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Research on organizational sustainability (OS) remains a global debate. Consequently, organizations have become increasingly interested in adopting leadership styles to drive sustainability goals. Thus, in the present study we examined the impact of green transformation leadership (GTL) on OS and its dimensions (environmental, social, and economic), focusing on the mediating role of green talent management (GTM). We employed a quantitative methodology, using questionnaires for data collection and SPSS (version 25) and AMOS (version 23) for data analysis. The sample consisted of lower-level leadership, including executive management and department heads from Egypt’s renewable energy organizations. We gathered 250 valid responses. The findings indicate that GTL has a positive impact on OS both directly and indirectly through GTM. Also, we found that GTM mediates the relationship between GTL and OS. These findings strengthen the view that the effectiveness of GTL is fundamentally reflected in the adoption of sustainable strategies and is the cornerstone for enabling an organization to achieve OS. Our research addresses a gap in the literature by examining the impact of GTL on OS while considering the impact of GTM, which previous researchers did not consider. In addition, we provide managerial implications for renewable energy organizations as well as limitations and directions for future research.

This study aims to examine the effects of utilitarian and hedonic browsing on impulse buying tendency and the urge to buy impulsively in online shopping contexts. It further evaluates the mediating role of impulse buying tendency in this relationship. Drawing on Uses and Gratifications (U&G) theory and the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework, a conceptual model is developed. A questionnaire survey was conducted, and 393 valid responses from online consumers were collected. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the data and test the proposed hypotheses. The findings demonstrate that (i) hedonic browsing has a significant positive effect on impulse buying tendency, which subsequently increases the urge to buy impulsively; (ii) utilitarian browsing has a significant negative effect on impulse buying tendency and does not directly influence impulse buying urges; and (iii) impulse buying tendency plays a critical mediating role in transforming browsing motivations into immediate purchase impulses. These results suggest that impulse buying is not purely an immediate reaction but is shaped through underlying psychological tendencies. This study contributes to consumer behavior literature by extending the application of U&G theory in digital commerce contexts and provides practical implications for online platform design and marketing strategies.

This study examines the impact of wage disparities on employee performance within Zimbabwe's telecommunication industry using advanced structural equation modelling techniques informed by recent post-pandemic organizational behaviour research. A quantitative research approach was employed, collecting data from 227 respondents across various job levels in Harare through structured questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling, incorporating recent methodological advances in measurement invariance testing and multi-group analysis. Results reveal significant wage differentials with employees perceiving substantial unfairness in wage distribution. The structural model demonstrates that wage disparities significantly impact employee performance, with regulatory frameworks and economic instability identified as primary contributing factors. Organizations should adopt AI-enhanced transparent compensation systems and implement performance-based wage structures informed by recent Environmental, Social, and Governance frameworks to enhance employee satisfaction and organizational performance. 

This study examines how Sustainable Innovation contributes to Business Sustainability in food-sector small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the mediating role of Zero Waste Operations. The study responds to the need to understand sustainability not only as a strategic objective, but also as an operational process embedded in inventory control, product return handling, near-expiry product management, packaging practices, and waste-reduction routines. A quantitative explanatory design was employed at Pasundan Snack Purwokerto, a distribution-based food SME in Indonesia. Using a census approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 65 employees involved in operational and distribution activities. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that Sustainable Innovation has a positive and significant effect on Business Sustainability and Zero Waste Operations. Zero Waste Operations also positively and significantly influence Business Sustainability. Mediation testing confirms that Zero Waste Operations partially mediate the relationship between Sustainable Innovation and Business Sustainability, indicating that innovation improves sustainability both directly and indirectly through waste-reduction routines. These findings suggest that sustainable innovation becomes more effective when translated into concrete operational practices, such as digital stock recording, FIFO or FEFO implementation, return classification, supplier coordination, packaging reuse, and near-expiry product handling. The study contributes to sustainability management literature by positioning Zero Waste Operations as an operational mediation mechanism in a distribution-centered food SME. Practically, the findings provide guidance for SME owners and policymakers to design feasible zero-waste initiatives that fit the resource limitations of small food distribution businesses in developing economy food supply chains.

