Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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The influence of corporate social responsibility on business performance of a medium-sized manufacturing enterprise in eThekwini Municipal Area
(2024) Maome, Itumeleng Judith
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an organisation's ongoing commitment to ethical behaviour and economic development, as well as improving the quality of life for its employees and their families, the local community, and society at large. It is an unavoidable requirement for long-term development, particularly in developing countries. Although there has been some focus on CSR and business performance in large corporations, research on CSR in SMEs, particularly in economically depressed African countries is becoming increasingly important. To reap the benefits of CSR efforts, SMEs should be encouraged to create strategic CSR frameworks. Hence this study aims to investigate the influence of CSR on the business performance of a medium-sized manufacturing enterprise in the eThekwini metropolitan area. It will contribute to theoretical discussions and improve their performance. The data for this study was gathered in two parts, that is quantitative and qualitative. The pre- and post-CSR quantitative data were derived from business performance values obtained from company records. To collect qualitative data, both semi-structured and focus group interviews with the manager and employees were used. The SPSS was used to analyse the quantitative data, while Nvivo analysed the qualitative data. Furthermore, inferential statistics used in quantitative data included regression analysis and factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), while qualitative data analysis employed thematic content analysis. The findings of this study reveal that the medium-sized enterprise has a positive attitude towards CSR. Emanating from his humanity and Ubuntu, the owner of the organisation was inspired to practise CSR. The benefits gained by a sampled medium-sized enterprise that incorporated CSR into its business operations were highlighted in this study. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge on CSR and business performance in South African SMEs. It adds to the body of knowledge by creating a CSR framework for SMEs.
Evaluating the influence of social responsibility practices on the performance of small and medium automotive manufacturers in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
(2023-03) Mvakwendlu, Nonophela Buhle; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are an important business sector in South Africa, while also contributing to new job opportunities and development all over the world. It is assumed the implementation of a strategic philosophy such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can enhance performance of SMEs, as it involves organisations acting responsibly and ethically towards society, the environment and other stakeholders to maximise positive impact, not merely increase profit. CSR has received much attention in the business world, nevertheless, several SMEs in the manufacturing sector do not recognise how their practice closely affects employees, society, and the environment. Studies show manufacturers deposit their waste into some of the country’s main rivers, which affects individuals in the surroundings, demonstrating the lack of business manufacturers involvement in CSR practices. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the extent to which CSR practices influence SME performance in the automotive manufacturing sector of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The study objective is thus to evaluate the influence of environmental CSR practices, ethical CSR labour practices, and the public good of CSR, on SME performance. Being quantitative in nature, structured questionnaires were employed to gather data from the targeted population of 120 SME owners in the automotive manufacturing sector, with the sampling size of 110 SME owners and 10 SME owners for pilot study. The study reveals the demographic variables that have a relationship with CSR practices, as well as variables that do not. This includes environmental, ethical labour and public good CSR practices and their relationship with demographic variables. Ethical CSR labour practices showed no relationship with any demographic variable when using ANOVA technique. All statistical results are achieved with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) techniques, including descriptive statistics, chisquare, Pearson correlation co-efficient and ANOVA techniques. The study is limited to automotive manufacturing SMEs and CSR practices.
An appraisal of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the tourism industry in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
(2020-05) Doncabe, Thembeka; Chetty, Gopalkrishna
The aim of the study is to assess current Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities employed across the tourism industry in Durban, with the primary objective of the study to examine the extent to which the tourism industry in Durban engages in CSR activities. CSR is an important part of sustainable development and should be merged with company values, described as comprising of human rights, monitoring, stakeholders’ rights and employee rights. In South Africa (SA), CSR has been evident for a number of years, with its nature and context shaped by apartheid. With tourism being part of the service industry, it is of great importance that these stakeholders are put at the forefront. Globalisation pressure and the increasing burden on governments to provide comprehensive social services has resulted in the need to better understand how organisations play a role in sharing these burdens. The city of Durban has an extensive tourism and hospitality industry that grows continuously annually and as such, industry players should initiate and participate in CSR programmes. Global changes with travellers and the industry are greatly influencing the implementation of CSR in Durban. Study findings are based on a sample of 96 respondents, with a response rate of 76 percent for the selfadministered questionnaire employed for data collection from 4-and 5-star accommodation establishments in Durban, as well as domestic airlines that service KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Results suggest the Durban tourism and hospitality industry is fairly involved in CSR, with a few exceptions. Nonetheless, many respondents indicated challenges they face in CSR initiative implementation, including the lack of assistance from organisations that drive tourism. They believe further training on CSR implementation and support would greatly influence levels of CSR implementation. The findings in this study reveal that environmental impact measures and or activities are at the forefront of CSR activities for both airlines and the hotel sector. Activities with the environmental impact measures include minimising energy consumption, such as using energy saving globes and solar panels, waste minimisation, waste recycling, and protection of the natural environment. Findings derived from the study will unveil more opportunity regarding CSR in Durban and will inform those organisations involved in tourism promotion and development to act accordingly in assisting industry participants.
