Futures: The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Leadership, Governance and Development
FUTURES, The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Leadership, Governance and Development is a double blind-peer reviewed, quarterly and multidisciplinary journal, dedicated to serve the society with high quality research work appropriate for problem solving. The journal is produced bi-annually. The objective of this journal is to promote innovative research from a multidisciplinary locus. We would like to invite authors to contribute a research paper that uphold innovation for problem solving, the discussion of ideas, scholarly opinions and case studies of leadership, development and governance at local, national and supranational levels and coming from across various sectors of the economy as a re-address to the current and beyond societal challenges
Digital Influence and Market Position: The Role of Social Media Influencers in Shaping Brand Equity within an Emerging Market Insurance Sector
Social media platforms have reshaped marketing practices worldwide, with social media influencers (SMIs) occupying an increasingly prominent role in shaping consumers‘ perceptions of brands. This paper investigates whether SMIs serve as viable entrepreneurial marketing instruments capable of generating brand equity and, by extension, strengthening business performance within Zimbabwe's short-term insurance sector. Drawing on survey data from 169 managers and executives distributed across all 20 registered insurers, structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to examine the proposed relationships. The analysis yielded robust findings: SMI engagement exerted a meaningful positive influence on brand equity (β = 0.45, p < 0.001), while brand equity, in turn, significantly predicted business performance (β = 0.34, p < 0.001). Mediation testing confirmed that brand equity fully transmits the effect of SMI engagement on performance outcomes, with no significant direct path remaining once the mediator was accounted for. These results enrich entrepreneurial marketing scholarship by demonstrating, empirically, that influencer partnerships are not merely awareness-generation tactics but foundational contributors to brand-building in an under-researched financial services context. Practical guidance for insurers seeking to leverage influencer partnerships more strategically is discussed.
Copyright (c) 2026 Futures: The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Leadership, Governance and Development
The Impact of Social Media Influencers as Brand Ambassadors on Customer Retention: A Case of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe
This work examines the determinants of the success of social media influencer (SMI) brand ambassadors‘ persuasive power on customer retention due to the fastest growing social network and the evolving of the influence marketing as a marketing strategy in the business world. It analyses the impact of social media influencers‘ characteristics on their followers ‗and how it influences customer retention. It also investigates the impact of social media influencer characteristics like authenticity, credibility, trustworthy and their generated content has on customer retention. The social influence theory describes how SMIs characteristics endorse and how consumer behaviour of their followers is affected or influenced by them on a social network. A survey of the respondents that uses social media and follow influencers showed that influencer credibility, authenticity, trustworthy, generated content and influencer demographics plays an important role in customer retention since their opinions are valued by their followers. The study used a sample of 100 respondents‘ and suggestions were made to advance the understanding of this novel phenomenon.
The Interplay of Political Governance: Implications for National Economic Development, The Case of the Second Republic of Zimbabwe
The Second Republic of Zimbabwe has made strides in economic development and governance, putting first investments in significant sectors like technology, infrastructure, and energy. The mantra "Zimbabwe is Open for Business" is geared to attract investment and boost economic growth. The study used the interpretivist philosophy and made use of the explanatory design. The study used people living Zimbabwe's rural and urban areas, employed and unemployed as well as economists and statisticians as its population. Purpose sampling was used to choose thirty-five respondents as the study sample. Zimbabwe has stumbling blocks such as economic sanctions, climate change and was also affected by COVID-19, nevertheless, the country progressing well in infrastructure development and governance reforms. Inflation has been curtailed, Growth Development Product (GDP) has boosted and the economic fundamentals have improved as a result of the government's efforts. To achieve its Vision 2030 goals, There is need for Zimbabwe to keep monitoring corruption, as means for effective governance and sustainable development. Investigating the effects of infrastructure development on economic growth of local communities was the proposed future study.
The Impact of Innovative Planning on Employee Engagement in Selected Agro-State Owned Enterprises under Turbulent Times in Zimbabwe
This study examines the impact of innovative planning as a possible solution to the problem of low employee engagement (EE) in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) within Zimbabwe‘s agricultural sector, particularly in a turbulent business environment. The study selected three SOEs from this sector, which are the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) and the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA). The Social Exchange Theory and the Chaos Theory guide the study and mixed methods of collecting and analysing data were utilised in this research. The research sample comprised 15 executives, selected using purposive sampling technique, as key informants for the qualitative data. The sample size for the survey was 245 employees, obtained after using Yamane‘s formula, resulting in an impressive 86% response rate. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 for Windows was used to analyse the data. The study concludes that innovative planning has a positive impact on employee engagement during times of turbulence. The study recommends using the organisation‘s strategy in goal setting, setting goal deadlines, communicating clear performance objectives, linking up unit and employee goals to organisational objectives, involving employees in setting goals and using job descriptions when setting goals.
