The Fountain: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
The complex nature of the problems encountered in the world today requires scientific enquiry from a variety of perspectives and disciplines. The Fountain: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies (FJIS) seeks to provide a platform for debate, and sharing of research results from various subjects. FJIS is open to a broad range of disciplines and authors. Contributions from emerging researchers and authors are highly encouraged. FJIS is an online open access journal. Readers may access all articles free of charge. There are no submission fees, publication fees or page charges for this journal.
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EDITORIAL The Fountain journal of interdisciplinary studies is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing ongoing research that addresses the complex themes facing our world today. While the journal has a global outlook, regional and Zimbabwean challenges have taken center stage in this Volume which has three articles on climate change, related to the optimization of carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and livelihood benefits in rural communities; climate justice, equity adaptation and sustainability; and leadership as a critical cog in climate change and adaptation. The role of education in nation building is addressed in three articles that focus on learner centric blended learning in physical education: ethical considerations in AI driven education systems and the critical role of spiritual accompaniment for a holistic education amongst tertiary students. An article on the resilience of traditional pottery that serves practical as well as symbolic and religious purposes features changing usages imbued with new meanings of aesthetic, religious and commercial value. On climate change, there is a strong perception that the more than 60% of Zimbabwe’s population that lives in rural areas is marginalised from mainstream economic activity and therefore poorer. Often these communities live on abundant untaped natural resources which are extracted for consumption and profit elsewhere. As a mitigation measure therefore, partnering social businesses with community-managed forests can significantly advance social developmental goals related to climate change, health, a clean environment, and economic growth. The paper by Muzurura specifically explores how social businesses can enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, fostering sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities. In this way, climate justice, equity, adaption and sustainability can be attained. Zimbabwe's limited financial resources, economic instability, and heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture render the country highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Governance and accountability deficits, as well as shortcomings in decision-making processes, are exacerbating factors according to Matsiko and Magaraba. Critically, although research has shown leadership as significant in mitigation and adaptation to climate change, effective leadership continues to be elusive in Africa in general. There is need for transformational leaders who will advocate for substantial change in vi The Fountain – Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.8, Issue 1, June-July 2024 existing institutional and societal values to effect ecological sustainability, according to Nemashakwe. On education, the Covid-19 global experience challenged established educational practices by bringing to the fore the possibility of real time distance education in just about all fields of learning. The concept of blended learning that is learner centric emerged, even in physical education. However, in the case of Zimbabwe, assessment of blended learning suffers deficiencies in tertiary Physical Education due to financial and resource scarcities. Technologically mediated expertise and learner-oriented approaches remain a challenge hence learners’ critical superglue dimensions to athletic development are compromised. Furthermore, while the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in university education systems is accelerating globally, it is raising urgent ethical concerns about infringements on students’ digital rights. Key AI applications like adaptive learning platforms, automated essay grading, and student monitoring systems and the extensive data collection and algorithmic decision-making enabled by these technologies, could undermine student rights to privacy and freedom of thought. Regulatory approaches to AI ethics in higher education diverge worldwide. While the EU has privacy and transparency laws, the US lacks comprehensive protections. Zimbabwe and many developing nations have minimal AI oversight, thereby enabling unrestrained experimentation on campuses, according to Revesai. Finaly, if the student is the centre of the education system, attention to the holistic development of students becomes essential, especially in the face of the complex behavioural challenges that are emerging in higher education contexts. There are many models for this, but one of them is spiritual accompaniment. Findings by Zishiri and Marambanyika suggest that spiritual accompaniment is increasingly becoming a necessary cog in fostering holistic development in tertiary students in Zimbabwe. Regarding traditional pottery, while there has not been a major change in the form and shapes of the vessels moulded, there has been a significant shift in the end use of the vessels to include tourist souvenirs and symbolic prayer accessories. To a greater extent, the commercialised symbolic function has motivated the continuing manufacture of pottery vessels in Zimbabwe.
