Bussecon Review of Social Sciences

In contemporary organizations, leaders are increasingly required to manage contradictory demands while supporting employees’ psychological resources in dynamic and uncertain work environments. This study examines the effects of paradoxical leadership on two important employee-level outcomes: creative self-efficacy and resilience. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, the study aims to explain how leaders who simultaneously balance autonomy and control, flexibility and structure, and support and challenge can strengthen employees’ confidence in generating creative solutions and their capacity to adapt to workplace difficulties. A quantitative research design was employed, using survey data collected from employees working in the Information and Communication Technology sector. The proposed relationships were tested through structural equation modeling, after assessing the reliability and validity of the measurement model. The findings indicate that paradoxical leadership has a significant positive effect on both creative self-efficacy and employee resilience. These results suggest that paradoxical leaders can help employees interpret complexity as manageable, maintain confidence in their creative abilities, and recover more effectively from setbacks. Theoretically, the study contributes to paradoxical leadership research by positioning creative self-efficacy and resilience as key psychological outcomes of paradoxical leader behavior. Practically, the findings suggest that organizations, particularly in technology-intensive sectors, should develop leaders’ capacity for paradoxical thinking and balanced leadership behaviors in order to foster a more creative, adaptive, and resilient workforce.

The aim of this study is to examine the dynamic relationships among alternative investment instruments in Turkey using advanced time-series methods. The findings indicate evidence of granger causal relationships among some of the variables. However, the direction and statistical significance of these relationships vary across the variables examined. The analysis employs monthly data covering the period from February 2010 to December 2018. The stationarity properties of the variables were examined using the Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test. Causal relationships among the variables were subsequently investigated using the Toda–Yamamoto causality test. The findings indicate that there are statistically significant short-term and long-term relationships among alternative investment instruments. It was determined that the exchange rate and gold prices have on the stock market. Furthermore, its interest rates play in both financial markets and housing prices. This study contributes to the literature by examining the relationships between alternative investment instruments using linear methods. Moreover, the results offer researchers and policymakers important implications for financial stability for investors' portfolio diversification strategies at both the national and international levels.

This study aimed to examine the impact of the internal control system (ICS) on the performance of publicly traded Ghanaian commercial banks, within the context of the core components of the COSO integrated ICS. Accordingly, the study investigated employees' perceptions of the impact of the ICS components on financial performance-FP and non-financial performance-NFP and whether a significant relationship exists between these perceptions. In the study, the core components of the COSO’s ICS (control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information-communication, monitoring) were considered as independent variables, while FP and NFP of the banks were considered as the dependent variables. In line with the study's objective, the hypotheses were designed as follows: H1: The ICS has an impact on the FP. H2: The ICS has an impact on the NFP. Methodologically, a descriptive online survey method was used to collect data. The survey was sent to 113 managers and employees working in the internal control and audit departments of 23 listed Ghanaian banks, and 73 employees, representing 64.6%, provided voluntary feedback. Data were analyzed using SPSS-25. The survey, which was suitable for a 5-point Likert scale, included statements regarding COSO internal control components and FP and NFP. The study revealed that there were no differences in FP among the ICSs but there were differences in NFP among the ICS. The study concluded a statistically significant relationship between the ICS and FP overall. Additionally, compared to other components whose impact on FP was limited, the COSO Information-Communication component indicated the highest significant relationship with FP and the greatest positive impact, while the control activities component had an inverse effect on FP. Furthermore, the study also revealed a significant overall relationship between the ICS and NFP. In addition, compared to other components whose impact on NFP was much more limited, the COSO Information-Communication component showed the highest significant relationship with NFP and the highest positive impact on NFP. This study is considered to contribute to the literature and to investors, shareholders, policymakers, etc., by examining all factors together, such as the impact of COSO internal control components on FP and NFP, and the internal control and audit department staff at the headquarters and branches of listed Ghanaian commercial banks.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical issue within South African universities. It affects students’ safety, well-being, and access to quality education. Despite efforts to address this issue, universities continue to experience cases of sexual violence, harassment, emotional abuse, and coercion. Student protests and public concern have also exposed weaknesses in institutional responses and survivor protection. This study aims to systematically review existing literature on GBV in South African universities to identify what is currently known, how GBV is understood, and what gaps exist in literature. The study was guided by Social Learning and Intersectionality theories. A qualitative systematic literature review approach was adopted. The findings revealed that GBV is shaped by harmful gender norms, patriarchal attitudes, alcohol and substance abuse, economic vulnerability, and weak institutional accountability. Literature review further revealed that many survivors avoid reporting incidents because of fear, stigma, victim-blaming, and distrust in institutional systems. GBV was also found to have serious psychological, social, physical, and academic effects on students. The study concludes that GBV remains a structural challenge within South African higher education institutions. The study recommends stronger institutional accountability, survivor-centred support services, gender transformation programmes, and collaborative interventions to create safer university environments.

