This study aimed to develop a causal chain that illustrates the path through which a
variety of factors influence consumer financial vulnerability. In order to achieve the
stated aim, it was necessary to firstly identify the factors that gave rise to consumers
being financially vulnerable. Secondly, the nature of the causal chain between the
identified factors was determined. Thirdly, the causes of consumer financial
vulnerability according to key informants in the financial services industry were
determined. Finally, based on the results of the first three stages, possible
explanations for consumer financial vulnerability were provided.
Before the construction of the causal chain could be explored, a theoretical
framework regarding household financial position as well as financial attitudes and
behaviours was provided. The theoretical framework was supported by a description
of the linkages through which consumers function and transact in an economy by
applying chain reasoning. The chain reasoning was extended by providing financial
statements reflecting the results of consumers’ interactions in the macroeconomy
with an extract from the national accounts of South Africa presenting the income
statements, balance sheets and relevant financial ratios of consumers for the period
in which the research was conducted (2008 to 2009).
For this study, the explanatory sequential mixed methods design was deemed
appropriate to achieve the proposed research objectives. The research process
firstly consisted of a quantitative strand where the possible causes for consumer
financial vulnerability were identified after which the results were validated with data
obtained in the second phase by means of four focus group discussions.
To determine the factors giving rise to and establish the causal chain of overall
consumer financial vulnerability, regression analysis was conducted. Based on the
results of the regression analysis, it became evident that the financial vulnerability
chain is not a singular linear process but rather a non-linear process (with
contemporaneous and singular linkages) with a variety of factors influencing financial
vulnerability, but also influencing each other over time. / Management Accounting / D. Accounting Science
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/13537 |
| Date | 11 June 2014 |
| Creators | De Clercq, Bernadene |
| Contributors | Venter, J. M. P. (Jan M. P.), Van Aardt, Carel |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xl, 310 leaves) |
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