Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Business enterprises – Social aspects'
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1
Li, Juan Julie, and 李娟. "Social relations of foreign firms in China: afocus on trust, network ties and social capital." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2006. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B36296326.
2
Amm, Kathryn Leigh. "Social enterprises, social value and job creation in Cape Town." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1260.
Abstract:
Social enterprises are organisations which seek to meet social needs whilst generating their own financial returns. They are becoming increasingly important in South Africa as their approach is not dependent on philanthropy and is therefore largely self-sustainable. Meeting social needs can happen in many ways, but bottom up approaches, which are driven by the poor through providing access to satisifers for fundamental needs are becoming increasingly important. The impact which social enterprises have is not clearly understood and is seldom measured. There is a need to develop tools which are able to portray the social value of these impacts. This study seeks to explore the impact of three social enterprises in Cape Town. The study focuses on the social value of job creation, a pressing need across South Africa, and a social return common to all three enterprises. The study found that a primary concern for staff was job security and earning a decent wage, and without this as a starting point other social returns are minimised. Camaraderie and a sense pride are two important social returns which are also produced. The study also showed that producing social returns must be an intentional activity, and involves a process of negotiation and understanding the needs and values of different stakeholders.
3
Abramowitz, Alan F. "Transnational corporations : an examination of the consequences for society." Thesis, Kansas State University, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/9895.
4
Zhang, Ying. "Developed countries or developing countries?: MNEs' geographic diversification and corporate social performance." HKBU Institutional Repository, 2018. https://repository.hkbu.edu.hk/etd_oa/560.
Abstract:
Research (e.g., Strike, Gao, & Bansal, 2006) has pointed out that international firms diversifying geographically can be both socially responsible and socially irresponsible. However, the research has failed to provide a strong theoretical explanation based on a major theory. I propose to address this gap by testing two competing perspectives based on institutional theory, i.e., the institutional-transfer approach and the institutional-void approach. Based on relevant literature, I propose a contingency model predicting the different effects of geographic diversification (GD) on corporate social performance (CSP) by focusing on the institutional differences between developed and developing countries. Moreover, arguing that the institutional approaches should also consider the effects of internal firm resources, I also predict the moderating effects of firm slack resources (the slack) on the relationship between the diversification and CSP. Adopting the approach that considers the slack in a continuum of managerial discretion, i.e., low- and high-discretion slack resources (George, 2005), I argue that high-discretion slack can strengthen the relationship between GD and CSP while low-discretion slack can weaken this relationship. To test the above hypotheses, I analyze the data of multinational enterprises (MNEs) listed on the New York Stock Exchange from 2000 to 2015. The whole sample contains 477 MNEs or 1,560 firm/year observations. Through analyzing empirical data, I have obtained evidence that there is a positive relationship between GD and corporate social responsibility (CSR) when MNEs diversify into developed countries. On the other hand, the results show a negative relationship between GD and CSR and a positive relationship between GD and corporate social irresponsibility (CSIR) when MNEs diversify into developing countries. Moreover, low-discretion slack can weaken the relationship between GD and CSR in developing countries. Theoretically, this thesis makes four contributions to the literature. First, it contributes to the GD literature by focusing on CSP. Second, it enriches institutional theory by testing the predictive validity of its two approaches (i.e., institutional-transfer approach and institutional-void approach) on the GD-CSP relationship. Third, it enriches the understanding of CSP research. Finally, it reveals that different types of slack resources could affect the GD-CSP relationship. In addition to the theoretical contributions, this thesis provides findings with practical implications for managers, governments, and stakeholders. First, managers should be aware of the institutional environments where their firms diversify. Second, managers should maintain an appropriate utility to different kinds of slack resources in their firms. Third, the government should reinforce its supervision on MNEs' diversification strategies, especially in developing countries. Fourth, stakeholders should stay alert that MNEs from developed countries can also perform CSIR behaviors.
5
Haney, Aoife Brophy. "The evolution of firms' strategic responses to climate change : information, capabilities and impact." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2014. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.648572.
6
Schoeman, Pieter Stephanus Johannes Albertus. "An empirical investigation of environmental performance and the market value of JSE listed companies." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/97358.
Abstract:
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the recent past, there has been increasing awareness of, and concern for, the impact that many companies are having on the natural and social environment. This has seen the emergence of a triple bottom line approach to business, with environmental and social metrics being used in addition to financial metrics when evaluating company performance. Despite the growing level of investment in corporate sustainability, it is not clear whether these investments are viewed positively by the market, and to what extent it creates shareholder value. To shed light on the relationship between environmental performance and financial performance, this research assignment used the event study methodology to investigate whether there is statistically significant stock market reactions to announcements relating to the environmental performance of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. A total of 260 news announcements related to environmental performance were collected from a variety of news sources. The 260 news announcements represented 67 different companies across 11 different industry sectors. News announcements were collected from several prominent business news sources including the Business Day, Financial Mail and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange News Service. Abnormal share returns were estimated for a three day event window around the announcement date by using the market model approach. Results were aggregated based on four different categories of environmental performance, including corporate environmental initiatives, environmental awards and certificates, negative environmental publicity and, environmental reporting, permits and licences. Consistent with related research in developed countries, this study found that the market rewards certain categories of positive environmental performance but penalises certain categories of negative environmental performance more severely. The results show that there is a significant positive market reaction to announcements of corporate environmental initiatives on the trading day following the announcement. This result indicates a positive relationship between corporate environmental initiatives and financial performance, as measured by market value. In terms of negative environmental performance, it was found that the market responds negatively to the broad category of negative environmental publicity. In particular, negative announcements from civil society and environmental groups seem to result in more significant market reactions than negative announcements from local or national government. In contrast to some studies done in developed countries, no statistically significant relationship was found between announcements of environmental awards and certificates and the market value of companies. Neither was there a statistically significant relationship between environmental reporting, permits and licences and the market value of companies. These results therefore indicate that the market is selective in its response to announcements of environmental performance.
7
Mcleod, Michelle. "Does environmental performance predict financial performance? A South African perspective." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/80774.
Abstract:
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2011.Corporate environmental responsibility has engaged the attention of academics, practitioners and environmentalists for some time, creating pressure for companies to conduct business in an environmentally greener manner. To find economic support for such conduct by South African companies, this study aims to investigate whether superior environmental performance by South African listed companies leads to superior financial performance. A review of related literature identified significant diversity in research approach and methodology as well as environmental and financial performance measures employed and therefore also in the results obtained. Given the continuing emergence of climate change as a material issue for business, this study utilised South African Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI SA) ratings as proxy for South African companies’ environmental performance. The infancy of the Carbon Disclosure Project in South Africa does result in some data limitations which necessitated a portfolio approach to address the research question. This approach, however, prevented explicit consideration or judgement on the direction of causality between environmental and financial variables. The environmental performance data limitations and the resulting need for some assumptions resulted in this study being explorative in nature. Using CDLI SA ratings as distinguishing environmental performance characteristic, industrymatching, mutually-exclusive stock portfolios were constructed. Relative portfolio performance was measured with reference to the Sharpe and Treynor ratios and a simple statistical test. Considering the three years 2008 to 2010, the Sharpe and Treynor ratios for Environmental Leaders and Laggards portfolios did not clearly identify either Environmental Leaders or Environmental Laggards as superior financial performers and results also varied across industries. There appears to be some trend emerging which sees Environmental Leaders outperforming Environmental Laggards in more recent years for some industries, however, the short time frame under consideration provided insufficient support for such conclusion. Statistical means testing concluded that the mean returns of Environmental Leaders and Environmental Laggards are similar. Sensitivity analysis performed on the Financials sector indicated that the Sharpe and Treynor ratios are sensitive to portfolio construction. Despite this sensitivity, statistical means testing consistently found little evidence to infer that the mean returns of Environmental Leaders portfolios are either higher or lower than that of Environmental Laggards portfolios. It is suggested that the similar performance of the Environmental Leaders and Environmental Laggards portfolios may be attributed to the use of an environmental performance measure unable to sufficiently distinguish between environmental leaders and environmental laggards. Another interpretation of the results could be that investors consider disclosure-based environmental performance measures as unreliable, or less reliable as compared with outcome-based or combined measures. Finally, it may be that investors’ expectations have not yet been adjusted to reflect the fact that climate change constitutes a materiality issue for business in the long run, which will require companies to actively manage carbon risks. Although there exists voluminous international research on the topic of this study, South African research in this regard is restricted. This study adds to the existing body of South African specific research, but is only explorative in nature; therefore areas for future research have been recommended.
8
Turyakira, Peter. "Corporate social responsibility: a competitive strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises in Uganda." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012648.
Abstract:
In view of the important role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) universally play as the backbone of national economies and the survival and competitiveness challenges that they face, the purpose of this study was to develop specific models of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for SMEs in Uganda as an avenue to enhance their competitiveness and foster economic development. The primary objective was to gain insight into the deployment of CSR in SMEs, including investigating CSR factors and their potential impact on competitiveness. This study integrates previous findings and theories on CSR activities and SMEs‟ competitiveness into a comprehensive hypothesised model. A comprehensive literature study revealed potential factors that could influence the Increased competitiveness of SMEs in Uganda. Four independent variables (Workforce-oriented, Society-oriented, Market-oriented and Environmental-oriented CSR activities) and three mediating variables (Employee satisfaction, Business reputation and Customer loyalty) were identified as variables influencing the Increased competitiveness (dependent variable) of SMEs. Independent variables were categorised as CSR factors while mediating and dependent variables were categorised as outcomes factors. Furthermore, hypotheses were formulated for possible relationships between the independent, mediating and dependent variables. All the variables in the study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from various measuring instruments used in other similar studies, were used in the operationalisation of these variables. Furthermore, several items were generated from secondary sources. A structured self-administered questionnaire was made available to respondents identified using the stratified and purposive sampling techniques, and the data collected from 383 usable questionnaires was subjected to several statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was ascertained using an exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach-alpha coefficients respectively. An exploratory factor analysis using SPSS 18 for Windows was conducted to identify the unique factors available in the data before applying structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were categorised into models of independent variables (CSR factors) and the mediating variables (Outcomes factors). The items measuring Market-oriented CSR activities and Workforce-oriented CSR activities loaded as expected. The items measuring Environmental-oriented CSR activities loaded onto two separate factors which were renamed Environmental-oriented CSR activities and Regulated CSR activities. One of the items originally expected to measure the construct Society-oriented CSR activities loaded onto Environmental-oriented CSR activities, leaving three items which loaded together onto the Society-oriented CSR activities factor. Four factors constituted the outcomes submodel, namely Customer loyalty, Stakeholder trust, Business reputation, and Employee satisfaction. In this study, SEM was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. Owing to the sample size limitations, the hypothesised model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Consequently, six sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Workforce-oriented CSR activities, Society-oriented CSR activities, Market-oriented CSR activities, Environmental-oriented CSR activities, Regulated CSR activities. To establish the influence of the various demographic variables on the mediating and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis were conducted. The respondent‟s position/title in the business, form of enterprise, branch/sector of business, level of education, and the size of business were found to have an influence on the mediating and dependent variables of this study. This study has therefore added to the underdeveloped body of business research in Uganda by investigating a particularly limited segment of the literature, namely SMEs. The study has also identified and developed various models that explain the most significant CSR factors that influence the competitiveness of SMEs. Consequently, this study has put forward several recommendations and suggestions that can enhance the competitiveness of SMEs locally and globally. Further research is encouraged on action-oriented areas such as: the success of different policies and techniques to increase the uptake of CSR amongst SMEs; the economic, social and environmental impact of CSR at sector level; and a typology of SMEs with regard to their engagement in CSR.
9
Mitchell, Samantha Laura. "Environmental, social and corporate governance reporting : perspectives from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and an international metals and mining sample." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95862.
