Francis Okyere | CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY FREE STATE (original) (raw)

Papers by Francis Okyere

I would like to thank the following people for all the guidance, support, encouragement and contr... more I would like to thank the following people for all the guidance, support, encouragement and contributions offered to make this journey a success:  The Almighty God, for His grace, wisdom and protection bestowed on me throughout the study.  My supervisor, Professor Dennis Yao Dzansi, for his insights, knowledge, guidance and encouragement. He made me enjoy the journey and I will forever be indebted to him.  My wife, Mopolokeng Ntobo and daughter, Nana Ama Okyere, for their support and sacrifices.  Mr Edmund Amoakoh, for the encouragement and support he offered me.  My parents, Mr and Mrs Okyere and all my siblings, for the trust you had in me and the encouragement that I could do it.

Imperial journal of interdisciplinary research, 2017

The aim of this study is to gain meaningful insight into how the practice of business social resp... more The aim of this study is to gain meaningful insight into how the practice of business social responsibility (BSR) influences the competitiveness of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). Research evidence suggests that BSR is a sound business philosophy and the practice of the concept comes with benefits. However, in spite of the significant role played by SMMEs in socio-economic development in economies, research on their BSR engagement is limited. A structured, self-administered questionnaire and validated for reliability, was used to identify and empirically test the BSR factors that influence the competitiveness of SMMEs in the Botshabelo industrial area of South Africa. The questionnaires were distributed to 173 SMME owners/managers. The results revealed BSR as a sound business philosophy, which has a positive influence on the competitiveness of SMMEs. The empirical results of this exploratory study is important because it will motivate SMMEs to effectively engage in BSR,...

Given the significant role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in socioeconomic... more Given the significant role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in socioeconomic development, this paper seeks to gain an insight into their business social responsibility (BSR) practices. The objective of this paper is to examine why SMMEs in Lesotho engage in BSR activities. The concept of BSR is still new to Lesotho SMMEs, probably because of the dearth of empirical research on the subject. Furthermore, the neglect of SMMEs BSR practices in not justified considering the important role they play in economies. This study examined the reasons why SMMEs in Thetsane industrial estate in Maseru, Lesotho engage in social responsibility practices. The study focused on 10 textile manufacturing SMMEs in Thetsane industrial estate in the Maseru District of Lesotho. By using qualitative approach, the questionnaire based interview tested reasons why SMMEs engage in BSR. The results revealed that the quest to achieve good company image, increased satisfied customers as well as motivated and satisfied employees (which may lead to increased productivity) are the dominant drivers of small businesses engagement in BSR. These findings and implications are discussed in this study.

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Aug 1, 2015

Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business co... more Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business context is limited. This creates a number of problems. For example, in South Africa, it is difficult to tell exactly what the attitudes of small businesses are towards BSR. Without such information, policymakers will find it difficult to formulate appropriate support mechanisms to enhance BSR efforts of small businesses bearing in mind that what works for large businesses may not necessarily work for the smaller ones. A structured, attitudinal survey instrument, validated for reliability with R = 0.89, was used to collect data from owners/managers of 173 small businesses in the small industrial estate of Botshabelo in South Africa to determine their general attitude towards BSR. The results reveal interesting findings. First, on less stringent criteria, a somewhat split opinion is found on the matter; however, on more stringent (pessimistic) decision criteria, the results indicate a general negative attitude towards BSR. Significant differences were found in attitude towards BSR based on personal and organizational demographic variables. This exploratory study is important because it has provided a window through which the typical South African small manufacturing firm's attitude towards BSR can be gauged.

Given the significant role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in socio-economi... more Given the significant role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in socio-economic development, this paper seeks to gain an insight into their business social responsibility (BSR) practices. The objective of this paper is to examine why SMMEs in Lesotho engage in BSR activities. The concept of BSR is still new to Lesotho SMMEs, probably because of the dearth of empirical research on the subject. Furthermore, the neglect of SMMEs BSR practices in not justified considering the important role they play in economies. This study examined the reasons why SMMEs in Thetsane industrial estate in Maseru, Lesotho engage in social responsibility practices. The study focused on 10 textile manufacturing SMMEs in Thetsane industrial estate in the Maseru District of Lesotho. By using qualitative approach, the questionnaire based interview tested reasons why SMMEs engage in BSR. The results revealed that the quest to achieve good company image, increased satisfied customers as well a...

Problems and perspectives in management, 2017

Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business co... more Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business context is limited. This creates a number of problems. For example, in South Africa, it is difficult to tell exactly what the attitudes of small businesses are towards BSR. Without such information, policymakers will find it difficult to formulate appropriate support mechanisms to enhance BSR efforts of small businesses bearing in mind that what works for large businesses may not necessarily work for the smaller ones. A structured, attitudinal survey instrument, validated for reliability with R = 0.89, was used to collect data from owners/managers of 173 small businesses in the small industrial estate of Botshabelo in South Africa to determine their general attitude towards BSR. The results reveal interesting findings. First, on less stringent criteria, a somewhat split opinion is found on the matter; however, on more stringent (pessimistic) decision criteria, the results indicate a genera...

