Faculty of Management Sciences
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Item Investigating the nexus of corporate social responsibility and marketing performance in a medium-sized clothing manufacturing enterprise in South Africa(Bussecon International Academy, 2024-07-27) Maome, Itumeleng Judith; Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniOrganisations all over the world are increasingly adopting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a strategic tool, not only for improving their brand image but also in making a meaningful contribution to the welfare of society. This trend includes incorporating socially responsible aspects into marketing strategies, resulting in goods and services that benefit the community at large. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in this framework as they contribute significantly to both social and economic growth. Using a quantitative methodology, this study examined the experiences of a manufacturing organisation in the eThekwini District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal that has included CSR into its marketing strategies. The analysis employed the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method, with data evaluated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). This study collected and analysed pre- and post-CSR implementation quarterly data on sales performance and customer retention. The empirical findings offer a multifaceted picture of the impact of CSR on marketing performance. There appears to be a substantial relationship between customer retention rates and marketing performance following CSR implementation. Interestingly, the study discovered an inverse association between sales volumes and marketing performance, implying that a rise in sales does not always result in improved marketing results for the organisation in question. This unexpected consequence shows the intricate interplay between CSR programmes and marketing outcomes, providing useful insights for businesses, particularly those in the South African manufacturing sector that are attempting to negotiate the complexities of CSR-driven marketing strategies. This study contributes to a better understanding of how CSR efforts can be strategically integrated with marketing goals to promote both social and business success.Item Corporate social responsibility practices : evidence from the automotive manufacturing SMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan area(Bussecon International Academy, 2024-07-26) Mvakwendlu, Nonophela Buhle; Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniSmall and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are regarded as a vital business sector in the South African economy. They elevate employment, reduce poverty, and increase the overall economic growth of any country. It is essential that SMEs should develop and grow. In ensuring their survival and growth, SMEs must be flexible and agile in every growth stage. Thus, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of the strategic tools for business survival and growth. CSR is when organisations act responsibly and ethically towards society, the environment and other stakeholders, to maximise positive impact not just for profit. It is expected that the implementation of CSR can enhance the performance of SMEs. Consequently, the study assesses CSR practices applied by SMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. The study was quantitative in nature. It targeted 120 SME owners in the automotive manufacturing sector of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. Data collected from 110 SME owners was analysed using version 27 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results established that business performance increases when SME organisations support community, particularly when there is employee involvement in such support activities. Hence, the original value of this study is in its approach in uncovering the perceptions and involvement of SMEs operating in the automotive manufacturing sector in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area in KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa) on their CSR practices.Item The impact of corporate social responsibility on financial performance in a selected medium-sized clothing manufacturing organization in South Africa(Durban University of Technology, 2024) Maome, Itumeleng; Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniCorporate Social responsibilities (CSR) is an established idea that urges corporations to incorporate environmental and social responsibilities into their operations. It enables businesses to be socially responsible to stakeholders and the public. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have received international recognition for their contributions to social and economic development. This study investigates the impact of CSR on financial performance at a medium-sized clothing manufacturing company in the eThekwini District Municipality of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The study was designed to be conclusive. It employs a quantitative approach, examining the experiences of an organization that has implemented CSR. The study's objective was met by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on profitability and production costs. The data was analysed using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings show that CSR can boost financial performance by minimising business-related risks and compliance expenses, which leads to increased profitability and lower production costs. Any rise in profitability boosts the organization's financial performance, while any drop in production costs improves the company's financial performance. This study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of CSR in relation to financial performance in the selected medium-sized manufacturing business