Research Publications (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/217

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Has generative AI become of age
(Center for Strategic Studies in Business and Finance SSBFNET, 2024) Muzuva, Meshel; Zhou, Helper; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa previously faced challenges due to limited resources, restricted access to technology, and the need to constantly adapt to a dynamic business environment. The introduction of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a potential solution to these issues, promising to enhance operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. As a representative of developing economies, South Africa experienced a growing interest in AI technologies. This study was conducted to explore the impact of generative AI on SME productivity in South Africa, an area which had been underexplored. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study evaluated the current state and implications of generative AI in South African SMEs. It involved in-depth interviews to gather perceptions, experiences, challenges, and benefits from SME owners and managers regarding the adoption of generative AI technologies. The findings analysed via R Statistical Software revealed significant insights into the specific areas where generative AI substantially impacted SME productivity. It also identified the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of generative AI by SMEs, as well as the potential long-term implications. Key findings included notable improvements in data-driven decision-making, operational efficiencies, and market expansion strategies. However, the study also highlighted barriers such as the lack of technical expertise, initial setup costs, and concerns over data security. Overall, the impact of generative AI on SMEs in South Africa was found to be predominantly positive, paving the way for further technological advancements and adoption in the sector.
The role of intellectual stimulation on students creativity improvement in higher education : a systematic literature review
(Bussecon International Academy, 2024) Chukwuma, Nonye; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
In Higher Education, intellectual stimulation as a key aspect of transformational leadership, plays a vital role in fostering creativity and critical thinking among students. Several efforts have been made to improve students’ creativity in teaching and learning. Intellectual stimulation in Higher Education plays a significant role in fostering keen interest for learning and preparing students for future challenges. It creates a dynamic educational experience that benefits both the educators and students. However, there are still many institutions that have not optimized their students’ capacity development. For this reason, intellectual stimulation is considered as a strategic means for the improvement of creativity in education. All over the world, educational institutions encourage transformative teaching and learning skills design so as to implement a shift from the traditional pedagogy and be more creative with their teaching activities. Nevertheless, teaching and learning accomplishments in Higher Education are often faced with the challenge of resistance to change which slows down the improvement of students’ creativity improvement. This study comprises a systematic literature review using PRISMA approach to track related researches on the role of intellectual for the improvement of creativity in teaching and learning in Higher Education. The study defines the concept of intellectual stimulation and creativity in teaching and learning. The significance of intellectual stimulation in Higher Education is to enhance teaching strategies, influence policies and guide future research by providing a clear and impactful contribution through the promotion of active learning, encouraging student feedback on their thinking processes, directing funding towards innovative teaching methods and technologies that enhance intellectual stimulation in order to build supportive learning environments and finally, policy makers can use findings on intellectual stimulation to advocate for curricula that emphasizes problem solving, creativity and real world application .Results obtained indicate that intellectual stimulation plays a crucial role in improving students’ creativity. Findings from the study can be linked to potential policy changes for enhancing educational practices and improving education policies serving as advocates for inquiry-based learning and critical thinking skills. The potential contribution of this review study will prompt educators to encourage questioning, introduce diverse learning activities such as group projects and case studies, critical thinking exercises, foster a growth mindset in students, connect to real world issues.
The effective use of smartphones for teaching and learning among undergraduates in higher institutions
(Bussecon International Academy, 2024) Mbinda, Bukelwa; Usadolo, Sam Erevbenagie; Maome, Itumeleng Judith; Maome, Itumeleng
This study examines the efficacy of using smartphones for teaching and learning in higher education, with a particular emphasis on undergraduates and blended learning. It is vital to investigate how cellphones, favored by Generation Z and Millennials, might improve academic achievement because the COVID-19 epidemic required a change from traditional teaching approaches to accommodate remote and online learning. The scholarly article explores smartphones' potential as an effective teaching and learning aid by conducting a theoretical investigation. Understanding how these tools can promote learning outcomes is crucial given the prevalence of smartphones and our escalating reliance on digital technologies. This systematic literature review aims to shed light on the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating smartphones into the educational process for undergraduate students within the Higher Institutional learning environment of the University of Technology (UoT). Drawing upon peer-reviewed articles and studies published from early 2020 to the present, the review critically examines the advantages and drawbacks of smartphone usage, investigates undergraduate preferences, and assesses the implications for teaching and learning methodologies. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the efficacy of smartphones in enhancing teaching and learning outcomes, emphasizing their positive impact on student engagement, academic achievement, and overall satisfaction within blended learning environments. The review offers practical recommendations for educators to promote greater student engagement by prioritizing individual needs and leveraging digital resources to foster creativity and innovation.