An Empirical Assessment of the Exchange Rate Pass-Through in Zimbabwe (2019-2023)
The purpose of this study is to examine Exchange Rate Pass-Through in Zimbabwe since the re-introduction of the Zimbabwean dollar for the period 2019 to 2023. In particular, the study assesses whether ERPT is complete and symmetric in the context of Zimbabwe. The study adopts the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to analyse ERPT in Zimbabwe and compare the effect of the US dollar exchange rate and South African Rand exchange rate on domestic prices. In addition, impulse response function and variance decomposition are used to determine ERPT asymmetry in Zimbabwe. The study results show that ERPT is incomplete as the change in the domestic prices is not proportional to the changes in the exchange rates. The results depict that domestic prices respond more to changes in the South African Rand exchange rate movements compared to the changes in the United States Dollar exchange rate. In addition, ERPT is asymmetric such that depreciation of the local currency results in greater changes in the domestic prices compared to appreciations. The study recommends flexible implementation of a market-driven mechanism for price discovery in foreign exchange auctions.
Advancing Sustainable Finance: Strategies for Integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Principles into Financial Practices
The study explores transformative strategies for advancing sustainable finance through the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into financial decision-making frameworks. Using a mixed[1]methods approach involving quantitative data and qualitative insights from selected African financial institutions, the study investigates the impact of ESG compliance on long-term profitability, investment behaviour and regulatory alignment. Findings demonstrate that financial systems embracing ESG frameworks not only foster responsible investment, but also enhance institutional resilience and market competitiveness. The study proposes a Sustainable Finance Integration Model (SFIM) to guide financial institutions, policymakers and investors in harmonising profitability with sustainability. Recommendations include targeted ESG policy design, institutional capacity building and ESG-linked performance evaluation mechanisms.
Factors Influencing Customer Loyalty in the Econet Wireless’s Corporate Clients in Harare West, Zimbabwe
The study finds out what makes customers in Zimbabwe's mobile phone industry stay loyal. The study examines Econet, the market leader in the industry. A quantitative methodology was employed, utilizing data gathered via a questionnaire. The sample consisted of 156 clients, randomly selected from a population of 300 corporate clients in Harare West. Data were analyzed using SPSS v29.0. The results show that the most important things that affect customer loyalty in the industry are trust, price, corporate image, value-added services, switching costs and service quality. It is advisable that future research evaluate the determinants affecting individual customer loyalty.
The Mediation Role of Brand Positioning on the Relationship between Social Media Influence and Performance within the Insurance Business Sector
This study investigates the mediating role of brand positioning in the relationship between social media influence (SMI) and business performance among insurance firms in Zimbabwe. Drawing on a cross[1]sectional, correlational survey design, data were collected from 150 marketing professionals across the country‘s insurance sector. Structural equation modelling (SEM), supplemented by bootstrapped mediation procedures, was used to test four hypotheses. The findings show that SMI has a substantial positive effect on business performance (β = 0.690, p < 0.001). Brand positioning was identified as a partial mediator of this relationship, with both direct and indirect pathways yielding statistically significant results. Specifically, social media engagement strengthens brand positioning, which in turn contributes to improved performance outcomes. These results extend services marketing theory by offering empirical insight into the mechanisms through which digital marketing activities generate business gains in the insurance sector. Managers are encouraged to combine influencer partnerships, educational social media content, and targeted advertising campaigns with deliberate brand positioning efforts to realise compounding performance benefits. The study advances understanding of digital marketing dynamics in an emerging market context, with relevance to knowledge-intensive service industries.