An assessment of reporting tools used for corporate social responsibility in the Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Sector in Kwazulu-Natal
(2021-04) Buthelezi, Mthokozisi; Rampersad, Renitha; Gopaul, Roger
Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are considered as the key role drivers in order to close the gap of inequality, particularly when it comes to investing in disadvantaged communities. In South Africa, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is proposed as a strategy to revive the competitiveness of SMMEs. As global competitiveness continues to be a momentous trend, the notion of CSR is proposed as an impressive strategy to invigorate the operations and competitiveness of SMMEs. The aim of this study was to assess the reporting tools used for CSR in the SMME sector in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). In so doing, this study utilised a qualitative research approach to assess the reporting tools used by the SMME sector. Nonprobability and judgmental sampling was used to obtain participants. The target population was selected from the three geographic areas in KZN, namely Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Richards Bay. The population centered on 15 CEO’s, and 15 general public representatives that had benefited from the CSR projects of the 15 selected enterprises. The participants were selected by the researcher based on their involvement on CSR. In-depth interviews, observation, and focus group discussions were conducted by the researcher to collect primary data from the SMME CEO’s and the beneficiaries from their companies. The study revealed that some SMMEs used platforms such as meetings and strategic sessions to report on their CSR engagements. The findings further outlined that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were the most preferred reporting tools by SMME owners. The fact that these tools did not cost the company much was considered to be a major motivator for the adoption. Given that majority of SMMEs are actively engaged in CSR, most of them did not report their programmes at all to their stakeholders even though there are free tools that can be utilised. The study has provided additional contribution to the current literature on CSR and SMMEs. It further provided recommendations on how SMMEs can implement CSR programmes efficiently and use appropriate tools to communicate and report their CSR activities competently.
The role of corporate social responsibility in promoting growth in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the hospitality sector in Pietermaritzburg
(2021-10) Ngubane, Nompumelelo; Chazireni, Bobo
There is a consensus about SMEs being key to the growth of most economies in Africa and the world in general. SMEs have been branded as fecund drivers of economic growth and sustainable development in South Africa and the world at large. The existence of SMEs in any economy is of paramount importance despite them bullied by large corporations. There is growing recognition of the important role SMEs play in economic development. SMEs often described as efficient and prolific job creators, the seeds of big businesses and the fuel of national economic engines with much hype on their ability to create employment. Research on Corporate Social Responsibility in SMEs is limited, especially in developing countries. Considering Hospitality sector in Pietermaritzburg Municipal region, corporate social responsibility has been growing greater importance in the minds of businesses. Given the enormity of the South African economy, social responsibility for business took centre stage during the socio-economic turbulence experienced in the country. While playing such a significant role in the economy, to address this, the study will investigate perceived effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility as a stimulant of growth for SMEs in the service sector in Pietermaritzburg municipal area. The research shall consider the convenience and purposive sampling as sampling strategies. It will employ a sampling design where participants are conveniently but purposively selected on a volunteering basis. The quantitative approach will be used where a questionnaire is going to be used to obtain and analyse primary data. The study will make use of numeric data making use of descriptive research design to drive results and conclusions. This shall be done by assessing the attitude levels of Hospitality SMEs towards corporate social responsibility; the practice of corporate social responsibility by hospitality SMEs; exploring barriers undermining the practice of corporate social responsibility by hospitality SMEs; and exploring SME owner-managers‘ values key to the sustainable growth of the business. This study aspired to expand and contribute significantly to the body of knowledge regarding CSR by examining CSR on sustainable growth of hospitality SMEs in Pietermaritzburg Municipal region. As new knowledge, the study proposed a model based on the Stakeholder Theory which is meant to assist Hospitality SMEs in Pietermaritzburg Municipal region to apply positive attitude towards embracing CSR in their businesses. However, the study recommends that local authorities and chambers of commerce must play a leading role in awareness and support mobilisation to try and motivate hospitality SMEs to practise CSR. In addition, it is recommended that the phrase ‗Corporate Social Responsibility‘ should be re-phrased as ‗Small Business Responsibility‘ or generally ‗Business Responsibility‘ as a way of contextualising the whole responsible business idea, promote and refer to the social responsibility of SMEs. The phrase simply drives SMEs to think that they are excluded from the practice because of their size. The concept Corporate Social Responsibility imposes a challenging journey on SMEs it is psychologically intimidating to SMEs, hence resistance to the practise of CSR.
