Journal Articles
Welcome to Our Articles Hub – Where Knowledge Meets Inspiration! Explore a curated collection of insightful articles that dive deep into leadership, governance, and development across Africa. Here, you'll find the thoughts and analyses shaping the future of our continent.
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Contextualized Guideline for Strengthening Implementation of Corporate Governance Framework in Zimbabwe State-Owned Enterprises: A Focus on Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority
By Nyasha Masango, Walter Nyamangodo, Pindai M. Sithole | May 30, 2025
The study aimed to develop a guideline for strengthening the implementation of the corporate governance framework in Zimbabwe State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), using the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) as a case study. SOEs in Zimbabwe frequently face significant financial and service delivery challenges, which can hinder competitiveness and economic progress, posing fiscal risks for the government. Enhancing the effectiveness and productivity of SOEs through reinforced corporate governance is crucial to address these issues. The study was grounded in the agency, transaction cost, and stakeholder theories. The objectives were to establish how the corporate governance framework is understood at ZESA, examine institutional governance practices, determine aspects of effective corporate governance, and develop an implementation guideline. A descriptive research design was used, with data collected through a quantitative Likert scale questionnaire and qualitative interviews. Findings indicated that ZESA implements various corporate governance principles, but a comprehensive model encompassing openness, accountability, and ethical decision-making is needed. The study concludes that strengthening corporate governance in ZESA requires a dedicated leadership committed to high ethical standards and governance practices. The developed guideline provides a framework for effectively implementing corporate governance in Zimbabwe's SOEs.
Download ArticleImpact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Operations of Parachurch organisations in Mutare, Zimbabwe
By Maxwell Ngove, Elizabeth Mamukwa, Walter Nyamangodo | May 30, 2025
This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on organizational operations of parachurch organisations in Mutare, Zimbabwe for the period December 2019 to February 2022. The main purpose of this research was to analyze and evaluate the impact COVID-19 had on organizational operations of Parachurch organizations. The advent of COVID-19 came with a lot of challenges that affected organizational operations and parachurch organisations was not spared as lockdown measures were implemented by the Ministry of Health (MOH) under the Government of Zimbabwe to curb the spread of the disease. The study employed an inductive approach in which questionnaires were administered to a sample of 60 participants drawn from Scripture Union Zimbabwe (SUZim), Family Aids Caring Trust (FACT), Simukai, Youth Alive and Hope Alive in Mutare. The study results showed that COVID-19 had a negative impact on organizational strategic plans and operational objectives of the organization. The findings also identified the impact COVID-19 had on staff and beneficiaries of the organization’s operations. The findings indicate the importance of organisations being proactive and prepared for unforeseen eventualities, and the need to equip and empower human resources with technology and tools for online execution of work in case of eventualities.
Download ArticleCOVID 19 and MSMEs in the Manufacturing Sector in Harare, Zimbabwe: Exploring Lessons for Coping Mechanisms During Pandemics
By Samantha Chiratidzo Dzowo and Moses Chundu | June 11, 2025
This study focused on examining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on MSMEs' businesses in Harare CBD and exploring the coping measures employed by the MSME sector for business survival. The MSME sector in Zimbabwe and the world at large was the hardest hit by COVID-19 as lockdown restrictions imposed affected small players in business. The study employed mixed methodology using the instrument of a questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 50 participants from five MSMEs in Harare CBD. Pearson correlation was used to examine the association between variables. The findings of this study confirmed the significant impact of COVID-19 on MSME businesses in Harare CBD. These early-stage effects and losses to medium to small business activity have important implications for policy, business revenue, and future business performance and GDP. One of the policy implications of this study is the need to address business strategies and Government interventions which can help to cushion the effect of the pandemics on the MSMEs.
Download ArticleEffects of the COVID 19 pandemic on Women’s Wellbeing at the Workplace: Lessons for managing pandemics from the experience of Oxfam, Zimbabwe.
By Nomthandazo Jones and Paddington Marimo | June 11, 2025
The main objective of this study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s wellbeing at the workplace in Zimbabwe. The specific objectives were to assess the workplace challenges faced by women due to the COVID-19 pandemic; to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women at the workplace; and lastly, to establish measures that can be implemented to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s wellbeing at the workplace. Primary data was collected from the 76 staff complement of Oxfam Zimbabwe. The research adopted a mixed methods approach and employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches using a cross-sectional survey research design. The researcher used SPSS software for data analysis as well as thematic analysis for the bulk of the qualitative data. The study found out that the major challenges affecting the wellbeing of women at Oxfam Zimbabwe during COVID-19 included exclusion, exhaustion, work-related pressure, and burn out. The study found out that one of the measures adopted by organisations to offset the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is re-establishing a new norm of flexibility. In terms of the countermeasures that can be taken to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in its various forms, adjustment of policies and programmes to better support employees and improvement of the flow of information was also established as a measure to mitigate the effect of COVID-19. The study recommends that Oxfam Zimbabwe should make certain that the requirements of female healthcare providers are taken into consideration at every stage of the organisational response. In addition, the study recommends that the employed should lobby their organisation to come up with cushioning mechanisms that would ensure their protection, safety, and wellbeing during periods of pandemics.