in South Africa.Item The effect of corporate social responsibility on human resource performance in the selected medium sized manufacturing organisation in South Africa(2023-10) Maome, Itumeleng Judith; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani— In recent years, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained significant attention and popularity as a management philosophy in companies. CSR involves the integration of social and environmental concerns into a company's operations and interactions with stakeholders. While CSR has been primarily associated with large organisations, it is also important to recognize the contributions of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to the social and economic development of a country. This study focuses on examining the effect of CSR practices on human resource performance in a selected manufacturing SME in South Africa. This study adopts a quantitative research design. The relationship between human resource performance (dependent variable) and variables such as employee turnover and labour absenteeism is examined. The measurements of these variables are transformed and statistically analysed using regression analysis. Pre- and post-quarterly data on employee turnover and labour absenteeism are collected to assess the impact of CSR implementation on human resource performance. The results indicate that there is no significant relationship between employee turnover and labour absenteeism with human resource performance post-CSR implementation. However, the study reveals that there is a positive relationship between CSR activities and human resource performance. An increase in CSR activities leads to an improvement in human resource performance.Item 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 DumisaniSmall 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.Item Evaluating the effectiveness of the National Youth Service Programme in skill development of unemployed graduates in the North-West province of South Africa(National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Co. LTD Ukrinformnauka) (Publications), 2021-12-15) Rena, Ravinder; Diale, B. T. T.For the last 3 decades, youth unemployment has been a major challenge in South Africa. Education and training has been considered as a solution to this challenge in the country. The South African Government introduced skills development programs focusing on the youth to reduce unemployment and poverty. However, the youth unemployment among the skilled has been persistent. Given this background, an attempts is made in this study to evaluate the effectiveness of the National Youth Service Program (NYSP) in skill development of unemployed Graduates in the North West Province of South Africa and determine stakeholder involvement in the conceptualization, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the skills development program. The research methodology used in this study was both quantitative approach aimed to fill in the knowledge gap, which is achieved through critical reading and analysis of what other researchers have identified, and qualitative method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data. Questionnaires were self-administered to obtain primary data from (90) graduates and (10) stakeholders who took part in the NYSP. Th e main finding of the study indicates that 83 % of the NYSP graduates are unemployed since completing the skills development program in the 2017 fiscal year. The study alluded that lack of stakeholder participation and commitment in the NYSP was attributed to the high rate of NYS graduate unemployment. Stakeholder engagement and participation will also play a critical role in ensuring that learners completing the skills development program are linked to employment opportunities and are self-reliant. The study recommends that stakeholder identification should take place before the program is being implemented.Item Investigating post flight food waste management policies and procedures within the airline catering industry : a study of Airchefs South Africa(2018) Sambo, Nompumelelo Priscilla; Hlengwa, Dumsile CynthiaInflight catering is an old practice that has been in existence since the beginning of air travel. The ability for airlines to execute this practice has evolved over the years as airline travel becomes more common and accessible. This has created a lot of food waste especially post-flight. The processes and procedures of the handling of food waste within the airline catering industry in South Africa are to dispose of it into landfills. Food waste has been studied and seen to be unethical and to have negative effects to the environment. The immediate objectives of this study was to measure the post-flight food waste and look for ways to improve the post-flight food waste procedures in the airline catering industry in consideration of the food waste hierarchy and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study used a mixed method approach. An interview was conducted with management to unpack the food waste management policy, a questionnaire to get employees perceptions as well as a waste audit to quantify and categorise the food waste by route. To complete the investigation, a costing exercise was conducted on the post-flight food waste. A coding method and descriptive analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Statistical analysis was used for the quantitative data. The regulations and policies governing the food industry were reported as the major stumbling blocks in changing catering companies’ food waste policies. A high percentage of respondents perceived some of the food waste to still be edible and could be donated. Post-flight food waste amounts to an average of 2129592g (2129kg) and R484 337.63 in a four day period. The route with the most waste was found to be regional routes with 772668g and international flights yielded the least