International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy

The study aimed to find out the effect of employee empowerment practices on the organizational citizenship behaviors of employees toward the organization and toward their coworkers (OCBP & OCBO). To support and establish the theory of the study, literature was reviewed. The study used the descriptive correlational research design and it used the questionnaires to gather the data. The study found that the empowerment practices of the Divine Word College of Laoag in terms of delegation of authority, autonomy, and self-efficacy self-management is high and even the different dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior are also high but not very high. Concerning the relationship between empowerment practices and organizational citizenship behavior of employees, the study was found to be significantly correlated. Therefore, the hypothesis of this study is accepted.  

The aim of this study was to determine the adoption level, barriers, and opportunities related to the digital transformation of tax administration in food-processing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Harare, Zimbabwe. In particular, the research focused extent of adoption of digital tax systems, challenges faced in using them and how the digitalisation could be used to enhance the level of tax compliance. The research design adopted a quantitative approach involving the use of a structured questionnaire as the data collection method on a sample of 65 randomly selected SMEs. The data was analysed using SPSS with descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings showed that digital tax tools, such as e-filing and e-payment were moderately adopted while significant barriers including poor internet connectivity, high ICT cost, limited digital skills, usability challenges, and system downtimes were identified to have a negative impact on adoption. Although SMEs were aware of the benefits of digital tax systems in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and transparency, the lack of infrastructural and capacity-based factors restricted the adoption of the system. The study recommended that policymakers and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) reinforce digital infrastructure, lower the cost of access to technologies, improve the usability of digital platforms, and offer ongoing training in digital skills to facilitate the successful and extensive adoption of digital tax administration systems in Zimbabwe. The research is important as it offers a better understanding of the major barriers and opportunities associated with the adoption of digital tax administration among food-processing SMEs in Zimbabwe adding to the local and regional knowledge of e-tax systems. Practically, the findings inform policymakers and tax authorities on critical areas needing attention, including infrastructural improvement, capacity building, and system reliability to improve SME compliance.

Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) play a vital role in economic development by creating jobs, driving innovation, and alleviating poverty. Despite their significance, many SMMEs experience high failure rates due to limited resources, inadequate managerial practices, and insufficient innovation capacity. This study examines the combined effect of transformational leadership and human resource systems in driving innovation within SMMEs. The study is grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), which emphasises the importance of internal organisational resources such as leadership capability and human capital development in achieving competitive advantage. A qualitative exploratory research design was adopted within the interpretive paradigm to understand the experiences of SMME owners and managers in the Vhembe District of South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 participants across various sectors, including information technology, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and insights related to leadership practices, human resource development, and innovation activities. The findings indicate that transformational leadership behaviours, particularly intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and individualised consideration, play a significant role in encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving among employees. Furthermore, effective human resource systems, including training, learning orientation, and human capital development, enhance employee skills and facilitate knowledge sharing, which supports innovative practices. The study concludes that the synergy between transformational leadership and strategic human resource systems fosters an environment that promotes product, process, and organisational innovation in SMMEs. These findings provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and policymakers seeking to strengthen innovation-driven growth and sustainability in the SMME sector.

Tax administrations around the world rely heavily on digital processes for compliance and workflows. This has escalated the need for an effective digital transformation strategy in tax administrations. The study explores the impact of digital technology on efficiency and compliance within South Africa’s tax administration, focusing primarily on the experiences of tax professionals using the South African Revenue Services (SARS) digital platforms. A qualitative research approach was followed, with data obtained from semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires with registered tax practitioners. The qualitative research approach followed a thematic analysis, which revealed benefits including improved information accuracy, quicker response times, and enhanced compliance. The drawbacks of digitalisation include online security concerns and system downtime. The study concludes that while digitalisation offers many benefits, a major contributor to its success and sustainability is the development of digital infrastructure as well as user training.

This study examines the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in supply chain management (SCM) during the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0. The focus is on improving operational efficiency, encouraging human-centric collaboration, and promoting sustainability across supply chains. As industries evolve, the integration of AI to improve decision-making and strengthen operational resilience, while upholding sustainable practices, becomes increasingly vital. Following the PRISMA framework, a systematic review was conducted to collect and analyse relevant literature published between 2010 and 2023. A thorough search was performed across multiple databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The review involved rigorous eligibility screening and thematic analysis using Atlas-ti software to extract key themes and trends related to AI integration in SCM. The review reveals that AI integration markedly improves SCM by improving demand forecasting, inventory management, and overall decision-making capabilities. As industries shift towards Industry 5.0, a greater emphasis on human-AI collaboration emerges, encouraging improved customisation and innovative problem-solving. However, AI technologies contribute to sustainability by optimising resource utilisation and minimising environmental impacts. Nonetheless, challenges such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities and gaps in workforce skills must be addressed to fully harness AI’s potential. The integration of AI in SCM not only drives operational efficiency and sustainability but also strengthens resilience against disruptions. The insights from this systematic review provide valuable guidance for both academics and practitioners seeking to optimise supply chain operations through AI across the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that combines technological advancements with human-centric and sustainable practices.