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Ethical Implications of AI-Driven Education Systems on Digital Rights: A Comparative Analysis
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in university education systems is accelerating globally, raising urgent ethical concerns about infringements on students’ digital rights. This paper analyses AI adoption in universities across the United States, China, the European Union, Africa, and Zimbabwe. It examines implications for student privacy, autonomy, and equality. Through a literature review, it identifies key AI applications like adaptive learning platforms, automated essay grading, and student monitoring systems. It finds that the extensive data collection and algorithmic decision making enabled by these technologies could undermine student rights to privacy, freedom of thought, and due process. However, regulatory approaches to AI ethics in higher education diverge worldwide. While the EU has privacy and transparency laws, the US lacks comprehensive protections. Zimbabwe and many developing nations have minimal AI oversight, enabling unrestrained experimentation on campuses. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to balance educational innovation with ethical considerations around transparency, accountability, and student empowerment. This global comparative analysis aims to highlight strategies for integrating AI into university systems in ways that elevate student rights and welfare.
Effective Leadership as a Panacea for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Africa
Addressing climate change has become a top priority for the entire world because without urgent action, calamitous consequences are inevitable. This will result in humans paying a heavy price in the areas of food security, water resources and public health. Although Africa as a continent contributes less to global emissions, evidence shows that it is one of the most severely affected regions of the world. It is predicted that climate change will produce both social and political problems for Africa, weakening states and societies in the process. This will inevitably threaten economic and political stability on the continent. Having said this, what is disheartening is that the current climate change agenda continues to fail Africa. Time has come for the continent to engender the leadership necessary to deal with climate change in a sustainable way. Although research has shown leadership as a significant component in the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, effective leadership continues to be elusive in Africa, more than six decades after the first country gained political independence. Despite the continent being blessed with both human and natural resources in abundance, it has unfortunately been plagued for a long time with poor, and ineffective leadership. There is need for transformational leaders who will advocate for substantial change in existing institutional and societal values in terms of ecologically sustainable practices. Mitigating climate change in Africa requires courageous leaders who are able to make decisions that maybe inconvenient in the short term. Innovative leaders should recognise and vigorously promote a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Deconstruction and consumption of traditionally designed pottery vessels in contemporary Zimbabwe, with Special Reference to Apostolic Christian Church Sects
This qualitative study interrogates the consumption of traditional pottery vessels within the Apostolic Christian church sects in Zimbabwe. The study argues that with the sudden increase in African-initiated churches, especially the Vapositori (Apostolic) sects a noticeable increase in the distribution and consumption of pottery products as worshipping accessories has been observed. It also posits that while there has not been a major change in the form and shapes of the vessels, there has been a significant shift in the end use of the vessels to include tourist souvenirs and symbolic prayer accessories. It is thus observed that to a larger extent, the symbolic function has been found to have motivated the continued existence of pottery-making in Zimbabwe. We argue that traditional pottery-making has become a major source of symbolic substance with the capacity to be used as prayer accessories with economic potential.
Role of Spiritual Accompaniment in Promoting the Holistic Development of Students in Higher Education in Zimbabwe: A Qualitative Analysis
This study is about the holistic development of students in the face of complex behavioural challenges that are emerging in higher education contexts. While acknowledging the feasibility of other approaches, this study analyses the role of spiritual accompaniment (SA) in promoting the holistic development of students. Whereas the study used the lens of the student development theory, multidisciplinary concepts encompassing psychology and religion, were imbued to discern how spiritual accompaniment can be employed as a supportive and transformative practice to influence students' personal growth, well-being, and academic success. The study collected qualitative data from 30 students who were enrolled in 5 universities in 3 Provinces of Zimbabwe. Their captivating experiences in higher education illumined the challenges they faced and the utility of spiritual accompaniment in mitigating some of the problems and promoting the students’ holistic development. The findings shed light on the intricate and subjective role of spiritual accompaniment in fostering the holistic development of students in the context of higher education in Zimbabwe. The study contributes to the existing literature on student development and provides insights for educators, counsellors, and policymakers among other stakeholders.
