’s (2014) systematic quantitative assessment technique, we identified, assessed and interpreted available research evidence that assisted us in exploring the impact of resource constraints on African entrepreneurial ecosystem formation, development and growth. We noted that COVID-19 added complexities to perennial questions about making African entrepreneurship ecosystems fit for supporting entrepreneurship development. Although African economies were already constrained in many ways, including their business environment, we conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges and opportunities for business management and entrepreneurship. While businesses could adapt in many cases, several aspects—such as government regulations, consumer behaviour shifts and global supply chain disruptions—were beyond their control. Navigating these uncertainties required agility, resilience and an ability to innovate, but it also highlighted the vulnerabilities and risks inherent in the modern globalised economy.
Implications of student entrepreneurial traits on entrepreneurship education: a descriptiveInferential analysis
(Society for Research and Knowledge Management, 2025) Sibanda Lucky; Iwu Chux; Makwara Tendai
Across the globe, there is an increasing demand for entrepreneurship education due to the vital role entrepreneurs play in economic growth. However, to ensure the effective transmission of entrepreneurship education, it is essential to understand the entrepreneurial attributes of students. We profiled the attributes of students in entrepreneurship education at a university of technology in South Africa from a self-perception perspective. We collected data using a survey questionnaire, adopted a quantitative approach and used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze data from 203 students. A census of the total student population was conducted, and all students willing to participate were included in the study. The results indicated that students reported high levels of entrepreneurial attributes. Students reported high levels of entrepreneurial traits, including confidently pursuing goals, perseverance through challenges, creative problem solving, adaptability in dynamic contexts, and effective networking. Although a few attributes showed a statistically significant distribution of perceptions among study levels and gender, the findings had important implications for supporting entrepreneurship education curricula and helping students enhance their entrepreneurial attributes. The findings underscore the value of self-perception in assessing entrepreneurial potential and suggest that a structured entrepreneurship education program can further enhance these attributes. These insights can guide educators in designing targeted programs that build on students' strengths while addressing development areas, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Africa. Future studies should explore entrepreneurial attributes across diverse institutional contexts to develop a comparative national perspective on entrepreneurship education in the country
Expatriate adjustment to cross-cultural learning and development among assignees in Nigeria
(AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2025) Iwu, Chux G; Aliyu, Mustapha O
Orientation: One of the reasons for expatriates’ failure is their inability, as well as that of their families, to adapt and adjust to the host country’s cultural and communication patterns. Research purpose: Most of the multinational corporations (MNCs) struggled with adaptation and ached from cultural astonishment, which usually resulted in repatriation, leaving the company to lose substantial business opportunities. Motivation for the study: As a result, this study examines the influence of cross-cultural training on expatriate adjustment concerning assignees in Nigeria. Research approach/design and method: The study was primarily a survey design using a qualitative method for gathering data through in-depth interviews (IDIs) with expatriates working in companies across Nigeria Southwest. However, a suitable sample size of selected eight assignees was adopted based on the recommendation of the literature. The retrieved data were subjected to thematic analysis using NVIVO Mind analysis. Main findings: Over time, most expatriates could adjust and adapt accordingly because of their longer stays. It was also found that expatriates adjusted more to Nigeria’s communication styles because it is considered a critical aspect needed to thrive and be effective in the workspace. The study enumerated specific challenges such as raising voices while speaking and introducing cultural languages. Practical/managerial implications: Based on constructive research, effective cross-cultural training and support systems are essential for helping expatriates navigate differences and improve their experience in a foreign environment. The MNCs should implement comprehensive cultural awareness training with a manual for expatriates before relocating them. Contribution/value-add: This study analysed how nurturing cross-cultural learning and development for expatriates’ adjustment enhances their willingness to stay abroad.
Entrepreneurship intentions of higher education institution students in Nigeria: antecedents and interactions
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Iwu, Chux Gervase; Sibanda, Lucky; Kamara, Richard Douglas
This study used structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine how cultural values, perceived success expectations, and personal abilities shape entrepreneurial intention among Nigerian university students. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 147 university students and analysed using Partial Least Squares SEM (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that entrepreneurial intention is shaped by personal abilities, cultural values, and perceived success expectations, with personal abilities most prominent. Additionally, perceived success expectations strongly influence personal abilities and moderately affect cultural values. These results demonstrate how cultural norms, perceived success expectations, and individual aptitudes affect entrepreneurship uptake by Nigerian university students. This study empirically tests the direct effects of personal abilities (PA), cultural values (CV), and perceived success expectations (PSE) on entrepreneurial intention (EI) in a context where these relationships are underexplored. Unlike prior studies, we validate PSE’s dual role in reinforcing both PA and CV, offering new insights for theory and practice in emerging economies. The findings inform educational initiatives and policies to foster entrepreneurial among students in Nigeria, leading to economic growth.
