Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Sciences

The role of feedback in the development of managers

2024-09-15T15:50:05+02:00

The landscape in which modern organisations operate is rapidly changing and requires managerial agility. This necessitates a frequent review of how managers are developed. The aim of this article is to examine the role of workplace feedback in employee development. This will be achieved by developing a contemporary and comprehensive definition of feedback and specifying the elements of feedback that are associated with managerial development. Employing a qualitative, non-systematic literature review approach, journal articles and textbooks published after 2015, with feedback as their primary theme, were systematically selected and analysed for their content as well as the seminal works they referred to. The analysed literature suggests that feedback forms part of a dynamic communication and learning process. Development-driven feedback is information presented to recipients regarding their behaviour and/or performance in executing work tasks, as assessed by supervisors, subordinates, peers, coworkers, or the recipients themselves, with the intent to enhance work relationships and job performance. The elements central to structuring feedback were identified as purpose, content, source, frequency, timing, and delivery. These elements are customised to meet workplace performance requirements, also taking individual skill sets and personalised needs into account. A broad base of academic literature was captured and integrated to reach a comprehensive understanding of feedback as a development intervention. It was concluded that, although complex, literature on feedback can be consolidated to present both an inclusive definition of the concept and the elements associated with it.

Leadership styles and organisational communication in selected public universities in Uganda

2024-06-15T23:49:45+02:00

This study aimed to assess the impact of leadership styles on organisational communication in selected public universities in Uganda. Specifically, the study examined the influence of transformational and transactional leadership styles on organisational communication within these universities. The four public universities included in the study were Kyambogo University, Gulu University, Busitema University, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. A correlational research design was employed, and data was collected from a sample of managerial staff, namely administrative and academic heads, using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyse the data using SmartPLS. The descriptive findings indicated that the organisational communication within the university was satisfactory, and the utilisation of transformational leadership styles by the leaders was high, while the use of transactional leadership styles was moderate. The findings from the Structural Equation Modeling confirmed that both transformational and transactional leadership styles had a positive and significant impact on organisational communication, while the passive-avoidant leadership style had a positive but insignificant impact. As a result, it was concluded that while transformational and transactional leadership styles are crucial for enhancing organisational communication in public universities, the passive-avoidant management/laissez-faire style is not. The study recommended that university leaders should emphasise the use of both transformational and transactional leadership styles to improve organisational communication. This study's implication is that it identifies the leadership styles necessary for enhancing organisational communication in universities.

Prime heritages of ethno-bureaucratic corruption in Africa: Ripped curtain sagas

2024-06-20T04:34:13+02:00

Present-day literature has extensively discussed bureaucratic corruption from different perspectives. However, there is a scarcity of literature that explores the broader narratives of bureaucratic corruption driven by self-interest and ethnic agendas. This paper aims to examine the prevalence of high-level bureaucratic corruption in Africa, specifically highlighting the role of ethnicism as a significant development barrier that negatively impacts social equality and service provision. By analysing relevant literature and considering various viewpoints, this paper presents publicly available data from magazines, newspapers, scholarly books, journal articles, and reports to demonstrate the corrupt practices of "elites" who are characterised as "militarists," "autocrats," and pseudo-democrats. The evidence suggests that the persistence of high-level bureaucratic corruption is primarily attributed to the prevalence of "neo-patronage-clientelism" and power dynamics based on ethnic supremacy. Moreover, it illustrates how the distorted power structure dominated by ethnic interests serves the narrow political and military elite, enabling them to exploit the country's resources within their inner circle. The paper argues that ethnic-bureaucratic corruption is equally prevalent and challenging, exacerbated by ethnic nostalgia. However, it concludes that bureaucratic corruption, coupled with ethnic divisions, has given rise to conflicts that pose a significant threat to the existence of African society. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the current research and literature concerning concerns related to bureaucratic corruption.

Detoxification from brian-drain debate: A close review to bitter reality in reference to Nepal

2024-06-29T17:29:18+02:00

Contrary to claims made by some scholars who have not thoroughly assessed the situation, this article argues that Nepal does not suffer from brain drain. The paper adopts an academic and archival approach, utilising qualitative desktop research methods to comprehensively examine the issue. The arguments presented are supported by the Delphi method and firsthand experiences. The study relies on secondary sources supplemented by personal observations and informal discussions to provide a well-rounded perspective. Recent publications accessed through widely used archiving platforms are given priority to ensure the credibility and relevance of the sources cited. Through this rigorous methodology, the paper concludes that the real issue plaguing Nepal is excessive labour drain, not brain drain. The analysis reveals that the notion of brain drain in Nepal is largely a misconception, with only a negligible number of individuals falling into this category. The departure of this small group has not significantly hampered the nation's dignity or development. On the contrary, the labour drain has created a severe shortage of workers in critical sectors, impeding the nation's progress and exacerbating economic vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is imperative to reorient strategies to address the labour drain by focusing on creating employment opportunities, improving working conditions, and offering incentives for workers to stay. By concentrating on these areas, Nepal can curb the outflow of its labour force and channel the energy and skills of its people towards national development. Consequently, the paper asserts that it is unnecessary to no longer concern oneself with brain drain.