Thesis (M. Tech. (Business administration)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2012

I would like to thank the following people for all the guidance, support, encouragement and contr... more I would like to thank the following people for all the guidance, support, encouragement and contributions offered to make this journey a success:  The Almighty God, for His grace, wisdom and protection bestowed on me throughout the study.  My supervisor, Professor Dennis Yao Dzansi, for his insights, knowledge, guidance and encouragement. He made me enjoy the journey and I will forever be indebted to him.  My wife, Mopolokeng Ntobo and daughter, Nana Ama Okyere, for their support and sacrifices.  Mr Edmund Amoakoh, for the encouragement and support he offered me.  My parents, Mr and Mrs Okyere and all my siblings, for the trust you had in me and the encouragement that I could do it.

This paper is based on research on growing competition within hair salons. The study found eviden... more This paper is based on research on growing competition within hair salons. The study found evidence of such competition and identified relationship marketing (RM) as a tool to support competitive strategy. Hair salons are regarded as emerging small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) – a status achieved due to participation in competitive social-economic activities. This paper presents a RM model compatible with the requirements of emerging SMMEs. It is hoped that this model will promote hair salons’ competitive strategy, thus contributing to South African socio-economic mantra. There is a perceived lack of relationship marketing by SMMEs, particularly for emerging SMMEs like the hair salons. This perception amplifies the importance of strategic tools to support competitive strategy for successful competition. A survey data collection method was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 145 respondents, randomly selected owner/managers of hair salons and customers. Th...

Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business co... more Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business context is limited. This creates a number of problems. For example, in South Africa, it is difficult to tell exactly what the attitudes of small businesses are towards BSR. Without such information, policymakers will find it difficult to formulate appropriate support mechanisms to enhance BSR efforts of small businesses bearing in mind that what works for large businesses may not necessarily work for the smaller ones. A structured, attitudinal survey instrument, validated for reliability with R = 0.89, was used to collect data from owners/managers of 173 small businesses in the small industrial estate of Botshabelo in South Africa to determine their general attitude towards BSR. The results reveal interesting findings. First, on less stringent criteria, a somewhat split opinion is found on the matter; however, on more stringent (pessimistic) decision criteria, the results indicate a general negative attitude towards BSR. Significant differences were found in attitude towards BSR based on personal and organizational demographic variables. This exploratory study is important because it has provided a window through which the typical South African small manufacturing firm’s attitude towards BSR can be gauged.

I would like to thank the following people for all the guidance, support, encouragement and contr... more I would like to thank the following people for all the guidance, support, encouragement and contributions offered to make this journey a success:  The Almighty God, for His grace, wisdom and protection bestowed on me throughout the study.  My supervisor, Professor Dennis Yao Dzansi, for his insights, knowledge, guidance and encouragement. He made me enjoy the journey and I will forever be indebted to him.  My wife, Mopolokeng Ntobo and daughter, Nana Ama Okyere, for their support and sacrifices.  Mr Edmund Amoakoh, for the encouragement and support he offered me.  My parents, Mr and Mrs Okyere and all my siblings, for the trust you had in me and the encouragement that I could do it.

Imperial journal of interdisciplinary research, 2017

The aim of this study is to gain meaningful insight into how the practice of business social resp... more The aim of this study is to gain meaningful insight into how the practice of business social responsibility (BSR) influences the competitiveness of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). Research evidence suggests that BSR is a sound business philosophy and the practice of the concept comes with benefits. However, in spite of the significant role played by SMMEs in socio-economic development in economies, research on their BSR engagement is limited. A structured, self-administered questionnaire and validated for reliability, was used to identify and empirically test the BSR factors that influence the competitiveness of SMMEs in the Botshabelo industrial area of South Africa. The questionnaires were distributed to 173 SMME owners/managers. The results revealed BSR as a sound business philosophy, which has a positive influence on the competitiveness of SMMEs. The empirical results of this exploratory study is important because it will motivate SMMEs to effectively engage in BSR,...

Given the significant role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in socioeconomic... more Given the significant role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in socioeconomic development, this paper seeks to gain an insight into their business social responsibility (BSR) practices. The objective of this paper is to examine why SMMEs in Lesotho engage in BSR activities. The concept of BSR is still new to Lesotho SMMEs, probably because of the dearth of empirical research on the subject. Furthermore, the neglect of SMMEs BSR practices in not justified considering the important role they play in economies. This study examined the reasons why SMMEs in Thetsane industrial estate in Maseru, Lesotho engage in social responsibility practices. The study focused on 10 textile manufacturing SMMEs in Thetsane industrial estate in the Maseru District of Lesotho. By using qualitative approach, the questionnaire based interview tested reasons why SMMEs engage in BSR. The results revealed that the quest to achieve good company image, increased satisfied customers as well as motivated and satisfied employees (which may lead to increased productivity) are the dominant drivers of small businesses engagement in BSR. These findings and implications are discussed in this study.

