Researchers World - International Refereed Social Sciences Journal

Profiling Government IT Leadership in South Africa: A Demographic and Institutional Mapping of GITOs (n=55).

2026-06-23T13:12:57+00:00

Purpose: This study aims to explore the limited empirical knowledge of the distribution and capacity of ICT Leadership (Government Information Technology Officers) in the South African public sector with regard to the demographic and institutional factors of these officers. Methodology: A qualitative, descriptive research design was applied using semi-structured interviews with 55 GITOs across national, provincial, and local government institutions. The data were analysed using thematic coding and descriptive profiling to identify patterns in leadership demographics and institutional placement. Findings: The findings show that the majority of respondents were male (72.7%) and were very experienced, with a high proportion at national and provincial level and a low proportion at local government level. The results reveal some key issues concerning gender parity, ageing leadership profiles, lack of institutional succession planning and unequal digital governance capabilities across institutional levels. Implications: The study provides evidence to support the workforce planning, leadership development, and policy interventions to support strengthening capacity for ICT governance within the municipality. It also emphasizes that inclusive leadership pipelines and better institutional representation of digital leadership are needed as well. Originality: The study is one of the few studies that empirically maps the public-sector ICT leadership within a developing country context and provides new insights into the demographic and institutional makeup of digital governance leadership in South Africa.

Competitive Advantage Dashboard - How Companies Can Gain And Sustain Competitive Advantage In A Dynamic Business Environment – Case of Zimbabwe Companies

2026-06-24T13:07:27+00:00

Purpose: All strategies eventually seek to create a competitive edge which is translated into value creation. This comes with a conscious controlling of the external and internal business environments - making the most of the opportunities and minimizing threats. However, the business environment in Zimbabwe is under constant change and is constantly shaken by the changing forces in the environment that destroy competitiveness and devalue value. The expectations of customers are ever-changing, and modern customers want to find more integrated solutions, not a single product. At the same time, the competitive rivalry has become more unpredictable than ever before being no longer tied to the categories of identifiable products or services but bursting out of the blue, which is also enhanced by globalization. With the intense competition that is yet to be witnessed in the history of business, Zimbabwean companies have no option other than to embark on shrewd strategic stance either defensive or offensive to hold off competitors and respond to customer needs in an endeavour to achieve their organizational goals. Methodology: The research design used in this study was mixed-methods research design with a concurrent variant approach that allowed finding triangulation and complementary findings. Findings: The findings indicate that competitive advantage is dynamic in nature due to the rate of disruption, as such its co-creation should be seen as a continuous and not a one-off process. The analysis found the most crucial indicators that can be used to signal the present status of competitive advantage of a firm to the point where an economic dashboard has been developed that provides organizations with quantifiable reference points to monitor their competitive status. Implications: The practical implication is that companies will be in a position to see the early warning signs of environment shifts and evaluate their effects so that they can reconfigure their competitive strategy timely or even develop new benefits to exceed customer expectations, compete in global markets and increase their contribution to GDP. Originality: The paper provides an operational model that can guide strategy practitioners to navigate and maintain their competitive edge and proactively create new ones long before they become an effective way to compete in the global arena and experience uninterrupted organizational growth.

Exploring The Potentials of Entrepreneurial Incubation Programme As A Strategy for Reducing Youth Unemployment In The Eastern Cape

2026-06-24T13:12:35+00:00

Purpose: Youth unemployment in the Eastern Cape of South Africa remains a persistent socio‑economic challenge. This study investigates the prospects of entrepreneurial incubation programmes in alleviating youth unemployment, focusing on the extent to which such initiatives can enhance enterprise development, employability, and long‑term economic participation among young people.

Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed to explore participants’ experiences and perceptions. Data were collected through face‑to‑face interviews using an interview guide. The study targeted facilitators and students enrolled in the Walter Sisulu University Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI). Thematic analysis was utilised to interpret the data and uncover recurring patterns in participants’ narratives.

Findings: The study generated four propositions (P1–P4) indicating that participants view entrepreneurial skills as essential for achieving financial independence and sustainable livelihoods. The findings highlight the critical role of mentorship, structured support systems, and access to professional networks in strengthening youth employment outcomes. Evidence also emphasises the need to continuously enhance business development support services to align with the evolving needs of young entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural contexts.

Implications: The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions such as mentorship programmes, networking opportunities, and coordinated support structures to bridge the entrepreneurial skills gap among rural youth. It further emphasises the need for strategic communication and legislative backing to ensure equitable access to incubation programmes, thereby promoting youth employment and regional economic resilience.

Originality: This study contributes novel empirical insights into how entrepreneurial incubation can be leveraged as a long‑term, sustainable solution to youth unemployment in economically disadvantaged regions. By focusing on an under‑researched rural province, it enhances theoretical and practical understanding of entrepreneurship-driven development in South Africa.