Wails Inside Arab Homes: Examining the lived experiences and exploitation of returnee Ugandan migrant domestic workers from Saudi Arabia

2024-06-22T15:16:42+02:00

The study aimed to investigate the experiences and exploitation of Ugandan migrant domestic workers who returned from Saudi Arabia. The study followed a constructivist paradigm, an interpretive framework that focuses on individuals' understanding of the world and their creation of unique meanings. A qualitative approach was utilised, specifically employing a phenomenological case study design. Data was gathered through unstructured interviews with twenty-eight (28) migrant domestic workers. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. The findings regarding the lived experiences and exploitation of returnee Ugandan migrant domestic workers were visualised through concept maps created using NVivo version 10.0. The study discovered that the returnee workers' experiences were primarily related to their interactions with various individuals in their employers' households, including dealing with abusive employers, inconsiderate children and relatives, and challenging working conditions. Other experiences involved working in an unfriendly environment, carrying out difficult tasks, facing heavy workloads, experiencing occupational health difficulties, enduring physical abuse, inadequate rest, food deprivation, sexual advances, and false allegations. Consequently, providing legal protection for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia is crucial. Although progress has been made in addressing legal gaps, particularly regarding weekly rest days, more work remains. This includes implementing or expanding minimum wages and aligning working hour restrictions with those applicable to other workers. It is therefore recommended that Uganda and Saudi Arabia revise labour export laws to ensure that the rights of migrant domestic workers are respected.

Phases of adoption of One Acre Fund agricultural innovation among smallholder maize farmers, Bungoma County, Kenya

2024-06-29T13:08:00+02:00

This study examines the adoption of One Acre Fund (OAF) agricultural innovations in Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya, in response to declining maise production. Despite agricultural development programs aiding Kenya's economic growth, research shows low technological acquisition. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 204 out of 9,924 OAF-registered farmers using descriptive research design. Inferential statistics were employed to analyse the different phases of adoption, with quantitative data presented in tables. The qualitative findings were analysed using thematic analysis and incorporated into the results of the inferential analysis as narratives. A situational analysis was performed to assess the status of various types of OAF agricultural innovation among smallholder farmers in the study area. Pairwise ranking was implemented to identify advanced acquisition strategies. The findings revealed that the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, such as age (p = 0.002), marital status (p = 0.000), level of education (p = 0.001), family size (p = 0.047), non-farm work (p = 0.327), and size of land (p = 0.110), significantly influenced the adoption of the OAF agricultural innovations. The study also indicated that the adoption phases were impacted by factors such as group memberships (p = 0.047), farm visits (p = 0.012), and training (p = 0.000). Based on the findings, the study recommends the implementation of awareness programs, crop insurance, the establishment of farm cooperatives, and the strengthening of farmers' knowledge systems to enhance OAF maise output and achieve food security.

Deposit Money Bank Credit and Non-Oil Export in Nigeria

2024-06-29T06:43:13+02:00

The non-oil sectors play a crucial role in driving industrial transformation and generating foreign exchange for a nation. Therefore, the performance of this sector is influenced by the implementation of policies and programs, as well as the availability of credit facilities from deposit money banks (DMBs). This study examines the relationship between DMBs' credit and non-oil exports in Nigeria from 1986 to 2022. The data is analysed using the bounds test co-integration procedure of Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL). The results indicate that there is a significant (Prob. < 0.05) positive relationship between DMBs' credit and exchange rates. Furthermore, DMBs' lending rate and inflation rate demonstrate a significant negative relationship, while gross fixed capital formation shows an inverse relationship with non-oil exports in Nigeria. The causality test reveals no causality between bank credit to non-oil sectors, exchange rate, and the volume of non-oil exports in Nigeria. However, there is a unidirectional causality between gross fixed capital formation, the lending rate of banks, the inflation rate, and non-oil exports in Nigeria. Based on these findings, it is recommended that both the government and the monetary authorities make concerted efforts to stabilise the macroeconomic variables and promote growth-oriented programs meant to boost the aim of enhancing the production of locally produced goods in the non-oil sectors of Nigeria. Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria should consider reducing the bank rate, as this would directly impact other rates within the country.