waste at 657014g in the four day period of data collection. The categories of food that yield the most waste were found to be butter, dessert, starters, filled rolls, cheese, crackers, yoghurt, breads/croissants, jam and chocolates all yielded above 5 % of the total waste. The study concluded that the best way to deal with the phenomenon of post-flight food was to prevent it through reconsidering the catering needs of passengers. Some steps such as food donations are not applicable because of the high risk of food poisoning. In consideration of corporate social responsibility, airline catering companies need invest money to update its technology and infrastructure in the interest of reducing land filling and maximising profits. Be that as it may there can be immediate changes to the handling of domestic post-flight food waste as this waste can be reused by channeling it towards donations, animal feeding, the creation of bio-fuel and or creating compost but subject to proper handlingItem The evolving role of business in contributing to social justice in South Africa in terms of legislative measures(Virtus Interpress, 2016) Reddy, KarunanidhiApartheid in South Africa has burdened the nation with high levels of poverty, illiteracy and other forms of social and economic inequ ality. The resultan t challenges included discrimination on grounds of race and gender, which prevented much of the population from fair opportunities for business ownership and management, and securing senior j obs, as well as obtaining access to goods and services. Many businesses were closed to Black people and separate and inferior facilities were provided for them. Further, workplace discrimination was su pported by the law.This article uses a descriptive approach to reveal, particularly in terms of the legislative measures introduced, the social responsibility of business in a transforming society, more especially the transformation of the historically disadv antaged communities.Item Social justice in South Africa: law and the role of business(Athens Institute for Education and Research, 2015) Reddy, KarunanidhiThe far reaching and devastating effects of apartheid in South Africa, has burdened the nation with “unacceptably high levels of poverty, illiteracy and other forms of social and economic inequality” (Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008: Preamble). In view of the ravages of discrimination, particularly on the basis of race and gender, equality and the prevention of discrimination have played a significant role in post-apartheid South Africa. Clearly, apartheid resulted in discrimination in almost every aspect of social, political and economic life. The impact extended from much of the population being prevented from fair opportunities for business ownership and management and securing senior jobs, as well as obtaining access to goods and services. Many businesses were closed to them and instead, separate and inferior facilities were provided. Further, workplace discrimination was supported by the law. Hence, with the adoption of the 1996 constitution, there has been much discussion and debate about correcting these discriminatory practices and improving the socio-economic situation of the disadvantaged. Since much of these inequalities were as a result of unjust legislation from the past, it is not surprising that the attainment of the ideals of equality and a fair and just society has been directed towards the state. Clearly, the state had to carry much of the responsibility in removing the unjust legislation and introducing measures to prevent inequalities in the future and to redress injustices of the past. However, the attainment of the ideals of a society free of discrimination and injustice is not attainable without the application of such ideals to the private sector, i.e. individuals and business. This paper investigates the role of business in post-apartheid South Africa and its role in economic and social transformation. It examines the initiatives in place in terms of which business has a role to play, particularly, the prevention of discrimination by the business sector, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), corporate social investment, consumer protection, employment equity and the promotion of fair business practices. This paper uses a descriptive approach to reveal the social responsibility of business in a transforming society. It concludes that the impact of these initiatives for business in South Africa is far-reaching and that business has a significant role to play in the growth and success of the economy, and more particularly in the transformation of the historically disadvantaged communities. However, the initiatives in place have not had the expected result.Item Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Banking for Developing Economies(International Foundation for Research and Development, 2013-11) Dorasamy, NirmalaCorporate social responsibility is being increasingly considered vital for organizational success and sustainable growth, especially in view of corporations operating in an environment with multiple stakeholder interests. Investment in CSR should not been seen as an expense, but rather the allocation of resources to strengthen relationships with stakeholders in an endeavour to reap the multifaceted benefits of such investments Financial institutions like banks need to be seen as leading organizations who engage in social activities that uplift society, the environment and economy. The article analyses significant areas of corporate social responsibility for banks which are integral for customers, government, suppliers, citizens, employees and global partners for enhancing the responsibility of banks to a diverse range of stakeholders who have an interest in the banks. This ‘common good’ reputation can provide several advantages to banks which further impacts on the performance of banks.