Between the eighth and thirteenth centuries, the Muslim world experienced a flourishing of scholarship that reshaped the landscape of knowledge. Thinkers and scientists working in this period produced lasting advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, and the natural sciences. Their engagement with Greek, Persian, and Indian traditions did not amount to simple preservation; rather, these ideas were critically examined, tested, and reconfigured within an intellectual climate that placed high value on observation, reasoned analysis, and the pursuit of truth (al-?aqq). A striking example is Ibn al-Haytham’s Book of Optics, where systematic experimentation was employed to challenge inherited theories and open new pathways for scientific inquiry. Institutions such as the Bayt al-?ikma provided vital support for this spirit of investigation, while the Qur’?n’s encouragement to reflect upon the natural world gave religious legitimacy to empirical research. Despite this, many Western accounts have long downplayed the originality of these contributions, depicting Muslim scholars as mere intermediaries. Reassessing the period makes clear that their work introduced methods and intellectual habits that laid important foundations for later science, warranting recognition as a cornerstone in global intellectual history.

Despite extensive legislations and child protection policies, Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) remains a persistent problem across South African rural communities. CSA remains a challenging issue globally with evidence of emotional and psychological impacts on victims, families and professionals assigned to respond to these incidents. This paper aims to examine institutional and  systemic barriers to preventing CSA in rural areas, with focus on low reporting and effective response to CSA cases focusing on Community Policing Forum (CPF), police officers and social workers. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) the study adopted qualitative research approach to explore participants’ experiences of CSA investigation processes. Twenty-four participants: 5 CPF members, 15 police officers and 4 social workers were purposively selected. Data was collected through one-on-one semi structured interviews and analysed using Thematic Analysis (TA) informed by Braun and Clarke’s six phase approach. Three interrelated themes emerged: 1) insufficient knowledge, 2) Motivational fatigue, and 3) Dysfunctional institutional systems. Findings in this study revealed that failure to effectively respond to CSA emerges from inadequate facilities, individual capability and motivational fatigue. The study recommends clearly defined stakeholders’ roles, training, institutional support, and community-based prevention and awareness programmes. Furthermore, the study  recommends sustained intersectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration to address and eradicate barriers to CSA investigations through community-based programmes. Sustainable prevention method that can promote awareness, motivation, and effective collaboration to prevent, detect and diminish CSA are also essential to improve institutional accountability and ensure effective response to CSA in rural areas.

The current developments of geopolitical rivalry, pandemic disruptions, and techno-nationalism have led to a fundamental reconfiguration of the global economic order, creating strategic imperatives for the multinational enterprises (MNEs) that go beyond the traditional internationalization theory. This paper aims to contribute to the literature with a systematic review of the adaptation process of MNEs in the time of geopolitical fragmentation and deglobalization. We used PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology to screen 200 initial records from Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR databases, resulting in 47 peer-reviewed articles, mostly published in the last eight years (2018–2026), and a few seminal articles from the past 30 years of international business studies. The analysis of our themes indicates that there are six main strategic response clusters: (1) reconfiguration of the supply chain, including reshoring, nearshoring, and friend-shoring; (2) geopolitical risk management via real options and diversification; (3) a renewed focus on regionalization over global integration; (4) digitalization as a strategic buffer; (5) nonmarket strategies, such as political adaptation and lobbying; and (6) de-internationalization, including staged divestment. We combine these themes into an integrative conceptual framework by integrating the EDGES themes (Economic Systems, Digital Disruptions, Geopolitical Fracture, Environmental Sustainability, and Socio-Cultural Ideology) with firm-level dynamic capability responses and performance outcomes. We find certain gaps that are of critical importance: lack of micro-level empirical evidence, lack of MNE perspectives from the emerging markets, and limited integration of artificial intelligence and geopolitics. The review contributes to the international business theory and provides practical guidelines for the management of MNEs in an increasingly fragmented world economy.