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Aug 1, 2015

Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business co... more Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business context is limited. This creates a number of problems. For example, in South Africa, it is difficult to tell exactly what the attitudes of small businesses are towards BSR. Without such information, policymakers will find it difficult to formulate appropriate support mechanisms to enhance BSR efforts of small businesses bearing in mind that what works for large businesses may not necessarily work for the smaller ones. A structured, attitudinal survey instrument, validated for reliability with R = 0.89, was used to collect data from owners/managers of 173 small businesses in the small industrial estate of Botshabelo in South Africa to determine their general attitude towards BSR. The results reveal interesting findings. First, on less stringent criteria, a somewhat split opinion is found on the matter; however, on more stringent (pessimistic) decision criteria, the results indicate a general negative attitude towards BSR. Significant differences were found in attitude towards BSR based on personal and organizational demographic variables. This exploratory study is important because it has provided a window through which the typical South African small manufacturing firm's attitude towards BSR can be gauged.

Given the significant role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in socio-economi... more Given the significant role played by small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in socio-economic development, this paper seeks to gain an insight into their business social responsibility (BSR) practices. The objective of this paper is to examine why SMMEs in Lesotho engage in BSR activities. The concept of BSR is still new to Lesotho SMMEs, probably because of the dearth of empirical research on the subject. Furthermore, the neglect of SMMEs BSR practices in not justified considering the important role they play in economies. This study examined the reasons why SMMEs in Thetsane industrial estate in Maseru, Lesotho engage in social responsibility practices. The study focused on 10 textile manufacturing SMMEs in Thetsane industrial estate in the Maseru District of Lesotho. By using qualitative approach, the questionnaire based interview tested reasons why SMMEs engage in BSR. The results revealed that the quest to achieve good company image, increased satisfied customers as well a...

Problems and perspectives in management, 2017

Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business co... more Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business context is limited. This creates a number of problems. For example, in South Africa, it is difficult to tell exactly what the attitudes of small businesses are towards BSR. Without such information, policymakers will find it difficult to formulate appropriate support mechanisms to enhance BSR efforts of small businesses bearing in mind that what works for large businesses may not necessarily work for the smaller ones. A structured, attitudinal survey instrument, validated for reliability with R = 0.89, was used to collect data from owners/managers of 173 small businesses in the small industrial estate of Botshabelo in South Africa to determine their general attitude towards BSR. The results reveal interesting findings. First, on less stringent criteria, a somewhat split opinion is found on the matter; however, on more stringent (pessimistic) decision criteria, the results indicate a genera...

Thesis (M. Tech. (Business administration)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2012

I would like to thank the following people for all the guidance, support, encouragement and contr... more I would like to thank the following people for all the guidance, support, encouragement and contributions offered to make this journey a success:  The Almighty God, for His grace, wisdom and protection bestowed on me throughout the study.  My supervisor, Professor Dennis Yao Dzansi, for his insights, knowledge, guidance and encouragement. He made me enjoy the journey and I will forever be indebted to him.  My wife, Mopolokeng Ntobo and daughter, Nana Ama Okyere, for their support and sacrifices.  Mr Edmund Amoakoh, for the encouragement and support he offered me.  My parents, Mr and Mrs Okyere and all my siblings, for the trust you had in me and the encouragement that I could do it.

This paper is based on research on growing competition within hair salons. The study found eviden... more This paper is based on research on growing competition within hair salons. The study found evidence of such competition and identified relationship marketing (RM) as a tool to support competitive strategy. Hair salons are regarded as emerging small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) – a status achieved due to participation in competitive social-economic activities. This paper presents a RM model compatible with the requirements of emerging SMMEs. It is hoped that this model will promote hair salons’ competitive strategy, thus contributing to South African socio-economic mantra. There is a perceived lack of relationship marketing by SMMEs, particularly for emerging SMMEs like the hair salons. This perception amplifies the importance of strategic tools to support competitive strategy for successful competition. A survey data collection method was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 145 respondents, randomly selected owner/managers of hair salons and customers. Th...

Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business co... more Empirical research on business social responsibility (BSR) in the South African small business context is limited. This creates a number of problems. For example, in South Africa, it is difficult to tell exactly what the attitudes of small businesses are towards BSR. Without such information, policymakers will find it difficult to formulate appropriate support mechanisms to enhance BSR efforts of small businesses bearing in mind that what works for large businesses may not necessarily work for the smaller ones. A structured, attitudinal survey instrument, validated for reliability with R = 0.89, was used to collect data from owners/managers of 173 small businesses in the small industrial estate of Botshabelo in South Africa to determine their general attitude towards BSR. The results reveal interesting findings. First, on less stringent criteria, a somewhat split opinion is found on the matter; however, on more stringent (pessimistic) decision criteria, the results indicate a general negative attitude towards BSR. Significant differences were found in attitude towards BSR based on personal and organizational demographic variables. This exploratory study is important because it has provided a window through which the typical South African small manufacturing firm’s attitude towards BSR can be gauged.