Climate Justice in Zimbabwe: An Exploration of Equity, Adaptation, and Sustainable Development
Climate change poses a significant and multifaceted threat to the developing nation of Zimbabwe, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating a complex web of challenges. This paper examines the intricate relationship between climate change policy, governance structures, and decision-making processes within the Zimbabwean context. Through a rigorous analysis of scholarly literature, government documents, and reports from international organizations, the study explores Zimbabwe's climate change risks, the effectiveness of policy frameworks, and the critical role of inclusive governance and decision-making in building resilience. The findings reveal that Zimbabwe's limited resources, economic instability, and heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture render it highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the research highlights governance and accountability deficits, as well as shortcomings in decision-making processes, as key barriers to the successful formulation and implementation of climate change strategies. This paper argues that addressing Zimbabwe's climate change vulnerabilities requires a holistic approach that strengthens institutional capacity, promotes innovative financing mechanisms, invests in climate-resilient agriculture, and fosters meaningful community engagement. By adopting such a comprehensive strategy, Zimbabwe can chart a path towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
Assessment and Blended Learning: Learner-Centric Conduits to Physical Education Practical in Tertiary Learning Institutions of Zimbabwe.
Quality physical education teaching is hinged on assessment. Meagre approaches offset the development of learners’ skill sets and movement repertoire prematurely ending envisaged aspirations. This article explored assessment and blended learning as critical learner-centric conduits providing new pigment to Physical Education pedagogical approaches. This descriptive study adopted a quantitative approach operationalized within “The Skill Theme Model” framework. A sample of 44 Physical Education lecturers and students from Great Zimbabwe University and Masvingo Teachers College was used for the study. Purposive sampling was used to draw up the study respondents. Questionnaires were used as data collection tools for the study. All data were summarised and presented in tables. Preliminary findings revealed assessment and blended learning deficiencies in tertiary Physical Education due to financial and resource scarcity. Technologically mediated expertise and learner oriented approaches remain a challenge hence learners’ critical superglue dimensions to athletic development in the psychological and physiological domain were not fully addressed. Multi-modal training batteries that developmentally test learners’ socio psychological and physiological multi-skill sets hinged on learner-centric health enhancing blended approaches are crucial. Assessment tests should be regularly administered as they form the cornerstone to the achievement of learners’ life-long capabilities.
Optimising Carbon Sequestration, Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Benefits in Munanaire Community-managed Native Forest: The Potential Role of Social Businesses in Zimbabwe
The interconnected risks of biodiversity loss, declining carbon stores in community managed native forests, and rapid climate changes have heightened awareness in many developing countries of the urgent need to conserve indigenous forests. Beyond their timber value, native forests provide crucial non-timber benefits, including effective carbon sequestration, support for higher biodiversity, and food security. Partnering social businesses with community-managed forests can significantly advance social development goals related to climate change, health, a clean environment, and economic growth. This paper explores how social businesses can enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, fostering sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities. Qualitative data was gathered through structured focus group discussions with participants selected via purposive sampling. Our findings indicate that social businesses can optimize carbon sequestration in community managed forests by providing modern management skills and facilitating access to green financing instruments like carbon credits and green bonds. Focusing on the non timber benefits of indigenous trees can help forest-based communities diversify income streams, enhance livelihood resilience, and promote adaptability to climate change. This study contributes to understanding how to improve the resilience of marginalized communities dependent on indigenous forests.