This study examines the determinants of post-simulation regret in a stock market exercise involving 133 second-year undergraduate management students. Using data from a four-hour trading simulation, it relates post-simulation regret to anticipated regret, portfolio return, trading-style indicators and personality traits. Five regression models are estimated with a common specification, each including a different proxy for trading style. The results show that anticipated regret is positively associated with post-simulation regret, while portfolio return is negatively related to regret and is significant or marginally significant across models. Conscientiousness also emerges as a significant positive predictor. By contrast, none of the trading-style proxies reaches standard significance levels. The findings suggest that regret in simulated trading is explained more by prior regret disposition, portfolio performance, and personality than by trading style. 

This paper searches the impact of trade credit on firms’ performance in 15 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. In particular, we also examine whether trade credit can advance in an environment of higher financial inclusion rate. We achieve this by using a fixed effect estimation model and solving endogeneity by GMM and IV-2SLS methods by utilizing firm level data from the Bloomberg terminal from 2010 to 2023. Baseline results summarize that firm performance grows with the level of trade credit finance. We find a firm’s industry and SSA blocs heterogeneity the trade credit-firm performance nexus. Additionally, financial inclusion alone is positive and when interacted with trade credit it becomes significant. The major implication among others is that trade credit facilitates more firm performance in a situation of higher financial inclusion level.

The nexus of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) rarely features as a viable intervention in African food system policy and academic debates. This has created knowledge and practical gaps with policy and practice implications. This article argues that leveraging the AI-IKS nexus has significant potential to transform African food systems currently in crisis. This conceptual article explores the importance of IKS in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and examines how AI solutions can transform regional food systems. The article shows that harnessing the AI-IKS nexus entails merging traditional, generational ecological wisdom with modern technology to enhance food security, sustainability, and resilience. Key applications include using AI to analyse indigenous drought-prediction techniques alongside meteorological data, identifying climate-resilient indigenous crops, and deploying Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing to digitise and disseminate traditional knowledge in local languages. The article argues that this synergy has the potential to enhance climate resilience, boost yields through precision agriculture, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote sustainable resource management, ultimately strengthening food security.

The aim of the study was to examine how talent management affects professional nurse retention. This study utilised a quantitative research approach. To assess professional nurses' attitudes and insights regarding talent management and employee retention, 504 nurses from three public hospitals participated in a survey. It was found that talent management practices resulted in higher employee retention rates. Job security, a positive work environment, and a combination of strong leadership and rewards primarily drove staff retention. Retention strategies were found to be effective when these elements were present. Job security, work climate, and superior guidance and rewards are suggested as three new factors to consider in retaining nurses. In addition to developing a conceptual framework for talent management practices, the study also identifies ways to improve employee retention by utilizing a multidimensional approach. The study gives insight into how to maintain the viability of public hospitals by implementing talent management practices and employee retention strategies, focusing on strategies such as management commitment, talent acquisition, and creating a positive work environment. These practices can help hospitals attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals, ensuring high-quality patient care and long-term organisational success.

Gender inequality remains prevalent in leadership positions within South African schools. Previous research attributes this disparity to socio-cultural factors that hinder women's advancement into leadership roles. However, limited studies have examined the effectiveness of existing gender legislation in promoting equality. This article explores the role of gender legislation in fostering equitable school leadership in selected primary schools in Gauteng. Grounded in an emancipatory paradigm, the study adopts a qualitative approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Key participants included the School Governing Bodies as stakeholders during the promotion of school managements, union representatives as observers in ensuring that gender policies are applied effectively, and the district officials involved in recruitment processes. Therefore, consisting of crucial members who play a crucial role in implementing gender legislation during leadership appointments. Data collection methods used in the study were obtained using semi-structured interviews and document analysis, which consisted of gender legislation applicable in the Department of Education. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Findings indicated that the effectiveness of gender legislation largely depends on its implementers, who often fail to adhere to it. Additionally, women are frequently perceived as less effective in handling school disciplinary issues, a key criterion in principal selection, leading to male dominance in middle and senior management positions. The study recommends that the implementation of gender legislation be a collective responsibility of all stakeholders within the Education Department, rather than being left solely to selection panels, which may prioritise personal interests over equitable representation of leadership.