Correlation Between Brand Image and Consumer Perception Of Selected Luxury Goods Among Rural University Students In South Africa

2026-06-24T13:17:16+00:00

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of brand image on rural university students’ perceptions of luxury goods in South Africa. It aims to understand how brand-related emotions and impressions shape consumers’ interpretation of luxury, particularly in contexts where socioeconomic and cultural factors may impact purchasing behaviours. Methodology: A quantitative research design was employed, using both self-administered online questionnaires and manually distributed surveys. From 355 participants, 239 complete responses were obtained. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) through Smart PLS to assess multivariate causal relationships between components of brand image and consumer perceptions. Findings: The results reveal a significant and positive relationship between brand image and students’ perceptions of luxury goods. Brand emotion and brand impression emerged as strong predictors, indicating that emotional attachment, personal beliefs, and symbolic meaning are key drivers of luxury consumption. The findings further show that rural university students view luxury goods primarily as indicators of social status rather than as functional objects. Implications: These insights highlight the strategic importance of strengthening brand image to attract and retain consumers in the luxury goods market. Marketers are encouraged to emphasise emotional and symbolic aspects of branding to build stronger consumer connections, particularly among emerging youth markets in rural settings. Originality: By focusing on rural university students, an underexplored demographic in luxury consumption literature, this study contributes fresh empirical evidence from a South African context. It extends understanding of how brand image operates in non-urban, resource-constrained environments, offering novel perspectives on branding and consumer behaviour in emerging markets.

Relevance Of E-Learning In The Indian Higher Education System: A Literature Review

2026-06-24T13:21:45+00:00

Purpose: This study examines the relevance of e-learning in the Indian higher education system in the context of rapid technological advancement and increasing digitalization of education. With the growing penetration of the internet, widespread use of smartphones, and supportive government initiatives, e-learning has emerged as a key tool for improving access, flexibility, and quality in higher education. Methodology: The study is based on secondary data collected from academic journals, government reports, and policy documents published between 2015 and 2025. A descriptive and analytical approach has been used to evaluate the development, benefits, and challenges of e-learning in India. Findings: The findings reveal that e-learning has significantly enhanced access to higher education by providing flexible learning opportunities and supporting skill development. Government initiatives such as SWAYAM, SWAYAM Prabha, the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), and Virtual Labs have contributed to expanding digital learning resources. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE, 2022), India has more than 4.33 crore students enrolled in higher education, highlighting the need for scalable digital learning systems. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of online learning platforms across universities and colleges. Implications: The study suggests that strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and adopting blended learning models can improve the effectiveness and inclusiveness of higher education. Originality/Value: This research highlights the growing importance of e-learning in transforming the Indian higher education system.

A Study of Socio-Economic Status of Power Loom Workers of Malegaon Textile Cluster: A literature Review Analysis

2026-06-24T13:26:35+00:00

Purpose: The textile industry is a vital contributor to India’s economy through employment generation, export promotion, and industrial growth. The Malegaon textile cluster in Maharashtra is one of the major power loom hubs in the country and provides livelihood opportunities to a large number of workers. However, despite its economic significance, workers in this sector often face various socio-economic challenges. This study aims to examine the socio-economic status of power loom workers in the Malegaon textile cluster. Methodology: The study is based on secondary data collected from academic journals, government reports, and published literature related to the textile sector between 2015 and 2025. Relevant studies and reports were reviewed to analyse the socio-economic conditions of workers and the broader labour dynamics within the power loom industry. Findings: The analysis reveals that although the power loom sector generates substantial employment, workers often experience low and irregular incomes, limited job security, and inadequate access to social welfare benefits. Poor working environments and occupational health risks also remain major concerns. These factors collectively contribute to the economic vulnerability of workers in the textile cluster. Implications: The study emphasizes the need for effective policy measures, including technological modernization, skill development initiatives, improved working conditions, and expansion of social security schemes to enhance the welfare of power loom workers. Originality: This research provides a comprehensive review of the socio-economic conditions of power loom workers in the Malegaon textile cluster and contributes to the existing literature on labour conditions in textile-based industrial clusters.

Between Survival and Scholarship: Psychosocial Implications of Family Financial Responsibility Among Bursary-Funded University Students in South Africa

2026-06-24T13:33:12+00:00

Purpose: Financial stress has a detrimental effect on the psychosocial well-being of low-income students, particularly those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. Many students receiving bursary funding are compelled to share their financial resources with their families, which places additional strain on their academic and personal lives. This study explores the psychosocial well-being of students at North-West University (NWU) who use their bursary allowance to support their families. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed, and data were collected through semi-structured online interviews with 15 undergraduate students across three campuses. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that students experience significant financial stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, academic difficulties, and strained social and family relationships. The study highlights the need to reconceptualise student support systems to include psychosocial interventions alongside financial aid. Recommendations include revising funding models, strengthening financial literacy programmes, and engaging families to manage expectations