Fifteen articles in this volume of the Fountain Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies (Vol.7, Issue No. 1, Nov/Dec 2023) may be divided into four broad categories, namely, those relating to, (a) business management, leadership, communication, and development; (b) education; (c) gender and human rights, and (d) theology and spirituality. Thus, the three articles by Paul Nemashakwe, Queen Mpofu and Joseph Kayawe focus on leadership as the critical component in the survival of businesses and organizations especially in what has been described as a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) operating environment. They argue that appropriate leadership could play a critical role in harnessing the opportunities presented by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), and in running the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which now occupy a significant space in Zimbabwe’s economic landscape - at a time when many large corporations relocated to other countries following the land reform program of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Rugare Chaita and Nyasha Kaseke focus on the survival strategies employed by the highly taxed, regulated, and politically controlled petroleum industry in Zimbabwe. He paints a picture of a growing industry in which competitive advantage and survival are contingent upon adopting the Cost Leadership Strategy. Edmore Muchineripi Chijoko and Priscille Hassa Malandji review literature on intercultural communication problems encountered in business organisations and discuss the implications on organisational performance. They draw from experiences of business conferences in Angola where Portuguese is effectively the language of business rather than English. Claybough Mapfumo examines the sustainability perspectives of beneficiaries and benefactors in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) aided community-based projects in the Masvingo province of Zimbabwe. In the second category of articles, the authors explore areas relating to education and care of the young. Lenzeni Kamwendo advocates for a transition from the institutional dormitory system to the home system of care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) while Vimbisai Nhundu analyses Zimbabwe’s early childhood education pre-school system and Clifford Gomba warns of rampant academic dishonesty in higher education through a case study of two universities in Zimbabwe. On gender and human rights, Tapiwa Musasa attempts to argue that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948 ‘was never meant for everyone, but rather, it was a patriarchal document designed to further the interests of grown-up men to the detriment and exclusion of women and children.’ She argues that the language used is particularly revealing, courtesy of its gender insensitivity. On the same theme, Promise Zvavahera argues that Higher Education (HE) in Zimbabwe is yet to achieve gender parity at all levels. And, from a literary studies perspective, Majahana Lunga, interrogates not just feminism but feminisms. He applies a feminist literary theory, stiwanism, to a text, The Purple Violet of Oshaantu, ‘to understand the meaning of this text, and in the process advance feminist criticism. He argues that while feminism’s primary objective is for women and girls to have the same rights and opportunities as men and boys, some feminisms, for example lesbianism and raunchism, are so radical that they obscure the fight against patriarchy’. Finally, in the category of theology and spirituality, Joshua Chakawa, Rudolf Nyandoro and Simplicio Musemburi revisit Zimbabwe’s war of liberation by bringing up a much-overlooked theme, the destruction of religious objects and symbols considered sacred by the Church. From their perspective, sacrilege was used as a weapon of war. Beyond their research in Masvingo, the desecration of sacred places, objects, symbols, and persons as a weapon of war is commonplace in war zones. Boroma Mission in the Tete Province of Mozambique experienced this phenomenon in the 1970s. Blasio Manobo speaks of African ecological spirituality, viewing the incarnation as an all-encompassing event for the whole of creation and not just humans, thereby evoking the African spirituality that views trees, mountains, rivers and indeed nature as such, as sacred and hence to be treated with due respect. And finally, the article by Yvonne Sanyanga and Emmanuel Maziti on ‘The lived experiences of the Catholic religious sisters who contracted Covid-19 at a convent in Mutare diocese, Zimbabwe’ graphically illustrates the feelings and thoughts of the survivors during their convalescence. Their recommendations point to the need for training in better disaster preparedness and management even for those who ‘walk by faith’ such as these nuns. Writing an editorial for such diversity is as daunting a task as trying to reconcile the divergent views and yet this is what this journal is about, a platform for plurality and multiplicity, with of course, the occasional single theme special editions.
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‘A monster in the convent’. The lived experiences of the Catholic religious sisters who contracted Covid-19 at a convent in Mutare diocese, Zimbabwe.