Exploring capacity development programmes for socio-economic transformation in South Africa : a case study of the South African petroleum industry
(2021-12) Kikasu, Tanzala Eustache; Dorasamy, Nirmala; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
Capacity development programmes in the workplace, whether in the public or private sectors, play a strategic role through increasing the ability of people, organisations, and societies to cope with or adapt to challenging and adverse circumstances that affect the organisations or systems that societies depend upon. Capacity development programmes are an approach that addresses, in a continuous manner, specific issues at institutional/organisational, socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural levels, with the aim of improving the delivery of adequate services; boosting organisational competitive advantages; improving productivity; and meeting sustainable development goals. In the workplace, capacity development is a significant socio-economic resource and a foremost key factor that can guarantee the development of employees’ skills, abilities, talents, performance, and value, as well as enabling organisational perspectives for improved innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth. This study examined capacity development programmes as a tactical approach, suitable for tackling and bridging the gaps of technical skills shortages, skills waste and the deficit of positive human capital capacity affecting the South African society and petroleum industry respectively. The vision and mission statements of capacity development programmes are to continually equip, build and develop positive, creative, and innovative human capital capacity with functional, technical, and behavioural capacities to convey organisational and societal change through supporting people knowledge, skills, talents, capacities or abilities improvement and development in various spheres of socio-economic activities. The focus of this study was to describe the role that capacity development programmes could play in the petroleum industry for socio-economic transformation in South Africa, through the case study of the South African petroleum industry. It also examined the critical factors affecting the best practice of policies, programmes and strategic plans that support structures of human capital capacity development in the workplace and the challenges obstructing the effective best practice of capacity development programmes on job-related skills development of employees in the South i African petroleum industry. Therefore, the triangulation methods assisted the researcher with using more than one approach as sources of data collection and analysis process and by approaching data with various theories or perspectives in mind to extend the possibilities of bridging the gaps of technical skills shortage, skills waste and the deficit of positive human capital capacity affecting the South African petroleum industry. This method was useful in producing knowledge from diverse viewpoints upon matters that were discussed in this study. The triangulation methods facilitated the researcher in terms of gathering and converging quantitative and qualitative data from petroleum companies that are members of the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA). Therefore, the quantitative survey combined with qualitative in-depth interviews provided a better understanding of the information obtained. In this study, the PESTIE framework was applied in line with the aim and objectives defined for this research. However, only the political, economic, and social variables were examined to identify the challenges and effects of capacity development programmes in the process of developing technical skills, controlling/minimising skills waste and developing positive human capital capacity in the South African petroleum industry. Accordingly, findings indicated that (87.6%) challenges affecting the petroleum industry development and socio-economic transformation in South Africa are mostly caused by the lack of policies, programmes, and strategic plans best practice to bridging the gaps of technical skills shortages, skills waste, and the deficit of positive human capital capacity in the workplace. In addition, respondents (77.6%) affirmed that policies improvement and best practice could be a vital key in promoting scarce skills development in the South African petroleum industry. Furthermore, respondents (78.6%) agreed that awareness campaigns about capacity development programmes best practice in the South African petroleum industry could fuel the engine of technical, functional, and behavioural capacities development, and put in place a locomotive of organisational improved competitive advantages (innovation, productivity, and performance improvement) and socio-economic