Millennials’ experiences and satisfaction with chatbots: a study of self-service technology in emerging markets
(Elsevier, 2025) Lubbe, Isolde; Roberts-Lombard, Mornay; Langerman, Josef
Purpose: The study aims to explore the influence of selected precursors to self-service technology customer experience (when using chatbots) and the role of trustworthiness, control and self-service technology customer experience on self-service technology satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: The study applied an explanatory research design and data collection was secured through self-administered questionnaires from millennials who engaged with a chatbot over six months. A total of 359 responses were used for data analysis. The measurement and structural models were assessed using structural equation modelling. Findings: Perceived usefulness, perceived playfulness and perceived ease of use significantly and positively influence chatbot self-service technology experience. Moreover, trustworthiness, chatbot self-service technology experience and control significantly and positively influence self-service technology satisfaction. Research limitations/implications: The tested model validates the hypothesised relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived playfulness, perceived ease of use, self-service technology experience, trustworthiness, control and chatbot self-service technology satisfaction. As such, chatbot users’ self-service technology experiences are directly linked to their three precursors and postcedent, self-service technology satisfaction. Conclusively, self-service technology satisfaction is directly guided by users’ trustworthiness and control when engaging with chatbots. Practical implications: The study’s results can assist businesses to better understand the drivers of millennials’ self-service technology experiences with chatbots. Furthermore, it can guide these businesses on the critical importance of trustworthiness, self-service technology experience and control as drivers of self-service technology satisfaction. Originality/value: Limited studies have examined how millennials’ self-service technology experiences relate to selected precursors and postcedents in emerging African markets.
Navigating the technopreneurial odyssey: determining how technopreneurial self-efficacy, technopreneurial education and technological optimism cultivate tech-driven entrepreneurial intentions
(Emerald Publishing, 2025) Maziriri, Eugine Tafadzwa; Mabuyana, Brian; Nyagadza, Brighton
Purpose: This study aims to assess the impact of technopreneurial self-efficacy, technopreneurial education and technological optimism on Generation Z students’ intentions to engage in technopreneurship in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: The research employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design. Data from 304 university students are analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings: The findings confirm significant positive effects: technopreneurial self-efficacy has a direct impact on technopreneurship intention, and technopreneurship education mediates this relationship. Moreover, technological optimism moderates the relationships between technopreneurial self-efficacy and intention, as well as between technopreneurial education and intention. Research limitations/implications: The study contributes to existing bodies of knowledge by expanding the tenets of the theory of planned behaviour, the generation cohort theory and the technology acceptance model by exploring how technopreneurs’ self-efficacy, technopreneurship education and technological optimism influence Generation Z students' intentions to engage in technopreneurship in South Africa. Practical implications: The study findings can benefit educational institutions and policymakers by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of fostering technopreneurship, which will ultimately drive economic growth and innovation. Originality/value: This study closes the gaps in the technopreneurship literature in emerging economies and underscores the importance of cultivating a technopreneurial mindset among youth to drive sustainable economic development.
A good reputation must be earned, but how? Examining the role of relationship communication and employee skills in retail banking
(Routledge, 2025) Roberts- Lombard Mornay; Petzer Daniel
This study examines relationship communication and employee skills as antecedents to corporate image and the latter’s relationship with corporate reputation. It also considers the mediating role of corporate image and moderating roles of customer characteristics, such as duration of support and customer spending. Using purposive and quota sampling, responses were collected from 352 customers of South African banks using a self-administered questionnaire. Mplus version 8.5 tested the direct effects proposed, while the indirect effects were tested with the Hayes Process macro for SPSS. The study assists emerging market banks to understand how corporate image influences corporate reputation perceptions, based upon the inclusion of selected corporate image antecedents. It also emphasizes the importance of duration of support and monthly spending in the relationships between corporate image and its selected antecedents.
