This doctoral dissertation utilizes survey research design and an interview research design to compare the influence of cultural factors on successful succession in South African and American family owned business (FOB’s). The target populations consisted of owner managers and successors of FOB’s located in two countries: USA (State of Indiana) and South Africa (Indian South Africans). The qualitative research methodology was based on 1:1 interviews with 10 FOB’s in South Africa and the USA. The survey research methodology was based on a cross-sectional survey and the research design was correlational. The independent variables included nine cultural dimensions of the target populations measured using a dedicated survey instrument. The dependent variable (Perceived Success) was the relative success of each participant in the target population, with respect to his/her alleged levels of accomplishment in the succession processes. The demographic characteristics of the members of the target populations were also recorded. Correlative relationships between nine reliably measured cultural dimensions, seven demographic characteristics, and the Perceived Success of the succession process were identified. Differences between the populations in USA and South Africa were apparent. Multiple Linear Regression analysis indicated that the most important predictor of Perceived Success in the USA population was Performance Orientation, followed in rank order by In-Group Collectivism, Assertiveness, and Uncertainty Avoidance. Demographic variables had no significant effect on the relationship between Predicted Success and the cultural dimensions of the USA population. In comparison the most important predictor of Perceived Success in the Indian South African population was Uncertainty Avoidance, followed in rank order by Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, the age of the participant, and the number of people who worked in the participant’s organization. The combined model between the USA and the Indian South African FOB’s indicated that the most important predictor for perceived success was Uncertainty Avoidance, followed in rank order by In- Group Collectivism, Performance Orientation and Assertiveness. Evidence is provided to conclude that the relative importance of cultural dimensions and demographic characteristics to the succession planning of owner managers and successors in South Africa was significantly different to those of their western counterparts.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of South Africa, 2001.

A distinguishing characteristic of the current world economy is the decline in the number of industrial job opportunities which is also affecting South Mrica. The multi-ethnical and multicultural society of South Africa is also experiencing low economic growth rates, high population growth rates and an unacceptably high unemployment rate. Entrepreneurship currently plays an important role in the successful economies of the world. The small business can make important contributions to economic growth, job creation and social development. For this reason it is important that entrepreneurial behaviour be promoted in South Mrica. In previous research studies, researchers isolated different variables of entrepreneurial behaviour such as the environment, personal characteristics, values and personal background of individuals. Of these variables, only personal characteristics may be manipulated to advance entrepreneurial behaviour. The objectives of this study were to indicate whether certain biographical and demographical factors are related to an individual's behaviour towards the formation of a new enterprise and to indicate whether certain personal characteristics, namely achievement motivation and locus of control, are related to an individual's behaviour in the formation of a new enterprise. It was decided to compare four groups, namely white non-entrepreneurs, black nonentrepreneurs, white entrepreneurs and black entrepreneurs. Three factors of achievement motivation and three factors of locus of control were identified by means of factor analysis, and statistical analyses were done on the four different groups. To establish the above-mentioned relationships, the researcher made use of sophisticated statistical analyses. The following conclusion were drawn from the results: The models of achievement motivation and locus of control seem to predict membership of the group black entrepreneurs better than the group white entrepreneurs. Using the locus of control scales, membership of the group black entrepreneurs can be predicted well. The study revealed that there are differences between black groups and white groups (entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs) in South Africa. It is clear from the present study that there have to be additional factors, other than achievement motivation and locus of control, that influence entrepreneurial behaviour. The ethnic and cultural situation in South Africa also influences entrepreneurial behaviour in this country. / Business Management / D.Com. (Business Management)

Dissertation submitted in compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / This study explores the factors that limit the long-term survival and development of micro and survivalist enterprises of a selected informal sector in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Micro and survivalist enterprises play an important role in the South African economy, but despite their significance, several studies have shown that these enterprises fail within their first five years. The high failure rate is partially attributed to lack of support from external sources of support as well as the enterprises’ own internal weaknesses. The study was descriptive, exploratory and quantitative in nature. Questionnaires were used to gather data. The questionnaires were personally distributed at the business sites of the respondents. The respondents consisted of 108 micro and survivalist enterprises of a selected informal sector in Durban, who were selected by means of a non-probability sampling method. The results obtained identified a number of limiting factors for the selected informal enterprises’ long-term survival and development. The limiting factors, that are internal to the businesses, included: poor planning, lack of networking, insufficient business experience, poor pricing knowledge, managerial and business knowledge incompetence and lack of literacy, education and training. Those that are external to the businesses comprised of inadequate knowledge in terms of the institutional and supportive environment. Few respondents knew about financial and non-financial services and access to training and development programmes provided by government, semi-government and other institutions. As a result, recommendations to increase awareness of the different incentives available to micro and survivalist enterprises have been set.