The aim of this study was to determine the adoption level, barriers, and opportunities related to the digital transformation of tax administration in food-processing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Harare, Zimbabwe. In particular, the research focused extent of adoption of digital tax systems, challenges faced in using them and how the digitalisation could be used to enhance the level of tax compliance. The research design adopted a quantitative approach involving the use of a structured questionnaire as the data collection method on a sample of 65 randomly selected SMEs. The data was analysed using SPSS with descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings showed that digital tax tools, such as e-filing and e-payment were moderately adopted while significant barriers including poor internet connectivity, high ICT cost, limited digital skills, usability challenges, and system downtimes were identified to have a negative impact on adoption. Although SMEs were aware of the benefits of digital tax systems in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and transparency, the lack of infrastructural and capacity-based factors restricted the adoption of the system. The study recommended that policymakers and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) reinforce digital infrastructure, lower the cost of access to technologies, improve the usability of digital platforms, and offer ongoing training in digital skills to facilitate the successful and extensive adoption of digital tax administration systems in Zimbabwe. The research is important as it offers a better understanding of the major barriers and opportunities associated with the adoption of digital tax administration among food-processing SMEs in Zimbabwe adding to the local and regional knowledge of e-tax systems. Practically, the findings inform policymakers and tax authorities on critical areas needing attention, including infrastructural improvement, capacity building, and system reliability to improve SME compliance.

Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) play a vital role in economic development by creating jobs, driving innovation, and alleviating poverty. Despite their significance, many SMMEs experience high failure rates due to limited resources, inadequate managerial practices, and insufficient innovation capacity. This study examines the combined effect of transformational leadership and human resource systems in driving innovation within SMMEs. The study is grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), which emphasises the importance of internal organisational resources such as leadership capability and human capital development in achieving competitive advantage. A qualitative exploratory research design was adopted within the interpretive paradigm to understand the experiences of SMME owners and managers in the Vhembe District of South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 participants across various sectors, including information technology, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and insights related to leadership practices, human resource development, and innovation activities. The findings indicate that transformational leadership behaviours, particularly intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and individualised consideration, play a significant role in encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving among employees. Furthermore, effective human resource systems, including training, learning orientation, and human capital development, enhance employee skills and facilitate knowledge sharing, which supports innovative practices. The study concludes that the synergy between transformational leadership and strategic human resource systems fosters an environment that promotes product, process, and organisational innovation in SMMEs. These findings provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and policymakers seeking to strengthen innovation-driven growth and sustainability in the SMME sector.

Tax administrations around the world rely heavily on digital processes for compliance and workflows. This has escalated the need for an effective digital transformation strategy in tax administrations. The study explores the impact of digital technology on efficiency and compliance within South Africa’s tax administration, focusing primarily on the experiences of tax professionals using the South African Revenue Services (SARS) digital platforms. A qualitative research approach was followed, with data obtained from semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires with registered tax practitioners. The qualitative research approach followed a thematic analysis, which revealed benefits including improved information accuracy, quicker response times, and enhanced compliance. The drawbacks of digitalisation include online security concerns and system downtime. The study concludes that while digitalisation offers many benefits, a major contributor to its success and sustainability is the development of digital infrastructure as well as user training.

This study examines the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in supply chain management (SCM) during the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0. The focus is on improving operational efficiency, encouraging human-centric collaboration, and promoting sustainability across supply chains. As industries evolve, the integration of AI to improve decision-making and strengthen operational resilience, while upholding sustainable practices, becomes increasingly vital. Following the PRISMA framework, a systematic review was conducted to collect and analyse relevant literature published between 2010 and 2023. A thorough search was performed across multiple databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The review involved rigorous eligibility screening and thematic analysis using Atlas-ti software to extract key themes and trends related to AI integration in SCM. The review reveals that AI integration markedly improves SCM by improving demand forecasting, inventory management, and overall decision-making capabilities. As industries shift towards Industry 5.0, a greater emphasis on human-AI collaboration emerges, encouraging improved customisation and innovative problem-solving. However, AI technologies contribute to sustainability by optimising resource utilisation and minimising environmental impacts. Nonetheless, challenges such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities and gaps in workforce skills must be addressed to fully harness AI’s potential. The integration of AI in SCM not only drives operational efficiency and sustainability but also strengthens resilience against disruptions. The insights from this systematic review provide valuable guidance for both academics and practitioners seeking to optimise supply chain operations through AI across the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that combines technological advancements with human-centric and sustainable practices.

Immigrant entrepreneurship is a crucial driver of economic growth in host countries since it promotes innovation, creates jobs, and enhances economic dynamism. Immigrant entrepreneurs significantly enhance the local economy of Thulamela Local Municipality, located in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, especially within the retail and informal sectors. This study examines the paramount socioeconomic contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in the Thulamela Local Municipality. The research used a qualitative methodology, employing in-depth interviews and purposeful sampling to collect data from 12 individuals, following a structured interview guide. The data were examined through thematic analysis to discern repeating patterns and lived experiences across instances. The research indicates that immigrant businesses substantially bolster the local economy through job creation, community support, skills enhancement, and economic stimulation. The study advocates for targeted initiatives aimed at formalising and enhancing job creation, potentially via entrepreneurship programs that assist immigrant business proprietors through funding and mentorship. Additionally, it suggests the establishment of a systematic framework or platform to link these enterprises with local projects and non-governmental organisations, thereby augmenting existing community sponsorship and donations, streamlining their philanthropic efforts, and maximising their impact. Policies that prioritise local sourcing and supply chain integration for these firms should be emphasised, potentially through local business directories and procurement preferences, due to their significance in training, skill development, and local economic stimulation.