Business Management

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(A)symmetrical conflict between medical doctors and traditional and faith healers in the era of Covid-19 in rural communities of Zimbabwe.
(2020) Chirambwi, K.
The paper examines the tension in the social construction of pandemic by doctors, traditional healers, and faith-based healers and considers the potential public health implications. Methodologically, the author uses a case study of Mwenezi District in Masvingo Province in Zimbabwe and draws on autoethnographic experiences to observe and analyse local level asymmetric confrontations as the Coronavirus pandemic unfolded. What emerges is how values, beliefs and scientific interpretations are contributing factors to conflict, and more significantly, the deleterious impact it has on mobilizing community action against the pandemic. Research findings reveal how untenable and inconceivable it will be to contain the pandemic without paying appropriate attention to apostolic sects and traditional healers. Interventions have so far ignored this social capital.
Addressing the healing of youth militia in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe
(Univeristy of Peace Africa Programme, 2017) Chirambwi, K.
Challenges facing progression of disabled pesrons towards senior managerial positions in the National Association of Societies for the care of the handicapped member organisations in Zimbabwe.
(2022) Khuphe, W.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Shava, G.N.; Zulu, E.; Shonhiwa, S.
The purpose of this research was to identify and analyze the key factors that affect the limited progression of disabled persons to senior positions at the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH), the umbrella body that represents different organizations that advocate and support people with disabilities. The research followed a qualitative approach with some limited quantitative analysis of some of the findings. Ten member organizations were sampled in the collection of data. Out of the fifty questionnaires distributed, thirty fully completed and valid questionnaires were received back and that constituted a response rate of sixty percent. The sample was made up of five organizations of the disabled and five organizations for the disabled. The findings of the research show, amongst others, that prejudice and in some instances, weak corporate governance are strong determinants of lack of progression to senior positions of disabled people at NASCOH and in some member organizations. Although this research was small in scale, that is, targeted only ten out of forty-five NASCOH member organizations; many lessons could be learned from the findings of the project. Further research is necessary to explore deeper the identified factors to influence better policy and practice in the study area. The research study found that disabled employees are less represented in employment opportunities. The study further found that there are limited or in some instances, no programmes designed to promote the advancement and development of people with disabilities at NASCOH member organizations. The key recommendation is that there is an urgent need for NASCOH, with the active participation of disability rights activists to push for the establishment of a national policy on disability by the Government of Zimbabwe. Further research is necessary to explore deeper the identified factors to influence better policy and practice in the study area.
Consumer Acceptance of Online Banking in Zimbabwe: An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model
(2022) Ntini, P.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Shava, G.; Charumbira, J.; Sibanda, B.
An explosion of electronic banking systems over the years, particularly in developed countries has been powering economies closer to a cashless society as it removes the need for physical currency (cash) and physical payment systems and substituting them with cards (plastic money) and Internet (digital money). The study explores the extent of acceptance and usage of online banking by the general public as individuals, micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and Corporates in transacting with commercial banks and building societies in Zimbabwe as well as investigates the challenges they face in the adoption of this technology. The study focused on how the technology acceptance model can be used to rate the acceptance and usage of online banking. The researchers used face to face interviews, focus group discussions and a questionnaire for primary data collection purposes. The model was tested with a survey sample (n= 100). The findings of the study indicate that perceived usefulness and information on online banking on the Web site were the main factors influencing online-banking acceptance. Some of the key findings were the low uptake of online banking payment system as shown by the long winding queues that are still seen in all financial institutions. The research concluded that the lack of adequate money to justify having a formal account ranks high, followed by administration charges of maintaining an account as well as stringent requirements for customers to open accounts especially in the informal sector were burdensome. Therefore, there was need to relax the minimum requirements. Statements given to traders by the city councils could be used as proof of residence. Therefore, the researchers recommend that government departments like the courts, ZIMRA, VID, ZINARA and NSSA should lead by example in the usage of plastic money by making their operations Internet ready.
Enhancing Development Potential of Diaspora Communities, Experiences of Zimbabweans Living in Botswana
(2022) Sibanda, K.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Shava, G.N.; Zulu, E.; Shonhiwa, S.