Thesis (MDF)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / In 2003, the then president of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, alluded to the dual nature of the South African economy which, on the one hand, is well developed with sound macroeconomic management, while, on the other hand, it has characteristics of an underdeveloped Third World economy. The province of Limpopo is no exception to this anomalous economic phenomenon. It can be argued that, due to its preponderant rural character, the dual economy phenomenon is more pronounced in Limpopo than in other parts of the country. According to the government’s Integrated Strategy on the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises, “the promotion of entrepreneurship and small businesses remains an important priority of the government of South Africa” (Department of Trade and Industry, 2005: 3). In line with this strategy, the government has committed itself to ensuring that small businesses increase their contribution to economic growth and job creation. To realise this goal, the government has taken measures to ensure that small business development becomes a key policy focus. In South Africa, the importance of developing small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) becomes even more critical for the achievement of social stability by creating jobs to solve the high unemployment rate. Apart from their contribution to job creation and economic growth, SMMEs can play a significant role in the economy of the country by introducing new innovative products and services, thereby improving the quality of life of the people. The challenge facing the province of Limpopo and indeed South Africa as a whole is how to effectively mobilise small enterprise support agencies to help in developing sustainable SMMEs that can contribute meaningfully to economic growth and development. The provincial government looks upon the support agencies to implement its SMME support strategy. This study provides a critical review of all the relevant institutions, agencies and programmes – operational at national, provincial, district and local level – which try to address support needs of small, medium and micro-enterprises. Many of these efforts are effective and reach significant numbers of small enterprises, yet many of the initiatives fail or remain ineffective. In many areas local staff is too limited to implement programmes or just to effectively publicise available support programmes. In a brief comparative section, we try to show that South Africa’s problems with inadequate SMMEsupport are far from unique. We are part of worldwide concern about practical steps to expand, strengthen and streamline SMME-support – and Limpopo is part of that challenge.

Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Apart from meeting basic customer needs, small and medium enterprises in the townships are a source of employment and livelihood for many. Businesses in the townships of the Strand have mushroomed from a formerly neglected area, like others in various townships throughout South Africa. Yet very little is known about them and their owners. What are their characteristics? What traits distinguish those that make higher revenues from the rest? Many of these small businesses have emerged without government assistance, even though such support is often seen as a non-factor in determining the rate of an enterprise’s growth. Entrepreneurship, as literature often explains, is a dynamic endeavour which requires a business founder to display both determination and skill. Yet very few businesses normally survive the early stages. Many aspects of entrepreneurship need to be practically learned to enable the business to overcome many prevalent obstacles, and thus enable the enterprise to grow and contribute to job-creation. Not all entrepreneurs are alike in their capability to spot an opportunity. Also, entrepreneurs differ in their ability to either steer or set up systems to take an enterprise through its various transitions. Yet still, the financial strategic decisions made at inception stage often influence the rate at which businesses will generate revenues later in existence. Government, both local and national, has a responsibility to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Using a study of spaza and informal trade done in the past by Unisa and by Bojanala Platinum District Municipality as a baseline, this study surveyed 60.6 percent of businesses in the Strand townships that were identified through the database of both Khanyolwethu School and Sinobulumko Business Association. The main areas of focus were – the socio-economic and demographic profile, the physical characteristics, financing, relationship with suppliers, transport, income/turnover and traits that distinguish higher-revenue businesses from others. Analyses through the Mann-Whitney U, the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, the chi-square and the Kruskal-Wallis test then showed that the businesses that tend to make larger monthly revenues are those that are owned by males, using cheque accounts for the business, and those whose main suppliers deliver merchandise to their premises. The businesses that make larger daily revenues were shown to be those that are owned by males, registered with CIPRO, using cheque accounts for the business and those whose owners have Grade 7 to 9 qualifications and above. For government, the results of this study call