transformation. Moreover, respondents (73.7%) agreed that an improved/developed model of capacity development programmes in the workplace could be a sine qua non condition for scarce skills (technical skills) development and retention in the South African petroleum industry. Therefore, the CDP-PUSH-Effects model that comprises the Big Push and Push-Pull strategies associated with reactive, proactive, and active approaches was suggested as an indispensable tool, useful in tackling the critical matters of technical skills shortages, skills waste and the deficit of positive human capital capacity affecting the South African petroleum industry and society. Accordingly, more awareness, resources and efforts from role-key players (policy-makers, decision-makers and stakeholders) would be required towards supporting the scarce skills development process and strengthening employees’ ability to deliver quality services as well as deal with unpredicted adverse events that could prevent the petroleum industry’s development and socio-economic transformation processes in the country.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implementation in the KwaZulu-Natal hotels - barriers and drivers
(2021-01) Maqalika, Lungile Rosemary; Sucheran, Reshma
Hotels in the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa face vast barriers and drivers for Corporate Social Responsibility implementation. The study investigated the nature and extent of Corporate Social Responsibility implementation in the KwaZulu-Natal hotel sector. Challenges and benefits associated with Corporate Social Responsibility implementation in the sector were identified as well as how hotels report the Corporate Social Responsibility practices. The quantitative approach was adopted using self- administered questionnaires to collect primary data via electronic mail. The population comprised of 114 star graded hotels in KwaZulu-Natal, a total of 74 (65%) responses were obtained. The key findings in the study indicated that the hotel’s Corporate Social Responsibility practices focused on social, environmental, and economic pillars with specific activities related to each pillar. The major barriers to Corporate Social Responsibility implementation cost, knowledge and expertise, lack of training and opportunities, time, and thecomplexity of Corporate Social Responsibility, were identified as well as the drivers; profitability, positive business reputation, costs saving, improved branding, and improved public image. Hotels used websites, annual reports, and word of mouth to report their Corporate Social Responsibility practices.
The impact of corporate social responsibility on the performance of selected small, medium and micro-sized enterprises in the Butterworth area
(2018) Xinwa, Lwando; Mishi, Syden
Small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) face challenging difficulties in competing with large enterprises all over the world. They try many strategies to keep up and fight for their market competitiveness, with one of these strategies being corporate social responsibility (CSR). Although CSR is a well-established term in the business world, there is a need to investigate how CSR can impact the performance of SMMEs given their size and their financial status. Most of the literature on CSR has focused on large corporations with few studies focusing on SMMEs, particularly in rural areas of South Africa. This study has investigated and examined the impact of CSR on the performance of SMMEs in Butterworth. This study’s main objectives were to explore the different types of CSR activities that SMMEs are engaged in, to explore the different drivers of CSR for SMMEs as well as the assessment of the perceptions of SMMEs about CSR and performance. Predominantly, this study has focused on determining the impact of CSR on SMME performance. The sample studied was 163 SMMEs in various sectors around Butterworth. A quantitative research method was applied in order to achieve the objectives of this study, however a non-probability sampling technique was used because of the assumptions that since the targeted population consisted of busy entrepreneurs there would be incidents of non-response. The study found that even though CSR has been associated with large corporations, SMMEs in Butterworth know about the existence of the relationship between CSR and performance and understand that a business that has higher levels of CSR is more likely to perform better as compared to those that do not practice CSR. The results of the study revealed that most of these SMMEs are not only compelled by the law to act socially responsible but are driven by the profits that are linked with the involvement in these activities. It is also recommended that for SMMEs to enjoy the benefits that CSR imposes in business, they should start considering incorporating CSR into their business activities.