Abstract:
Thesis (MComm) – Stellenbosch University, 2014.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Global interest in responsible investing has grown in recent years. To make effective decisions, responsible investors require listed companies to report on financial and nonfinancial performance, giving particular attention to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) considerations. This study was undertaken to address the paucity of academic research on ESG reporting in South Africa. A number of local studies had focused on environmental and governance reporting, but no studies had taken a holistic view of ESG reporting. Nor had any studies focused on the metals and mining industry in particular. This is a very important industry from an economic and ESG perspective, both in South Africa and internationally. The primary objective of this study was two-fold. Firstly, it was to investigate the extent of ESG reporting (both in South Africa and in a sample of international Metals and Mining companies). The second objective was to evaluate the factors that could potentially influence ESG reporting in these two samples. A positivistic research methodology was adopted as this approach allowed the researcher to test the stated research hypotheses. Quantitative secondary data were thus collected and analysed. The data collection process consisted of three phases: the first phase involved an extensive literature review of the key constructs; the second phase dealt with the collection of data for the dependent variable (Overall ESG score) from MSCI ESG Research’s database; and the third phase entailed collecting data for the 12 independent variables from Bureau van Dijk and selected websites. MSCI ESG Research’s universe was used to establish the two samples used in this study. The JSE sample consisted of 110 listed companies, whereas the international Metals and Mining sample consisted of 173 companies. Because MSCI ESG Research had completed only one year of ESG research when this study commenced, only data for 2012 were available. Descriptive and inferential statistics were completed to analyse the data. The empirical findings of the JSE sample show that the Governance pillar mean score was significantly higher than the Social pillar mean score and the Environmental pillar mean score. ESG reporting was found to be positively associated with companies which were included in the Nedbank Green Index. Companies included in the JSE Socially Responsible Index produced significantly better ESG reports than those excluded from the index. Significant differences were also noted in the Overall ESG score based on the nature of the industry in which a company operated. In the international Metals and Mining sample, two statistically significant relationships were found: larger companies had higher ESG score than smaller companies; and the greater the ownership concentration in a company, the better the ESG reporting on average. Four statistically significant differences were observed. Companies included in the FTSE4Good Index Series had better ESG scores than companies excluded from the index. Companies in developed countries had better ESG reporting than companies in emerging markets. The third difference related to companies which used the Global Reporting Initiative’s guidelines. These companies had higher Overall ESG scores than those which did not use the guidelines. The same applies to companies which were participants of the UN Global Compact and those who were not. It was concluded that investors who favour sound ESG reporting (and hence ESG management) should ideally focus on larger companies, those which are included in an responsible investing index, use the Global Reporting Initiative’s guidelines, and are participants of the UN Global Compact. Listed companies, particularly those in the Metals and Mining industry, should give more attention to environmental and social considerations, to the overall quality of their ESG reports, and should make more use of available initiatives to aid non-financial reporting.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die afgelope jare het belangstelling in verantwoordelike beleggings wêreldwyd toegeneem. Ten einde verantwoordelike beleggers in staat te stel om doeltreffende besluite te neem, moet genoteerde maatskappye oor hul finansiële én nie-finansiële prestasie verslag doen, met bepaalde klem op omgewings-, maatskaplike en korporatiewe beheer (OMB) kwessies. Hierdie studie is onderneem om ’n leemte in akademiese navorsing oor verslagdoening in Suid-Afrika te vul. ’n Aantal plaaslike studies het al op omgewings- en beheerverslagdoening gekonsentreer, maar geen navorsing tot dusver het OMB-verslagdoening holisties beskou nie. Ook het geen studies nog die soeklig op die metaal- en mynboubedryf in die besonder gewerp nie. Hierdie is ’n baie belangrike bedryf uit ’n ekonomiese en OMB-oogpunt, in Suid-Afrika sowel as internasionaal. Die hoofoogmerk van hierdie studie was tweeledig. Eerstens wou die studie ondersoek instel na die omvang van OMB-verslagdoening (by ’n Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef sowel as ’n steekproef van internasionale metaal- en mynboumaatskappye). Tweedens wou die navorsing die faktore bepaal wat ’n moontlike invloed op die OMB-verslagdoening van hierdie twee steekproewe kan hê. ’n Positivistiese navorsingsmetodologie is gebruik, aangesien hierdie benadering die navorser in staat gestel het om die navorsingshipoteses te toets. Kwantitatiewe sekondêre data was dus ingesamel en ontleed. Die data-insamelingsproses het uit drie fases bestaan: In die eerste fase was ’n omvattende literatuurstudie oor die hoofkonstrukte onderneem; die tweede fase het uit data-insameling oor die afhanklike veranderlike (algehele OMB-telling) uit die databasis van MSCI ESG Research bestaan, terwyl die derde fase data-insameling oor die 12 onafhanklike veranderlikes uit Bureau van Dijk en op uitgesoekte webtuistes behels het. Die universum van MSCI ESG Research is gebruik om die twee steekproewe in hierdie studie te bepaal. Die Suid-Afrikaanse steekproef het uit 110 genoteerde maatskappye bestaan, terwyl die steekproef van internasionale metaal- en mynboumaatskappye 173 entiteite ingesluit het. Aangesien MSCI ESG Research met die aanvang van hierdie studie nog net een jaar van OMB-navorsing onderneem het, was data slegs vir 2012 beskikbaar. Beskrywende en inferensiële statistieke is ontwikkel om die data te ontleed. Die empiriese bevindinge van die Suid-Afrikaanse-steekproef lewer ’n beduidend hoër gemiddelde telling vir beheerverslagdoening as vir maatskaplike en omgewingsverslagdoening op. OMB-verslagdoening blyk ’n positiewe korrelasie te toon met maatskappye wat by Nedbank se groen-indeks ingesluit is. Maatskappye wat ingesluit was in die Johannesburg Effektebeurs se indeks vir maatskaplike verantwoordelikheid het op hulle beurt aansienlik beter OMB-verslae opgestel as dié buite die indeks. Beduidende verskille in algehele OMB-tellings is ook opgemerk op grond van die aard van die bedryf waarin ’n maatskappy funksioneer. In die internasionale metaal- en mynbousteekproef is twee statisties beduidende verwantskappe aangetref: Groter maatskappye het ’n hoër OMB-telling as kleiner maatskappye getoon, en hoe hoër die eienaarskapskonsentrasie in ’n maatskappy, hoe beter die OMB-verslagdoening oor die algemeen. Vier statisties beduidende verskille is boonop waargeneem. Maatskappye wat deel was van die FTSE4Good-indeksreeks het beter OMBtellings opgelewer as maatskappye buite die indeks, en maatskappye in ontwikkelde lande het beter gevaar met OMB-verslagdoening as dié in ontluikende markte. Die derde verskil hou verband met maatskappye wat die riglyne van die Globale Verslagdoeningsinisiatief (GRI) volg, wat algeheel hoër OMB-tellings gehad het as diegene wat nié die riglyne gebruik nie. Dieselfde geld vir maatskappye wat aan die Verenigde Nasies (VN) se wêreldverdrag (“Global Compact”) deelneem en diegene wat nie deelneem nie. Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat beleggers wat goeie OMB-verslagdoening (en dus goeie OMB-bestuur) verkies, behoort te konsentreer op groter maatskappye, maatskappye wat by ’n indeks vir verantwoordelike belegging ingesluit is, wat die riglyne van die Internasionale Verslagdoeningsinisiatief volg, en wat aan die VN se wêreldverdrag deelneem. Genoteerde maatskappye, veral dié in die metaal- en mynboubedryf, behoort ook meer aandag te skenk aan omgewings- en maatskaplike sake sowel as die algehele gehalte van hul verslae, en behoort meer gebruik te maak van beskikbare inisiatiewe om nie-finansiële verslagdoening te ondersteun.
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Hill, S. "The entrepreneurial engineer : an investigation into the relationship between humanitarian engineering and entrepreneurship." Thesis, Coventry University, 2016. http://curve.coventry.ac.uk/open/items/65ba3ca4-8f7a-4d9e-ae0e-feb4873c3b57/1.
Abstract:
‘Humanitarian Engineering’ (engineering to support society) is an initiative that has seen considerable growth in recent years within Australasia and North America and more recently within the UK. It is however still in a nascent phase, and is without a clear global definition. Entrepreneurship on the other hand is well established, understood and has been researched globally for several decades, although still presents conflicting views of what it means to be entrepreneurial. Entrepreneurship does not, on the surface, appear to share obvious connections with humanitarian engineering, however, when considering the researched characteristics of entrepreneurial individuals such as creativity, perseverance and risk taking and characteristics shown by humanitarian engineers, similarities can be seen. The purpose of this research is to develop a clear definition for the term ‘Humanitarian Engineering’ and to investigate rigorously the relationship between entrepreneurial characteristics and the characteristics of those studying humanitarian engineering; both qualitative and quantitative data will be used. Qualitative data are gathered from individuals engaged in humanitarian engineering and provides insight into the definition of humanitarian engineering in a UK context. The primary quantitative research method is an updated version of Gasse and Tremblay’s (2006) Entrepreneurial Characteristic Inventory that measures the 11 recognised entrepreneurial characteristics. This allowed the author to compare and contrast these characteristics as demonstrated by students studying general engineering, humanitarian engineering and enterprise. The quantitative results show that seven of the 11 entrepreneurial characteristics measured are significantly higher in humanitarian engineering students compared with the general engineering students. Nine of the eleven characteristics measured are significantly higher in enterprise students compared with the humanitarian engineering students. Entrepreneurial characteristics are important within engineering, due to the economic impact and association with competencies listed within UK-SPEC to meet Chartered Engineer status but engineers are often the least engaged with entrepreneurial support packages in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This research shows that engagement in humanitarian engineering activities by graduates can act as an indicator for employers of engineers, during the recruitment process, to the existence of these desired entrepreneurial competencies. Further impact of this research is the potential targeting of students within HEIs for enterprise support mechanisms to increase venture start-ups and enhance the relationship between engineering faculties and the enterprise agenda.
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Canbäck, Staffan. "Bureaucratic limits of firm size : empirical analysis using transaction cost economics." Thesis, Brunel University, 2002. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/9030.
Abstract:
This thesis tests Oliver Williamson’s proposition that transaction cost economics can explain the limits of firm size. Williamson suggests that diseconomies of scale are manifested through four interrelated factors: atmospheric consequences due to specialisation, bureaucratic insularity, incentive limits of the employment relation and communication distortion due to bounded rationality. Furthermore, Williamson argues that diseconomies of scale are counteracted by economies of scale and can be moderated by adoption of the multidivisional organisation form and by high internal asset specificity. Combined, these influences tend to cancel out and thus there is not a strong, directly observable, relationship between a large firm’s size and performance. A review of the relevant literature, including transaction cost economics, sociological studies of bureaucracy, information-processing perspectives on the firm, agency theory, and studies of incentives and motivation within firms, as well as empirical studies of trends in firm size and industry concentration, corroborates Williamson’s theoretical framework and translates it into five hypotheses: (1) Bureaucratic failure, in the form of atmospheric consequences, bureaucratic insularity, incentive limits and communication distortion, increases with firm size; (2) Large firms exhibit economies of scale; (3) Diseconomies of scale from bureaucratic failure have a negative impact on firm performance; (4) Economies of scale increase the relative profitability of large firms over smaller firms; and (5) Diseconomies of scale are moderated by two transaction cost-related factors: organisation form and asset specificity. The hypotheses were tested by applying structural equation models to primary and secondary cross-sectional data from 784 large US manufacturing firms. The statistical analyses confirm the hypotheses. Thus, diseconomies of scale influence the growth and profitability of firms negatively, while economies of scale and the moderating factors have positive influences. This implies that executives and directors of large firms should pay attention to bureaucratic failure.
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Gouws, Stephanie. "A study on the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1540.
Abstract:
This study explores the cultural adjustment of the domestic partners of German expatriates working in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive industry of South Africa. The data was collected by distributing pre-interview questionnaires to the participants and conducting in-depth interviews with them. Grounded theory was used in the data collection and analysis and an auto-ethnographic approach was employed, allowing for reflexivity. The findings suggest that the expatriated domestic partners did not necessarily experience much difficulty in adjusting to South African culture as they did, for example, adjusting to not being able to work for the duration of their stay. The research has also shown that the unmarried domestic partners of expatriate employees are at a disadvantage compared to their married counterparts; receiving less assistance from the companies of their partners. Based on the findings, it has been recommended that companies refine and streamline the assistance they offer to the domestic partners of their expatriate employees, providing all domestic partners with the same pre-departure training and entitling them to the same benefits.
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Lin, Jiebin, and 林洁彬. "An anthropological study of the relationship between a female entrepreneur and her family in Japan." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2008. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B41634172.
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Olivier, Grant Jerome. "Developing a business model for growth in social enterprise : a case study of a hybrid organisation." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020137.
Abstract:
The Intshona Group of Companies operates in South Africa as a hybrid agribusiness combining entrepreneurial principles with a philosophy of social upliftment in Africa. This research views Intshona through the lens of social entrepreneurship theory, a hybrid research field with a dominant theme being the need for growth and scaling of impact, but which is seen as fragmented, containing ambiguities and lagging practice. In this research, a case study of Intshona is developed based on questionnaires and interviews with the organisation’s management, a concerned NGO, social beneficiaries as well as employees. The result is a two-way flow of knowledge integrating elements of existing social enterprise theory with Intshona’s business practices, building on a generic model of entrepreneurship and culminating in a business model for growth in a social enterprise. The research delivers strategic directives for Intshona for its future growth, presents a case study for addition to the body of knowledge on social entrepreneurship and concludes with suggestions for further research to continue developing theory.
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Chirwa, Danwood Mzikenge. "Towards binding economic, social and cultural rights obligations of non-state actors in international and domestic law: a critical survey of emerging norms." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2005. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&.
Abstract:
This study argued that the issue of non-state actors requires a comprehensive response that includes the recognition of both non-binding and binding human rights obligations of these actors. It examined critically the emerging norms on voluntary obligations, state responsibility, and direct responsibility of these actors with regard to human rights at both international and domestic levels.
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Tekin, Ilknur Mary Joy Nirmala. "Green Index: Integration of Environmental Performance, Green Innovativeness and Financial Performance." PDXScholar, 2014. http://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/1815.
Abstract:
The integration of sustainability performance of companies is becoming increasingly important. The recent global requirements (i.e. the Kyoto Protocol) for significant reduction of the negative impact of companies on the environment over the next 6 years have been putting pressure on the companies, requiring them to lower the negative environmental impact of market performance. This requirement challenges the profitable growth of the companies' business functions, given the change needed for business operations to improve on their environmental impact.
In this dissertation a new corporate sustainability performance index, called: The Green Index, for measuring and assessing the integrated sustainability performance of companies is developed. The Green Index integrates Environmental Performance, Green Innovativeness and Financial Performance, by quantifying the expert opinions toward their integration. Development of the Green Index is a holistic approach in defining and measuring "green" performance for companies, integrated into their market performance. Green Index, for the first time in the literature, introduces Green Innovativeness in defining and measuring Green Performance of companies, in integration with Environmental and Financial Performance.
In the literature and business practices, there are various sustainability indices used, and methodological approaches in measuring corporate sustainability performance with more than hundred performance indicators. The Green Index, uniquely refers to the collective expert opinion of management researchers, executive managers of corporations, high-tech companies' R&D managers, financial managers, corporate social responsibility managers, in defining a shorter list of 29 performance measures under the three core performance dimensions. Hierarchical Decision Modeling is used for the development of Green Index based on experts' collective decisions. At the next level, desirability levels for each one of the 29 performance measures are scaled by a group of angel investors and investors. And their collective desirability quantifications are used toward the application of the Green Index to quantify the Green Index value for a set of scenario analyses for alternative company performance states.