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees everyone the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being. It further requires the state to take reasonable measures to prevent environmental degradation, protect natural resources, and promote sustainable development. Despite this constitutional commitment, South Africa continues to experience increasing climate risks and environmental challenges. Small businesses, particularly those operating in informal and urban settings, are both contributors to and affected by these challenges. Their activities may contribute to environmental harm through poor waste management, inefficient energy use, and limited access to sustainable practices. At the same time, they remain vulnerable to climate impacts such as flooding, water shortages, and extreme weather events. This study examines how weaknesses in climate policy implementation undermine the practical realization of environmental rights under section 24. Using qualitative doctrinal and policy analysis, the study evaluates constitutional provisions, environmental legislation, climate policies, and governance frameworks. Literature reveal that South Africa has developed strong legal and policy frameworks, but implementation remains limited by weak enforcement, fragmented governance, inadequate institutional capacity, and poor coordination across government spheres. These challenges create a gap between constitutional commitments and the lived environmental realities of vulnerable communities and small businesses. Moreover, with appropriate support, these enterprises can adopt sustainable practices, improve resilience, and contribute to broader climate objectives. The study concludes that environmental rights under section 24 cannot be fully achieved through legislation alone. Effective implementation requires stronger accountability, coordinated governance, and practical support mechanisms. It recommends integrating small businesses into climate planning, improving access to climate education and green technologies, and providing incentives for sustainable practices. These measures can strengthen climate resilience, reduce environmental harm, and ensure that the constitutional right to a healthy environment is realized in practice.

Street food plays a vital role in the informal economies of many African countries, especially South Africa. However, evidence suggests that this food poses significant public health risks due to being prepared and sold under unsanitary conditions. This paper explored food safety challenges for street food vendors in Tshilamba, a rural township in Limpopo, South Africa, within the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) context. This paper used a triangulated method to collect data from primary and secondary sources. It collected primary data from 23 street vendors and insights from 4 key stakeholders. The results indicate that over 80% of street food vendors work in informal, high-traffic areas such as bus terminals and marketplaces that often lack basic sanitation and infrastructure. This situation reflects comparable challenges faced by countries within the SADC region, such as Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In these contexts, vendors operating under analogous conditions are often subjected to eviction because of non-compliance with food safety regulations. Despite existing initiatives, food control programs throughout various regions of Africa continue to exhibit significant weaknesses and require substantial reform. Thus, the paper recommended the incorporation of informal food vendors into established food safety frameworks, the enhancement of regulatory oversight, and the allocation of resources towards the development of infrastructure that facilitates hygienic food vending practices. These actions are vital for improving public health and supporting informal livelihoods.

In contemporary organizations, leaders are increasingly required to manage contradictory demands while supporting employees’ psychological resources in dynamic and uncertain work environments. This study examines the effects of paradoxical leadership on two important employee-level outcomes: creative self-efficacy and resilience. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, the study aims to explain how leaders who simultaneously balance autonomy and control, flexibility and structure, and support and challenge can strengthen employees’ confidence in generating creative solutions and their capacity to adapt to workplace difficulties. A quantitative research design was employed, using survey data collected from employees working in the Information and Communication Technology sector. The proposed relationships were tested through structural equation modeling, after assessing the reliability and validity of the measurement model. The findings indicate that paradoxical leadership has a significant positive effect on both creative self-efficacy and employee resilience. These results suggest that paradoxical leaders can help employees interpret complexity as manageable, maintain confidence in their creative abilities, and recover more effectively from setbacks. Theoretically, the study contributes to paradoxical leadership research by positioning creative self-efficacy and resilience as key psychological outcomes of paradoxical leader behavior. Practically, the findings suggest that organizations, particularly in technology-intensive sectors, should develop leaders’ capacity for paradoxical thinking and balanced leadership behaviors in order to foster a more creative, adaptive, and resilient workforce.