Covid-19 took a toll worldwide and yet has not yielded all the knowledge necessary of the lived experiences of the diverse survivors. This paper seeks to contribute to the many studies that have been undertaken. It is a phenomenological, qualitative in-depth exploration of the lived experiences of the Catholic religious sisters who contracted and survived Covid-19. The data was collected through semi-structured questions, phone call and face to face interviews, with a total of ten Catholic religious sisters who tested positive for Covid-19, stayed in isolation from others and later recovered, in the Catholic diocese of Mutare. Transcribed data was used to construct themes that portrayed the Sisters’ lived experiences through the pandemic. The findings revealed that the selected survivors suffered psychological, social and physical maladjustments during their period of confinement. The study recommends disaster preparedness for religious communities to facilitate proper adjustment in possible future pandemics. The research developed a model as an intervention strategy that includes continuous community empowerment programs for nuns, organizing training in adaptive coping skills for religious leaders, strengthening the support system during the time of illness, constructing specialized care facilities for the sick and abiding by the professional advice of health care officials such as vaccinations and other measures.
The African Ecological Spirituality in the Light of Henrik Gregersen’s Christology of Deep Incarnation
The world is witnessing the growing destruction of the world’s ecosystems prompting nations of the world and religious leaders to embark on the search for extensive scientific, cultural, and religious frameworks for analysing and mitigating this cosmological disaster. At the centre of this crisis is modern man’s failure to manage the environment in the manner that our pre-colonial forefathers used to do thereby posing a threat to the subsistence of human life. Using a framework of inculturation, this article reviews Gregersen’s theology of deep incarnation that focuses on understanding Jesus’ incarnation as implying a complete union of the divine with biological existence. Through the incarnation, Jesus became matter and hence matter was divinized. The article argues that traditional African cosmological spirituality manifests elements of deep incarnation. Hence, the environment through the incarnation of Jesus has received the dignity often thought to be the preserve of human beings.
Violence Against Holy Objects in Zimbabwe’s War of Liberation: Selected Experiences from the Catholic Church
Zimbabwe went through an armed liberation struggle from 1966 that culminated in the attainment of African majority rule in 1980. Part of the violence of that liberation struggle was directed at remote mission stations scattered throughout rural areas. While many studies have focused on the murder and brutalization of missionaries and other mission workers, there remains a knowledge gap on the damage and destruction of church buildings, images and other objects considered holy. The purpose of this paper is to discuss material cultures which were destroyed and the effects with special reference to the Catholic Church in wartime Zimbabwe generally, and Mapiravana (St Theresa) Church of Chirumhanzu and Berejena mission of Chivi in particular. The paper is within the broader context of closure to some horrific aspects of the armed struggle since Zimbabwe has not established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to deliberate on wartime violence. Furthermore, the paper widens our understanding of the forces behind the tearing of shrines and Christian Churches historically and to date. Although secondary sources were used, the research benefited primarily from oral interviews with parishioners of the time, relics of destruction which could be observed and press coverage of the same incidences. It is important to bear in mind that church buildings constitute sacred spaces which are set aside from the secular world and its laws. This constitutes enduring legacies of Catholicism in the present day.
Interrogating feminisms, victimhood and patriarchy: A stiwanist reading of The Purple Violet of Oshaantu (Andreas, 2001)
The main purpose of this article is to apply a feminist literary theory (stiwanism) to a text (The Purple Violet of Oshaantu) in order to understand the meaning of this text, and in the process advance feminist criticism. The article argues that while feminism’s primary objective is for women and girls to have the same rights and opportunities as men and boys, some feminisms, for example lesbianism and raunchism, are so radical that they obscure the fight against patriarchy. However, stiwanism, a moderate brand of African feminism, has tenets that forcefully challenge patriarchy. The study shows that lesbians reject men altogether, and raunchists, whose modus operandi is demonstrating in skimpy and erotic clothing, bare breasts, and exposed buttocks, alienate themselves from broader society. Stiwanists, on the other hand are not anti male, and their agenda is social transformation including women in Africa. The article concludes by demonstrating that “feminism” in not a dirty word, and recommends the propagation of literature that foregrounds gender issues.