Self-efficacy and teaching quality of academic staff in public universities in Uganda

2024-06-15T22:10:03+02:00

This study investigated the association between self-efficacy and teaching quality of academic staff in selected public universities in Uganda. Specifically, the study examined how academic staff's personal sense of efficacy, behaviour management, instructional strategies, and motivational strategies efficacy influenced teaching quality in public universities. Employing the positivist research philosophy, the study used a quantitative approach through correlational research design. Randomly selected academic staff members provided data using a self-administered questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) results indicated that of the four teacher efficacy aspects, only personal sense of efficacy positively and significantly influenced teaching quality. However, the efficacy of behaviour management, instructional strategies, and motivational strategies had a positive but insignificant influence on teaching quality. It was concluded that the personal sense of efficacy of academic staff is essential in enhancing teaching quality. Nonetheless, the efficacy of behaviour management, instructional strategies, and motivational strategies of academic staff has made minimal contributions to teaching quality in universities. Therefore, university leaders should emphasise promoting the personal sense of efficacy of academic staff to enhance teaching quality more than instructional strategies and motivational strategies efficacy.

Human resource development practices and job performance of academic staff of Bishop Stuart University

2024-07-06T17:58:33+02:00

This study examined human resource development practices and their impact on academic staff performance. Specifically, it investigated whether training, promotion, job enrichment and organisational policies significantly influence the job performance of academic staff. The study surveyed 158 academic staff members at Bishop Stuart University in Uganda using a quantitative approach and a correlational research design. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that job enrichment and organisational policies had a positive and significant impact on academic staff performance. In contrast, training had a negative but significant influence on academic staff performance, and promotion had a positive but insignificant influence on the job performance of academic staff. The study concluded that effective human resource practices, specifically job enrichment and organisational policies, play a crucial role in enhancing academic staff performance. However, limited training opportunities hindered the performance of academic staff. Furthermore, unsatisfactory promotion practices minimally contribute to the job performance of academic staff. The study recommended that university managers implement human resource development practices, namely job enrichment, organisational policies, training, and promotion, to promote job performance.

Determinants of poor planning in public sector construction projects in Nigeria

2024-07-05T06:22:44+02:00

The study assessed the determinants of poor planning in public-sector construction projects in Nigeria. The paper adopted a questionnaire survey. A structured questionnaire was administered to 217 construction professionals, out of which 156, representing 71.9%, correctly filled questionnaires were analysed. The study deployed descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation for data analysis. Results indicated that the primary determinants of poor project planning are the need for qualified personnel, with a mean of 4.70; experience, with a mean of 4.63; and poor communication among the project teams, with a mean of 4.63. The significant factors influencing the implementation of project planning in public sector construction projects include natural occurrences, the use of computers and ICT, differing approaches of those who produce the plans and those who deliver the project, the leadership of the project team, application of planning techniques, only trained project managers should plan the project, non-availability of labour, lack of experience. The critical barriers to project planning implementation in public construction projects include lack of communication, performance problems, political influence, dissatisfied project teams, abandonment of the project, time overrun, absence of new technology and software for planning, compromised project quality, and wrong estimation. The research suggests that contractors involved in public sector construction projects in Nigeria should enhance their planning and performance through various measures. These measures include conducting financial and ethical client checks, employing dedicated project managers, utilising computerised planning systems, and improving team communication through reliable channels.

Transformative approaches to managing student unrest in a South African university

2024-07-09T09:35:12+02:00

Higher education and training institutions in South Africa have experienced widespread student unrest and crises in recent years, particularly within universities. This issue has been attributed to strained relationships between students and university management. Therefore, it is imperative to address the conflict gap between students and management in order to promote peaceful university operations. This study employed qualitative research, utilising decoloniality theory and a transformative paradigm lens within a qualitative research approach and participatory research design. Data was collected through focus group discussions (FGDs), with participants selected using a homogeneous sampling technique. For this study, three management employees, three students (SRC members), three lecturers, and three security officers from the chosen university were selected as participants using the homogeneous sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis. One of the key findings is that the lack of a proper structure to manage unrest and the failure to involve students in decision-making pose significant challenges in the management of student unrest. The potential solutions to these challenges include the establishment of appropriate structures, the involvement of stakeholders in decision-making processes, and the development of common ground among stakeholders. These solutions could effectively address the issue at hand. Furthermore, a major recommendation is to engage society in order to address student unrest comprehensively. The study concludes that applying principles of openness and integrity is crucial in building and maintaining trust among stakeholders, as trust has been identified as a significant factor in bridging the gap between them.