Examining the Nexus between Ubuntu Philosophy and Green Business Models: Insights from the SADC Region
The discussion in this article is an analysis of the Ubuntu philosophy and green business models discourse in Southern African Development Community (SADC). Although Western-founded theoretical approaches have dominated sustainability studies, there has been little focus on how the local African philosophies can be used to support sustainable business practices in the environment. The article integrates interdisciplinary data based on Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of peer-reviewed articles on the subject of Ubuntu relational, communal and intergenerational ethics and modern green business model innovation. It investigated forty-seven carefully selected studies found with the help of PRISMA 2020 guidelines but representing a variety of SADC countries and industries. These results indicate that Ubuntu values (interconnectedness, collective responsibility, participatory decision-making and cyclical temporality) and the most important aspects of green business models (stakeholder inclusiveness, systems thinking, regenerative value creation and long-term sustainability orientation) have a high degree of theoretical proximity. Agricultural, mining, financial, tourism and manufacturing evidence all reveal that Ubuntu-inspired interventions may lead to increased confidence between stakeholders, a sense of ownership of an initiative by the community, better environmental performance and increased financial stability. These models produced quantifiable gains in various settings such as a decrease in environmental incidents (EIs), higher loan repayment rates, retention of farmers and productivity of cooperatives. The review also establishes the implementation issues, including institutional mismatch, scaling, cultural appropriation risks and limited resources in rural areas. Further, a number of knowledge gaps remain, such as comparative research between the Ubuntu-informed systems and more traditional sustainability models, lack of longitudinal evidence and a lack of gender-specific study on leadership, participation and benefit-sharing relationships. In terms of theory, the proposed study has a contribution by incorporating a combination of stakeholder theory, systems thinking and an institutional approach to make a context-specific framework that explains the role of these indigenous philosophies in making a sustainable enterprise in emerging markets. It claims that Ubuntu is more than a normative ethical prism; it is a means of potential green business model creation as a strategic reaction to the complexity of institutions and the lack of resources. In terms of practicality, the results provide substantive advice to managers, policymakers and educators in favour of culturally authentic and locally entrenched means to sustainability development approaches in the SADC region. The article ends with a research agenda in the future presenting a plan to develop empirical validation and comparative evaluation of Ubuntu-informed sustainability models.
The Impact of Brand Equity on Customer Choices in the Higher and Tertiary Institutions: Evidence from Universities in Harare, Zimbabwe
This research aims at investigating the impact of brand equity on customer choices of a university to be enrolled at. The target population of the research was approximately 500 registered university students in Zimbabwe. The research focuses on universities with main campuses in Harare. The study employs a quantitative research methodology. Stratified and simple random samplings were adopted to choose students to participate in the study out of 500 population sample size. The response rate was 356. Factor analysis results indicated that brand awareness and brand loyalty were the most dominant elements. Explanatory statistics showed that there were statistically significant differences in the opinions of customers basing on level of education and institutions. The research recommends that brand equity should be employed to play a primary role in service-related strategies aimed at establishing a marketing strategy for university education services.
Formalisation of Informal Exporters for Sustainable Export Growth in Zimbabwe
The study aims at developing a pragmatic and context sensitive framework to understand the influence of select policy and institutional factors in the formalisation of informal exporters for sustainable export growth in Zimbabwe. The study is rooted in Institutional Theory, the Resource-Based View and the Complex Adaptive Systems Theory. The study uses a quantitative explanatory research design guided by a positivist research philosophy. Primary data collection was done using a structured questionnaire to informal and semi-formal exporters. A sample of 239 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling to ensure that it represents each category of export-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used together with post[1]estimation diagnostic tests for multicollinearity and heteroskedasticity. The study finds that the fiscal approaches, regulatory mechanisms, digitalisation and entrepreneurial education has a positive and statistically significant impact on formalisation and inclusion of informal exporters, with regulatory mechanisms having the most significant impact. The study concludes that formalisation is a multidimensional, institutionally embedded process and it is not possible to effectively achieve it through isolated interventions. The study recommends adoption of an integrated policy framework, including congruence between regulatory reform, fiscal incentives and digital systems and better target entrepreneurship education for inclusive and sustainable export incentives in Zimbabwe.
The Impact of Occupational Safety and Health on the Performance of Small to Medium Enterprises (Smes) in Zimbabwe
The study investigates the impact of health and safety on the performance of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, SMEs significantly contribute to the nation`s economy, helping to eradicate hunger and poverty, generating employment and boosting economic growth, hence the need to promote a healthy and safe environment for them. This study uses quantitative methods to collect and analyse data from 289 respondents, drawn from different respondents employed in SMEs in Zimbabwe. A structured online questionnaire was used to solicit information from the respondents who were selected using the simple random sampling method. Krejcie and Morgan‘s sample size determination formula was used to estimate a sample size of 384, giving a response rate of 75.3%. The results highlight that there is a positive relationship between implementation of effective occupational safety and health practices in SMEs and their performance, as measured by employee productivity and profitability. The study recommends measures to strengthen health and safety practices in Zimbabwean SMEs by availing protective equipment, emergency procedures, safety training programmes and complying with relevant laws and regulations.