Digital intellectual property and privacy right in achieving the sustainable development goals using South Africa as a case study
(EDP Sciences, 2024) Aroba, Oluwasegun Julius; Ramchander, Manduth; du Preez, W.; Becker, T.; Modiba, R.; Chauke, H.; Dzogbewu, T.; Mostert, R.; Maringa, M.; Bissett, H.; Koen, W.; ter Haar, G.; van der Merwe, H.; Moema, J.; Botha, N.; Fisher, C.; Wang, H.
A key barrier to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the intersection of intellectual property (IP) rights and privacy concerns, especially as reliance on digital technologies grows for economic and social progress. One of the critical ethical trade-offs in IP rights in IT in South Africa is the tension between protecting the interests of creators and promoting access to Information and knowledge, particularly in the context of the digital divide. This article, with a focus on South Africa, examines how digital IP and privacy rights impact SDG 9, 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Loopholes, copyright protection is not always compatible with I.T. technology. Through legal analysis, policy evaluation, and case studies, it explores how IP protection can spur economic growth, ensure fair competition, and promote innovation while addressing privacy threats. The study also assesses existing policies' effectiveness in advancing SDG 9, 16, protecting privacy, and fostering innovation across vital industries. The study's conclusions advance knowledge of the intricate relationships between digital intellectual property, private property rights, and sustainable development. Particularly in the context of South Africa, the analysis provides insights into policy recommendations and best practices for practitioners, stakeholders, and policy makers to effectively exploit digital technologies while protecting individual rights and achieving the 9th and 16th SDGs.
E-learning of mathematics and students’ perceptions in public secondary school, Oyo State, Nigeria
(Springer International Publishing, 2023) Kayode, A. E.; Anwana, E. O.
Purpose: Integration of e-learning in classroom-based with mathematics courses/modules is recognized in all secondary schools, because mathematics subject have ability helps students to perform well in other subjects. Design/Methodology/Approach: Descriptive survey research design with quantitative data approach through structured questionnaire. The reliability confirmed the Cronbach’s Alpha and the coefficient was 0.78. 120 students were purposively selected from 36 secondary schools in Ibadan North, a local government area of Ibadan, capital of Oyo State in Nigeria. At a significance threshold of 0.05, four research questions and two hypotheses were developed. Findings: The findings showed that e-learning platforms are not maximally utilized in mathematics among students in secondary school in Oyo State due to restrictions and difficulty of use as well as the students’ preference for traditional learning. Implications/Research Limitations: The study showed that there was a significant relationship between e-learning and students’ perceptions of mathematics learning, though with weak correlation. The study was limited to only secondary school in Oyo State and therefore, could not be generalized to all other secondary schools in Nigeria. Practical Implication: e-learning method serves as alternative to support teaching and learning using blended learning tools to support the classroom-based education, especially during this Post-COVID-19 pandemic. Social Implication: This research study will encourage both teacher and students to embrace technological tool in teaching and learning for the improvement on students’ academic performance. Originality/Value: This study encouraged that mathematics teachers should make an effort to maximize the benefit of e-learning in mathematics to create a greater impact in teaching and learning. And also, students should use the opportunity to improve on their self-pace studies using asynchronous method of online.
The benefits of the use of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
(EnPress Publisher, 2024-11) Nkwanyana, Nokulunga Nokwethemba; Fagbadebo, Omololu
The COVID-19 pandemic occasioned significant changes in many aspects of human life. The education system is one of the most impacted sectors during the pandemic. With the contagious nature of the disease, governments around the world encouraged social distancing between individuals to prevent the spread of the virus. This led to the shutdown of many academic institutions, to avoid mass gatherings and overcrowded places. Developed and developing countries either postponed their academic activities or used digital technologies to reach learners remotely. The study examined the benefits of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants for the study consist of 5 lecturers and 30 students from the ML Sultan Campus of the Durban University of Technology, South Africa. Data was collected using open-ended interviews. Content analysis was applied to analyze the data collected. Data was collected until it was saturated. Different ways were implemented to make online learning and teaching successful. The findings identified that the benefits of online learning were that it promotes independent learning, flexible learning adaptability and others.