The study examined the development potential of the Zimbabwean diaspora communities living in Botswana. The current study sought to fill a gap in the interrogation of the willingness and capacity of Zimbabweans living in Botswana to participate in development projects in Zimbabwe. The research was carried out in Botswana using mail and electronic questionnaires, in depth interviews and ethnographic data. Fifty mail survey respondents, 7 electronic survey respondents and 12 in depth study respondents were used in the current study. The mixed method approach used yielded data that could not have been obtained with one method only. Using the transnational capability framework, the research established the existence of both skilled and unskilled Diaspora in Botswana. The study observed that the Zimbabwean community in Botswana is actively involved in transnational activities. The study established that there is willingness to participate in the advancement of their families and communities in Zimbabwe. There are some challenges that hinder the full participation of the Diaspora community that were noted in the study. The shorter periods covered by permits affect the migrants’ capacity to access loans from banks or engage in long term planning as they risk non-renewal of permits. On the Zimbabwean side the economic and political uncertainty affect the commitment by some Zimbabweans in the diaspora to invest in Zimbabwe. The possibility of engagement between Zimbabweans in the diaspora is affected by lack of trust between the current government and the citizens in the Diaspora. The study recommended that the government of Zimbabwe should create a database of Zimbabweans living in Botswana to determine and tap the available skills base for capacity building. The Governments of Botswana and Zimbabwe are recommended to discuss extension of permits and granting of dual citizens to Zimbabwean applicants for the benefit of both countries. There is also need for the Zimbabwean Government to reduce duty on capital goods to allow the Diaspora community to bring productive capital for investment.
Entrepreneurial education in the school curriculum: in search of positioning in Zimbabwe
(Zimbabwe Publishing House, 2016) Nani, Gwendoline, V.
This study was conducted to find out when Entrepreneurship can be introduced in the school curriculum. A case study design premised in the qualitative approach was employed, which used semi-structured focus group interviews as data collection instruments. The areas of study were purposively selected government primary and secondary schools in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province in Zimbabwe. Data were analyzed thematically and discussed according to research objectives. Findings revealed that Entrepreneurship per se is not taught in government primary and secondary schools. Based on these findings, the recommendations were that Entrepreneurship should be introduced in the school curriculum at primary level to allow learners to lay a solid foundation for creativity, nurturing and innovation of business ideas for use later in life.
EU-Africa Partnerships: Discursive Disruptions and Connections
(2020) Chirambwi, K.
The Evolving use of Competitive Intelligence as a Strategic Business Management Tool: The Zimbabwean Experience.
(Zimbabwe Journal of Science & Technology, 2015) Ncube, Bulisani; Ndlovu, Mlisa J.
This study employed a descriptive survey design to explore the difficulties manufacturing companies in Zimbabwe encounter in the application and practice of competitive intelligence (CI). This was done with full knowledge that adopting and implementing competitive intelligence concepts is a voluntary process as it is not enshrined in law and therefore there are no legal penalties imposed on those companies which do not apply any one of its tenets .The manufacturing sector was chosen because it is one of the sectors which is heavily threatened by globalization and technological advances. The exposure of the Zimbabwean manufacturing companies to both domestic and foreign competition means that these companies have to adopt and apply business survival strategies which include among others implementation of CI to counter this threat. The primary objective of this research was to explore the application and practice of CI in Zimbabwe. A sample of 100 Chief Executive Officers was chosen from a population of 350 manufacturing companies who are members of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI). This sample was selected using stratified random sampling. Data was collected through the use of a self-administered questionnaire which was supplemented by the use of the structured and unstructured interview schedules. The data collection instruments used, were designed such that they were able to generate both qualitative and quantitative data. The major findings from the study were that lack of financial resources dedicated to CI activities and lack of expertise to conduct CI processes were major barriers faced by companies in the application and practice of CI. It was therefore recommended that in order to boost and build expertise in the field of CI major Business Schools in the country should consider introducing compulsory core courses on CI.
Implementation of Entrepreneurship in Teachers’ Colleges Implications for Teacher Educators and Captains of Industry in Zimbabwe
(Zimbabwe Journal of Science & Technology, 2015) Nani, Gwendoline, V.; Mpofu, M.