for a further refining of the criteria used for loaning to businesses in townships, as well as to make the public more aware of the assistance provided by government’s business support agencies. For banks, the study calls for the designing of a ‘Spaza Account’, tailored to the needs and skills level of businesses owners in the townships. Socially, the study calls for the tearing down of all the walls that make it difficult for open trade to take place / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Klein besighede in informele nedersettings spreek die behoefte aan van kliënte en genereer ‘n tipe inkomste, maar daar is min kennis oor eienaars se belange. Besighede in die Strand se informele nedersettings was gestig in minderbevooregte gebiede, soos baie ander regdeur Suid Afrika. Watter karaktereienskappe beskik hierdie eienaars om ‘n beter inkomste te genereer as die res van die inwoners? Baie van hierdie besighede het ontstaan sonder enige hulp van regering instansies ten spyte van ondersteuningsdienste wat aan hulle beskikbaar was. Afhangende van die groei van die besigheidseienaar word dit in elk geval nie in ag geneem nie. Entrepreneurskap verduidelik letterlik dat die besigheids eienaar uithouvermoe en vaardighede kan uitbeeld. Baie min van hierdie besighede oorleef hulle eerste fase vanuit die staanspoor. Baie aspekte van die besigheid moet prakties aangeleer word om daaglikse uitdagings te oorkom. Op hierdie wyse groei die mark en sodoende word werksgeleenthede geskep. Nie alle besighede is sodanig op hoogte van sake om geleenthede raak te sien nie. Dikwels verskil bestuurstyle van besighede om sisteme in plek te stel wat verandering kan meebring. Finansiële besluite wat geneem is aan die begin stadium het ‘n impak op inkomste wat op ‘n later stadium in die besigheid gegenereer word. Beide die nasionale en plaaslike regering het die verantwoordelikheid om ‘n goedgegewe besigheids omgewing te skep vir besigheidsgroei. ‘n Vorige studie van ‘n spaza en oor informele handel deur Unisa en Bojanala Platinum Distriksmunisipaliteit was as basis gebruik. Die studie het bewys dat 60.6 persent van besighede in informele nedersettings in die Strand geidentifiseer is deur gebruik te maak van die databasisse van beide plaaslike skole en besigheidsvereningings. Die hoof fokus areas was die sosio-ekonomiese en demografiese profiele, die fisiese karaktereienskappe, finansiering, verhoudinge met verskaffers, vervoer, inkomste en kenmerke wat die hoër – inkomste genererende besigheide van die ander skei. Analises deur die Mann-Whitney, die Spearman rank korrelasie, die Chi-square en die Kruskal-Wallis toetse bewys dat besighede met ‘n hoër maandelikse inkomste deur mans besit word wat hulle besigheide vanaf hulle eiendomme bestuur en gebruik maak van tjekrekeninge. Die besighede wat ‘n daaglikse hoër inkomste genereer is ook daardie wat deur mans besit word, geregistreer is by CIPRO, gebruik maak van tjek rekeninge vir die besigheid en daardie van wie se eienaars kwalifikasies van graad 7 tot 9 en hoër het. Asgevolg van die uitkoms van hierdie studie, soos van toepassing op die regering, moet vereistes vir lenings aan besighede in informele nedersettings hersien word. Die publiek moet ook meer bewus gemaak word oor die ondersteuning wat deur die regering beskikbaar gestel word. Ten opsigte van banke het die studie uitgelig dat daar ‘n spesiale ‘Spaza rekening’ geskep moet word wat voldoen aan die behoeftes en vaardighede van besigheidseienaars in die informele nedersettings. Op ‘n sosiale vlak vra die studie aan dat die ‘mure’ wat dit moeilik en onmoontlik maak vir ope mark besigheids geleenthede om plaas te vind, afgebreek moet word.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study presents an empirical investigation into the association between motivation and performance of women entrepreneurs in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Motivations behind women starting their own businesses are defined. It assesses the performance of women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economic growth (turnover, size of business, number of people employed) of the country. By applying statistical evaluation methods (frequency analysis) this research adds to existing knowledge in this field, by defining the association between the intention of starting a business and the performance of their businesses. Analysis shows that the women's motives for starting their businesses are generally positive. However, there are still a high number of women whose motives are influenced by negative factors (such as loss of income sources). Also, the overall performance of their businesses is still low in terms of revenues generated and the number of people that they employ on a full-time basis. Networking levels are high, indicating a desire to succeed. An association between motivation and performance has been established. However, findings have indicated no significant association between the type of motivation (positive or negative) and performance. The present study concludes with recommendations to enable women to improve the performance of their businesses. Findings have indicated a higher level of positive factors of motivation, in comparison with negative factors of motivation; which implies that there are other factors which could be hindering them from improving the economic performance of their businesses. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie bied 'n empiriese ondersoek van die verband tussen die motivering en die werkverrigting van vroue entrepreneurs in die Wes Kaap provinsie van Suid-Afrika. Die dryfveer van vroue entrepreneurs word omskryf. Verder assesseer die studie die werkverrigting van vroue entrepreneurs en hulle bydrae tot die ekonomiese groei (arbeidsomset, grootte van die besigheid, getal personeel) van die land. Deur die aanwending van statistiese evaluasiemetodes (frekwensie analise) dra die studie by tot die bestaande kennis in hierdiee studieveld, en word gedoen deur die definieering van die verband tussen die besluit om 'n besigheid te begin en die uiteindelike prestasie van hulle besighede. Analise toon dat die vroue se motiewe vir die begin van hulle besighede gewoonlik positief is. Daar is egter ook nog 'n groot aantal vroue wie se motiewe beinvloed word deur negatiewe faktore (soos verlies van inkomstebronne). Die algehele prestasie van hulle besighede is ook nog swak in terme van inkomste gegenereer en die getal werknemers wat op 'n voltydse basis in diens geneem word. Netwerkvlakke is hoog, wat 'n aanduiding is van die wil om te slaag. 'n Assosiasie tussen motivering en prestasie is vasgestel. Daar is egter gevind dat geen beduidende assosiasie bestaan tussen die tipe motivering (positief of negatief) en prestasie of werkverrigting nie. Die studie sluit af met voorstelle vir die verbetering van prestasie vir vroue aan die hoof van besighede. Bevindinge toon dat in vergelyking met negatiewe motiverende faktore, daar 'n hoer vlak van positiewe faktore is, wat impliseer dat daar ander faktore bestaan wat die ekonomiese prestasie van hulle besighede kan verhinder.

This doctoral dissertation utilizes survey research design and an interview research design to compare the influence of cultural factors on successful succession in South African and American family owned business (FOB’s). The target populations consisted of owner managers and successors of FOB’s located in two countries: USA (State of Indiana) and South Africa (Indian South Africans). The qualitative research methodology was based on 1:1 interviews with 10 FOB’s in South Africa and the USA. The survey research methodology was based on a cross-sectional survey and the research design was correlational. The independent variables included nine cultural dimensions of the target populations measured using a dedicated survey instrument. The dependent variable (Perceived Success) was the relative success of each participant in the target population, with respect to his/her alleged levels of accomplishment in the succession processes. The demographic characteristics of the members of the target populations were also recorded. Correlative relationships between nine reliably measured cultural dimensions, seven demographic characteristics, and the Perceived Success of the succession process were identified. Differences between the populations in USA and South Africa were apparent. Multiple Linear Regression analysis indicated that the most important predictor of Perceived Success in the USA population was Performance Orientation, followed in rank order by In-Group Collectivism, Assertiveness, and Uncertainty Avoidance. Demographic variables had no significant effect on the relationship between Predicted Success and the cultural dimensions of the USA population. In comparison the most important predictor of Perceived Success in the Indian South African population was Uncertainty Avoidance, followed in rank order by Performance Orientation, Future Orientation, the age of the participant, and the number of people who worked in the participant’s organization. The combined model between the USA and the Indian South African FOB’s indicated that the most important predictor for perceived success was Uncertainty Avoidance, followed in rank order by In- Group Collectivism, Performance Orientation and Assertiveness. Evidence is provided to conclude that the relative importance of cultural dimensions and demographic characteristics to the succession planning of owner managers and successors in South Africa was significantly different to those of their western counterparts.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The defence industry was established for the purpose of providing the then South African Defence Force (SADF) with armaments before. The SADF was there to serve the government of the day. Since then, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been established to fulfil the same as the SADF, but is much more credible and representative. Thus there has been both continuity and renewal. The idea of public policy presupposes that there is a sphere that is not private or purely individual, but is held in common. The public comprises that dimension of human activity that is regarded as requiring government or social regulation or intervention or at least common action. This related to the defence-related industries too, which require government intervention in ensuring that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) get involved in the defence industry in general. Public policy is really about defining what counts as public,who provides, who pays, and whom to pay. The modem meaning of 'policy' is that of a course of action or plan, a set of political purposes - as opposed to 'administration'. Policy is seen as rational, a manifestation of considered judgement. A policy is an attempt to define and structure a rational basis for action or inaction. Policy involves deliberate behaviour to pursue certain