Green Index fills a major gap in the scholarly literature and business practices. It meets the needs prioritized in the near future strategy of World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD) towards development of new performance metrics and business models for industries that are financially successful while innovating with green products as they are reducing their negative environmental impact (WBCSD Annual Report 2010, 2011).
17
Chen, Hunglin Maggie. "An analysis of the impact of cultural differences upon management styles of selected Taiwanese managers within business/industry organizations of Southern California." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 1995. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/1045.
18
Krueger, Paula Kay. "China and the USA: An analysis of intercultural training methods in the corporate environment." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2004. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/2563.
Abstract:
This project presents the cultural significance of establishing and maintaining business relationships with Chinese counterparts. It includes sample training modules to provide intercultural training for all firms engaged in business with China.
19
Meyerding, Stephan Gerhard Heinz [Verfasser]. "Employee and consumer related aspects of socially sustainable organizational and business development of horticultural enterprises in Germany / Stephan Gerhard Heinz Meyerding." Hannover : Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB), 2016. http://d-nb.info/1122663706/34.
20
Price, Leigh. "A transdisciplinary explanatory critique of environmental education." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2007. http://eprints.ru.ac.za/909/.
21
Barter, Nicholas J. "Pursuing sustainability : an exploratory study of organisations that have environmental missions." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/1707.
Abstract:
Numerous management scholars argue that management theory is anthropocentric and considers humans as being separate from the environment. Further anthropocentrism does not enable theory and organisations to contribute to sustainable development. To counter this it is argued theory and organisations should embrace an environmental paradigm that does not separate humans and the environment. This exploratory research attempts to identify whether any organisations operate with an environmental paradigm. The research questions focus on paradigms and some of the tensions surrounding the human-environment debate, such as; sufficiency versus profit maximisation and quoted status, money as a means or an end and notions of boundaries between the organisation and the environment. The questions are explored with individuals from 23 environmentally focused, primarily for profit, organisations. The results indicate that the organisations operate with an environmental paradigm, do not perceive of boundaries between the organisation and the environment, do not pursue profit maximisation, can demonstrate sufficiency, view money as a means rather than an end and do not have a favourable view of quoted status. Furthermore, the interviewees do not separate their world into two realms, one social and one natural. Narratives that arise include the organisations operating to a mode of mission and money and that an aphorism of “altruistically selfish and selfishly altruistic” (Maturana & Varela, 1998:197) can be applied. In short, the results indicate some challenges to conventional management theory, in particular strategy and competitive advantage, and that the organisations interviewed could help to, some extent, enable sustainable development. To close, the hope of this study it that its narratives and the conceptual tool it has prompted, provide succour to students and managers who want to develop a ‘future normal’ of theories and organisations that better enable sustainability.
22
Harris, Peter-Dirk. "South African environmental taxes and investment incentives in practice." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95565.
Abstract:
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African economy is faced with a number of challenges as an upper-middle income country that is highly resource-intensive, with an open economy. It has a number of developmental goals that must be achieved in order to maintain environmentally conscious sustainable development. The country will have to find pioneering ways to address the poverty problems faced by a large proportion of its people, while still ensuring economic growth at a reduced cost to the environment. In an effort to promote the shift to a “green” economy, the South African state and its related entities have developed a number of incentive programmes aimed at easing the transition. These incentives primarily support businesses in their efforts to become more energy-efficient, or to convert to renewable energy sources. The objective of this study is to critically evaluate what the South African government is doing with regard to environmental instruments aimed at assisting the country to reduce carbon emissions. This case study follows a quantitative approach, considering the financial effects that the different environmental instruments could have on South African manufacturers. Through the study the researcher will be able to make certain recommendations to businesses in the manufacturing industry who are interested in investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The results of the study will also give the researcher insight into the South African environmental incentives, which will allow him to make informed comments on the proposals that government has tabled regarding future environmental taxes and incentives. The research questions that the researcher tried to answer were based on the current and future policy measures that the South African government has implemented, or will implement, in order to move the country to a low-emissions trajectory. These policies were then also compared to international measures in order to determine if the policies chosen by the South African government are appropriate for the this country’s economy. This study has led the researcher to discover a number of issues relating to the status of environmental policy in South Africa. These discoveries have allowed him to make certain recommendations to businesses investing in this realm, as well as to government which develops these policy measures. The main findings of the study are that with the assistance of the South African government and related entities, investments in renewable energy have become viable. When considering the current status of South African environmental policy, the researcher has also come to realise that the country is lagging behind the rest of the world with regard to policy development. The South African economy is unique, thus policies have to be structured in a way that will not be detrimental to the country.
23
Nieuwoudt, Adriaan Hermanus (Riaan). "The development of an environmental strategy for Pepkor Retail Limited." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/6428.
24
Jarron, Christina. "More nearly social institutions legal regulation and the sociology of corporations /." Phd thesis, Australia : Macquarie University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.14/81460.
Abstract:
"October 2008"Thesis (PhD)--Macquarie University, Division of Society, Culture, Media and Philosophy, Dept. of Sociology 2009.
Bibliography: leaves 273-293.
Introduction -- Patterns of corporate activity as patterns of corporate dominance: legal, organisational, and economic features of corporations -- Representations of corporate dominance in insidious injuries -- The legal basis of corporate dominance: History of the corporation -- Legal individualism and corporate personhood -- Theories of the corporation -- The legal regulation of corporations - corporate liability laws -- Conclusion.
Corporations are no longer simply a type of business structure; they are dominant social institutions. As institutions, corporations are archetypes of contemporary complex social organisation and should, therefore, be a central concern for sociology. Yet with few notable exceptions, sociologists have failed to address their increasingly dominant position in contemporary societies. In this thesis I argue the importance of a renewed sociological interest in corporations. This must acknowledge, but go beyond, the political-economic outcomes of corporations to address the profound consequences of the legal foundations of the corporate form. Corporations are created and regulated by legal doctrine; it is only with a legal mandate that corporations are able to act as employers, suppliers and investors. On this basis, I claim that any understanding of corporate dominance and its effects must commence with an appreciation of the laws that enable the corporation to exist and operate. -- While contributing significantly to wealth creation, corporate dominance also increases the potential for harm to occur to individuals and communities who fall within a corporation's scope. The contemporary proliferation of industrial illnesses is a prime example of this and is examined through a case study of the operations of an Australian asbestos corporation, James Hardie. This case study is timely and unique in its specification of the link between corporate activity and law in contemporary society. -- I argue that corporate activity such as that in the case study is enhanced and legitimated by the legal description of the corporation that assigns to it the capacities of a human individual through corporate legal personhood. Corporate personhood is examined as an example of the legal individualism endorsed in liberal common law countries. By exploring accounts of corporate structure, decision-making and work processes, I explain how the individualised description of the corporation is at odds with its collective realities; the largest and most successful corporations are collectives of human and monetary resources. -- In light of this, I question the extent to which the effective regulation of corporations can be achieved within existing legal frameworks. Building upon research into workplace health and safety in the United Kingdom, the regulation of workplace deaths in Australia is examined to demonstrate the various approaches to regulating corporations and to identify their shortcomings. This is a striking example of the problems law faces in regulating corporations by virtue of its individualistic design. -- The thesis concludes with an affirmation that sociology needs to grapple with issues of corporate activity and that an understanding of the legal basis of the corporation is the foundation of such studies.
Mode of access: World Wide Web.
295 leaves
25
Adam, Shalima. "Carbon disclosure and company performance : a portfolio performance approach." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21194.
Abstract:
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.The objective of this research study was to investigate whether socially responsible companies that disclose their carbon emission, referred to in this research report as ‘carbon disclosure leaders’, outperform their non-disclosing counterparts, referred to in this research report as ‘carbon disclosure laggards’. This research study attempted to substantiate the relationship between companies’ carbon disclosure practices and companies’ share price performance. An empirical analysis was conducted with a focus on South African-listed Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) top-100 companies. A portfolio approach was utilised to establish if any significant relationship exists between company carbon disclosure and company share price performance. Portfolios were constructed based on companies that participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and were thus categorised into JSE industry sectors. It was assumed that by using industry-specific sectors, the macro-economic conditions would generally affect all companies in that specific sector in a similar way, thus enabling comparative analysis. The results from this study subsequently found, having done various analyses in terms of share price growth and carbon disclosure, that no significant correlation exists in terms of the CDP. This would, however, be correct in terms of the analysed data, which is limited at times, but cannot be necessarily inferred as a broader statement. Intuitively, it can be said that carbon disclosure and greater ratings in terms of the CDP would imply that companies are more positive in dealing with their carbon footprint, which would be more positive for their long-term existence and sustainability. Equally, it could also yield various cost savings that will translate into higher earnings and earnings per share that drive share price growth. In becoming more active in reducing the carbon footprint, companies would also reduce their risk profile since they would be better aligned to potential restrictive carbon emission legislation and improve their public profile, which could again boost profitability. Further arguments can be made to suggest that disclosure of a company’s carbon initiatives and footprint would benefit the company’s value and share price performance. Thus, having observed the outcomes of the analyses conducted in this report, the more appropriate question would be if other factors exist that could have affected the outcomes as observed and whether these factors could have overshadowed the proof that there is a positive correlation between share price growth and carbon disclosure.
26
Clements, Deidre Franklin. "Corporate social responsibility in South Africa : a closer look at South African Breweries enterprise development programmes." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/5036.
Abstract:
Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: "Poverty is unnecessary. People are capable of getting themselves out of poverty. All they need is opportunities. They are not waiting for charity or handouts. Charity is good but it is not good enough. If you turn it into a business proposition, then it's very powerful, because it can run on its own steam" (Muhammed Yunus, Nobel Prize of Economics, 2006). It is widely acknowledged in current literature that business is one of the most powerful forces for change in the 21 st century. One of the major challenges is to harness this potential and to allocate it accurately to where it is most effective. Leaders globally are increasingly acknowledging that new business models are emerging that can effectively combine citizenship and profitability without unduly sacrificing returns to shareholders, but rather enhancing them. The term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been abandoned by most South African firms in favour of the term Corporate Social Investment. This has been done in order to divert attention from calls on business to redress the results of the country's historical contribution to the apartheid system. Businesses have responded strongly to the pressures of CSR. CSR in South Africa has become an inherent aspect of any organisation's overall business strategy. For South Africa to achieve their goals of reducing poverty, accelerating economic growth, and providing better services to their citizens there has to be a strong focus on encouraging large corporate involvement. This thesis discusses the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes implemented by selected large companies operating in South Africa and the attempts they have made to close the poverty gap at the bottom of the pyramid. The second part of this thesis provides a closer and detailed discussion of South African Breweries enterprise development programmes, viz: Ukusa and Mahlasedi. The outcome of this thesis provides further evidence that poverty alleviation strategies can be effective and sustainable if they incorporate private sector approaches that promote entrepreneurial development within the target population in South Africa. It also emphasises that CSR programmes not only provide opportunity for the population at the bottom of the pyramid but directly influences the growth and sustainability of many businesses in South Africa.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Dit word oral in huidige literatuur erken dat besigheid een van die sterkste kragte vir verandering in die 21 ste eeu is. Een van die grootste uitdagings is om hierdie potensiaal te benut en om dit akkuraat toe te wys na waar dit die doeltreffendste aangewend kan word. Leiers wêreldwyd erken toenemend dat nuwe besigheidsmodelle verskyn wat burgerskap en winsgewendheid doeltreffend kan kombineer sonder oormatige opoffering van winste aan aandeelhouers maar trouens eerder deur die verhoging daarvan. Die term Korporatiewe Maatskaplike Verantwoordelikheid (KMV) was deur die meeste Suid-Afrikaanse maatskappye ten gunste van die term Korporatiewe Maatskaplike belegging verruil. Dit is gedoen om aandag weg te lei van beroepe op ondememings om die gevolge van die land se historiese bydrae tot die apartheidstelsel reg te stel. Besighede het heftig gereageer op die druk van KMV. KMV in Suid-Afrika het 'n inherente aspek van enige organisasie se oorkoepelende besigheidstrategie geword. Vir Suid-Afrika om hierdie doelwitte van armoedevermindering, versnelde ekonomiese groei en beter diensverskaffing aan burgers te bereik, moet daar 'n sterk klem op die aanmoediging van korporatiewe betrokkenheid wees. Hierdie tesis bespreek die Korporatiewe Maatskaplike Verantwoordelikheidsprogramme (KMV-programme) wat deur geselekteerde groot Suid-Afrikaanse maatskappye geimplementeer is en die pogings wat hulle aangewend het om die armoede gaping aan die onderkant van die inkomstepiramide te vernou. Die tweede deel van hierdie tesis verskaf 'n fyner en breedvoeriger bespreking van die Suid-Afrikaanse Brouerye se Ondernemingsontwikkelingsprogramme, nl. Ukusa en Mahlasedi. Die uitkoms van hierdie tesis verskaf verdere bewyse dat armoedeverligtingstrategieë doeltreffend en volhoubaar kan wees indien dit privaat-sektor benaderings inkorporeer wat entrepreneurskaps ontwikkeling binne die teikenbevolking in Suid-Afrika bevorder. Dit beklemtoon ook dat KMV-programme geleenthede vir die deel van die bevolking aan die onderkant van die inkomstepiramide skep, en terselfdertyd die groei en volhoubaarheid van talle ondernemings in Suid-Afrika regstreeks beinvloed.
27
Welter, Karen. "Sustainability in the restaurant industry : a Cape Town study." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/71819.