Trends and Analysis of Financial Performance and Corporate Governance Disclosure reflecting on Annual Financial Reports of listed Companies in Zimbabwe
The purpose of this study is to investigate experimentally the relationship between the listed non-financial corporations in Zimbabwe's level of Corporate Governance Disclosure (CGD) and their Financial Performances (Profitability). Information is derived from listed firms' 2022 annual reports. This study used OLS as an estimating method and is based on a sample of 94 listed companies. Return on assets (ROA) is used to quantify financial performance, or profitability, and 40 elements of information are used to determine the extent of corporate governance transparency level. When measuring corporate governance transparency using an unweighted method, it works best when no particular user group is given any weight at all. Following the creation of the disclosure index, a scoring system was created to evaluate the level of corporate governance. The outcome demonstrates a favourable correlation between the Financial Performances (Profitability) and the degree of Corporate Governance Disclosure (CGD). The report offers Zimbabwe’s regulators and policy makers empirical data disclosures made.
Copyright (c) 2025 Futures: The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Leadership, Governance and Development
Financial Disclosure and Interpretation of Financial Results in Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Listed Companies
This research investigates the influence of financial disclosure on performance of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed companies. Most literature sources are available on developed countries with a few on developing countries. A pragmatic philosophical approach involving the use of the exploratory, descriptive and explanatory research design was adopted to fully understand the research questions. Quantitative results were complimented by qualitative data obtained from interviews. In conducting the survey, a sample of 110 respondents was selected using the Krejice and Morgan (1970) sample estimation tables’. The targeted respondents included the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed companies. A scale structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Spearman coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse data with the aid of Social Package for Social Sciences (S.P.S.S). The Cronbach Alpha test was performed and all the values were greater than 0.7 and therefore accepted, (Nunnally and Beinstein, 1994). It was revealed that independent variables (level of disclosure and type of disclosure) have a positive influence on performance of listed companies according to the Spearman Correlation test which yielded a minimum correlation coefficient of 0.58 and a maximum of 0.78 leading to the rejection of proposed null hypothesis. Accordingly, this study concluded that the new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are intended to promote greater disclosures, will contribute to the improvement of the companies' financial performance. Consequently, the government should make sure that additional disclosures are issued through the various regulatory bodies so that investors may make informed judgments about whether or not to invest. This paper also suggests that, in addition to the legally required disclosures, any listed company that wishes to expand and achieve sustainable financial performance should make every effort to disclose all relevant information to investors in the financial report. The study contributed not only to literature on financial disclosure but filling the gap in literature, providing immense usage for these techniques.
international financial reporting standards
The Role of Small and Medium Enterprises in Sectoral Development: An Empirical Analysis of Zimbabwe's Regional Development
Literature on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and sectorial development has been extensive, with various studies investigating the role of SMEs in driving economic growth and development. However, despite the wealth of research, there is little understanding of the impact of SMEs on sectorial development, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe. This study explores the role of SMEs in sectorial development, focusing on Zimbabwe‘s regional development. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as the endogenous Growth Theory, this research empirically examines the influence of SMEs on sectorial growth and development. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to SME owners/managers across all ten (10) provinces and their 53 districts in Zimbabwe. Quantitative data analysis was done using standard deviation, regression and ANOVA. Results show that SMEs significantly and positively influence sectorial development. The findings underscore the significance of SMEs in driving sectorial development. Based on the empirical analysis, the research recommends that policy-makers implement targeted interventions to enhance SMEs‘ access to finance, infrastructure and markets, thereby fostering a conducive environment for their growth and contribution to sectorial development. Furthermore, the research recommends tailored support for SMEs in different sectors and regions, considering their unique challenges and opportunities.
The Relationship between Reward Management and Organisational Growth: Evidence from Commercial Banks in Zimbabwe through Balanced Panel Data Analysis (2017-2023)
The study aims to analyse the impact of reward management on organisational growth in the Zimbabwean banking sector. The objectives of the study are to analyse the nature of relationship between reward management and organisational growth as well as examine the impact of reward management on organisational growth. Economic growth is regarded as way through which a country can achieve its developmental goals, such as reducing poverty, eliminating hunger and creating employment. Organisational growth is one area through which private institutions and organisations can support the economic growth drive of a country. To achieve growth, organisations have normally used various reward management methods. In Zimbabwe many organisations have been failing to manage reward management practices, leading to poor performance by employees and retarded organisational growth prospects. Employees in Zimbabwean banks are dissatisfied with the reward management practices that they are exposed to, posing a huge threat to the growth of the banking industry. Despite the increased interest, there are a few studies on reward management in the banking sector, especially in developing countries. The study employs panel cointegration and pooled ordinary least squares regression to analyse the impact of reward management on organisational growth. The study uses secondary data from 2017 to 2023, collected from a sample of 10 Zimbabwean banks. The panel cointegration study results show that reward management and organisational growth have a long-term relationship, whilst the pooled regression results show that reward management has a negative impact on organisational growth. A 1% increase in innovation and adaptability and social benefits results in a respectively 22% and 6% decline in organisational growth. The study recommends digital transformation of banks, streamlining of processes, adoption of strong ethical leadership andmanagement practices and foster macroeconomic stability by policy-makers in order to promote growth of banks.