The study was conducted to find out whether selected teachers’ colleges are equipping educators with Entrepreneurship education so as to enable them to impart relevant knowledge and skills to the learners. A case study design was adopted which used focus group interviews and semi-structured face to face interviews for data collection. The researchers chose Bulawayo Metropolitan Province because of the diversity of its institutions. Lecturers, students and captains of industry were purposively selected because of their in depth knowledge on the issue being studied. Findings revealed that Entrepreneurship is not taught as a stand-alone subject but is infused in National and Strategic Studies (NASS) and Commercial subjects. Further revelations were that the selected institutions did not have specialists to teach Entrepreneurship and captains of industry were not consulted in the development of programmes. The study concluded that teachers’ colleges in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province lack the capacity to teach practising teachers Entrepreneurship. Recommendations are that Entrepreneurship as a course be introduced and taught by specialists who should consult captains of industry so that relevant knowledge and skills on successful and sustainable businesses are imparted.
An investigation of the leadership styles of Pentecostal church leaders in Zimbabwe
(Academic Journals, 2015-11-20) Mwenje, Judith
The aim of the paper is to focus on leadership styles exercised by Pentecostal leaders in Zimbabwe. The target population was divided into three main groups; the founders, the leaders and the members of Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe. Depth interviews and questionnaires were used on six founders, three hundred and fifty leaders and nine hundred members. The leadership style of the founders was found to be transformational while that of the leaders was democratic. The dominant leadership style as reported by members was supportive. The study extends/applies the study of leadership styles from business organisations to church organisations. The study enabled the creation of leadership models that can be applied to both church and business organisations for growth. An in-depth study on the leadership styles practiced by Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe clarifies on the reasons of growth experienced in the churches.
Is there a solution to high pricing of primary and secondary school textbooks in Bulawayo?
(2022) Mhone, N.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Zulu, E.; Masukume, C.; Tlou, F.N.
The objective of the study was to investigate the causes of the high cost of primary and secondary school textbooks in Bulawayo and establish if there is a possible solution to the pricing of books. The study was a descriptive qualitative and quantitative survey. Data were collected through 90 questionnaires (having distributed 105) and seven in-depth interviews from parents, primary and secondary school teachers, ministry officials, printing companies, retailers/bookshops, street vendors and photocopying business people. The study found that high textbook pricing was a result of parents’ low income and reduced disposable income, the import duty, the economic hardships, the scarcity of textbooks and the use of middlemen in the supply chain. As a result, parents opted for cheaper alternatives such as photocopying, buying from street vendors or flea markets, while some totally forgo purchasing new textbooks and rely on schools to provide. Some parents wait for donors to chip in, or use the Internet, or sell each other photocopied books, while private schools provided all study materials hence they were not directly affected by the high cost of textbooks. The study recommended Government to consider strongly supporting local publishing and printing of secondary textbooks. It further urged local publishers to go electronic and charge lower prices since they will not incur printing costs. It was also recommended that schools should consider e-books for ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels in an effort to reduce the costs of textbooks at these two levels.
Militarizing Police in Complex Public Emergencies
(2016) Chirambwi, K.
The Philosophical and Methodological Approaches Used by Sport and Business Management Student Researchers in Zimbabwe
(Global Institute for Research Education, 2013-11) Charumbira, Lysias Tapiwanashe
The study was conducted to assess the philosophical and methodological challenges facing sport and business management student researchers in Zimbabwe. Document analysis was used to collect data by reviewing the methodologies used by one hundred undergraduate and postgraduate students from seven Zimbabwean Institutions in their final year research projects between 2005 and 2013. The results show that in most of the studies, the selection of research methodology was out of sync with the nature of the research problem and the use of positivist research tended to dominate. The results strongly mirror the incompatibility thesis of quantitative and qualitative purists which posits that qualitative and quantitative methods cannot be mixed. The continued emphasis on positivist approaches by Zimbabwean management researchers tends to limit their ability to discover the hidden complexities and dynamic socially constructed business and cultural contexts of the country’s management environment.
Policing in the borderlands of Zimbabwe
(APCOF, 2018) Chirambwi, K.; Nare, R.
‘Return us where we can hunt and gather’: Hierarchies and social structures that sustain exclusion of San minority in Zimbabwe
(Emerald, 2024) Chirambwi, K.