Abstract:
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main aims of this thesis were to focus on the restaurant system in Cape Town with a view to creating a support mechanism for a move to more sustainable practices. A review of the literature found that despite a growing global population, the pressure on resources and consumption has been driven by the global middle class. Over half the world lives in cities and dualistic urban systems reinforce access to resources by excluding the poor and favouring the wealthy. Resource flows and consumption have degraded ecosystems, created waste and emissions. We use resources faster than they can be replenished and have exceeded the earth’s regenerative capacity. Counter to this, there is evidence of decoupling resource use from economic growth. Similarly, the industrialised food system has been created on external inputs such as fertiliser and insecticides, largely derived from fossil fuels. Food produced in the system uses energy, produces waste, depletes the soil and thwarts biodiversity. The global food system counters local food economies. This thesis argues that a sustainable system would have the economy as a basis for a better and equitable environment for current and future generations within ecological and regenerative capacity. As a city Cape Town reflects the inequalities and unsustainability of the global system, with vast disparities in wealth and opportunity. Restaurants can control flows of energy, food and waste, support people and the environment, as well as communicate and educate consumers. By collaborative efforts they can lay the basis for local food economies. Restaurants connect consumers to their food and make decisions about where the food comes from, how it will be prepared and disposed of and who will engage in that preparation. The restaurant sector can contribute to sustainability in its use of resources as well as its employment, community engagement and communication practices. This in turn supports local economies and impacts on the broader sustainability of the city. Research into the restaurant system in Cape Town showed that there is consumer interest in sustainability. There is evidence of restaurants making efforts towards sustainable endeavours. Within Cape Town there is the opportunity to look for more sustainable energy, work around local and seasonal menus, support local food economies, and control wastage. Local food economies can be supported while staff can also be treated fairly and given growth opportunities. Endeavours can be communicated as a way of shifting current unsustainable consumption patterns. The conclusions drawn from the thesis suggest that like the Sustainable Restaurant Associations (SRA) and Dinegreen there is space for a support mechanism for the restaurant industry where individual restaurants can be helped to move to sustainability and collaborate with other stakeholders. The recommendations of the thesis are to create an organisation that can evolve into a co-operative that will bring restaurants together and map out the changes they make. They need to be supported with expertise and audits of their current practice so that they can set goals for the future with regard to their environmental and social actions.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoof doel van hierdie dissertasie was om die restaurantstelsel in Kaapstad te ondersoek met die oog daarop om ‘n ondersteuningsmeganisme vir meer volhoubare praktyke te skep. ‘n Literatuuroorsig het getoon dat ten spyte van ‘n groeiende wereldbevolking, die druk op natuurlike en ander hulpbronne deur die wereldwye middelklas uitgeoefen word. Meer as die helfte van die wereld woon in stede en dualistiese stedelike stelsels versterk toegang tot sulke hulpbronne deur die armes uit te sluit en voorkeur te gee aan die reikes. Die vloei en verbruik van hulpbronne het ekologiese stelsels gedegradeer en afskeidings en afval vergroot. Ons verbruik hierdie hulpbronne vinniger as wat hulle vervang kan word en het die aarde se herstelkapasiteit oorskry. Aan die ander hand is daar bewyse dat die verbruik van hulpbronne ontkoppel is van ekonomiese groei. Insgelyks is die industrieele voedselstelsel gegrond op externe inset soos kunsmis en insekdoders, wat grootendeels van fossiele brandstof bekom word. Voedsel wat in hierdie stelsel geproduseer word verbruik energie, skep afval, put die grond uit en werk biologiese verskeidenheid tee. Die globale voedselstelsel is in teenstand teenoor plaaslike voedselekonomiee. Hierdie dissertasie redeneer uit die oogpunt dat ‘n onderhoudbare stelsel die ekonomie as ‘n basis vir ‘n beter en billike omgewing vir huidige en toekomstige geslagte, binne die ekologiese kapasiteit, sou he. Die stad Kaapstad weerkaats die ongelykhede en onvolhoubaarheid van die wereldwye stelsel, met sy ongelykhede in welstand en geleenthede. Restaurante kan beheer uitoefen oor hulle vloei van energie, voedsel en afval, kan mense en die omgewing ondersteun, sowel as verbruikers inlig en oplei. Deur pogings om saam te werk kan hulle die grondslag le vir plaaslike voedselekonomiee. Restaurante kan verbruikers verbind tot hulle voedsel en kan besluite neem oor waarvandaan die voedsel verkry word, asook hoe dit berei en afgedoen sal word en wie dit sal berei. Die restaurantsektor kan bydra tot volhoubaarheid in sy gebruik van hulpbronne sowel as inwerkneming, gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en kommunikasiepraktyke. Dit sal op sy beurt dan plaaslike ekonomiee ondersteun en ‘n wyer impak he op die volhoubaarheid van die stad. Navorsing oor die restaurantstelsel in Kaapstad het getoon dat die verbruiker belang stel in volhoubaarheid. Daar is tekens daarvan dat restaurante pogings aanwend in die rigting van beter volhoubaarheid. In Kaapstad bestaan die geleentheid om te soek na meer volhoubare energie, rondom seisoenaangepaste spyskaarte, die ondersteuning van plaaslike voedselekonomiee, en die beheer van afval. Plaaslike voedselekonomiee kan ondersteun word terwyl werknemers regverdig behandel word, en moontlikhede tot vooruitgang het. Hierdie pogings kan oorgedra word as ‘n manier om die huidige onvolhoubare verbruikspatrone te verander. Die afleidings wat gemaak word in hierdie dissertasie stel voor dat daar plek is vir ‘n ondersteuningsmeganisme vir die restaurantindustrie, soos die “Sustainable Restaurant Associations” (SRA) en “Dinegreen”, waar die individuele restaurant gehelp kan word in rigting volhoubaarheid te beweeg en om saam te werk met ander belangstellendes. Hierdie dissertasie stel voor om ‘n organisasie te skep wat kan ontwikkel tot ‘n kooperatiewe wat restaurant saam kan bring en die veranderings wat hulle aanbring kan uiteensit. Hulle sal moet ondersteun word met kennis en ouditering van hulle huidige praktyke, sodat hulle doele kan stel vir die toekoms met betrekking tot hulle omgewings en sosiaal gerigte handeling.
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Saad, Pedro Fernandes. "Empresas eODS: priorizando as ações sustentáveis de maior retorno econômico, social e ambiental para a humanidade." Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, 2018. https://tede2.pucsp.br/handle/handle/21547.
Abstract:
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Pedro Fernandes Saad.pdf: 3567757 bytes, checksum: a541132c7b6c355a8ad4c3842debd248 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-09T10:23:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pedro Fernandes Saad.pdf: 3567757 bytes, checksum: a541132c7b6c355a8ad4c3842debd248 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-09-13
Comprising 8 goals and 21 associated targets, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were in forcesincethe beginning of the millennium until2015, have produced good results. Although this success was not entirely due to the MDGs,but also to a number of other global favorable circumstances, such as China's accelerated growth in the period, significant reductions were observed in global indices such as extreme poverty, hunger, out-of-school children and child mortality. The 2030 Agenda, which has succeeded the MDGs since 2016, is composed of 17 Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and 169 associated targets, representing a much greater ambition to be achieved in an equalperiod of 15 years. According to the United Nations DevelopmentProgram (UNDP), it is estimated that US$ 5-7 trillion will be needed to meet the SDGs, with a deficit of US$ 2.5 trillion in developing countries, an order of greatness above the assistance they receive from developed countries, in the order of billions. It is a consensus that this difference can only be covered through partnerships involving the UN, governments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the private sector (companies and investors). This idea is advocatedby both market experts and the UN itself. Since the creation of the United Nations Global Compact in 2000, UNhas discussed partnerships every two years in the General Assemblies and has dedicated SDG17 to specifically deal with the partnerships to achieve the other SDGs. In order to stimulate the active participation of companies in SDGs, incorporating sustainability into their value chains, the Global Compact has been active on several fronts, including the provision of Blueprint for Business Leadership in the SDGs (BBL), a guide that presents suggestions for possible actions and guidelines on how to implement them. However, these actions are presented qualitatively, without any kind of expected cost/benefit parameter that can help companies and investors in decision making. This is a matterthat the Copenhagen Consensus Center (CCC) addresses in the Post-2015 Consensus, suggesting the prioritization of SDGtargets based on a return perdollar invested ratio, although the return,in this case,is the benefit to people, the planetand prosperity. The objective of this work is to propose a method to assist companies in decision making regarding thechoice of sustainable actions to be carried out in partnership with governments, NGOs and the UN itself, as recommended by SDG17, taking into account the cost/benefit ratio in terms of return (for mankind) per dollar invested. For this, the actions listed by the CCC in the Post-2015 Consensusare taken as basis and, for those that can be executed by companies, the model proposed in the BBL by the Global Compact is applied. The aim is to enhance the impact of sustainable actions carried out by companies and to help the UN and its specialized agencies, programs and funds to select and prioritize the most impactful partnerships, thereby contributing to achieving the intended targets by 2030
Compostos por oito objetivos e 21 metas associadas, os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento do Milênio (ODM) da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), que vigoraram do início do milênio até 2015, produziram bons resultados. Ainda que este sucesso não tenha sido integralmente devido aos ODM, mas também a uma série de outras conjunturas globais favoráveis, como o crescimento acelerado da China no período, foram observadas significativas reduções em índices globais como extrema pobreza, fome, crianças fora da escola e mortalidade infantil. A Agenda 2030, que sucedeu os ODM a partir de 2016, é composta por 17 Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) e 169 metas associadas, representando uma ambição muito maior para ser atingida em igual prazo de 15 anos. De acordo com o Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD), estima-se que serão necessários de US$ 5 a 7 trilhões para atingir os ODS, sendo que nos países em desenvolvimento há um déficit de US$ 2.5 trilhões. Trata-se deuma ordem de grandeza acima da assistência que eles recebem dos países desenvolvidos, na casa de bilhões. É consenso que esta diferença só pode ser coberta por meio de parcerias que envolvam a ONU, governos, Organizações Não-Governamentais (ONGs) e o setor privado (empresas e investidores). Esta ideia é defendida tanto por especialistas do mercado, como pela própria ONU, que desde a criação do Pacto Global das Nações Unidas, em 2000, discute o tema das parcerias a cada dois anos nas Assembleias Gerais, além de ter dedicado o ODS 17 para tratar especificamente das parcerias para o atingimento dos demais Objetivos. Para estimular a participação ativa das empresas nos ODS, incorporando a sustentabilidade em suas cadeias de valor, oPacto Global tem atuado em diversas frentes, dentre elas a disponibilização do Blueprint for Business Leadership on the SDGs(BBL), um guia que apresenta sugestões de possíveis ações e orientações de como implementá-las. Entretanto, essas ações são apresentadas qualitativamente, sem nenhum tipo de parâmetro de relação custo/benefícioesperada que possa auxiliar as empresas e investidores na tomada de decisão. Esta é uma questão que o Copenhagen Consensus Center (CCC) endereça no Post-2015 Consensus, sugerindo a priorização das metas dos ODS com base em umarelação de retorno por dólarinvestido, embora o retorno, neste caso, seja o benefício para as pessoas, o planeta e a prosperidade. O trabalho tem por objetivo propor um método para auxiliar as empresas na tomada de decisão em relação à escolha de ações sustentáveis a serem realizadas em parceria com governos, ONGs e a própria ONU, conforme preconiza o ODS 17, levando em consideração o fator custo/benefício em termos de retorno (para a humanidade) por dólar investido. Para isto, tomam-se por base as ações listadas pelo CCC no Post-2015 Consensuse, para aquelas que podem ser executadas por empresas, aplica-se o modelo proposto no BBL pelo Pacto Global. Pretende-se, desta forma, potencializar o impacto das ações sustentáveis executadas pelas empresas e ajudar a ONU e suas agênciasespecializadas,programas e fundos a selecionareme priorizaremas parcerias de maior impacto, contribuindo, desta forma, para o atingimento das metas pretendidas até 2030
29
Von, Witt Simon. "Why do companies go green? A qualitative study of the motivations and contextual factors inducing sustainable responses." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/6859.