Beyond the bin : the influence of motivation, opportunity, and ability on food waste behavior in households
(Wiley, 2024-03) Heidig, Wibke; Dobbelstein, Thomas; Mason, Roger Bruce
ABSTRACT This study examined household food waste behavior building upon a framework that integrates the motivation‐opportunity‐ability model (MOA), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and norm activation model (NAM) enriched with insights from social practices theory (SPT). Using a dual‐country sample (Germany and South Africa), an online survey (n = 1065) measured how motivation, opportunity, and ability drive self‐reported food waste behavior. The results show that the ability to reduce food waste, that is, habits and perceived and actual knowledge, unfold a strong influence on reported food waste behavior. Quite surprisingly, motivation to engage in food waste reduction, due to attitude, values, and ascription of responsibility, has the lowest impact on reported food waste behavior. Our findings enhance the current understanding of food waste drivers and highlight the significance of socio‐psychological determinants of behavior, specifically ability and habits. The implications for both research and practical applications are discussed.
The influence of labour legislation on job creation and job sustainability in South Africa
(AOSIS, 2020) Womack, Catharina Anna Johanna
This scholarly book focuses on the issue of high unemployment and the challenges related thereto in South Africa. It demonstrates the urgent need for research into the contribution of job creation to poverty alleviation and economic growth. This research is relevant from a legal, economic and social sciences point of view. The main thesis of the book is to explore the influence of labour legislation on job creation. It investigates sustainability regarding employment relationships through the lens of the two primary participants: business and organised labour. This book adds value to the social justice context from both a societal and business point of view. It provides business and unionised labour a voice from which the influence of labour legislation on job creation and job sustainability can be addressed
The role of social media in employee recruitment : a case study of a private tertiary institution in Durban, South Africa
(The International Institute of Knowledge Management, 2023) Bangura, Samuel
Recruitment and selection are one of the most significant aspects of human resource management practices in an organization. Taking into consideration the preceding assertion it is now evident that organizations are now deviating from the traditional approach of recruitment and selection to using social media. However, there have been limited studies on the usage of social media in recruitment and selection. Therefore, this study analyses the role of social media in employee recruitment at a private tertiary institution in Durban South Africa. The study is premised on the qualitative research approach with an interview research strategy used for data collection. For sampling the purposive sampling method was used including a thematic data analysis process use for data analysis. Findings revealed that businesses can benefit by taking advantage offered by social media such benefits include competitive advantage, a positive effect on organizational attractiveness and a constant and compliant recruitment process, however, the concern regarding job seeker limitation should be considered. The practical implication of this study is that social media is a sensitive tool that managers and recruiters should handle with caution. Ensuring the privacy of candidates by refraining from disclosing personal information can be a challenging responsibility. Additionally, implementing a well-defined policy that regulates the use of social media during the recruitment and selection process will help address any potential legal and privacy concerns that may emerge.
Firm size and enterprise productivity in Nigeria : evidence from firm-level data
(Informa UK Limited, 2024) Omeje, Ambrose Nnaemeka; Mba, Augustine Jideofor; Rena, Ravinder
Anchored on the economies of scale of production theory, this study utilized Nigeria’s firm-level enterprise survey data of the World Bank collected through stratified random sampling of 2 676 firms and face-to-face interviews with the application of the multinomial logit model to examine how enterprise productivity influences the size of firms in Nigeria. It was found that raising enterprise productivity relates to about 0.0009261 insignificant fall in the relative log odds of running micro-sized firms, about 0.010299 significant rise in relative log odds of having medium-sized firms, and about 0.0201428 significant encouragement in relative log odds of running large-sized enterprises/firms when related with small-sized enterprises/firms. It is recommended that governments at all levels (state, federal, and local), should encourage micro-sized firms in a bid to make them increase their productivity level. This encouragement can come in the form of providing increased access to credit, the provision of raw material inputs, and constant electricity supplies. The original contribution of this research work is hinged on its empirical contribution in the study area since there is dearth of literature in the study area as no study has looked at firm size and enterprise productivity in Nigeria using evidence from firm-level data.
A comprehensive study on pre-retirement planning amongst Botswana public officers
(Educational Research Multimedia & Publication, 2023-10-20) Rena, Ravinder; Theo, Tshukudu T.