cointegration and pooled panel regression
The Influence of Board Characteristics on the Performance of State Owned Enterprises
The study seeks to ascertain if there is any relationship between performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and board characteristics. Three proxiesor characteristics of the board, including board independence, board gender diversity and board size as vices of corporate governance are used to find their effects on the performance. The performance of the sampled firm X was measured by ROA, an accounting-based measure. The study reviews literature on board characteristics linking it mainly to the Agency Theory underpinning the study. The quantitative research approach is used to find the relationship between independent and dependent variables with a case study as a design. The sample of the study was drawn from the selected organisation and its subsidiaries using stratified random sampling. The sample consists of members from directors and senior management. The data collected through questionnaires was entered into IBM SPSS software for analysis. SPSS, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression were conducted to examine the relationships between the variables under study. Both the correlation and regression results reveal a significant positive relationship between board independence, gender diversity and firm performance in Zimbabwean SOEs. On the contrary, a significant negative relationship was found between board size and firm performance. The study recommends establishing boards dominated by independent non-executive directors and embarking on gender streamlining to achieve improved performance. Similar studies that could be useful in covering a large number of companies are recommended.
The Impact of Leadership on Organisational Performance: A Case of Farm and City Centre Chipinge Zimbabwe
The study seeks to assess the effect of leadership on organisational performance at Farm and City Centre (FCC) in Chipinge, Zimbabwe. Theoretically, the study is guided by the Trait Theory, the Stakeholder Theory, the Contingency Theory and the Resource-based Theory which can be adapted in different situations to help leaders to improve their effectiveness in guiding terms towards success, and the literature review from other contexts worldwide. The study methodologically employs a quantitative approach where closed ended questionnaires were used to collect data using stratified sampling and managed to get 40 respondents out of the total population of 60. The SPSS was used to examine the results that were received, using regression analysis. Based on the results of the study, servant leadership is the dominant leadership style employed by FCC. The results also show the impact of leadership style on organisational performance is not statistically significant, meaning that leadership style has no impact on organisational performance. The research bring forward strategies that improve leadership style and enhance organisationalperformance, which include leadership training, employee empowerment, effective communication and being customer centric
The Efficacy of Incentives in Strengthening Corporate Governance Regulatory Frameworks in State-Owned Enterprises in Zimbabwe
The study examines the extent to which incentives strengthen the effect of the corporate governance regulatory framework on state-owned enterprises‘ (SOEs) performance. Little evidence exists about how to strengthen the corporate governance regulatory framework as prior studies focused more on the direct cause-effect link between corporate governance and organisational performance without bringing in the moderating effects of incentives on this relationship. The Agency Theory and the Stakeholder Approach underpins the study, complemented by Stewardship and Business Ethics Theories. Data was collected from 52 SOEs and covered 104 members of executive management,208 non-executive board members and 156 stakeholders (customers). Explanatory research design was used. Moderated multi-regression analysis was undertaken to analyse the quantitative data with the aid of SPSS. The study focuses on corporate governance within the existing regulatory framework, comprising the Constitution, the Public Entities Corporate Governance Ac, and SOEs‘ establishing acts and involved participants from boards, management and ministries who had served in their positions for at least three years. Despite these limitations, the representativeness of the sample size, as well as the rigour undertaken in terms of the analysis, validate the findings of this study. The study findings indicate that adherence to the corporate governance regulatory framework has a positive effect on the performance of SOEs. Incentives strengthen the relationship between compliance to the corporate governance framework and performance. The results from this study suggest the need for incentives for performance to strengthen the corporate governance regulatory framework and improve its effectiveness towards enhancing overall performance.