This article explores the portrayal of corruption and moral decay in selected Xitsonga protest poetry, focusing on Ngobeni K.J.'s "Xana i vuphorisa ke?"  and Khosa M.A.'s "Hi lo yini hina?". The study investigates how figurative language, particularly proverbs, metaphors, and rhetorical devices, functions not only as a literary technique but also as a social critique drawing on the context theory of meaning, which emphasizes how linguistic expressions derive their meaning from sociocultural and historical contexts in which they are used, the analysis demonstrates how the poets encode complex critiques of institutional decay into culturally resonant language. The study employs a qualitative research design using content analysis to identify and interpret themes of corruption in policing and religion. The findings reveal that both ports present corruption not simply as an act of individual moral failure but as a systemic issue rooted in nepotism, bribery, and spiritual manipulation. Ultimately, the article argues that protest poetry in indigenous languages serves as a powerful tool for moral reflection and civic engagement in contemporary South African society. 

The current economic crisis which is a consequence of fuel subsidy removal and devaluation of Nigerian currency through foreign exchange unification is a reality as nearly every household is feeling the heat. The evidence is plethora including high inflation, loss of jobs, malnutrition, imbalance diets among others. These relatively impactful factors have heightened psychological and economic stress in the country in recent time. Hence, citizens result to relieving pain via humorous interjections thereby creating a nexus between economic severity and humour. This paper interrogates “humour” as a coping mechanism and instrument of political critique in the ocean of economic hardship popularised by humourists, comedians and entertainment industrialists in an organised event and social media platforms. This study relies on secondary materials and memes from social media platforms and online newspapers between May 2023 till date and thereby subjected to qualitative content analysis. The selection criteria of the memes were based on the period when those policies were implemented. Coping theory was deployed as the theoretical foundation. The study found out that humour helps to strengthen social bonds, reduction of stress, change of perception, as a means of livelihood and political critique.

This paper uses primary data from a large-scale cross-sectional study to provide evidence on how the concept of development is defined, conceptualised, configured and operationalised so as to achieve the intended IDF project outcomes. Theoretical constructs and measures were developed drawing from both Activity theory and Distributed Leadership Theory to help understand the concept of development from the interactions of multiple actors at local, national, regional and even global within integrated transboundary landscapes and seascape. Findings indicate that in addition to development to be perceived by global actors as international development, local community define development from its contribution towards achievement of other multiple outcomes and bring scalable impacts to people, nature and economy. National government they define development from its contribution towards increased Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and Per Capital Income. Regional platforms defined development from its role it plays within transboundary landscapes and seascapes as development corridors. We use GDP as benchmarking for growth and the square multiple correlations to assess the integrated transboundary approaches as predictors of IDF outcomes. Following statistical analysis with support of structural equation model (SEM), the review of the square multiple correlations indicated that the predictors of IDF explain 9.8 percent of its variance. In other words, the error variance of IDF is approximately 90.2 percent of the variance of IDF itself. The study policy and practical implications of the measures on equality, equity, fairness, inclusivity, inequities, rights and responsibility and limitations for future studies are discussed. Practically, it confirms that, when integrated transboundary approaches are used as specified distributed practices or collective practices, they are significant for framing and increasing the descriptive, discursive and explanatory power of the concept of development when defining, conceptualising, configuring and operationalising IDF activities within integrated transboundary landscapes and seascape.