Purpose: The main purpose of this paper was to comprehensively assess the level of knowledge of pre-retirement planning for public officers in the Central District Council of Botswana. Specifically, the paper assessed the pre-retirement planning awareness of public officers by looking at the variables of financial education and retirement investment. In addition, the paper gauged the retirement preparedness of employees nearing retirement by assessing the psychosocial aspects of attitude towards retirement and retirement counselling preparedness. Methodology: the paper adopted a descriptive research design. Using a random sampling method which targeted 100 respondents, a population paper on 62 respondents was conducted, translating to a 62% response rate. The Questionnaires were used for data collection and the results were analysed using description statistics which included frequency tables, pie charts and graphs. Findings revealed that most public officers are aware of retirement planning and those employees falling within retirement age brackets of 45 years old and above, tend to have positive attitudes towards retirement planning. Implications: the paper concluded by observing that majority of public servants does not plan well for their retirement. Therefore, the concept of retirement planning should be introduced in the initial part of public officers’ work life. Originality this paper strategically provides and impetus for the retirement planning and investment among pubic officers in Botswana. The paper assessed pre-retirement planning in the concept of financial retirement planning, as well as the psycho-social aspect of retirement planning.
Trade, skill premium and the gender wage gap : evidence from manufacturing industries
(University of Sistan and Baluchestan, 2024) Kore, Marc Guei; Ravinda, Rena; Esfandiari, Marziyeh
In the past decade, there have been many debates about globalization and its effects on economic, political and social aspects. In this regard, different countries have tried to lead to integration through trade agreements. These trade agreements have affected the structure of countries. On the other hand, the wage gap and wage inequality have created many challenges. Therefore, the paper assesses the impact of trade liberalization on the labour market by focusing on skill wage premiums. The paper tests these effects by developing a monopolistic competition model with two factors of production characterized by their skill levels (skilled and unskilled labour). The paper finds that tariff level reductions cause a moderate increase in the wage gap. Thus, our analysis shows that a 10% decrease in tariffs is accompanied by a 16.1 % increase in the skill premium. Also, the same level of tariff cut will on average increase the gender wage gap by 26.8%. The study implies that trade liberalization tends to benefit more workers in the skilled labour market compared to workers in the unskilled labour market.
Green human resource management practices : a conceptual review
(Wohllebe & Ross Publishing, 2024) Bangura, Samuel; Ngidi, Lucia Zithobile; Mathews, Mercillene Perrene
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in global interest regarding environmental issues. This heightened awareness has placed additional expectations on businesses and industries to adopt and implement sustainable management practices with environmentally friendly products and practices. Today, there is a greater emphasis on conducting business in an environmentally responsible manner, reflecting a collective understanding that organisations play a vital role in society and must integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Green HRM has recently garnered significant interest from researchers and practitioners alike. Although the relevance of green HRM is evident across various dimensions, there remains a limited understanding of the topic, as the existing literature indicates that comprehensive guidelines for green HRM have yet to be established. This review utilises desktop research to provide insights into green HRM and its various practices and highlights the significance of this concept. Findings offer a practical implication postulating that organisations committed to implementing green HRM initiatives are likely to attract a broader customer base and gain increased support from stakeholders, while also ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. The theoretical implications of this study highlight the need for a more in-depth empirical investigation into the identified practices of green HRM, particularly concerning their effectiveness. Furthermore, from a practical standpoint, organisational management and business leaders need to implement green HRM initiatives. This approach is likely to attract a wider customer base, enhance stakeholder support, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Integrated development plan strategies for service delivery in Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
(AOSIS, 2024) Mpolweni, Nadiswa; Kabange, Martin; Fagbadebo, Omololu M.
Background: Following the end of apartheid in 1994, the democratic government recognised the importance of local government as a key vehicle for service delivery.Aim: This article examined the effectiveness of the integrated development plan (IDP) strategies of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM) as a public service delivery tool.Setting: In South Africa, poor service delivery has remained a challenge. This has been attributed to the challenge of transparency and accountability. Thus, the lack of access to basic needs is more profound at the local government level. While urban centres have access to certain basic facilities, rural communities such as Walmer and Motherwell townships remain underdeveloped.Methods: The study used a qualitative research design for data collection and analysis. Thirty participants were purposively selected among municipal officials, ward councillors and community members for semi-structured interviews. Thematic data analysis was used for the analysis of data.Results: Despite the IDP’s well-structured strategic framework, various challenges, such as insufficient community participation, inadequate resource allocation and a lack of essential planning skills among officials hindered its effective implementation.Conclusion: The study concluded that for the IDP to achieve its aims, its implementation should be evidence-based and responsive to community needs. Effective service delivery requires a fundamental transformation in municipal leadership and public participation.Contribution: The article presents the challenge of public service delivery within the context of the IDP strategies in a specific municipality. It serves as a signpost for understanding the implementation of the IDP as a public service delivery strategy.