Gender Differences in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: A Study of Higher Education Institutions in Zimbabwe
The objective of this study was to investigate the intricate interplay between gender dynamics and workplace diversity and inclusion within the higher education sector. Utilising a mixed methodology, the study employed online surveys and virtual interviews to collect data from 320 women across ten higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe. The findings of the study revealed that women encountered challenges in various aspects, including achieving a work-life balance, meeting familial expectations, the absence of paternity leave, a dearth of women in leadership positions, and instances of sexual harassment. Within their professional environments, women encountered obstacles such as biases, stereotypes, inadequate support, and barriers impeding their career advancement. The study recommended the full implementation of gender-inclusive policies and practices, the promotion of gender responsive leadership and mentorship, and the fostering of an inclusive campus culture through educational initiatives. This research significantly contributes to a deeper comprehension of the role gender plays in shaping inclusive environments and provides valuable insights for developing strategies to create equitable and diverse workplaces.
An Analysis of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on Gender Inclusivity
The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the mother of all human rights instruments internationally. Other subsequent documents such as the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (1976), Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and so on emerged as responses to the inadequacies and gaps within the parent document. While the document made significant achievements in human rights upholding during its own time, this study argues that the UDHR (1948) was never meant for everyone, but rather, it was a patriarchal document designed to further the interests of grown-up men to the detriment and exclusion of women and children. The thrust of the paper is to elaborate the importance of the semantics approach to human rights, and how inconsiderate language can cause irreparable damage to the rights of other groups in society. Presented in the paper are facts gathered through desk research which is also commonly known as document analysis. The study also employed interviews and focus group discussions. The study interviewed 5 key informants who are lecturers at a particular institution of higher learning. 30 students from the same institution participated in 3 focus group discussions of 10 people each, to make a total sample size of 35 participants. The study established that the UDHR (1948) contains 15 articles which used semantics referring to men “he, himself, and his” which clearly exclude women. The study further established that the UDHR (1948) rarely used gender neutral language specifying he or she, him/her, himself of herself, an action which grossly indicated gender discrimination from the semantics approach to human rights. Recommendations are made that policy formulators should always use gender inclusive language to include everyone.
Academic dishonesty, a cancer devouring academia: A Case Study of Academic Dishonesty at Two Zimbabwean Universities.
Academic dishonesty has dominated academia for a long time with researchers defining it, identifying its causes, forms, and probable ways of reducing or stopping it. The outbreak of COVID-19 saw many institutions of higher learning adopt technology in their teaching and learning which brought about new forms of academic dishonesty. This study aims to understand the perceptions and views of students (n=6) from two different universities in Zimbabwe and writers (n=2) about practicing academic dishonesty when writing their Bachelor dissertations. This qualitative study adopted an explanatory case study research design. Interviews were mainly used for data collection and data was analyzed using Moustakas’ (1994) modified Stevick-Colaizzi Keen phenomenological data analysis process. The study results showed that students practice academic dishonesty when writing their dissertations by manipulating the plagiarism check index, ghost writing, and spousal academic-based dishonesty. The students also gave reasons for practicing academic dishonesty, and the flaws of academic dishonesty. The recommendations of the study are varied but what stands out most is for academic systems to come up with a system that may do away with the current structure of dissertation writing.
Early Childhood Teaching and Learning in Zimbabwe – A Critical Analysis
The main aim of this article was to critically examine Early Childhood Education (ECD) teaching and learning provision in Zimbabwe, with the challenges and successes thereof. The approaches and focus of early learning education and provision during the three different epochs of Zimbabwe’s history, which are pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial were analysed. The study used a qualitative research methodology based on document analysis and further employed historical research design to obtain data on the evolution of Early Childhood Education in Zimbabwe. The challenges and success of post-independence Early Childhood Education were presented and recommendations were given.