The research investigated the degree to which client appraisal relate to financial sustainability among Microfinance Institutions in Tanzania. Grounded on Resource Based View Theory, the study employed an explanatory research design whereby data was collected from a sample of 291 microfinance institutions from Dodoma, Iringa and Shinyanga regions. Semi-structured questionnaire in form of 5-point Likert scale was used to collect data which were analysed through inferential method. Research findings revealed that credit terms negatively influenced financial sustainability, whereas integration capabilities significantly and positively affected financial sustainability. Research findings further revealed that introduction of dynamic capabilities into the structural model improved the coefficient of determination (R²) value from 0.150 to 0.218, confirming their moderating role. Specifically, integration capability amplified the positive impact of internal control (IIC → SI, β = 0.157, p = 0.006), while sensing and learning did not significantly alter base relationships.  Moreover, the research findings indicated that R² of 0.218 (adjusted R² = 0.175) accounted for approximately 22 percent of the variance in financial sustainability, reflecting the combined influence of loan delinquency strategies and dynamic capabilities.  The study concludes that financial sustainability of MFIs in Tanzania depended not only on internal management practices, but also on external environmental conditions and institutional maturity, thereby necessitating multi-level policy interventions. The study recommends that MFIs in Tanzania adopt context-sensitive credit policies, such as granting of grace periods or seasonal repayment structures, especially for clients in agriculture and informal sectors. Also, strengthening learning systems including provision of staff training, knowledge sharing, and performance reflection could complement integration capabilities to boost long-term sustainability. Finally, MFIs should adopt adaptive management frameworks that combine governance, data analytics, and collaborative networks to manage delinquency dynamics.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education, offering both pedagogical advantages and potential academic risks for teaching and learning. This systematic review consolidates existing research to examine whether AI enhances or hinders pedagogical practices in universities. Results show that AI boosts efficiency, supports personalization, and promotes inclusivity through adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring platforms, and automated assessment tools. The findings, however, also indicate risks such as academic integrity issues, algorithmic bias, unequal access, and the potential deskilling of educators. Furthermore, policy gaps exacerbate these risks, subjecting institutions to ethical dilemmas and inconsistent practices. The review concludes that responsible integration, supported by strong governance frameworks, drives the impact of AI in academia. Recommendations for policymakers include introducing clear institutional policies for the use of AI in higher education, promoting equitable access to digital infrastructure, and mandating transparency and accountability to ensure trust and fairness in high-stakes decision-making. For higher education institutions, establishing comprehensive guidelines for AI use, investing in faculty training, and redesigning assessments can help ensure inclusivity, preserving creativity, and emphasizing originality and problem-solving skills less easily replicated by AI.

Customer service quality is still a major problem in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector. This study aimed to develop a framework to improve customer service in the sector. It focused on how network reliability, how quickly complaints are resolved, staff skills and empathy, and customer involvement in service improvement affect customer satisfaction. Customers often face network failures, slow responses to complaints, and poor communication with service providers. These problems reduce customer satisfaction.: The study used data collected in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. A convergent parallel mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data were collected from a random sample of 220 customers, while qualitative data were collected from 13 purposively selected participants, including managers and frontline customer service staff. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS AMOS version 23 and thematic analysis. The results showed that network reliability had a strong and positive effect on customer satisfaction. Staff competence and empathy also had a significant positive effect on customer satisfaction, showing that skilled, respectful, and caring staff improve customers’ experiences. In contrast, complaint-resolution efficiency did not have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. The analysis further showed that value co-creation partially mediated the relationship between network reliability and customer satisfaction, as well as between staff competence and customer satisfaction. The study recommended that regulators such as Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) enforce service quality standards, and that policymakers support digital inclusion and innovation. The study contributes that customer satisfaction can be improved by upgrading network infrastructure, providing ongoing staff training, empowering frontline employees, and creating formal ways to engage customers.

Single motherhood is a prevalent phenomenon within low-resourced communities globally, especially within African communities. Despite the fact that discourses on single mothers have received considerable attention in social sciences, there remains a notable gap within social work literature where momentous traction is still needed. This thematic narrative literature review synthesises current evidence regarding the challenges faced by single mothers in low-resource communities across Africa. Employing a thematic approach to literature selection, the analysis found several key areas of hardship and economic instability. Further, the findings included childcare and educational barriers, health and under nutrition, limited social support and stigma for single mothers, lack of safety and protection from violence and crimes, as well as poor policy implementation and service access. These findings highlight a complex interaction among macroeconomic factors in African communities, discriminatory gender values and norms, and community service structures, which frequently intensify vulnerabilities for single mothers and their children. The recommendations made emphasises the need for policy and programme redesigns in African communities, advocating for community-based strategies that prioritise gender sensitivity and inclusivity to address the distinctive socioeconomic challenges encountered by single mothers in low-resource settings. Further, recommendations are made on establishing family-inclusive social frameworks that extend beyond marriage-based models to include strengthening of child support enforcement mechanisms and paternal responsibility legislation.  