Unpacking the entrepreneurship education conundrum: lecturer competency, curriculum, and pedagogy
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Iwu, Chux Gervase; Maziriri, Eugine Tafadzwa; Sibanda, Lucky
This qualitative study explores the complex landscape of entrepreneurship education by focusing on lecturer competency, entrepreneurship curriculum, and pedagogy. This study addresses critical gaps in the current literature by investigating key questions: ideal instructional approaches for entrepreneurship, essential components of the curriculum, providers of entrepreneurial knowledge, and overarching strategies to foster entrepreneurship in higher education. Employing the Gioia methodology, this research adopted a qualitative inductive approach by collecting data from 14 participants actively engaged in entrepreneurship education and development across various South African universities. The findings highlight the diverse perspectives of academics and underscore the importance of collaborative and interactive teaching methods in preparing students for entrepreneurial challenges. This research contributes valuable insights to inform policy and practice in enhancing entrepreneurship education within South African higher education institutions (HEIs).
Exceeding expectations: a study on human resource management implementation in construction organisations
(AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2025) Iwu, Chux G; Chapano, Munodani
Orientation: Human resource management (HRM) professionals and organisational leaders may maximise the performance of construction organisations by thoroughly understanding the implementation of HRM practices within these businesses. Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the extent to which recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal and compensation systems are implemented in construction organisations. Motivation of the study: The reason for this study was that a paucity of empirical research on the implementation of HRM practices makes it difficult to provide recommendations about HRM to optimise performance in construction organisations. Research approach/design and method: This quantitative study was based on primary data collected from 63 construction personnel in various South African construction organisations in Cape Town. A cross-sectional quantitative survey design, with a self-administered questionnaire as the data collection tool, was used to collect data by means of convenience and judgemental sampling. Collected data were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 28, and analysed using descriptive analysis and a one-sample t-test. Main findings: The perceived implementation of HRM practices that meet minimum expected standards was significant for (1) recruitment and selection (R&S), (2) training and development (T&D) and (3) compensation systems (COS). However, the perceived implementation of (4) performance appraisal (PEA) best practices was found to be insignificant. Practical/managerial implications: The implementation of HRM in construction organisations needs to incorporate the tenets that are central to the successful delivery of HRM services. Contribution/value-add: This study emphasises the minimum expected HRM practices that should be observed in construction organisations.
“Pharma’s secret weapon”: unleashing supply chain potential through supplier relationship management practices
(Emerald Publishing, 2025) Maziriri, Eugine Tafadzwa; Mafanele, Percy; Mabuyana, Brian
Purpose: The study explored how supplier evaluation, selection, development and segmentation affect supply chain performance in pharmaceutical organizations. It also determined the moderating influence of top management support on the link between supply chain performance and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach: The research philosophy of this study was positivism, leading to the adoption of a quantitative research method. Empirical data were gathered from a significant sample of supply chain experts at leading pharmaceutical companies in South Africa. Data collection scales were derived from existing studies. The collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings: The results confirmed the validity of the proposed model, which is based on selected criteria (latent variables). This study emphasizes the crucial influence of supplier evaluation, selection, development and segmentation on supply chain performance in pharmaceutical organizations. The research shows a positive correlation between supply chain performance and organizational performance, with top management support playing a moderating role. Originality/value: The study’s originality and value stem from its thorough examination of how supplier relationship management practices affect supply chain performance and organizational performance in the pharmaceutical industry of South Africa. Furthermore, the research adds to the current body of knowledge by considering the moderating influence of top management support on the link between supply chain performance and organizational performance. These findings offer valuable insights for academics and industry professionals in the realm of supply chain management. © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Economic and non-economic satisfaction as interlocking constructs in B2B sales relationships
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2024) Ferro-Soto, Carlos; Roberts-Lombard, Mornay; Padin, Carmen
Purpose: This study tests a research model that reflects the nomological relationship between satisfaction as a two-dimensional construct and continuity, coordination, and cooperation in business-to-business (B2B) sales relationships. Design/methodology/approach: The study sample comprised small- and medium-sized companies across industries in Spain. In total, 237 satisfactorily completed questionnaires were obtained for data analysis. Structural equation modelling was applied to secure the development of the study’s results. Findings/results: The results revealed that sales managers should reach agreements with their partners to put in place appropriate coordination mechanisms that contribute to improving efficiency and achieving expected long-term goals. Practical implications: The study guides B2B sales managers on how to establish good interpersonal relationships with partners, foster an atmosphere in which favourable impressions are generated between the parties, treat each other with respect and promote open sharing of information that avoids distrust and fear of the appearance of opportunistic behaviour. Originality/value: This study provides an extended foundation of the structural properties with intermediary constructs between economic satisfaction and non-economic satisfaction based on a seller’s perspective. This is significant, seeing that most extant studies have explored the constructs proposed from a buyer’s perspective.