Abstract:
Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: ‘Going green’ draws its origins from the ‘green’ in politics, which was first used as a party name by the German Greens (Die Grünen) in the late 1970s, which, although not the first green party, through media hype triggered the conception of a green movement in the early 1980s. This was voiced through green parties across the globe. Green is now seen as a buzzword and is often used as shorthand for discussing sustainability. It has since gained support leading to the gathering of more than 100 heads of state at the Earth Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992 and provided the necessary platform to launch a global campaign. It initially began in developed nations, in particular European countries, but has since spread to developing countries, despite receiving abundant opposition both from developed and developing nations, due to its impact on the oil and coal sectors. The purpose of this research is to determine the core motivation behind companies going green. The researcher does this through a qualitative study of the motivations and contextual factors that induce ecological responsiveness ranging from day to day business practices to the ecological design of their offices. The researcher tests the hypothesis, namely climate change mitigation, which is developed through the literature study and adopted to evaluate the four case studies selected. The researcher builds up his argument in chapters 3 to 5, which draw on the literature studied and first discuss Government’s response to climate change, then the interventions in place to address climate change and finally look at the four case studies. Climate change and its relevance to companies is the key motivation behind deciding on this topic and it is discussed throughout the thesis. Companies interviewed in this thesis expressed concern about it, although it was not always the primary motivation. Some had already introduced measures to address it and were continually looking at new ways of mitigating it. Similarly, the companies interviewed and others analysed were all concerned about introducing cost saving measures, which had the added advantage of being of benefit to the environment. Genuine reasons for mitigating climate change and concern over the future of the planet put forward by certain companies, while protecting profit margins were given by others. All served to achieve one goal to protect the environment through the sustainable use of natural resources and ultimately to enhance companies’ public images as being green companies. This study is divided into a literature review and case studies, where literature pertaining to climate change, renewable energy, sustainable building, corporate governance, green jobs and others was sourced from government gazettes, newspapers, academic studies, books, documentaries, journals, magazines and internet sources. These serve to develop and support the case studies, which take the form of interviews done with owners and workers from the selected companies.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Om groen te wees is ‘n uitdrukking wat van die politiek afkomstig is. Die naam is eers deur die Duitse Groenparty (Die Grünen) in die laat sewentiger jaar gebruik en alhoewel dit nie eintlik die eerste groenparty was, het dit deur middel van die media gelei tot die totstandkoming van die groenbeweging in die vroeer tagtige jare. Die naam “groen” is deur groenpartye wêreldwyd gebruik en ‘groen’ word deesdae as ‘n bynaam gebruik as ‘n mens van verdedigbaarheid praat. In 1992 te Rio de Janeiro, Brazil het die groenbeweging sterk steun gevind toe meer as 100 staatshoofde by die ‘Earth Summit’ bymekaar vergader het. Oorspronklik het die groenbeweging in die ontwikkelde nasies, veral Europese nasies, begin maar het daarna tot die ontwikkelende nasies uitgebrei. Maar daar was heelwat teenstand van beide ontwikkelde en ontwikkelende nasies, weens die ekonomiese uitwerking op die olie en steenkool industriëe. Die doel van hierdie navorsing is om te bepaal watter motiverende faktore maatskappye inagneem as hulle “groen” gaan. Die skrywer versoek om vas te stel deur middel van ‘n kwalitatiewe studie van die motiverende en samehangende faktore wat ekologiese antwoordendheid teweegbring. Hierdie faktore beweeg van daaglikse besigheidspraktyke tot die ekologiese beplanning van die kantore. Die skrywer gebruik die versagting van klimaatverandering as ‘n toets, wat deur die literatuurstudie ontwikkel is en wat verwys word as die sleutelmotivering wat tot groening lei, en wat gebruik word om die vier uitgesoekte studies te beoordeel. Elkeen van die studies word volgens hierdie kriteria bepaal. Die skrywer pas hierdie kriteria ook op voorbeelde wat gebruik word om die vier uitgesoekte studies te steun. Die skrywer bou in hoofstukke 3 tot 4 sy argument op. Daar word die regering se reaksie tot klimaatverandering en groot besigheid se antwoord op regeringsbeleid uiteengesit. Ons sien ook die bemiddelinge wat in staat gestel is om klimaatverandering teen te staan; daarna word die agtergrond oor die logiese gronde vir die verkiesing van die vier gevallestudies bespreek, en laastens word die eintlike gevallestudies behandel. Klimaatverandering en die relevantheid daarvan is die sleutelmotivering vir die keuse van hierdie onderwerp en dit word deurgaans in die proefskrif bespreek. Dit is die een gemeenskaplike faktor waaroor die vier ondervraagde maatskappye getoets is; hulle het reeds stappe geneem om dit teen te staan en soek aanhoudend om die uitwerking van klimaatverandering te versag. ‘n Oorsig van die algemene literatuur en sakestudies, die literatuur wat spesifiek op klimaatverandering van toepassing is, hernieubare energie, verduurbare geboue, maatskaplike beheer, ‘groen’ werk en klimaatverandering te versag. Inligting afkomstig van staatskoerante, koerante, akademiese studies, boeke, dokumentere studies, joernale, tydskrifte en internet bronne. Altesame het hierdie bronne bygedra tot die ontwikkeling en steun van die gevallestudies, wat hoofsaaklik die vorm van onderhoude met werkgewers en werknemers van uitgesoekde maatskappye gevat het.
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Badenhorst, Leon. "A study into the slow rate of energy conservation in the base metal refinery of Anglo American Platinum (Amplats)." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21385.
Abstract:
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.The consumption of energy results in environmental costs, which include resource shortages, air pollution and radioactive wastes. Due to the economic cost associated, more and more Western industrial organisations are investing in innovative technologies to reduce energy consumption through improved thermal insulation of buildings, modifying equipment and by using energy-saving devices. The organisations are, however, not assured of any savings unless employees handle apparatus and equipment in a manner that conserves energy. Therefore, the important question to answer is how organisational behaviour can be changed to improve and enhance energy conservation efforts. Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has identified that it needs to change its operations to conserve energy, thus ultimately conserving the planet. The company has identified an internal goal of reducing its energy consumption by fifteen percent, without sacrificing output, over a period of ten years from 2004. Current (2011) energy consumption at the Rustenburg Base Metals Refinery (RBMR) facility indicates that the mentioned goal does not seem achievable in 2014 as anticipated. The proposition to this phenomenon is that the prevailing culture at RBMR is not conducive to a conservation culture as required to conserve energy. Organisational culture is the pattern of values, norms, beliefs, attitudes and assumptions that shape the ways in which people behave and things get done. This hypothesis was tested with a culture survey in the form of an environmental questionnaire. The findings from the questionnaire confirm cultural barriers to achieving centralised targets and goals. Responses to the questionnaire indicated that the organisation does not measure energy conservation efforts accurately and that the information on how to attain the required conservation is not sufficient. The respondents further indicated that they have very limited input into energy conservation efforts and that trust issues present themselves as barriers to achieving set goals and targets. The prevailing perception by the respondents is that inadequate recognition systems are in place to drive the required savings. A surprising finding of the research is that the level of education of the respondents showed no significance with regard to energy conservation and the environment in general. A second interesting finding was that most respondents felt that they could do something to conserve energy and thereby conserve the environment. The challenge facing Amplats is to transform this awareness into a vehicle that will produce significant and sustainable results. Clear and decisive action will be required to bring about cultural change.
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de, Aguiar Thereza R. S. "Corporate disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions : a UK study." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/840.
Abstract:
Two beliefs drove this dissertation to be centered on the analysis of the UK corporate disclosure (CD) related to global climate change (GCC). Firstly, GCC is the most significant environmental concern of our current age (IPCC, 2001; Stern, 2006; IPCC, 2007). Secondly, CD could illustrate the values of organizations and possibilities for changing organizations’ responsibility regarding to GCC (Gray et al., 1996; Bebbington and Larrinaga-Gonzalez, 2008; Bebbington et al., 2009). This study utilizes content analysis as its principal method and seeks to achieve its goal by way of a two investigations. The first investigation focuses on disclosures made by direct participants’ (DP) in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). It captures GCC disclosures from both stand alone (SA) and annual reports (AR) during 2000 - 2004. This part of the study explores if joining the UK ETS changed GCC disclosures. This is tested on both a longitudinal and matched pair (MP) basis. An analysis using institutional theory suggests that instruments of environmental policy may influence GCC disclosures. Results showed that DP increased GCC disclosure, especially in the AR where mainstream business rationale is accepted. MP disclosures, in contrast, focus on the SA media and on different topics than DP disclosures. AR and SA both contain CD, but in this study they showed different patterns of disclosure and therefore may constitute different disclosure media. The second investigation suggests a method to compare GCC disclosure for a sample of DP and MP, using three different media: carbon disclosure project (CDP), AR and SA. Analysis shows that GCC disclosure did not provide sufficient information to compare GCC initiatives and disclosures. Despite the fact that organizations have similar characteristics in terms of sector, size and origin country, they showed different views on GCC issues and this may partially explain differences on GCC initiatives and disclosure.
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Tzeng, Cheng-Hua 1973. "Growing entrepreneurial firms in developing countries : the interplay of the state, the market and the social sector." Thesis, McGill University, 2006. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=102829.
Abstract:
This study builds an integrative framework to delineate the process of growing entrepreneurial firms in developing countries. Deriving from the existing entrepreneurship literature, this thesis uses two notions to delineate the process of growth of indigenous firms: entrepreneurial intent and entrepreneurial capability. Then, drawing on the literature of economic development, it identifies three key sectors, the state, the market and the social sector, that foster entrepreneurial intent and cultivate entrepreneurial capability.The research setting is the information technology (IT) industries in China and Taiwan, each of which has had impressive performance when compared with their counterparts in other developing countries. This study differentiates the growth of entrepreneurial firms into three stages, getting started, getting there, and staying there, and proceeds to analyze the comparative-historical experiences of six IT firms, three in China and three in Taiwan. The firms in China are the Advanced Technology Service Division (ATSD), Lenovo Computer, and Great Wall Computer. The firms in Taiwan are United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), Acer, and Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS).
It is found that at the stage of getting started, the government tends to be key among the three sectors, and can broadly influence the firms' entrepreneurial intent by building the national institution context, and more specifically through industrial policies. At the stage of getting there, the domestic social sector becomes more salient, and can transfer technology to entrepreneurial firms either from abroad or from their own research; they can also help defend entrepreneurial firms in intellectual property disputes with multinational firms. At the stage of staying there, due to their advanced technology, multinationals as forces in the market become more prevalent, and can enhance or destroy the capability of entrepreneurial firms. Overall, the state can act as context builder, champion and confronter; the social sector can play the roles of capability builder and capability defender, while the market, via multinational firms, can play the roles of capability destroyer and capability enhancer.
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Moru, Dyke. "SAB's enterprise development programmes : an evaluation of KickStart and Mahlasedi projects." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/5535.
Abstract:
Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an illustrious initiative that most companies take advantage of in order to position themselves for competitive advantage in the business world. Other companies view it as an opportunity to contribute towards the development of the society who they find themselves doing business with. Globally, CSR is viewed in different context and South Africa has its own unique way of approach. South Africa's historical problems are still prevalent. These include poverty, unemployment, housing and services backlog and economic inequality. The government is facing a challenge of alleviating most of these by channelling resources to social development. However, the magnitude of these challenges cannot be confronted by the government alone, somehow private sector must assist. Undoubtedly several companies within the private sector benefited from the legacy of the past. Thus, in a South African context, philanthropic gesture from the sector is not an option, but a responsibility. Government is obviously aware of social mandate and its promise, and of the economy's persistent sluggishness to employment creation. Of course, the economy is growing at acceptable rate, but its growth is not in synch with job creation. Through research and learning from developed countries, the government has set its sights on nurturing small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as the preferred method of fighting joblessness. Broadly, this strategy has shown positive results globally and multinationals have collaborated with governments to promote enterprise development. The idea gives a broader hindsight that entrepreneurial culture is the way to go to build a foundation of a robust sustainable enterprise development. A number of companies that value CSR have heeded to this call - corporate social investment to sustainable enterprise development - and one of them is South African Breweries Limited. SAB has various enterprise development programmes that contribute significantly towards socio-economic development. This report highlights the significance and relevance of the two entrepreneurial programmes from SAB, known as the KickStart and Mahlasedi. A main focus will be on the two programmes and how they are implemented, their rationale and how much has been invested so far to ensure their sustainability and success. The KickStart and Mahlasedi programmes have been in operation since 1995 and 2002 respectively. SAB Limited has invested more than R36 million for the KickStart and has helped make 3 200 people to become entrepreneurs. Mahlasedi taverner training programme has assisted licensed taverners to run businesses efficiently with reports of owners saving up to 30.53% in monthly liquor sales and being able to grow their investments to 40.54%. An in-depth research into the programmes reveals that the two programmes have made significant strides towards sustainable development, despite challenges of a few candidates receiving funds in the KickStart programme and provincial licensing hiccups on the part of Mahlasedi. This could be an example to other companies that are keen and have not yet gone the route, to transform on CSI strategies. A key success factor in the implementation phase of these programmes was mentoring of beneficiaries. Huge capital investment can be made into socially responsible initiatives, but without mentoring, sustainable development of benefiting enterprises may not materialise.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Korporatiewe sosiale verantwoordelikheid (KSV) is 'n inisiatief van die korporatiewe sektor wat al hoe meer uitkring vanwee ondernemings se oogmerk om hulle mededingendheid te verbreed. Ander beskou dit as 'n geleentheid om dienste aan die wyer gemeenskap te gee. Wereldwyd word KSV uiteenlopend vertolk en het ook Suid-Afrika sy besondere benadering. Suid-Afrika se onderliggende probleme, soos armoede, werkloosheid, behuisingsagterstande en ongelykheid, duur nog steeds voort en gee vir die regering groot uitdagings wat betref hulpbronkanalisering vir sosiale ontwikkeling. Dit is derhalwe nodig dat die privaatsektor ook tot die oplossings bydra. Waar baie ondernemings in die verlede van die bedeling voordele behaal het, is filantropiese aksies nou 'n vanselfsprekende verantwoordelikheid. Ten einde die gebrek aan werksgeleenthede aan te spreek, le die regering heelwat klem op die kleinsakesektor en sy vermoe om skeppend te wees. Dit het wereldwyd sukses en die korporatiewe sektor is bereid om die staat se pogings te ondersteun. Hierdie siening lei tot 'n beklemtoning van ondernemerskap en hoe dit aangehelp kan word. Verskeie korporasies het hierdie rigting ingeslaan, met Suid-Afrikaanse Brouery as een van hulle. SAB se KSV-projekte sluit verskeie van die projekte in. Hierdie studie fokus veral op twee sodanige programme, nl. KickStart en Mahlasedi, met die klem op hul oorsprong en ontplooing. KickStart is reeds sedert 1995 in werking, met 'n SAB belegging van R36 miljoen en die aktivenng van 3200 ondernemings. Die Mahlasedi program vir die opleiding van taverne-eienaars is vanaf 2002 in werking en het ook daar beduidende suksesse behaal. Lesse geleer uit hierdie twee programme mag ook relevant wees vir ander projekte, met besondere klem op die mentorskap-dimensie.
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Petrus, Henry George. "An investigation into causes of success and failure in small businesses within the Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003942.