Challenges and Prospects of Children’s Homes: Opportunities for Transition from Dormitory to Family Unit Setup.
This study makes a cursory exploration of the challenges and prospects of transitioning childcare institutions from dormitory to family unit systems to promote child development. Desk research was utilised as the primary research approach in this paper, which is part of a wider qualitative research on childcare systems in Zimbabwe. This was complemented by a systematic literature review. Literature has indicated that variances in culture and contexts have persistently showcased the positive effects associated with family care on child development. There are dangers to children, associated with living outside family care. Accordingly, the present study proposes interventions that empower families to raise and care for children. In Zimbabwe, institutional dormitory care has emerged as the most dominant form of childcare. The responsibility of child placement rests with the Department of Social Services which unfortunately is known to have a history of being under-resourced to conduct all the necessary work required. Resultantly, this continually forces the department to ‘relapse’ and seek the services of non-state institutions as the only available remedy to their shortcomings. Institutions, which in most cases are organised in the form of dormitories face a fair share of challenges that affect child development hence the need to transition to family-based units. Children who suffer mostly from social problems associated with institutionalization have shown great improvements when placed in family care spheres.
Examining the Sustainability Perspectives of Beneficiaries and Benefactors in Community Based Projects in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe.
Understanding Multicultural Communication for Effective Business Management: An Integrative Review of Literature
The purpose of the study was to review the literature on intercultural communication problems encountered in business organisations and discuss the implications of intercultural communication on organisational performance. The study was guided by the following research questions; how does intercultural communication in the workplace affect organisational performance; in what ways does intercultural communication affect business operations; and how can management foster multicultural communication to improve organisational efficiency? The study adopted an integrative review of literature conducted following the Seven-Step Model of critical literature review. This review was conducted on the backdrop of research on multicultural communication conducted at a communications company in Luanda, Angola. The data from the review indicated that multicultural communication problems are inevitable; hence management should implement strategies that help to increase the cross-cultural competencies of employees. The researchers proposed a new framework; the Intercultural Communication Analysis Model (ICAM) for analysing the impact of multicultural communication in an organisation. The model can be tested for practicality through empirical research.
Effects of Turbulent Environments on Business Strategies: A Case of Zimbabwe’s Petroleum Industry.
The purpose of this paper was to explore the business strategies that petroleum firms in Zimbabwe are using in the face of the turbulent operating environment. The aim of the study was to find out the competitive strategies being adopted and implemented by oil firms for survival. Other objectives were to establish how the strategies being executed by the oil companies were influencing sales revenues, profitability, and survival of companies in the sector and also to determine how government policy interventions are impacting the deployment of the strategies. And to recommend strategies that can be adopted by the petroleum firms during unstable economic environments. The research used an exploratory-sequential mixed methods research design where qualitative and quantitative data were collected separately. Findings from interviews were used to provide a basis for the collection of a second set of data using questionnaires. The research findings reveal that petroleum businesses face high regulation, price instability and heavy political control due to the strategic nature of the oil sector to the Zimbabwe government. The issue of high taxation and frequent changes to regulations in the sector are the main causes of uncertainty to operations of these firms. The research findings indicate that most petroleum companies in Zimbabwe are using the Cost Leadership Strategy for competitive advantage and survival.