Download ArticleExploring COVID-19 preparedness and response effectiveness in Zimbabwe: A case of two public hospitals in Harare (January 2020 – June 2021)
By Kalkidan Brian Matsikure and Pindai M. Sithole | June 11, 2025
The study focused on the efforts made by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) to prepare and mitigate towards the COVID-19 pandemic. A case study approach was employed focusing on two public hospitals, namely Parirenyatwa and Wilkins Hospitals in the city of Harare. A mixed research methods approach was used utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data. For the quantitative data, a questionnaire was used while interview guides were applied for the qualitative data . In terms of the number of study participants, 50 health personnel responded to the questionnaires while 21 health personnel hospital administrators were intereviewed including three key informants. . The study revealed that, the preparation efforts made by the MoHCC towards the pandemic were minimal and more could have been done to reduce the number of deaths. The implementation of the Zimbabwe Preparedness and Response Plan was said to be a little too late given the magnitude fatal nature of the COVID-19. Therefore, mitigation and preparedness stages were prompted in Zimbabwe well after the first case of the COVID-19 was detected in Harare. The major conclusion is that the MoHCC under-estimated the COVID-19 risk and burden to the overall health administration. Furthermore, the subsequent efforts beyond the initial reaction were effective due to the systematic approach adopted guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Download ArticleThe COVID-19 Pandemic Business Risks and Coping Mechanisms: A Case of Micro-Finance Institutions in Harare, Zimbabwe
By Cliff Tapi and Moses Chundu | June 11, 2025
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a global economic crisis which had a profound effect on various sectors including the microfinance sector. The microfinance sector is important in the attainment of an upper middle-income economy for Zimbabwe by 2030 as it caters for a constituency that is marginalized by the mainstream banking sector. This constituency mainly includes the poor and small to medium enterprises. This study investigated the coping mechanisms that were implemented by microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Harare in response to the pandemic and its impact on business risks. The research was underpinned by the adaptive leadership theory. It had the objectives of ascertaining the impact of the pandemic on the adaptive capacity of MFIs, the relationship between leadership style and the effectiveness of coping mechanisms. Lastly, it focused on the role that was played by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe in helping microfinance institutions to manage risk. The study used an exploratory sequential design with data derived via a combination of questionnaires and interviews from a sample drawn from 153 microfinance institutions in Harare. The findings revealed that MFIs faced a variety of risks but were highly adaptive, employing a mix of strategies such as downscaling, diversification, digital transformation, and activating business continuity plans. The study also established a positive relationship between leadership style and coping mechanism effectiveness, as well as a moderate effectiveness of RBZ interventions in assisting MFIs in remaining operational. The findings emphasize the importance of MFIs adopting best practices, receiving policymaker support, and collaborating with stakeholders to effectively manage pandemic-related risks.
Download ArticleThe Impact of Covid 19 on Performance Management Systems at Old Mutual Zimbabwe
By Blessing Masunda and Sibongile Manzini | June 11, 2025
Covid-19 caused many workplace transformations across the world. This study aimed to assess the impact of Covid-19 on performance management systems with emphasis on Old Mutual Zimbabwe. The research sought to identify the organisation’s performance management system before Covid-19 and the impact, if any, of Covid-19 on the performance management system. The research integrated a mixed methods approach to triangulate following the pragmatic philosophy. The study also used the explanatory sequential design to ensure that the research problem was explored more meaningfully. The findings showed that Old Mutual had well-thought-out and laid-out performance management systems before Covid-19, and they were agile enough to adapt quickly to the crisis, Covid-19 did not have a negative impact. The study recommended that managers should explain the relationship between departmental goals and the attainment of the overall organizational goals to workers. Organisations should also carry out internal surveys to see if managers are carrying out performance management appropriately. Furthermore, the study recommended that organizations should emphasise the importance of frequent feedback sessions between managers and workers so that corrective action can be taken before the end of the review cycle as well as consider hybrid working systems where workers work virtually to ensure work-life balance. Further research are recommended on the positive effects for workers and organizations that have come about as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and how these can be leveraged when future crises arise.
Download ArticleExploration of Conditions Necessary for Successful De-Dollarisation in Zimbabwe
By Lawrence Chaleka, Moses Chundu, and Melissa Dengedza | June 11, 2025
The study aimed to explore the conditions necessary for successful de-dollarisation in Zimbabwe. A mixed-method research design was employed, with exploratory research and case studies applied. A target population of policymakers, business leaders, financial sector experts, and the general public was identified for the research. The study was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe, using a sample of 80 respondents. Data collection tools included questionnaires shared via Google Forms. The data was analysed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, focusing on descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and factor analysis. The study identified macroeconomic stability, supportive regulations, and a stable domestic currency as the most critical conditions for de-dollarisation. Public trust and confidence were identified as the most crucial challenge to be addressed for successful de-dollarisation. Domestic industry stimulation was identified as the biggest opportunity in the de-dollarisation process. The research therefore recommended that in addition to pursuing macroeconomic stabilisation programs, Zimbabwean Government and Monetary Authorities should strive to restore public trust and confidence in the de-dollarisation process and also enact supportive regulations, including those that boost demand for local currency.