Abstract:
The failure rate of small business initiatives in South Africa is phenomenal, and much is needed to unravel the causes contributing to such failures. Yet small businesses are playing a vital part in our global economy and in particular in terms of job creation and poverty eradication. There are internal as well as external factors that play a significant role in determining the success of these small businesses. In South Africa much emphasis is placed by national, provincial and local governments on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive wealth creation and black economic empowerment. Therefore, an investigation into the factors contributing to the success and failure of SMEs is of vital importance. The South African government’s poverty eradication strategy, which is driven by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), allocated funds for job creation programmes as a method to combat poverty and more importantly, to develop young entrepreneurs. Among the seven departments mandated by DTI was the Department of Social Development. Since the birth of the new democracy, this department has transformed from offering a traditional remedial method of service delivery to an integrated developmental approach. This approach included extensive community work, which includes job creation and economic empowerment through the establishment of small businesses. Given the availability of funding, the inability to spend fiscal budgets as per allocation as well as the charity element of receiving involved, it is important to explore whether factors contributing to the success of these SMEs are any different to the traditional business strategies. In this study, the researcher gave special consideration to the social capital element and its contribution in the context of community support as well as the ability of SMEs to become sustainable business ventures over time. The research study aims to highlight unique factors contributing to the success and failures of SMEs established by the Department of Social Development and in doing so hopes to manifest an improved understanding of the management of these SMEs. In chapter one, the researcher gives a brief description of the activities of the Department of Social Development and its mandate to establish SMEs for job creation. A brief explanation regarding the context of the problem that was investigated is also given. Chapter two provides a detailed theoretical overview of the study, focusing in particular on factors contributing to the success and failure of small businesses. In chapter three, the research design and the various instruments used are discussed. Here, emphasis is placed on procedural issues and ethical considerations. The validity and reliability of the research is strongly motivated. In chapter four the research results are discussed. Chapter five aims to discuss the findings of the research with reference to the theoretical overview outlined in chapter two. Lastly, chapter six makes recommendations to the various stakeholders who may benefit from this research. These recommendations are the most important objectives of the research and should add value with regards to the management of SMEs in future, with special reference to the Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape.
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Methawut, Elena. "The effect of computer mediated communication to communication patterns." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2004. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/2644.
Abstract:
Computer mediated communication (CMC) fundamentally influences the function of communication. It influences the organization's management and administration, but it most affects the dynamics of middle and lower level employees. The most simplistic model is that of an electronic office in which its employees need to know and understand the role of CMC. The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance and satisfaction of co-workers who use CMC to communicate within their organization, and to check employees' performance when using CMC.
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Wang, Xingmin. "Cross-cultural leadership by Chinese managers with their South African Xhosa-speaking employees." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21386.
Abstract:
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Purpose. This study investigates how foreign-born Chinese managers in the Cape Town area perceive their own leadership in a cross-cultural business situation, and compares these perceptions with how the local South African Xhosa-speaking employees perceive the styles of their foreign managers. The study is important because of the growing private investment in Africa by people from China. Approach. Ten small businesses owned and managed by Chinese nationals were studied: five retail, two wholesale, one restaurant and two Chinese supermarkets. A Likert-type questiormaire was created by operationalising 10 of the 19 aspects of cross-cultural leadership identified by Suutari and Riusala (2001). These ten aspects are: decision participation, autonomy-delegation, consideration, rewarding, informing, conflict management, production emphasis, criticizing, goal setting, and inspiration. Each aspect had four questions associated with it. The questiormaire was given individually to the ten managers and to 20 of their Xhosa-speaking employees, two per business. It was followed by an open interview based mainly on the questiormaire content. The questionnaire responses were analysed statistically, first to test for the sameness of responses of the employees as well as the sameness of responses of the managers, using the Sign Test. Responses of the two groups were compared for each aspect. Interview responses were used to help interpret the numbers and formulate findings. Findings. There are clear, statistically significant differences between the perceptions of the managers' leadership style by the two groups on all ten of the aspects. The Chinese managers show a similar leadership approach when interacting with their employees. The Xhosa-speaking employees have perceptions similar to one another about their managers' leadership style. Thus a disjunction is shown between the two culturally different groups. The responses of the Chinese managers were analysed in light of the literature on Chinese culture, and in most ways they were seen to be managing using a traditional Chinese-based style. In general, they make the decisions and do the planning, do not delegate much, withhold infonnation, do not reward good performance, and are not inspirational. However, they do tend to be kind. Research limitations. The study compared only those two ethnic groups in a small geographic area, with small sample sizes. It also studied reported perceptions. Further research could tty to isolate just cultural differences, and focus more on leadership behaviours. Practical implications. Acknowledgement of the local culture and perhaps use of a more inclusive, less authoritarian management-leadership style seem important for existing and future Chinese managers. Culturally-based management training can be offered for them and for potential investors, to support future small business investors in South Africa and beyond.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doel. Hierdie studie behels 'n ondersoek na hoe buitelands-gebore Sjinese bestuurders in Kaapstad hulle eie leierskap beoordeel in 'n kruis-kulturele sake omgewing. Hierdie sienings word dan vergelyk met die persepsies van hoe plaaslike Suid-Afrikaanse Xhosa-sprekende werknemers die bestuurstyl van hulle buitelandse werkgewers beoordeel. Hierdie studie is belangrik vanweë die toenemende private belegging in Afrika deur Sjinese burgers. Benadering. Tien klein sake-ondememings wat deur Sjinese burgers besit en bestuur word, is ondersoek: vyf in die kleinhandel, twee in die groothandel, een restaurant en twee Sjinese supermarkte. 'n Likert-tipe vraelys is saamgestel deur die operasionalisering van 10 van die 19 aspekte van kruis-kulturele leierskap s00s deur Suutari en Riusala (2001) geïdentifiseer. Hierdie tien aspekte is: besluit-deelneming, outonomie-delegasie, konsiderasie, beloning, inkennisstelling, konflik-bestuur, produksie-beklemtoning, kritisering, doelsteIling-bepaling, en inspirasie. Elke aspek is aan vier vrae gekoppel. Die vraelys is aan elkeen van die tien Sjinese bestuurders gegee, en aan 20 van hulle Xhosa-sprekende werknemers, twee per sake-ondememing. Dit is opgevolg deur 'n oop onderhoud wat hoofsaaklik op die inhoud van die vraelys gebaseer was. Die antwoorde op die vraelys is statisties ontIeed, eerstens vir die ooreenstemming van die antwoorde van die werknemers, sowel as die ooreenstemming van die antwoorde van die bestuurders deur middle van die "Sign" toets. Die antwoorde van die twee groepe is met mekaar vergelyk vir elke aspek. Die terugvoering vanaf die onderhoude is gebruik om die getalle te interpreter en om resultate te help formuleer. Bevindings. Daar is helder, statistiese beduidende verskille tussen die beoordeling van die bestuurders se leierskapstyl deur beide groepe wat betref al tien die aspekte. Die Sjinese bestuurders toon 'n soortgelyke leierskap benadering wanneer hulle met hul werknemers omgaan. Die Xhosa-sprekende wer1cnemers het onderling soortgelyke persepsies betreffende hul bestuurders se leierskapstyl. Dus bestaan daar 'n uiteenlopende siening tussen die twee kulturele groepe. Die beoordeling van die Sjinese bestuurders is ontleed in die lig van literatuur oor Sjinese kultuur, en dit het geblyk dat hulle 'n tradisionele Sjinese bestuurstyl navolg. In die algemeen is daar bevind dat hulle die besluite neem en die beplanning doen, dat hulle nie veel delegeer nie, dat hulle inligting weerhou, dat hulle nie goeie werkverrigting beloon nie, en dat hulle nie werkers aanmoedig nie. Desniteenstaande is hulle goedhartig. Navorsingsbeperkings. In hierdie studie is slegs twee etniese groepe in 'n klein geografiese gebied, met klein steekproewe, ondersoek. Persepsies waaroor verslag gedoen is, is ondersoek. In verdere navorsing kan daar probeer word om kulturele verskille te isoleer, en om op leierskapsgedrag te fokus. Praktiese implikasies. Erkenning van die plaaslike kultuur en miskien 'n meer insluitende, minder outoritêre bestuurstyl blyk belangrik te wees vir bestaande en toekomstige Sjinese bestuurders. Kultuur-gebaseerde bestuursopleiding kan vir hulle en voornemende beleggers aangebied word om toekomstige klein sake-beleggers in Suid-Afrika en elders te ondersteun.
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Lee, Shu-Yir. "Impact of cultural factors on transnational teams: Diversity, adaptation, communication quality, and trust." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2007. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/3284.
Abstract:
The present research proposes a general model of Transnational Teams (TNTs) to investigate how value placed on cultural diversity, cultural adaptation, communication quality, and trust affect the performance of TNTs and their interaction to each other. TNTs contribute to decisions about a firm's total portfolio of transnational interests, global brands and products, organizational configuration, and global sourcing strategy. Qualitative and quantitative methods are applied in this study of thirty members of TNTs from diverse teams. Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis, relationships between theory and practice are examined. The analysis shows that there is a strong relationship between trust and performance of TNTs.
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Hugo, Hedlund. "Gamification of in-house enterprise settings : A literature review." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för informatik, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-104891.
Abstract:
The practice of utilizing gameful design elements in in-house enterprise settings is an emerging phenomena. Research on the subject is, however, disciplinarily dispersed and difficult to find. Further, there are no summary overviews of subject. Through a literature review of existing research, this thesis illuminates gaps in the current research, avenues of interests for approaches to the application of gameful design elements in in-house enterprise settings and provides a conceptual overview of the state of the field. This is accomplished by answering the research questions: how has research approached the study of gamification of in-house-enterprise settings and what does research contribute? The review concludes that research sees both promises and perils with the gamification of work settings for both employees and enterprises in general. In constructing these arguments research draws upon theory from various academic disciplines. However, the proliferation of unfounded arguments, for and against, the utilization of gamification are identified. Empirically grounded research lends some credence to the assumption that gamification can benefit both employees and enterprises. Effects of gamification are however not conclusive and should be studied further.
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Cohn, Taryn Claire. "Craft and poverty alleviation in South Africa : an impact assessment of Phumani Paper : a multi-site craft-based poverty alleviation programme." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/16269.
Abstract:
Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The cultural industries have been identified by the South African government as having significant potential to generate employment and hence alleviate the wide spread poverty suffered by many in the country. They have invested in the cultural industries with a view to developing SMMEs that have the potential to generate sustainable livelihoods. Craft, in particular is seen as an ideal vehicle through which poverty alleviation can take place, due to the combination of low technology requirements with high levels of manual labour. This study looks at one such multi-site craft-based poverty alleviation programme, Phumani Paper, and assesses the impact that it has had on the poverty of its participants (so far). Drawing on relevant theory “poverty” is defined as a deficiency with regard to three aspects of people’s lives: income, “human development” and capacity building. The results of the study indicate that the program did contribute to human development, but that income generation was less successful. In this regard success seems to depend on conditions at three levels of a programme: the programme management, the project model and the individual participants. Strategic intervention on these three levels will ensure that the impact of craft on poverty is more effective.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die kulturele nywerhede is deur die Suid-Afrikaanse regering geïdentifiseer as ‘n potensiële bron van werkskepping om te help om wydverspreide armoede in die land aan te spreek. Die regering het op kulturele terrein belê in klein- en medium sakeondernemings met die hoop dat hulle kan bydra tot die skepping van volhoubare bestaansgeleenthede. Kunsvlyt word as ‘n ideale roete tot armoede verligting gesien a.g.v. die kombinasie van lae tegnologie vereistes en intensiewe handearbeid. Die studie kyk na een sodanige kunsvlyt-gebaseerde programme vir armoedeverligting, nl. Phumani Paper, en meet die impak wat dit (tot dusver) op die armoede van diegene gehad het wat aan die program deelneem. Gebasseer op relevante teorie word “armoede” in hierdie studie gedefinieer as 'n gebrek op drie terreine van mense se lewens: inkomste, “menslike ontwikkeling” en kapasiteitsbou. Die resultate van die studie toon aan dat die program bygedra het tot menslike ontwikkeling, maar dat die skepping van inkomste minder suksesvol was. Sukses in hierdie verband blyk af te hang van kondisies op drie vlakke van 'n program: die programbestuur, die projek-model en die individuele deelnemers. Strategiese intervensie op hierdie drie vlakke sal verseker dat die impak van kunsvlyt op armoede meer effektief is.
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Ginindza, Mpendulo Tozi. "Towards zero-waste to landfill : the case of CSIR's framework." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/20114.