Crisis management competencies: a university stakeholder perspective
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Pharaoh, Courtley D.; Visser, Dirk
South African universities faced an unforeseen crisis in the form of the #FeesMustFall (#FMF) movement. The executive management of the affected universities was criticized for how the crisis was handled. Due to the significant cost (over R1 billion) to the higher education sector, not just in fiscal losses, but the loss of life, the investment into crisis management would be justified. Crisis management is a business action that includes planning and organising to prepare for and to respond to threats to business activities. Reviewing the literature identified a void regarding the crisis management competencies needed by the Executive Management as perceived by stakeholders. This exploratory study made use of a mixed methodology research design. A self-administered questionnaire incorporating open-ended questions was used to identify and explore the competencies perceived by the stakeholders as important during times of crisis. Simple descriptive statistics were used to identify the top management competencies needed in a time of crisis as perceived by the stakeholders. This was compared with the findings in the literature. The study identified 10 management competencies perceived by stakeholders of which eight competencies are consistent with crisis management competencies found in the literature.
You want my loyalty? treat me fairly! a study of Islamic banking customers in South Africa
(Emerald Publishing, 2024) Roberts-Lombard, Mornay; Petzer, Daniël Johannes
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate possible drivers of loyalty amongst Islamic banking customers in Gauteng, South Africa. We ponder the relationships of service fairness (a secondorder reflective construct) with perceived value, satisfaction, and loyalty. Design/methodology/approach: Data were obtained from Islamic banking customers in South Africa using interview-administered questionnaires. A total of 350 responses were perceived as being suitable for data analysis. The measurement and structural models were measured through structural equation modelling. Findings: Service fairness and perceived value were found to be important drivers of loyalty within this context. Research limitations/implications: This study demonstrates that service fairness and perceived value are precursors to the future loyalty intentions of Islamic banking customers. As such, they should be nurtured as key elements of the relationship building process. Practical implications: The study guides South African Islamic banks and South African banks with Islamic windows to better understand how service fairness (interactional, procedural and distributive) fosters satisfaction, perceived value and loyalty (attitudinal and behavioural). Originality/value: Enhancing comprehension of the relationship between service fairness and customer loyalty, with satisfaction and perceived value playing intermediary roles, represents an unexplored avenue in academic research within the context of Islamic banking in an emerging African market
Driving entrepreneurship through gender-moderated entrepreneurialmindset among tertiary students
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024) Makudza, Forbes; Sibanda, Lucky; Makwara, Tendai
Amid an influx of unemployed graduates who are offloaded by tertiary institutions annually, this study sought to promote job creation through entrepreneurial practices. The study criticises the notion that only tertiary education is enough for economic prosperity for both male and female tertiary students. A framework of the determinants of entrepreneurial mindset development was examined in which four determinants were analysed, namely entrepreneurial education, culture, individual and facilitating conditions. The moderating effect of gender on entrepreneurial mindset development was also tested whilst the direct link between entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurship was analysed. Data were collected from 378 students from universities in Zimbabwe using a structured questionnaire. A causal research design was applied in testing the interlinks. Data for the study were analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique whilst the moderating effect of gender was analysed using the Hayes Process Macro procedure. The study validated that employment creation is attainable through entrepreneurship, which is driven by an entrepreneurial mindset. However, only entrepreneurial education, culture and individual determinants recorded significant effects on the entrepreneurial mindset. Consequently, the study found that gender stereotype is still rife within the entrepreneurship arena and cultural determinants and gender roles influence females’ uptake of entrepreneurial roles. Thus, a cultural, psychological and education shift was recommended towards employment creation.
Modelling mobile advertising, consumer response and mobile shopping behavior. a post COVID-19 pandemic perspective
(Cogent OA, 2024) Makudza, Forbes; Sibanda, Lucky; Makwara, Tendai
This study investigated the impact of five mobile advertising strategies on consumer attention and interest to bolster mobile shopping. The study aimed to promote and enhance mobile shopping acceptance and usage. The stimulus-response of consumer attention and interest was modelled to directly impact the intention to use mobile shopping, whilst mobile shopping intention predicts actual mobile shopping. The AIDA model of consumer decision-making and the technology adoption model informed the study. Data for the study were collected from participants in Harare, Zimbabwe, using a structured questionnaire. The study validated 211 responses, which were analysed using a structural equation modelling technique (SEM). The study confirmed the importance of mobile shopping for consumer engagement and recommended enhancing mobile advertising to boost attention and interest, thereby increasing mobile shopping.

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