Download ArticleInfluence of Business Ethical Practices on Production Performance in the Manufacturing Sector: A Focus on Zimtile Private Limited, Zimbabwe
By Nkululeko Moyo, Walter Nyamangodo, and Ignatious Nzero | June 11, 2025
This study investigates the influence of business ethical practices on production performance within the Zimbabwean manufacturing sector, specifically at Zimtile Private Limited. It addresses the pressing issue of declining production efficiency, which has led to financial challenges, including high customer turnover and employee attrition. Employing a pragmatic research approach combining positivist and constructivist paradigms, the study utilized a mixed-methods design involving open and closed questionnaires, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews with 214 participants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, revealing that good corporate governance, financial integrity, and labor rights significantly impacted production performance. Contrary to expectations, corporate social responsibility was not statistically significant in determining production outcomes. The findings indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between business ethical practices and production performance; however, production performance was better explained by other factors beyond ethics. The study concludes that while ethical practices play a role, optimizing production efficiency remains the primary goal for manufacturing organizations. It recommends integrating ethical considerations into all organizational processes and adopting innovative methodologies, such as the Industrial Internet of Things and Lean Manufacturing, to enhance performance and sustainability in the sector.
Download ArticleThe nexus between Leadership and the Adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT) by Law Firms in Harare
By Erica Yoroni, Moses Chundu, and Melissa Dengedza | June 11, 2025
This study explored the role of leadership in the adoption of information and communication technology in law firms in Harare. The study investigated the role played by the leader in acceptance and hence adoption of ICTs, and to recommend ways for ensuring integration of ICT in day to day running of a law firm. The review of literature explored the concepts of leadership and technology acceptance. The researchers also explored literature on how law firms in the other parts of the world and the region are taking advantage of advancement in ICT to obtain competitive advantage and retain customers. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data for the study. Findings showed that, while there is high awareness of the use of ICT in law firms, there are divided opinions on the contribution of leadership to the adoption of ICTs. It appears leaders are wary of the risks associated with technology advancements. The study recommends a proactive approach when adopting ICTs, with firms taking time to conduct in-depth research that includes looking at reviews from other firms that have used the technology before.
Download ArticleOrganizational Culture Assessment of a Private School in Nairobi, Kenya.
By Osagiede Moses Osayemwenre and Kiruhi, T.M. | June 11, 2025
This study examines the impact of organizational culture at Valley School in Nairobi, Kenya. It aims to improve employee motivation and job satisfaction. The approach involved utilizing Cameron and Quinn's (2011) “Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI)” to evaluate various facets of organizational culture. Studies have shown that research on organizational culture in Kenya has primarily focused on corporate organizations (Ndege & Njoroge, 2022; Chimakati & Macharia, 2024), making this study particularly relevant and timely for educators. The study sample of 12 participants was drawn from 35 staff members, including administrators, teachers, and interns from different departments. The study utilizes Cameron and Quinn’s (2011) Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) as a methodological framework for analyzing the organizational culture at Valley School. Findings revealed that the participants identified the predominant current culture as Hierarchical and the preferred culture as Clan. This suggests that the workplace is highly formal and official, emphasizing productivity and stability, necessitating deliberate attention, training, and nurturing to empower and align employees with the organization's desired culture. The school was recommended to embrace a collaborative teamwork approach that promotes shared visions and values. It will empower employees in an environment that streamlines processes and establishes clear roles and responsibilities with regular feedback. The study proposed ways to enhance overall performance and productivity, thereby contributing to developing organizational culture and human resource management. This could lead to a more engaged and productive school community, fostering a sense of hope and motivation.
Download ArticleTransformational Leadership Components That Are Most Effective in Promoting Employee Work Engagement
By Gary Kudzanai Dzingirayi, and Pindai M. Sithole | June 11, 2025
The study of transformational leadership has gained prominence in organisational behavior research due to its potential to enhance employee work engagement. This article analyses key components of transformational leadership, specifically inspirational motivation, individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, and idealized influence with special emphasis on their effectiveness in promoting employee engagement. Utilizing descriptive statistics from a sample of 200 employees, the study reveals significant insights into how these leadership components mutually interact to foster a motivated workforce. Findings indicate that while inspirational motivation is the most highly regarded component, the effectiveness of transformational leadership is nuanced and context dependent. This paper discusses the implications for leaders who desire to enhance employee engagement through transformational leadership strategies. In the mind of the authors, the paper provides useful insights regarding effective leadership practices for the promotion of employee engagement.
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