Social and Economic Impacts of Procurement Reforms on Local Communities in Zimbabwe
This study explores procurement reforms and social and economic impacts on local communities in Zimbabwe, focusing on how these reforms have influenced transparency, community participation and inclusive economic development in rural settings. Utilising a quantitative research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to stakeholders involved in public procurement, including suppliers, local authorities and community members. The targeted sample size was 60 respondents. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, KMO, Bartlett's test, and structural equation modeling (SEM) are employed to analyse the relationships between procurement reforms and their perceived impacts. The results indicate that procurement reforms have positively contributed to increased access to public procurement opportunities, reduced corruption and fostered greater accountability and trust among community stakeholders. Additionally, the introduction of digital tools and social media platforms has facilitated improved information dissemination, vendor engagement and monitoring of procurement activities, aligning with global trends in circular economy and digital governance. These findings support existing literature emphasizing the transformative potential of transparent procurement systems in enhancing service delivery and promoting equitable development (Kristensen et al., 2021; Chikwere et al., 2023). The study concludes that while significant progress has been made, sustained political will, capacity building and community empowerment remain critical to ensuring the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of procurement reforms in Zimbabwe‘s local governance landscape.
Small and Medium Enterprises and Distributive Development: An Examination of Regional Disparities in Zimbabwe
Distributive disparities have become a pressing concern in Zimbabwe, sparking interest in the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive inclusive economic growth. Inequality is about outcomes (incomes, expenditure and wealth) and opportunities, which relate to resources at the individual‘s disposal. The study evaluates the impact of SMEs on the distributive fairness of resources in Zimbabwe‘s regions. SMEs are increasingly recognised as key drivers of economic development, but their impact on distributive development remains under-researched, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from SME owners/managers, drawn from all ten (10) provinces, with a total of 53 districts in Zimbabwe. Quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, standard deviation, regression and correlations. Results show that SMEs significantly and positively influence distributive development. The study findings have significant implications for policy-makers seeking to promote inclusive growth and reduce regional disparities in Zimbabwe. Major recommendations are to encourage development and finance institutions to design tailored products unique to SMEs while the Government is encouraged to simplify rules and regulations. Distributive disparities have become a pressing concern in Zimbabwe, sparking interest in the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive inclusive economic growth. Inequality is about outcomes (incomes, expenditure and wealth) and opportunities, which relate to resources at the individual‘s disposal. The study evaluates the impact of SMEs on the distributive fairness of resources in Zimbabwe‘s regions. SMEs are increasingly recognised as key drivers of economic development, but their impact on distributive development remains under-researched, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from SME owners/managers, drawn from all ten (10) provinces, with a total of 53 districts in Zimbabwe. Quantitative data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, standard deviation, regression and correlations. Results show that SMEs significantly and positively influence distributive development. The study findings have significant implications for policy-makers seeking to promote inclusive growth and reduce regional disparities in Zimbabwe. Major recommendations are to encourage development and finance institutions to design tailored products unique to SMEs while the Government is encouraged to simplify rules and regulations.
Futures Focus-A Systematic Review of Scenario Planning, Strategic Foresight and Dynamic Capabilities
This study explores the critical capabilities of Scenario Planning and Strategic Foresight, examining their interrelationship with Dynamic Capabilities and their role in enhancing strategic leadership in volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous and disruptive environments. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology grounded in the PRISMA framework, the research synthesises existingexisting knowledge, identifies research gaps, and draws robust conclusions from the body of literature on Scenario Planning and Strategic Foresight. The inclusion criterion comprises articles from reputable journals including Scopus indexed journals written in English which covered comprehensively the concepts of Strategic Foresight and Scenario Planning. The exclusion criteria included not accepting any article that was non-English, articles that had insufficient data and articles which had weak methodologies. The findings reveal that Scenario Planning serves as a practical tool within the broader framework of Strategic Foresight, with both concepts complementing each other to enhance organisational resilience and adaptability. The study also identifies essential cognitive paradigms, including future thinking, systems thinking and exponential thinking, which enable effective Strategic Foresight and strategic decision-making. Scenario Planning was shown to foster organisational learning, innovation and strategic agility, while Strategic Foresight empowers leaders to anticipate and shape future opportunities and challenges. The research is limited by its reliance on secondary data, potentially excluding emerging real-world practices. However, the findings provide valuable insights for managers seeking to develop foresight and Scenario Planning capabilities, emphasizing tools like horizon scanning and scenario modelling to improve competitiveness. This study contributes to strategic management literature by elucidating the complementary roles of Scenario Planning and Strategic Foresight in navigating turbulent business environments.