Abstract:
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Organisations are beginning to take responsibility for the impacts made by their operations/activities on the environment. The sustainability of organisations can not only be measured by their economic performance, but also by their social and environmental performance. Good governance as recommended in the King III report (Institute of directors in South Africa, 2009) requires reporting to be integrated with the organisation’s social and environmental performance. Organisations inevitably use natural resources and generate waste. Agenda 21 states that organisations should use natural resources efficiently (UNCED, 1992). The challenge according to UNDP (1998:1) is not to stop growth, but to “change the patterns of consumption and production, using new technologies to achieve greater efficiency and reduce waste and pollution”. Waste management is not only an internal concern for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), but also for the national and international institutions. In South Africa, waste management previously only involved the disposal of waste aspects of it; leaving out important components of waste management such as its treatment and the principles of waste reduction, reuse and recycling. South Africa has in the past ten years changed and has instead developed sustainability plans. For example, The Polokwane Declaration on waste management outlines what the government, civil society and the business community will do to ensure the reduction of waste generation and disposal (South Africa, 2001). The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act 59 of 2008) states that waste must be reduced, reused, recycled and treated before it is disposed. To this effect, South African municipalities are trying to identify ways to ensure that residents and industry adhere to these requirements. The CSIR is a scientific and technological research, development and implementation organisation which has a long-standing commitment to environmental protection. It has been accredited for adherence with ISO14001 Environmental Management System requirements for over ten years. Development of the Zero-Waste to Landfill Framework builds on the strengths of the organisation’s Environmental Management System and enhances sustainable practices throughout the organisation; and also responds to national imperatives such as the Polokwane Declaration. Typical waste streams generated at the CSIR sites include general business waste (paper, cans, plastics, glass etc), general industrial waste (oils, greases, metals, plastics etc), and hazardous waste (chemical, laboratory, bio hazardous). The Zero-Waste to Landfill Framework assists, and gives guidance to the organisation in order to achieve Zero-Waste to Landfill. It informs the CSIR in planning for initiatives and systems that need to be in place in order to achieve the Zero-Waste to Landfill goal. The framework is developed to provide sustainable solutions for waste management which result in economic, social and environmental benefits for an organisation such as the CSIR. This research was done to look into the factors that ensure that an effective waste minimisation process and programme is implemented at the CSIR, and the recommendations are that; a) The CSIR participates in sustainability reporting. b) The CSIR implements green procurement. c) The CSIR explores different innovative methods, technologies and materials that can be used to minimise waste. d) The CSIR runs intensive awareness raising campaigns.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Dit blyk dat sekere Suid-Afrikaanse organisasies uiteindelik besig is om verantwoordelikheid te neem ten opsigte van die impak wat hul produksieprosesse op die omgewing het. Die volhoubaarheid van organisasies word nie net deur ekonomies uitsette gemeet nie, maar sluit ook die monitoring van organisatories-ekonomiese in. Effektiewe bestuur soos aanbeveel deur die King III verslag (Institute of directors in South Africa, 2009) vereis dat organisatoriese rapportering sosiale en omgewingsuitsette insluit. Dit is onafwendbaar dat organisasies natuurlike bronne sal gebruik en afval daardeur genereer. Agenda 21 (UNCED, 1992) vereis egter dat organisasies natuurlike hulpbronne op ‘n effektiewe en verantwoordelike manier sal gebruik. Volgens die UNDP (1998:1) is die uitdaging aan organisasies nie om vooruitgang te stuit nie, maar “to change the patterns of consumption and production, using new technologies to achieve greater efficiency and reduce waste and pollution”. Effektiewe afvalbestuur is nie net van toepassing op die “Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) nie, maar geld ook vir ander nasionale organisasies. In die verlede was afvalbestuurmetodes in Suid-Afrika hoofsaaklik gemik op die wegdoening van afval, terwyl metodes soos hergebruik, afvalvermindering en herwinning nie eers oorweeg is nie. Suid-Afrika het gedurende die afgelope tien jaar vooruitgang gemaak op hierdie terrein deur planne te ontwikkel wat volhoubaarheid sal bewerkstellig, byvoorbeeld the Polokwane Verklaring insake Afvalbestuur wat bepaal watter metodes die regering, gemeenskap en besigheidsgemeenskap sal implementeer om die vermindering en wegdoening van vaste afval te verseker. Die “National Environmental Management Waste Act” van 2008 vereis dat metodes vir die vermindering, hergebruik en herwinning oorweeg moet word alvorens blote wegdoening plaasvind. Die munisipaliteite in Suid-Afrika is tans besig om maniere te identifiseer wat sal verseker dat inwoners en industrieë hierdie vereistes nakom. The CSIR is gemik op tegnologiese navorsing, ontwikkeling en implementering en het ‘n langtermyn verbintenis om die omgewing te beskerm. Dit het die afgelope tien jaar die ISO 14 001 akkreditasie bekom en behou. Die ontwikkeling van die “Zero-waste to landfill”-Beleid bou op die positiewe aspek van die Organisasie se omgewingsbestuursisteem en bevorder volhoubare praktyke regdeur die Organisasie. Die Beleid spreek ook tot nasionale imperatiewe soos die Polokwane Verklaring. Die CSIR genereer afvalstrome ten opsigte van algemene kantoorafval (papier, blikkies, plastiek, glas, ens.), industriele afval (olie, ghries, metale, plastiek, ens.), sowel as gevaarlike afvalstowwe afkomstig van laboratoriums wat chemikalieë en biologies-gevaarlike materiaal insluit. Die “Zero-waste to Landfill”-Beleid fasiliteer en gee gestalte aan die Organisasie om hierdie doelwitte in die praktyk te bereik deur die ontwikkeling van inisiatiewe en sisteme. Die Beleid is ontwikkel met die doel om volhoubare oplossings te verskaf aan ‘n Organisasie soos die CSIR wat uiteindelik ekonomiese, sosiale en omgewingsvoordele sal inhou. Hierdie navorsing is gedoen om faktore wat die suksesvolle implementering van effektiewe afvalverminderings prosesse en programme by die CSIR beinvloed te ondersoek. Die aanbevelings sluit die volgende in: a) Die CSIR moet betrokke wees by volhoubare rapporteringsmetodes. b) Die CSIR moet aankoopmetodes implementeer wat volhoubaarheid ondersteun. c) Die CSIR moet verskeie innoverende metodes, tegnologie en materiale ondersoek wat gebruik kan word om die generering van afval te minimaliseer. d) Die CSIR moet intensiewe bewusmakingsveldtogte van stapel stuur.
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Cincera, Michele. "Economic and technological performances of international firms." Doctoral thesis, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/2013/ULB-DIPOT:oai:dipot.ulb.ac.be:2013/212081.
Abstract:
The research performed throughout this dissertation aims at implementing quantitative methods in order to assess economic and technological performances of firms, i.e. it tries to assess the impacts of the determinants of technological activity on the results of this activity. For this purpose, a representative sample of the most important R&D firms in the world is constituted. The micro-economic nature of the analysis, as well as its international dimension are two main features of this research at the empirical level.The second chapter illustrates the importance of R&D investments, patenting activities and other measures of technological activities performed by firms over the last 10 years.
The third chapter describes the main features as well as the construction of the database. The raw data sample consists of comparable detailed micro-level data on 2676 large manufacturing firms from several countries. These firms have reported important R&D expenditures over the period 1980-1994.
The fourth chapter explores the dynamic structure of the patent-R&D relationship by considering the number of patent applications as a function of present and lagged levels of R&D expenditures. R&D spillovers as well as technological and geographical opportunities are taken into account as additional determinants in order to explain patenting behaviours. The estimates are based on recently developed econometric techniques that deal with the discrete non-negative nature of the dependent patent variable as well as the simultaneity that can arise between the R&D decisions and patenting. The results show evidence of a rather contemporaneous impact of R&D activities on patenting. As far as R&D spillovers are concerned, these externalities have a significantly higher impact on patenting than own R&D. Furthermore, these effects appear to take more time, three years on average, to show up in patents.
The fifth chapter explores the contribution of own stock of R&D capital to productivity performance of firms. To this end the usual productivity residual methodology is implemented. The empirical section presents a first set of results which replicate the analysis of previous studies and tries to assess the robustness of the findings with regard to the above issues. Then, further results, based on different sub samples of the data set, investigate to what extent the R&D contribution on productivity differs across firms of different industries and geographic areas or between small and large firms and low and high-tech firms. The last section explores more carefully the simultaneity issue. On the whole, the estimates indicate that R&D has a positive impact on productivity performances. Yet, this contribution is far from being homogeneous across the different dimensions of data or according to the various assumptions retained in the productivity model.
The last empirical chapter goes deeper into the analysis of firms' productivity increases, by considering besides own R&D activities the impact of technological spillovers. The chapter begins by surveying the alternative ways proposed in the literature in order to asses the effect of R&D spillovers on productivity. The main findings reported by some studies at the micro level are then outlined. Then, the framework to formalize technological externalities and other technological determinants is exposed. This framework is based on a positioning of firms into a technological space using their patent distribution across technological fields. The question of whether the externalities generated by the technological and geographic neighbours are different on the recipient's productivity is also addressed by splitting the spillover variable into a local and national component. Then, alternative measures of technological proximity are examined. Some interesting observations emerge from the empirical results. First, the impact of spillovers on productivity increases is positive and much more important than the contribution of own R&D. Second, spillover effects are not the same according to whether they emanate from firms specialized in similar technological fields or firms more distant in the technological space. Finally, the magnitude and direction of these effects are radically different within and between the pillars of the Triad. While European firms do not appear to particularly benefit from both national and international sources of spillovers, US firms are mainly receptive to their national stock and Japanese firms take advantage from the international stock.
Doctorat en sciences économiques, Orientation économie
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished
42
Santos, Flávio Rosendo dos. "A influência política na gestão das empresas estatais à luz do direito fundamental à boa administração e da governança corporativa e pública." Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, 2015. http://repositorio.utfpr.edu.br/jspui/handle/1/1592.
Abstract:
Este estudo dedica-se a explicar em que medida a influência política na gestão das empresas estatais pode ser considerada legítima à luz do direito fundamental à boa administração pública e da governança corporativa e pública, motivo pelo qual se empreendeu pesquisa bibliográfica e documental pautada no método dedutivo de trabalho, na qual foram investigados e apresentados conceitos e questões relativas ao Estado, governo, política, Administração Pública direita e indireta, princípios constitucionais da Administração Pública, direito fundamental à boa administração pública, governança corporativa e pública e empresas estatais. Com base nas premissas encontradas nas obras e legislações consultadas, foi possível concluir que a influência política na gestão das empresas estatais pode ser considerada legítima à luz do direito fundamental à boa administração pública quando promova o interesse público e o atingimento de finalidades públicas, com eficácia, eficiência e observância dos direitos dos cidadãos e dos princípios e regras que compõem o regime jurídico da Administração Pública; e pode ser considerada legítima à luz da governança corporativa e pública se, de forma transparente e conforme as normas pertinentes, busca propiciar não o benefício privado dos agentes políticos, mas a promoção do interesse público ou, em outras palavras, o incremento do valor público produzido por elas, sem deixar de proteger e garantir os direitos de seus stakeholders e shareholders.This study is dedicated to explain the extent to which political influence in the management of state-owned enterprises can be considered legitimate in the light of the fundamental right to good governance and corporate and public governance, for which was undertaken bibliographical and documentary research guided by the deductive method of work, in which were investigated and presented concepts and issues relating to the State, Government, politics, Public Administration, constitutional principles of Public Administration, the fundamental right to good administration, corporate and public governance and state enterprises. Based on the assumptions found in the works and consulted laws it was possible to conclude that the political influence in state-owned enterprises management can be considered legitimate in the light of the fundamental right to good governance if it promotes the public interest and the public purposes achievement, effectively, efficiently and if it preserves the citizens' rights and the principles and rules that make up the legal framework for public administration; and can be considered legitimate in the light of corporate and public governance to the extent that, in a transparent manner and according to the relevant rules, it seeks not the private benefit of politicians, but to promote the public interest or, in other words, the increase of public value produced by them, while protecting and guaranteeing the rights of its stakeholders and shareholders.
43
Trevisan, Lino. "Interculturalidade no ambiente empresarial: relações entre brasileiros e estrangeiros na Volkswagen/Audi de São José dos Pinhais-PR." Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica do Paraná, 2001. http://repositorio.utfpr.edu.br/jspui/handle/1/175.
Abstract:
Este trabalho foi motivado pelo interesse de pesquisar as relações interculturais entre trabalhadores brasileiros e estrangeiros numa empresa multinacional do setor automobilístico instalada na região metropolitana de Curitiba. A empresa selecionada para a realização da pesquisa de campo foi a Volkswagen/Audi instalada em São José dos Pinhais. A referida pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos funcionários no relacionamento intercultural e as estratégias utilizadas para superá-las. Sendo uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, optou-se pela realização de entrevistas semi-estruturadas para a coleta de dados. Foram entrevistados quinze trabalhadores brasileiros e dez "expatriados" dos setores de produção e de administração. Utilizou-se como referencial teórico os conceitos de cultura, diversidade cultural, interculturalidade e cultura organizacional. Para melhor compreensão das representações dos dois principais grupos de entrevistados - brasileiros e alemães - fez-se também uma breve caracterização da cultura e da cultura organizacional brasileira e alemã. Na apresentação dos resultados da pesquisa, faz-se a exposição das representações dos brasileiros, depois dos expatriados, para em seguida analisá-las à luz do referencial teórico que fundamenta este trabalho, apontando semelhanças e diferenças nas representações dos dois grupos de entrevistados sobre suas relações interculturais na empresa. As representações foram agrupadas em blocos e organizadas em itens, nos quais foram reunidas as características mais reveladoras das opiniões mencionadas pelos entrevistados e que respondem ao objetivo deste trabalho. Portanto, inicia-se com algumas considerações de ordem geral, depois são apresentadas as dificuldades identificadas pelos funcionários no relacionamento intercultural, seguidas das estratégias utilizadas para superá-las. Finalmente apresenta-se as representações recíprocas do "nós" e "eles" manifestadas nas entrevistas pelos funcionários brasileiros e xpatriados. A discussão destas representações e tentativa de análise, por sua vez, é uma nova interpretação, feita pelo autor. Em síntese este trabalho é uma interpretação de interpretações.This investigation started from an interest to study the intercultural relationships between Brazilian and foreign workers in an automobile multinational company located in the outskirt area of Curitiba. The company chosen to be the setting of the research was Volkswagen/Audi located in São José dos Pinhais. The objective of this investigation was to identify difficulties employees faced in the intercultural relationships and the strategies they used to overcome the problems. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data since this study was designed in a qualitative paradigm. Fifteen Brazilian workers and ten expatriates of the production sector and administrative department were interviewed. The concepts behind this study are the cultural, cultural diversity, intercultural relationships and organizational culture concepts. In order to better understand the representations of the two main groups interviewed - Brazilians and Germans - brief features of the culture and organizational culture of Brazil and Germany were raised. In the results of the research, Brasilian representations weere shown followed by the "expatriates". Afterwards, these representations were analyzed using the concepts which support this study showing similarities and differences of representations of the two groups interviewed concerning their intercultural relationsships in the company. The representations were grouped in blocks and organized in items, the most revealing characteristics of the opinions mentioned by the interviewees were reunited and which meets the objetive of this study. Therefore, in this investigation some general considerations were made, followed by the presentation of the difficulties identified by the employees in the intercultural relationships, and after that, the strategies used by the group to overcomme the problems. Finally, reciprocal representations of "we ant "they", which were found in the interviews of the two groups, were presented. The discussion of these representations and the attempt to analyze them is a new interpretation done by the researcher. In sum, this study is the interpretation of interpretations.