Organisational agility a leverage to firm’s performance : an integrative review
(Center for Strategic Studies in Business and Finance SSBFNET, 2024) Bangura, Samuel; Lourens, Melanie Elisabeth
This study examines the relationship between organisational agility and performance to determine how agility can improve performance. It will also emphasise organisational agility as a key driver of company performance. In keeping with the previous statement, an integrative review was undertaken using Scopus, EBSCO, and ABI Inform. We also used free web searches to find resources on Science Direct, SABINET, Bing, and Google Scholar for this investigation. This study shows that aligning procedures with agility adoption can boost company performance. Well-planned and implemented agility initiatives improve company processes and efforts. Thus, organisational management can use agility to adapt to the changing business environment when correctly planned and performed. The report offers practical advice on how companies might adopt agility.
The implementation of sustainable development goal 13 in “BRICS” countries” : a scoping review
(International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 2024) Bangura, Samuel
The essence of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ratified by all member states of the United Nations in 2015, is encapsulated in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The present study examines the progress made in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 within the context of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), employing a business and economic perspective. The research methodology employed encompassing a comprehensive review of pertinent literature as well as a meticulous analysis of relevant documentary content. Findings from the study revealed that though businesses in BRICS countries are trying to adopt the United Nations sustainable development goal 13, But there is limited effort in Brazil in the implementation of sustainable development goal 13. In Russia most companies are committed to the implementation of united nations sustainable development goal 13, but this has been constrained by sanction and the war in Ukraine. In addition, Indian companies are fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities viewed through the United Nations sustainable development goal 13. The effort on the part of Chinese companies and the government of China in implementing the United Nations sustainable development goal 13 is commendable as various corporate social responsibility programs and public education have been implemented. In the same vein South African companies have also been seen as very active in the implementation the United Nations sustainable development goal (SDG) 13 by having very important policies built around the goal. Recommendation state that it is imperative that climate change be duly addressed within the overarching vision and objectives of the BRICS businesses as well and there should be a multi-tiered collaboration among BRICS countries to expedite the realisation of the sustainable development goals 13. Equally important harmonisation between governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations, and conscientious corporate entities can be instrumental in attaining superior outcomes regarding the sustainable development goal (SDG) 13. Future studies should include and examine more companies and additional countries in terms of overall plans for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13.
Effect of green recruitment and selection practices on employee work performance : a case study of Uni4online Westville, Durban, South Africa
(The International Institute of Knowledge Management, 2022) Bangura, S.; Lourens, Melanie Elisabeth
Green management initiatives are now a significant factor in forward-thinking tertiary educational institutions around the world and Africa as a way of tackling environmental degradation. Industrialisation has contributed to the global environmental problems facing organisations in terms of sustainability therefore green human resource management activities such as green recruitment and selection have become relevant in the mitigation of climate change actions in the tertiary education industry. While the standing of green recruitment and selection in environmental workforce management has been extensively recognised, there are limited studies on the effect of green recruitment and selection on employee work performance, therefore this study evaluates the effect of green recruitment and selection on employee work performance at Uni4online Westville Durban, Republic of South Africa. The following are the objectives (1) determine employee environmental awareness, and (2) establish the influence of green recruitment and selection on employee work performance The study followed a quantitative research approach and a questionnaire with (15) Likert 5.0 questions was used to collect data from (n=100) employees of the specific Uni4online, Westville Durban South Africa. With a confidence level of 95% and a population size of 142 employees, a margin of error fixed at 5% a qualtric sample size calculator was used to determine the sample for the study. Data were analysed with a descriptive statistical method using SPSS version 26. For sampling purposes, the simple random positivist sampling method was used. The results of the survey confirmed that green recruitment and selection have a positive impact on employee job performance, especially concerning environmental awareness and social-ecological awareness. The study recommends that Uni4online, Durban Republic of South Africa should prioritize green recruitment and selection practices that, when well-planned and applied green recruitment and selection improve employee environmental awareness and behaviour and contribute to enticing more competent job candidates. The study equally revealed a direct correlation between green recruitment and selection and employee work performance, especially within the tertiary education industry.