Evaluation of Strategic Business Architecture Implementation for Augmenting Performance of Small to Medium Enterprises in Manicaland Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe
The main aim of this study is to assess the effect of strategic business architecture implementation on performance of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Manicaland Metropolitan Province in Zimbabwe. The quantitative study used random sampling to select 20 SMEs owners registered in the manufacturing and service delivery sectors and been in operation for the past 10years. Structured questionnaires are used to solicit data which were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlations. Study findings are presented in numbers, tables and graphs. Ethical considerations were done during the data generation and analysis procedure. The study results indicate that SMEs adopt strategic processes to pave way for formulation and implementation of favourable business policies to harness business sustainability. Study results show that strategic architecture allows rapid economic and technical change for SMEs and also allows them to provide quality service, total quality management as well as customerhandling to retain customer base. In addition, research findings show that that strategic architecture had been impinged by lack of technical strategic tools, lack of human resources expertise, prohibitive legal systems and infrastructural challenges. As a result, the findings of this study are pertinent because they inform policy and practice on the effectiveness of integrating human capital to augment sustainable performance of SMEs in regards to strategic architecture and performance of SMEs. The results of the study further strengthen the existing body of literature in that strategic management is a critical aspect of the organisation affecting the organisation‘s performance. SMEs are also urged to pay attention to their systems, processes, communication channels and policies since these have a serious bearing on the effectiveness of the organisation. As such, it is recommended that future research be done in several other SMEs sector in Zimbabwe in order to make meaningful generalisations.
Emotional Intelligence (Ei) and Employee Turnover Intentions in Family Owned Businesses in Harare Metropolitan Province Zimbabwe
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a psychological factor which can increase employee‘s ability and performance. Highly Emotional Intelligent employees are able to produce good quality products and services at their work environment. There is a dearth of information on EI and turnover intentions (TI) of employees in family-owned business in Zimbabwe which this qualitative study seeks to address. However, the purpose of this research is to analyse the relationship of EI and TIs of employees in small businesses. Through purposive sampling, 20 participants were scheduled to be interviewed to solicit data. However, of the selected participants, only 10 interviews were successfully conducted. Conversely, data was analysed and presented thematically. Findings indicate that employees with high EI may properly balance the relationship between work and family and reduce job burnout, thus resulting in less TI. The findings show that EI improves employee engagement, leading to lower absenteeism, higher productivity and a decrease in employee turnover. The study also has some theoretical implications regarding employees‘ perception of EI. Further study needs to be done on EI and leadership commitment in small businesses in Zimbabwe.
Dynamics of Good Corporate Governance Practices by Selected Dry Leaning Companies in Harare Metropolitan Province and Implications for Development
The study seeks to assess the implications of adhering to good corporate governance practices by selected dry-cleaning companies in Zimbabwe and implications for development. The research adopts mixed-method research approach guided by pragmatism research philosophy anchored on descriptive research design. Random sampling was used to select 15 dr- cleaning companies in the Harare Metropolitan Province which have been operating in the same business for more than 30 years where 66 senior employees were selected as the study sample size from a population of 80. TheKrejcieandMorgan (1970) sample size table was used to determine sample size. Structured questionnaires and guided interviews were used to solicit data which was then uploaded on SPSS version 29 and analysed using descriptive statistics, correlations and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Data was then presented in tables, numbers and themes. Due care to ethics were done (informed consent, confidentiality and voluntary participation) where respondents were informed that data was used for research purposes only. Study results highlight that dry cleaning companies are adhering to some of the following corporate governance practices: effective board reporting, implementation of a code of conduct and ethics policy, protecting minority shareholder rights, ensuring transparency and disclosure in financial reporting. Major challenges identified in the study are lack of corporate governance framework in place for dry-cleaning companies, information asymmetry, and data security and implantation strategies. Based on the study results, conclusions drawn are that dry-cleaning companies in Zimbabwe are adhering to selected corporate governance practices, except some which compromised their operations and sustainable development due to corporate scandals. Proffered recommendations are that they need to foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership, establish a risk management framework and establish a board of directors with clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. However, there is need for development of a corporate governance framework to guide dry-cleaning companies in Zimbabwe for sustainable development
Enforcing Governance in State Owned Enterprises and Parastatals in Zimbabwe
This study looks at the enforcement of corporate governance in state-owned businesses in Zimbabwe following the persistent scandals despite the existing regulations. A qualitative method was used to get opinions from knowledgeable experts in corporate governance. According to the findings, actions including restricting political appointments, implementing a rules-based approach, putting in place e-governance, imposing deterrent punishments and encouraging accountability and openness are necessary to enforce corporate governance in Zimbabwe's SOEs.