The paper seeks to analyse the constellation of social structures, administrative institutions and hierarchies that sustain the exclusion of the San minority group in Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on how the European expansion in the 18th century, the modern state, and private property owners have colluded to perpetuate exclusion from accessing forest as their natural habitat. The purpose of this paper is to therefore highlight the various abuses, including those social, administrative legislative frameworks that discriminate against the San minority and it advocates for actions the right to consultation and the right to free, prior, and informed consent to proposed developments. Through the modern ethnographic approach, data generation was guided by the principles of indigenous and decolonizing research methodologies which place emphasis on the importance of San people telling their own stories thereby shifting the power of a researcher to the indigenous participants. This is a qualitative study that gives prominence to the descriptions of experiences (phenomenology) and interpretations (hermeneutic) of their survival. The paper employed cultural ecology theoretical framework as a lens through which to see the San`s exclusion from forest resources and how this has tragically shifted their egalitarian lifestyle characterised by reciprocity, sharing and levelling to adaptation to the unfamiliar sedentary farming practices. The technical implementation of forest boundary demarcation and forcing the San to join sedentary farming form part of the state`s territorialisation that excludes, restricts and disrupts the San minority from accessing forest products. The treatment of the minority group reveals not only the enormous authority of the state to transfer alienation to individuals and companies but also to legitimise the exclusion by establishing laws and policies that safeguard the interests of those favoured by the state. The San, who are already overly dominated by the social administrative structures of the Ndebele and Kalanga tribes, lack systematic and organised responses to their marginalisation. The San community in Zimbabwe is under-researched and under-theorised particularly in relation to how historically formed postcolonial hierarchies of exclusion and marginalization manifest themselves in contemporary resource governance. Less is known about how those that are powerful – government officials, private property owners and Kalanga/Ndebele tribes benefit more from the environmental resources than the powerless minority San, whose livelihoods depend on the primary natural resources. The unequal power relations have been demonstrated by the evictions of the minority from wildlife areas that were converted into game parks. The study reveals how indigenous San not only resists exclusion but also develop adaptable strategies through negotiations to improve their situation with social and administrative institutions.
Teaching of ‘Entrepreneurship’ as a Subject in Zimbabwean Schools- What are the Appropriate Teaching Methods? – A Case Study of Bulawayo Metropolitan Schools.
(Zimbabwe Journal of Science & Technology, 2014) Nani, Gwendoline, V.
The study sought to find out the appropriateness of the teaching methods used in selected Bulawayo Metropolitan schools, to enable learners to be entrepreneurs. The qualitative approach comprising the case study design was employed in this study. Cluster and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 20 government primary school teachers; 30 government high school teachers teaching practical subjects; 20 government high school students doing practical subjects and 10 captains of industry. Semi-structured interviews with respondents split into focus groups were used to collect data from schools, while captains of industry were individually interviewed. The study found out that Entrepreneurship as a ‘stand-alone’ subject is not taught in government schools. The study revealed that learners are taught practical subjects in a bid to equip them with entrepreneurship skills. The lecture method is mainly used in conjunction with practical sessions for lesson delivery. The study also established that learners are not taught how to convert practical skills they acquire in class into setting up businesses which is what entrepreneurship should ultimately achieve. Learners have no input in the way they are taught. The teacher determines how the lessons are conducted thus rendering the teaching methods not fully appropriate. Furthermore, there is no collaboration with industry when developing these lessons. The study recommends the establishment of entrepreneurial centres to allow learners to identify business ideas, incubate these ideas and implement them into businesses with the mentorship of captains of industry. Such centres will not only equip learners with relevant entrepreneurship skills but also allow for flexibility, creativity and innovation in learning.
The Belt and Road Initiative in Africa: but what kind of developmental power does China have?
(Lexington Books, 2021) Chirambwi, K.
The Intrigue of Peace and War Curriculum in Africa
(Taylor & Francis, 2018) Chirambwi, K.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Women Network: leadership and adaptability
(EMERALD, 2017) Chirambwi, K.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw lessons from the important contributions of appreciative inquiry leadership in shaping the future people aspects to police leadership. A practice model of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Women Network (ZRP WN) illuminates how the future of policing in a context of mutually reinforcing confluence of increasing rate of crime, state decay, and economic decline is contingent upon shifting from the current preoccupation of “what works” to “what is important.” Design/methodology/approach – Guided by the organising principles of the 4-D cycle involving discovery, dream, design and destiny/delivery, the appreciative inquiry leadership model illuminates a sustainable future-oriented policing. Findings – The case study of ZRP WN reveals the resilience and adaptability of female police officers to policing challenges as they constantly designed people-oriented policing operations and activities. Practical implications – Of importance is the exponential influence of communis and phronesis in rethinking and redesigning police roles in decades to come. Originality/value – The ZRP WN, through its shared vision of values, gives us a leaf on how to respond to the ever-changing values of justice and police leadership altering contexts.

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