objectives. The distinction between action and inaction properly emphasises that policies can initiate change or resist change. Policy is intended to affect all or selected points of the external and internal environment of the political system. Policy consists of a series of actions and decisions. The policy needed by the defence-related industry in one that will allow the inflow of entrepreneurs with education to help them learn from the experienced engineers within the industry. The individual drive and interest will be the driving force for success as defined and understood by the free market economy without unnecessary government interference. The development of SMEs in the defence-related industry is part of the renewal of the defence industry. The manufacturing can be left to small firms requiring less capital and sophisticated machines and processes. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die verdedigingsnywerheid is tot stand gebring om die destydse Suid-AfrikaanseWeermag (SAW) van krygstuig te voorsien. Die SAWwas daar om die regering van die dag te dien. Sedert die demokratiese verkiesing in 1994 is dit nou die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag (SANW), wat, alhoewel dit dieselfde funksie as die SAW vervul, meer geloofwaardig en meer verteenwoordigend is. Daar was dus kontinuïteit sowel as vernuwing. Die konsep van openbare beleid veronderstel 'n sfeer of terrein van lewe wat nie privaat of alleenlik individueel is nie, maar eerder gemeenskaplik Die openbare terrein is daardie dimensie van menslike aktiwiteit waarvoor staats- of sosiale regulering of intervensie nodig IS, of ten minste gemeenskaplike aksie. Dit het ook betrekking op die verdedigingsnywerheid, waar staatsintervensienodig is om te verseker dat klein en medium ondernemings by die verdedigingsnywerheidin die algemeen betrokke raak. Die doel met openbare beleid is eintlik om te bepaal wat openbaar is, wie verskaf, wie betaal, en wie betaal moet word. Die konsep van ''beleidbepaling'' is om bewustelik 'n keuse te maak tussen twee hoofalternatiewe vir loodsgemeenskappe. Die moderne betekenis van die begrip ''beleid'' behels 'n rigting of aksie of plan, 'n stel politiese oogmerke - in teenstelling met "administrasie". Beleid word gesien as rasioneel, 'n manifestasie van weloorwoë oordeel. Dit is byvoorbeeld ondenkbaar dat politici sou toegee dat hulle nie 'n beleid insake X het nie. Beleid is 'n poging om 'n rasionele grondslag vir aksie te bepaal en te struktureer. Namate 'n staat sy wetgewingsprosedures verander, so behels die funksies van ''beleid'' die skep van 'n aanneemlike storie, wat die skrywer se doel verseker en waarin beleid 'n rolspeler is. Die betekenis het betekenis. Die term ''beleid'' word gebruik om aan te toon dat daar 'n behoefte is om uit te klaar watter sosiale doelstellings gedien word deur die toedien (ook self-toedien) van wetenskaplike energie. Met ander woorde, die klem val spesifiek op die beleidwetenskap van demokrasie, waar realisering van menswaardigheid, in teorie en in praktyk, die uiteindelike doelwit is.

A prestudy by the author of the assistance available to small business owners in South Africa revealed that although much assistance is available, many small businesses still fail. The question that arose was whether small business owners are receiving the proper assistance in respect of the right functional areas of the business, for the appropriate duration, at the right stage of the business life cycle and by the right people. Taking all these issues into account, the main purpose of this study was to determine what types of business interventions have the greatest impact on the success of entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprise owners. The literature study includes the history of small business development in South Africa and the interventions that have taken place in this and other countries. It also provides a definition of a successful small business and the generic business needs of small business owners. The sample used in this study was drawn from the members of the Confederation of Employers of South Africa (Cofesa). The research findings of this study are reliable for the SME owners who are members of Cofesa. The Cofesa group is not representative with regards to demographics, location, economic sectors or qualifications of South African SMEs. The following are some of the findings of the study of successful small business owners: * They generally make use of assistance in the areas of finance, marketing and human resources. * Most of them make use of assistance on a continuous basis during all the stages of the business life cycle, suggesting the way forward for aspirant business owners who should start making use of assistance even before starting their businesses. * Consultants or business specialists are mainly used for assistance. * More than two-thirds of the business owners thought that their businesses were more successful after they had received assistance. * The assistance was neither the cause of failure nor was it the main cause of their success. Assistance is a contributing factor to success but not the main reason for it. The success of a SME will depend mainly on other factors such as type of product, product quality and marketing. Assistance, however, proves vital and should first be provided for the areas as identified by the respondents in this study (mainly finance, marketing and human resources). / Business Management / D. Com.