Evaluation of career development strategies on the sustainable growth of manufacturing Small to Medium Enterprises in Masvingo Urban, Zimbabwe
The major objective of the study was to evaluate the implications of career development strategies on the sustainable growth of manufacturing Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Masvingo Urban. The qualitative study focused on 20 purposively selected SMEs that have been in operations in the same business for not less than ten years because of their business experiences. Structured interviews were used to collect data which was analyzed and presented using themes. Study findings showed that SMEs that strengthen career planning for employees not only provide them with growing and most potential progress opportunities, reduce turnover intentions, and increase quality. Furthermore, research findings show that career development creates promotion opportunities within SMEs, provides training opportunities, and skills development to improve employees' employability in the external and internal labor market. Additionally, research findings reflected that career development helps foster continuous improvement and innovation culture within SMEs. Based on the study results, the conclusions drawn were that the existence of career management provides the necessary support for developing knowledge, skills, and behaviors essential for both SMEs and individual success. A longitudinal study needs to be done on the challenges of all SMEs in adopting career development strategies in Zimbabwe
Unlocking Performance Excellence And Impact In The Strategic Human Resource Training And Development In The Zimbabwe Republic Police
This study explores the influence of strategic human resource training and development on performance excellence within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), with the aim of unlocking optimal performance in the security services sector. The research was inspired by a noticeable deterioration of police performance across the country, public outcry and many newspaper reports on alleged corrupt tendencies and poor service delivery within the rank and file of the ZRP. The study adopted a mixed methods approach with a pragmatic philosophy. The target population was 210 police officers stationed at the Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) in Harare. Data were collected using questionnaires (n=136) and interview schedules (n=3). Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23.0, while qualitative data were analysed using the maticanalysis. Research results reveal that strategic human resource training and development programmes have a positive significant influence on employee performance in the ZRP. The research also established challenges constraining effective implementation of strategic human resource training and development in the Zimbabwean security services sector, notably lack of infrastructure, lack of training facilities, limited access to technology, limited e-learning resource, and high staff turnover, among others. The study, therefore, recommends that the ZRP should increase its investment in strategic human resource training and development programmes, as this would help to enhance the human capital of police officers, leading to improved performance excellence.
Sustainable Management Strategies For Attaining Company’s Goals In The Zimbabwean Mining Industry
The aim of the study was to determine the impact of adopting sustainable management strategies on the attainment of a company‘s goals in the Zimbabwean mining industry. The study adopted a quantitative research approach. Structured questionnaires were administered to a sample size of 278 respondents that was calculated using the Raosoft sample size calculator with a 5% margin of error, 95% confidence interval and 50% response distribution. A cross-sectional survey research design was used with stratified random sampling techniques. The study is hinged on the Resourced Based View Theory. Data were validated through exploratory factor analysis and the triangulation approach to ensure that meaningful findings were obtained. It was then analysed using SPSS® version 21 and AMOS® version 21. Results obtained show that adoption of sustainable management strategies results in environmental balance and social progress, increase productivity and reduce operational costs and eliminate risk posed by mining operations to humans and wildlife. The findings also show that there is a strong positive relationship between sustainable management strategies and company performance. The study recommends the alignment of company strategies to both the internal and external environment since they both influence the future position of the business. For improvement of current study results, the study recommends that future studies be carried out across all provinces in Zimbabwe to improve operational efficiency of mining companies. In addition, comparative studies among other related business sectors are also recommended
Novation and Performance Of Retail Small To Medium Enterprises In Harare Metropolitan Province Zimbabwe
The integration of innovation into various aspects of society and the economy has the potential to transform industries and re-define business models. The study aims at assessing effects of innovation and the performance of retail Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Harare Metropolitan Province. The study is guided by Pragmatism Research Philosophy. Structured questionnaires and structured interview guides were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 60 respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlations while qualitative data were analysed using NVivo. The main study findings establish that there is a positive relationship between innovation and performance of retail SMEs. Study findings show that innovation promotes the adoption of advanced technologies within the retail sector. This includes technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing. These technologies can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of retail operations, streamline supply chains, improve customer experience and support data-driven decision-making. The study also reveals that innovation optimises retail operations and improves efficiency. By automating manual processes and integrating systems, SMEs reduce costs, minimise errors and enhance productivity. For instance, adopting inventory management systems and point of sale (POS) solutions can streamline inventory control, reduce stock outs and improve overall operational performance. The recommendations proffered by the study is that government should provide the necessary support such as digital skills training and favourable policies that enhance retail SMEs productivity.