Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
John J. Bryan
Abstract
In 2019, 2.65 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were registered in South Africa, of which 70% are estimated to fail within the first 5 years due to inadequate sustainability strategies during slow economic growth. Anchored on the resource-based view (RBV) theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that owners of road freight SMEs use to sustain their businesses during slow economic growth. Data collection included six semistructured face-to-face and virtual interviews and a review of their company documents. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and four themes emerged: marketing and customer relationship, financial management and working capital, leadership and employer/employee relationship, and safety and vehicle maintenance. A recommendation for SME owners is to be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of their businesses, instill a culture of high performance, and develop effective marketing strategies to grow market share. The implications for positive social change include the potential to foster a culture of entrepreneurship, economic growth, and increase employment opportunities and reduce inequality and poverty within local communities.
Recommended Citation
Kuhlase, Sitsabo, "Strategies to Sustain Road Freight Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12428.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12428