This article explores factors affecting principals' readiness to creatively implement policies, focusing on the policy on the South African Standard for Principalship. Policy implementation globally and in South Africa has faced an extraordinary frequency of failure. This occurs due to organizations' failure to measure readiness in employees, resulting in a lack of information about processes and strategies for implementing the policies. This article focuses on the perceptions of principals regarding factors that affect their readiness to creatively implement policies using a qualitative method. Information was gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The information was collected on a small sample of fifteen principals from schools in Mopani East district, Limpopo province, and was analysed through qualitative inductive analysis. The study revealed that principals' readiness to implement policies is affected by motivating factors. The study recommends that the Department of Education focus on enhancing the motivation of principals, which can result in readiness to implement, and measure the readiness of principals to implement policies in advance of the formal operation. 

Employee retention remains a critical concern across corporate sectors due to its far-reaching implications for operational efficiency, institutional knowledge preservation, and sustained organisational performance. This systematic literature review examines contemporary approaches to addressing employee retention challenges, with a specific focus on the manufacturing, healthcare, and tech industries. Drawing on peer-reviewed publications from 1998 to 2025, the study identifies and synthesises the primary drivers of employee turnover, while evaluating evidence-based strategies employed to mitigate it. The findings reveal that while financial incentives continue to play a foundational role in employee retention, they are increasingly insufficient in isolation. Sector-specific dynamics, such as labour inflexibility in manufacturing, emotional burnout in healthcare, and innovation fatigue in technology-intensive environments, necessitate tailored and context-sensitive retention strategies. Emerging themes identified include the growing influence of employee engagement initiatives, adaptive leadership practices, flexible work arrangements, and the strategic integration of technology in supporting retention goals. Notably, the review highlights a significant gap in the literature concerning psychological and behavioural dimensions of retention. Despite their demonstrated importance, factors such as intrinsic motivation, emotional well-being, and workplace stress remain underexplored. Addressing these elements is essential to formulating holistic, human-centred retention models. The study concludes by advocating for industry-aligned, psychologically informed, and adaptable frameworks that can respond to the evolving dynamics of modern organisational environments.  

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) has surfaced as a process that involves the transfer of theoretical knowledge to the actual practical application in the working environment. It is a pedagogical approach to placing students in touch with the realities of the working environment. Hence, the role of WIL is to develop student readiness for the working environment. The study explored the influence of WIL on student readiness for the working environment of the final year students in the department of Human Resources Management at the DUT. The objectives of the study were threefold: (i) to establish whether there is a relationship between WIL and student readiness of third year HRM for the working environment (ii) to ascertain the perception of third year HRM students regarding WIL, and (iii) to identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of WIL. The study adopted the positivist research paradigm and used the quantitative approach. A structured closed-end questionnaire was used to gather data which was analysed using SPSS version 30. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to draw deductions. The study used consensus sampling and a total of 80 responses were received. The results of the study indicated that student readiness exhibited a strong positive correlation with the WIL programme effectiveness. Furthermore, readiness showed a moderate positive correlation with the preparation programme. A weaker yet statistically significant correlation was observed between readiness and support.

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted traditional Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) practices in South African Universities of Technology (UoTs), necessitating rapid adaptation to virtual, hybrid, and project-based learning models. This study investigates post-COVID WIL practices, stakeholder perceptions, curriculum impacts, and the effectiveness of newly implemented strategies. Situated within an interpretivist paradigm, a qualitative approach was adopted to explore the meanings participants ascribe to WIL experiences. An exploratory multiple case-study design enabled in-depth insights across six UoTs. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 27 participants; including lecturers, WIL coordinators, and document analysis to capture diverse perspectives and institutional artefacts. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and managed in NVivo; thematic analysis combining deductive and inductive coding was applied to generate categories, subthemes, and overarching themes aligned to the research objectives. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching dimensions: (1) current WIL practices, including communication strategy development, traditional placements, project-based learning, and collaborative mentorship; (2) stakeholders’ perceptions, highlighting opportunities and constraints in transitioning to online and hybrid modalities; (3) curriculum impacts, reflecting both enhanced work-readiness and systemic limitations such as misaligned placements, insufficient exposure, and financial inequities; and (4) a balanced assessment of WIL strategies, emphasizing the integration of virtual approaches, simulation technologies, traditional placements, and industry partnerships. The main findings demonstrate that hybrid, adaptive WIL models supported by structured mentorship, formalised industry collaboration, and reflective practices optimally cultivate employable, competent, and resilient graduates. The study underscores the need for strategic planning, institutional capacity building, and equity-focused interventions to sustain WIL effectiveness in post-pandemic higher education