The role of leadership in adopting the Fourth industrial era technologies in developing economies
The study explored the role of leadership in adopting the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in emerging technologies. This was prompted by the fact that in emerging economies, the adoption of 4IR is at infancy stage and not visible across the globe. The fourth industrial revolution has the capacity of providing opportunities to emerging economies. However, there are challenges embedded in new technologies which might limit the possibilities to operate in an 4IR era. This implies that benefiting from new technologies will not be automatic, but with competent leadership, emerging economies can take advantage of digitalisation to fast track their growth and development. The study utilised a semi-systematic literature review approach. A qualitative/ narrative approach was utilised to establish themes. A thematic inductive method was used to analyse the data. The clusters of data pertaining to the subjects of inquiry served as the basis for the creation of themes. The findings of the study revealed that the role of leadership in the adoption of 4IR technologies is crucial and multifaceted. The key aspects of their roles are as follows: vision and strategy; change management; resource allocation; collaboration and partnerships; risk management and governance; stakeholder engagement as well as continuous learning and innovation. In addition, it is recommended that key stakeholders need to support leadership to become better 4IR-aligned leaders in emerging economies. That is, leadership upskilling and re-skilling in emerging economies requires an effective governmental, and institutional framework.
Effective Leadership as a catalyst for enhancing employee retention in SMEs in Zimbabwe
Most managers agree that employees are the greatest asset that any organisation may have. However, retaining them is one of the toughest challenges experienced by these managers. While Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are fundamental to the sustainable growth and development of developing economies, they have witnessed high levels of employee turnover which has paralysed operations and negatively affected viability. The paper argues that effective leadership acts as a catalyst for enhancing employee retention in Zimbabwean SMEs. Guided by the positivism research philosophy and the deductive approach, the study adopted a quantitative research design where a survey strategy was used to collect primary data from 197 participants from Bulawayo’s Central Business Area (CBA) who had been chosen using proportional stratified sampling. The study found that having and communicating a clear vision, effective communication, employee development, fairness, transparency, and accountability were related and positively contributed to employee retention. The study concluded that effective leadership is a catalyst for enhancing employee retention in SMEs in Zimbabwe. Leaders were recommended to communicate in a timely manner and provide feedback in a humane way. They should also ensure that organisational processes such as performance appraisal, disciplinary and grievance handling procedures are not only fair but are seen to be fair.
The Necessity of Effective Leadership in a VUCA Environment: A Conceptual Discussion.
The current global operating environment is characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). If organisations are to survive and prosper in this VUCA environment, effective leadership is a necessity. This paper is a conceptual discussion which positions effective leadership as necessary for survival and success in a VUCA environment. Although it is the responsibility of leaders to ensure that their organisations are responding effectively to the requirements of the VUCA environment, scholars have found a deficit of leadership competencies necessary for people to work in a VUCA world. Leadership models and tools that effectively worked in the past cannot be effectively inferred to the present and the time has come for new leadership models that are compatible with the requirements of the VUCA world. Sustainable success requires leaders who are able to come up with a compelling vision and then articulate that vision to all stakeholders. Effective leadership in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment demands men and women with a strong character. Contemporary leaders should be flexible and quick to change their plans, work schedules and leadership styles as the situation demands. Leaders should prioritise the acquisition of new and relevant skills and sustain their physical, mental and emotional fitness so that they effectively deal with the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous situations they face.
The Fountain Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
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Afrocentricity, Ndebele proverbs, and Deviant youth behaviour in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Some Zimbabwean elders have referred to Zimbabwean youth as “the lost generation”. This characterization of the youths arises out of the growing concern over some of the young people’s anti-social behaviour in some cities where the youths engage in drug-taking and unprotected group sex. Using the naturalistic and empowerment evaluation research design and Asante’s Afrocentric theoretical framework, in tandem, the main argument of this article is that in order for the youth to mature into adults that will contribute positively towards the advancement of society, they need to be guided and counselled right from infancy. Some Ndebele proverbs such as “Isigogo sigoqwa sisemanzi” (A skin/hide is pliable when it has just been removed from an animal; once it is allowed to dry, it stiffens) encapsulate this process of inculcating moral principles to children while they are still young and pliable. Since this article employs the evaluation research design, it cannot offer quantifiable outcomes. However, the guidance inculcated by the elders is expected to foster improvement and self-determination in the youth.The article recommends collaboration between the elders and the youth which may bring the latter back to the path of civility.