This article outlines the results of a qualitative study, which investigates the nature of training interventions needed for developing black micro entrepreneurial skills in the informal sector. As this is a qualitative study, an empirical survey was conducted by means of a series of in-depth interviews with ten black micro entrepreneurs. A control group was used to verify the results of the initial sample selected. Four main types of entrepreneurial skills were identified, namely personal, technical, business operations and management skills. A model is developed indicating which training interventions and methods could be used to upgrade black micro entrepreneurial skills. General guidelines are also provided as to how training could be used to facilitate the acquisition of these microentrepreneurial skills
This article outlines a qualitative study that was undertaken to determine the necessary skills for growth of micro entrepreneurs to become small business entrepreneurs. Various interviews were conducted over time with micro entrepreneurs and small business entrepreneurs. The results of these interviews were analysed using the constant comparative method. Thirteen skills were identified as necessary for growth of micro entrepreneurs to become small business entrepreneurs. It was further concluded that micro entrepreneurs do not need to possess all thirteen skills, but must have as many of these skills as possible. JEL O17
South African entrepreneurs have a poor skills record, which often leads to business failure. To effectively manage a spaza shop requires applying management functions and some management skills. The implementation of simple systems can assist spaza shop owners to manage their businesses more successfully and even grow. A quantitative study was done, by interviewing sixty spaza shop owners in the township. The empirical results identified the gaps in the management abilities of spaza shop owners in terms of the eight management functions and show that the purchasing, financial and information management function are the most neglected. Guidelines on how each of the functions could or should be applied are given. This research indicates that spaza shops can assist in economic growth and relieve unemployment in the country. JEL M11, 13, L26, 81 IntroductionSouth Africa is one of the most sophisticated and promising emerging markets in the world, offering a unique combination of highly developed first world economic infrastructure with a vibrant emerging market economy (Timmons & Spinelli, 2003:47). More than 80 per cent of businesses in South Africa can be described as small businesses (Rwigema & Venter, 2005:475). Most South African cities and towns have at least one township associated with them. New initiatives have been taken to renew and re-vitalize the view of South African townships, especially in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup (Wikipedia, 2009). It is within these townships that many small businesses are struggling for survival and growth. Fuller (2003:297) emphasises that "to develop the South African economy, things need to be done at the smallest scale in every township". Policy makers in South Africa continue trying to identify and support those productive, and innovative small businesses that will generate employment and promote economic growth within the country (Dobbs & Hamilton, 2007:296).In 2000, 2,7 per cent of South Africa's retail trade was from spaza shops, amounting to R7,4 billions (Ligthelm, 2002:1). This illustrates the importance of spaza ships to the economy in terms of contributing towards income generation and possibly reducing unemployment. The owners of these spaza shops start these micro businesses for various reasons, but can nevertheless be regarded as an entrepreneur in that they have identified an opportunity. Small businesses always carry low overheads, which enable them to become more competitive and responsive to demand changes (Kesper, 2000:8).The manner in which small businesses entrepreneurs manage their businesses can contribute towards becoming competitive with other small businesses. This study explores how spaza shops in the township are or can be managed. As literature on spaza shops is scarce, the literature study includes the management functions in informal businesses, where possible with specific reference to spaza shops. The results of the biographical profile of the spaza shop owners and their businesses, and how they execute the eight management ...
The purpose of whistle-blowing is to eradicate unethical behaviour in the work place. This article investigates the perceptions of South African employees (n=387) employed in medium and large organisations regarding whistle-blowing. Respondents regard personal viewpoints and the supportive organisational environment as determining factors for whistle-blowing. South African employees have faced minimal negative consequences and will again engage in whistle-blowing, regardless of union support. Organisations can create a whistle-blowing culture by having a personal code of ethics, using hotlines, having an ethical committee, engaging in periodic ethics training and doing an annual ethical audit
If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The paper aims to investigate the problems experienced and problem-solving techniques of very small businesses during growth. Evidence shows that if managers can understand the potential for growth and the barriers in their own business path, they will be able to address the problems and achieve success. The purpose of the paper is therefore to provide guidelines to assist very small Black business entrepreneurs with overcoming growth problems, so to become sustainable. Design/methodology/approach -A qualitative research approach with a combination of content analysis and grounded theory was used in the paper. The sample was restricted to very small Black business entrepreneurs in the formal sector, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Snowball sampling was used where the first participant identified supplied the names of other possible participants and so forth till the sample size of ten very small Black business entrepreneurs was obtained. One of the very small businesses had two owners, and another had three owners (total of 13 participants). The researcher collected the data through five rounds of mostly unstructured, non-directive and in-depth individual interviews on the Black entrepreneurs' premises (65 personal interviews in total). Observations and on-site experiences were also noted. Utilising the constant comparative method, the problems could be divided into four main themes: solvable, partially solved, solved and ongoing problems and then further divided into seven management functions. The synchronic reliability method was used and the triangulation method was used to ensure validity. Coding of data also ensured both reliability and validity. Findings -Problems are mostly solved through experimental learning with human resource and financial problems as top priority training areas to assist growth. Many problems are computer related and some are personal such as stress management. Workshops or mentorship are indicated as possible ways of solving problems. Practical implications -General guidelines in five functional areas and in general were provided as to how problems could be solved to assist with growing these very small businesses. These guidelines are b...
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