5000-11-25
44
Kah, S. "An investigation into social impact practice in social enterprises." Thesis, Liverpool John Moores University, 2018. http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/9290/.
Abstract:
This study aims to investigate social impact practice in social enterprises in the UK. It explores the drivers and implementation of social impact, how social impact is assessed, the barriers to social impact assessment. This study adopts a qualitative case study approach. Specifically, multiple case studies of social enterprises. The approach to data collection was semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with expert knowledge of social impact. This study found that internal mechanisms and external institutions drive social impact. The organisations reviewed their culture and structure to understand the norms and identify capabilities. Stakeholder engagement was paramount to social impact captured. Social impact is captured for accountability, social investment readiness, and to build trust with stakeholders. However, they face barriers such as resource constraints and capturing indirect social impact. The study uncovered that the council for voluntary service legal structure impedes access to social investment. This study contributes to normative isomorphism and the micro-context of institutional theory by presenting an in-depth understanding of internal mechanisms agenda for social impact. It also contributes to the intra-organisational development of social enterprises through the review of organisational culture and structure. This investigation provides an in-depth understanding of the rationale and process to social impact assessment. It provides six stages to social impact assessment based on social enterprises operating in the financial support and service sector. Also, it presents practical implications for senior management, board of directors, funders, and policy-makers due to their influence on social impact. Providing the extensive experiences of the boards in the social sector, they should capitalise on their networks by encouraging cross-sector collaborations. Funders need to take into consideration the organisational size and needs of the region in the funding criteria. Policy-makers could remove barriers on the council for voluntary service and community interest company legal structures to encourage cross-sectoral engagement.
45
Kettunen, T. M. (Titta-Maria). "Social value creation abroad:social enterprises’ adaptation to foreign environments." Master's thesis, University of Oulu, 2015. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-201503121144.
Abstract:
The research focuses on internationalizing social value creation of social enterprises taking the point of view of social enterprises’ adaptation to foreign environments. The paper aims to clarify what kinds of methods social enterprises use in order to adapt to the foreign environments in which they are creating social value. The research has been conducted as a qualitative study combining information from previous researches with new empirical data collected by interviewing four international social enterprises. The interviewed enterprises operate and are originally from different countries. The results of this study show that internationalization of social enterprises is partly different from the internationalization of commercial ones. Due to the differences in mission and operating context, social enterprises often face bigger challenges when internationalizing their mission than commercial enterprises do. Based on this research, it is obvious that social networks and partnerships are crucial for social enterprises when adapting to foreign markets. The partners can help, among other things, in learning the culture, applying for funding and in general recognizing the social value creation possibilities abroad. In addition, changing the legislation and rules in the host country, organizational flexibility and product adaptation play an important role when adapting to creating social value abroad. The earlier researches have quite rarely focused on the internationalization aspects or taken the international perspective on social entrepreneurship. Therefore, adaptation to foreign environments is a new topic in social entrepreneurship research. Hence, the results of this study help to understand the field of international social entrepreneurship better and contribute to theory building on the field. Furthermore, the results can be used as a tool to facilitate internationalization of social impactTutkimus paneutuu yhteiskunnallisten yritysten yhteiskunnallisen vaikutuksen kansainvälistämiseen ja erityisesti ulkomaiseen toimintaympäristöön sopeutumiseen yhteiskunnallisen vaikutuksen näkökulmasta. Työn tavoitteena on selvittää, millä tavoin yhteiskunnalliset yritykset pyrkivät sopeutumaan ulkomaisille markkinoille laajentaessaan luomansa yhteiskunnallisen vaikutuksen ulottuvaksi kotimaansa ulkopuolelle. Tutkimus on laadullinen ja se on toteutettu analysoimalla aikaisempia tutkimuksia ja yhdistämällä näiden tutkimusten löydöksiä haastatteluilla kerättyyn empiiriseen aineistoon. Tutkimusta varten on haastateltu neljää yritystä neljästä eri maasta. Yritysten toimialueet ovat erilaiset. Yhteiskunnalliset yritykset kansainvälistyvät hieman eri tavalla kuin perinteiset yritykset ja ne myös kohtaavat monet kansainvälistymisen haasteet suurempina tavoitteen ja toimintaympäristön erojen vuoksi. Tutkimus osoittaa erittäin selkeästi, että yhteiskunnallisille yrityksille sopivat yhteistyökumppanit ovat avainasemassa kansainvälistymisen ongelmia ratkottaessa. Yhteistyökumppanit voivat auttaa muun muassa kohdemaan kulttuurin ymmärtämisessä, rahoituksen hakemisessa tai ylipäätään ulkomaisten liiketoimintamahdollisuuksien tunnistamisessa. Tärkeässä roolissa sopeutumisprosessissa ovat myös kohdemaan sääntöjen ja lakien muuttaminen, organisaation joustavuus sekä tuotteen muokkaaminen kulttuurillisesti kohdemarkkinoille sopivaksi. Yhteiskunnallisista yrityksistä on aikaisemmin tehty hyvin vähän tutkimusta kansainvälisestä näkökulmasta tai kansainvälistymiseen liittyen. Tästä syystä ulkomaisille markkinoille sopeutuminen on yhteiskunnallisen yrittäjyyden tutkimuksessa uusi aihe, minkä vuoksi tämän tutkimuksen tulokset auttavat ymmärtämään kansainvälisen yhteiskunnallisen yrittäjyyden ilmiötä paremmin sekä tarjoavat työkalun yhteiskunnallisen vaikutuksen kansainvälistämisen avuksi
46
Li, Juan Julie. "Social relations of foreign firms in China a focus on trust, network ties and social capital /." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2006. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B36296326.
47
Justino, Mateus Vicente. "Factors influencing the failure of small enterprises in a selected municipality in Luanda, Angola." Thesis, Cape Peninisula University of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2045.
Abstract:
Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015.The necessary skills and knowledge on how to open and manage a business can be mastered but the uncertainties during decision-making, as well as the risks, obstacles and barriers present in the business environment can change established ways of conducting a business. However, identifying the causes of such uncertainties, risks and obstacles is essential as it may reduce the probability of failure in the future, and supports effective policy-making. The purpose of this thesis was to examine the factors contributing to the failure of small enterprises in the Luanda province in Angola, with three specific objectives: to assess the critical management and financial factors; to examine the effect of market competition; and to assess the factors in the economic conditions associated with the causes of small business failures. Recommendations made to government could mitigate the high number of business failures. Similar studies were conducted in countries other than Angola. As alarmingly high rates of business failure exist in Angola, this study sought to examine the factors associated with such failures. This research was conducted under a positivism theoretical perspective and a quantitative research method was adopted. A questionnaire was the primary data collection instrument and the snowball sampling technique was employed. Questionnaires were distributed to 130 small business owners and managers who had experienced business failures and 108 questionnaires were collected. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse the quantitative data which was collected. Results were statistically descriptive in nature and presented in tables, pie charts, and bar charts. The results indicated that critical factors which influenced the failure of small enterprises in Angola were: small business owners and managers lacked knowledge of business systems; small business owners and managers lacked financial accounting skills; and negligence by small business owners and managers in planning and controlling business resources. This indicates that institutions do not actively promote entrepreneurship knowledge and skills development and there is an absence of successful entrepreneur role models and business mentors or coaches for entrepreneurial capacity-building. Among others factors influencing business failure in Viana, this study identified a lack of economic support and availability of fundamental business resources such as raw material, skilled people and finance, rigid policy-making regulations, and a high level of corruption and theft in the country, to the extent that the small business may lack money and is unable to continue operations.The study recommends that since most small businesses operate on a basis of sole decision-making, it is important that the entrepreneur/manager should make a concerted effort to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in management and finance systems, primarily to start a business or as needed, so that risk and probability of failure can be reduced. Policy-making should consider support structures for entrepreneurial capacity building, increase the production of primary products and raw material, provide entrepreneurial training and skills development (higher education), and develop mechanisms to allow easy access to information, reduce trading restrictions and reduce crime.
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Milczewski, Joseph August. "Corporate social responsibility programs in medium-sized U.S. enterprises." Thesis, Baker College (Michigan), 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3745694.
Abstract:
Corporate social responsibility programs have become an integral part of large and multi-national companies. This has been in response to two issues: unethical business practices and the growing concern of stakeholders in companies’ services, products, and activities. There has been an absence of corporate social responsibility programs in medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the United States. Many executives in U.S. medium-sized enterprises find it unnecessary to initiate programs of this type. This study focused on the types of corporate social responsibility programs that exist in medium-sized enterprises and the impact executives believe corporate social responsibility programs have on their companies. The purpose of the study was to identify the reasons why medium-sized enterprises lack corporate social responsibility programs. The study used interviews of executives of medium-sized enterprises in Northeast Ohio. The literature review presents the history of corporate social responsibility programs and the theoretical concept, stakeholder theory, which has allowed these type of programs to develop into their present state along with the advantages and benefits of the programs. The study is significant because the lack of a corporate social responsibility program is detrimental to the success of medium-sized companies. Findings suggest companies have realized financial benefits, realized competitive advantages, and created goodwill through the implementation and maintenance of corporate social responsibility programs.
49
Doherty, Bob. "Resource advantage theory and fair trade social enterprises." Thesis, Liverpool John Moores University, 2009. http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/5940/.
50
Périgo, Daniel Marques. "Avaliação de sistemas de gestão de desempenho e criação de valor social em negócios sociais sob a perspectiva do Social Enterprise Balanced Scorecard." reponame:Repositório Institucional do FGV, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10438/24146.
Abstract:
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O aumento da competitividade, o cenário macroeconômico e a importância crescente dos aspectos sociais e ambientais, associados ao esgotamento dos modelos de negócios convencionais focados prioritariamente na busca de lucro econômico, estimulam o surgimento de novos modelos de negócio, baseados na obtenção de ganho econômico e no atendimento às expectativas sociais. Os negócios sociais surgem como alternativas aos modelos de negócio tradicionais, ao harmonizar a busca pelo impacto positivo na sociedade e as atividades comerciais de geração de renda, combinando a lógica de mercado com a necessidade filantrópica, a fim de atingir uma missão social; no entanto, seu caráter híbrido carrega tensões intrínsecas do esforço de equilibrar esses dois aspectos. Sistemas de mensuração e gestão de desempenho podem ter um papel importante neste contexto, ao permitir a avaliação da adesão da organização aos objetivos sociais, por meio de métricas financeiras e sociais alinhadas à sua estratégia. Entender de que modo a adoção desses sistemas pode influenciar a gestão e orientar a criação de valor social nesses empreendimentos é o objetivo deste trabalho. Para isso, o Social Enterprise Balanced Scorecard (SEBC), uma versão do Balanced Scorecard de Kaplan e Norton, foi utilizado como modelo de análise. O estudo foi efetivado por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa, exploratória, baseada no estudo de casos múltiplos e em entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com representantes de cinco negócios sociais brasileiros, de naturezas jurídicas diversas. Os dados coletados foram consolidados e os indicadores analisados e distribuídos segundo as perspectivas do SEBC. O trabalho demonstrou que, das cinco organizações, três possuíam sistemas de mensuração implementados, com uma tendência maior de adoção nos negócios do terceiro setor. No entanto, a avaliação das métricas demonstrou uma predominância da medição de outputs, uma medição limitada de outcomes mais generalistas e a ausência de medição de impacto, sugerindo um potencial desalinhamento entre as métricas de desempenho e a missão social da organização. Outro ponto constatado foi a vinculação da missão social à figura do empreendedor, caracterizando uma abordagem mais pessoa-dependente e menos processo-dependente. Por fim, os resultados do trabalho apontam para a potencial aplicabilidade do Social Enterprise Balanced Scorecard como mecanismo de mensuração e gestão no contexto dos negócios sociais, ao proporcionar uma visão mais equilibrada do seu desempenho.
The increase in competitiveness, macroeconomic scenario and the growing importance of social and environmental aspects, associated with the exhaustion of conventional business models focused primarily on economic profit, stimulate the emergence of new business models, focused on obtaining economic gain and meeting the social expectations. Social businesses emerge as alternatives to traditional business models, by harmonizing the search for positive impact on society and commercial income-generating activities, combining market logic with philanthropic need in order to achieve a social mission; however, its hybrid character carries intrinsic tensions in the effort to balance these two aspects. In this context, performance measurement and management systems can play an important role by allowing the assessment of the organization's adherence to its social objectives, by using financial and social metrics aligned with its strategy. Understanding how the adoption of these systems influences the management and creation of social value in these enterprises is the main objective of this work. The Social Enterprise Balanced Scorecard (SEBC) - a version of the Balanced Scorecard of Kaplan and Norton - was used as the analysis model. The study was carried out through a qualitative, exploratory research, based on the study of multiple cases and semi-structured interviews with representatives of five Brazilian social businesses, of different legal natures. The data collected were consolidated and the indicators analyzed and distributed according to the perspectives of the SEBC model. The study showed that three out of the five organizations surveyed had implemented measurement systems, with a greater tendency of adoption in the third sector businesses. However, the evaluation of the metrics demonstrated a predominance of output measurements, a limited measurement of generic outcomes and the absence of business impact measurement, suggesting a potential misalignment between performance metrics and the organization's social mission. Another point observed was a strong association of the social mission to the figure of the entrepreneur, characterizing a more person-dependent and less process-dependent approach. Finally, the results of the study point out to the potential applicability of the Social Enterprise Balanced Scorecard as a measurement and management mechanism in the context of social businesses by providing a more balanced view of their performance.