Top management role in ensuring sustainable supply chain management practices : exploratory review of literature
(South Florida Publishing LLC, 2024) Agbenyegah, Albert Tchey; Kumadey, Gifty
Purpose: Top management plays a crucial role in implementing Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices, especially in developing countries, by driving performance, securing resources, and promoting necessary changes. This study explores how top management's commitment and strategic leadership impact SSCM adoption and implementation in developing countries like Ghana, where SSCM adoption rates are low and empirical research is lacking. Method: Using a qualitative research design and a systematic literature review from the SCOPUS database, the study analyzes peer-reviewed studies from 2010 onwards. Results and Conclusion: Findings reveal that top management's commitment to sustainability fosters organizational responsibility, innovation, and compliance with ethical standards, encouraging proactive approaches to opportunities, market adaptation, and green practices. Research Implication: These insights provide practical recommendations for improving performance, building trust, and achieving sustainable development goals, contributing significantly to the understanding of SSCM practices and their positive impact on organizational performance. Originality/Value: By leveraging empirical work this study builds analytical patterns on issues that relate with management roles and sustainable supply chain management. The standardized assessment of the issues provides a trustworthy result as this study does not entirely rely on the exclusive opinion of the researchers but is based on standard deduction of the role of managers in ensuring the adoption of sustainable supply chain management within industries.
Analysis of the effect of post-covid office hybrid work arrangement on employee health and safety : a case study of uni4 online Westville Durban South Africa
(The International Institute of Knowledge Management, 2023) Bangura, S.; Lourens, Melanie Elisabeth
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic economy, health, and care systems were disrupted and this affected and shaped the future of work. The pandemic augmented many trends in employee work arrangement that had a major impact on businesses and employee health and safety and one of these trends is hybrid work arrangement. Globally, employers, government officials, health organisations, unions, and professional associations struggled to stay compliant. Occupational exposure and working conditions can have an undesirable or positive effect on the safety, health, and well-being of workers. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the effect of post-COVID office hybrid work arrangement on employee health and safety: a case study of Uni4 Online Westville Durban South Africa. Taking into consideration the aim of the study the following objectives guide the study i) to understand what hybrid work arrangement is. ii) to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected employee work arrangement, iii) determine the perceived challenges and opportunities in the application of hybrid work arrangement iv) make recommendations on the effective application of hybrid work arrangement at Uni4 Online Westville Durban South Africa. For this study, a secondary approach to data collection was undertaken. In this regard a total of 15 relevant articles were searched from different databases and search engines, The keywords were explored in three databases namely, Google Scholar, Ebsco-host, and Emerald. The findings from the literature showed that post-COVID hybrid work arrangements can affect workers psychologically because physical distancing through staying at home contributes to isolation and a lack of distinction between work life and home life. Furthermore, it was deduced that hybrid work arrangement creates challenges for workers because it creates fewer opportunities for career development and promotions because of weakened ties. In addition, workers in a hybrid work arrangement who were more dependent on others and generally received more feedback had fewer positive appraisals than those with more independent roles. The study recommends that both employees and managers need to develop new skills and capabilities to adjust to the new ways of working and utilising the prospects of Post COVID hybrid work. Also, firms should be concerned about sustainability implications when developing guidelines for Post COVID hybrid work, both in terms of social and ecological aspects.
Unveiling the double-edged effects of high-performance work systems (HPWS) on employee performance : a case study of a selected company in Durban, Republic of South Africa
(European Centre for Research Training and Development, 2024) Bangura, Samuel
It has been documented that HPWS has both positive and negative effects on employee performance. However, limited studies are affirming this view therefore the review provides a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of HPWS in organisations.To aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in the applications of HPWS in organisations. Under the research goals, a qualitative research methodology was utilised, specifically using in-depth interviews to collect data. The target population consisted of 6 employees of the organisation studied. These individuals were purposefully selected as they possess the necessary information to assess the perceived effects of HPWS on employee performance in organisations. For data analysis, the qualitative thematic data analysis approach was employed. The usage of thematic analysis in this study is founded on its ability to offer comprehensive and compelling insights into the concept of HPWS.Based on the six-step approach of qualitative thematic analysis, the findings suggest that the combination of employee motivation and strategic human resources management practices with HPWS can enhance employee performance. Nevertheless, it has been noted that improper implementation of HPWS can result in heightened job demands and burnout among employees. Therefore, incorporating an evidence-based approach in implementing HPWS is recommended. The study has a limitation as it solely utilizes a qualitative approach, leading to constraints in terms of statistical measurement. Consequently, it is recommended for future studies to employ quantitative or mixed methods research to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between HPWS and employee performance.This study recommends that human resource management professionals use this research as a catalyst for implementing HPWS in their organisations. It can offer valuable guidance on effectively utilising HPWS as a concept and practical approach in managing human resources within organisations.The study highlights and postulate the importance of motivation and an evidence-based approach to HPWS. The evidence-based approach can be acknowledged as a contemporary approach to human resource management in organisations.

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