Challenges of multipurpose cooperatives in the marketing of agricultural products in the southwest part of Ethiopia

2024-07-27T21:04:53+02:00

Agricultural cooperatives, particularly multipurpose cooperatives, are considered a valuable means of improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in developing countries. By collaborating with farmers, they can increase their collective bargaining power, negotiate better prices for their crops, and boost their incomes. However, despite their significant contributions, multipurpose cooperatives face challenges that can hinder their ability to play a significant role in agricultural product marketing. This study aimed to analyse the challenges of multipurpose cooperatives in the marketing of agricultural products in the southwest part of Ethiopia. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 196 members from four multipurpose cooperatives. A mixed research design, which combines both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, was used. Quantitative data was collected through a structured questionnaire from primary sources, while qualitative data was collected through focus groups and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics such as mean, chi-square, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that the multipurpose cooperatives in the study area faced several internal and external constraints. The key internal challenges were a lack of capital, an unskilled workforce, and low commitment from committee members. On the other hand, the major external bottlenecks included inadequate and inconsistent technical assistance, deficiency in knowledge and skills, and inadequate documentation and information in the marketing of the multipurpose cooperatives. The study suggests that the government and other non-governmental organisations should provide financial and technical support to encourage cooperatives.

Amid and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: Internet costs for remote work by university lecturers in Tanzania—who does the cap fit?

2024-08-13T03:44:26+02:00

The global COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted education worldwide, including in Sub-Saharan Africa, which was caught off guard. Remote work has become a viable option for maintaining social distancing, even after the pandemic. However, there is limited evidence on who should bear the cost of internet access for remote work. This paper focuses on three research questions: how lecturers perceive remote work, how internet costs hinder remote working, and who should be responsible for covering the cost of internet access. Using a phenomenological approach, the study involved three key informants and sixteen lecturers from four public universities. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and analysed thematically. The results revealed that university lecturers view remote work as important for professional growth. However, the high cost of internet access deters remote working as lecturers struggle to afford data bundles for their work responsibilities. Also, it was found that employers should bear the costs of Internet for remote working because it enhances efficiency and job satisfaction. Universities should also revise their policies to provide financial support for lecturers who work remotely, including setting a minimum internet cost per week for all scholars working remotely.

Growing improved crops and social justice: A contextualisation of ubuntu principles for smallholder farmers

2024-08-10T13:14:21+02:00

Improved crops are being promoted in many developing countries to increase food production and realise economic benefits associated with them. The changes in farming being introduced are affecting the social values in food production. The paper examines how the new crops affect the Ubuntu values important for the realisation of social justice of smallholder farmers. The study used mixed methods case study utilising a questionnaire, focus group discussion, and in-depth interviews. Three themes were the main focus with regard to Ubuntu as an analytic lens for social justice concerns of smallholder farmers: access to land, crops, labour and gardening, and food access and distribution. The findings show that Ubuntu values are being stifled with the commoditisation of farming processes and systems. At the same time, individualism associated with growing improved crops is threatening food access and distribution, as Ubuntu values of interdependence, solidarity, unity, compassion, empathy, and togetherness no longer influence processes in food systems. The results suggest the need for the incorporation and recognition of the values of Ubuntu/Obuntu Bulamu in promoting improved crops. This will contribute to addressing smallholder farmers' social justice concerns.

Advancing interdisciplinary management science: A pathway to sustainable development goals

2024-06-28T09:12:48+02:00

The Interdisciplinary Journal of Management Sciences (IJMS) plays a crucial role in advancing the understanding and application of management science in various fields. This editorial paper explores the intersection between interdisciplinary research and management science, emphasising the Journal's contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IJMS encourages innovative research that addresses complex managerial issues, discourses, and challenges by incorporating principles from economics, engineering, social sciences, and technology. This paper highlights key areas of focus, such as decision-making, supply chain management, innovation, human resources, financial management, marketing, sustainability, educational management, conflict management, and governance. The relevance of each area to specific SDGs is discussed, showcasing how interdisciplinary approaches can provide comprehensive understanding and solutions to global issues. Despite the cognitive obstacles posed by disciplinary boundaries, methodological disparities, and pedagogical peculiarities inherent in interdisciplinary research, there are ample opportunities to leverage technological advancements and foster collaborative research for effective knowledge advancement. The IJMS's commitment to bridging theory and practice not only advances knowledge in management science but also makes a significant contribution to achieving the SDGs. This editorial calls for increased support from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to further recognise interdisciplinary research in line with the Journal's vision for a future where management science drives sustainable development.