Corporate social responsibility and corporate governance : implementation and challenges for companies listed on the Johannesburg securities exchange
(2018-03) Anwana, Emem Otu; Reddy, Karunanidhi; Rampersad, Renitha
This study presents an investigation into the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The study also aimed at investigating the legal challenges of compliance with CG and CSR legislation posed to listed companies in South Africa in CSR implementation. To achieve these objectives of the study, questionnaires were administered to the top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Structured interviews were also conducted with selected personnel from these companies. The study reviewed literature and theories within South Africa and internationally that were significant to CG and CSR. The study examined the CG and CSR legislation, codes and regulations in South Africa and highlighted the challenges associated with compliance with such legislation. The study further investigated the implications of the challenges encountered by listed companies in implementing CSR and CG, and consequently the impact this has on the socio-economic development of communities within the company’s operational environment. The study therefore sought to investigate the measures that South African listed companies were exploring to mitigate the challenges relating to CSR implementation in view of the fact that they are mandated in terms of legislation to comply with all regulatory provisions relating to CG and CSR. From the findings of this study, a Synergy, Inclusiveness and Socio-economic Development (SIS) conceptual model was produced. This model aimed to assist and guide CSR managers, directors and other officials in addressing the challenges of legal compliance, as well as to act as a guide in implementing strategic CSR that will positively impact on the socio- economic development of communities as well as the companies triple bottom line. Findings from the study revealed that the synergy between CG and CSR, top management involvement in CSR, stakeholder’s inclusiveness, as well as integrated reporting of company non-financial performance, are factors that stimulate CSR implementation in South Africa. The findings also revealed that legal compliance, although challenging, plays a crucial role in supporting CSR activities and corporate behaviour amongst South African listed companies. Based on these findings, the study developed a conceptual graphical representation to assist and guide CSR managers, company directors and other officials on strategies that may be applied to overcome challenges associated with legal compliance with CG and CSR legislation.
The application of ethical leadership styles on employee engagement at Durban University of Technology (DUT) : a case study approach
(2018-11) Bhana, Anrusha; Bayat, Mohamed Saheed; Maharaj, Mandusha
With the epochal changes at different levels of higher education institutions, it has become essential to take employees into account as an imperative part of higher education institutions transformation strategy. The study has investigated the application of ethical leadership style and its impact on employee engagement at Durban University of Technology (DUT) - a case study approach. The existing body of research knowledge on ethical leadership style revealed a great focus on the business sector in comparison to higher educational sector. The research objectives addressed the two gaps in higher education leadership research by exploring evidence of ethical leadership style of executive management leadership and line management leadership and its impact on employee engagement at the institution. The research design adopted mixed methodology approach employing random sampling technique for data collection of employees and purposive sampling technique for semi- structured interviews of line management leadership and executive management leadership. The piloting of the research instrument was statistically tested to ensure validity and reliability prior to commencement of the main study. Moreover, the study involved a cross sectional design and a sample size of 312 respondents for probability sampling and 12 participants for non-probability sampling. The case study approach was based on academic and administrative staff of Durban and PMB campuses at the institution. Method triangulation of data findings ensured a pragmatic and deeper understanding of the phenomena being investigated. The descriptive statistics revealed that more than ninety percent of the respondents agreed that ethical leadership style would have a positive impact on employee engagement at the institution. Clearly, showing support for the need of ethical leadership at the institution. In addition, more than eighty percent of respondents agreed that leadership styles impact employee well-being. Hence, different leadership styles have a direct or indirect influence on employee engagement. Thus, it is essential to find ways to improve employee work and personal engagement at the institution. Moreover, the linear regression analysis findings revealed a predictive relationship between line management leadership and employee engagement at the institution. Notably, the study discussion focused on the employee engagement conceptual model and aligning it to theory that presented a relationship between executive management leadership and line management leadership to employee engagement at the institution. The conceptual model was developed to expedite relevance to the research. Therefore, the study has revealed greater support for the practical implications of ethical leadership practices at the institution. In order for the organization to achieve greater levels of innovation, intrapreneurship, design thinking and financial management, it is imperative to have a fully engaged workforce. The application of ethical leadership style will advocate a value system that will inherently support departmental goals and objectives of the overall institution. Recommendations were made to support the need for proactive measures to promote ethical leadership, interventions to develop ethical leadership policies and techniques to improve employee engagement. In addition, the last recommendation included a proposed model that was taken from the conceptual model that can be further developed and utilized at the institution. Moreover, the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on employee disengagement concept of occupational stress, burnout and turnover, fulfilling duties beyond job description, multitasking between duties and job contentment. It will contribute to the importance of ethical leadership in relation to employee engagement at the institution. Lastly, the research information and findings will also contribute towards the ongoing development of ethical leadership research and development of academia leadership in Higher education institutions in South Africa.

Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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