An Analysis of Management Functions in the Informal Sector in South Africa

By Sandra Perks and Noxolo Eileen Mazibuko.

Published by The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Format	Price
Article: Print	$US10.00
Article: Electronic	$US5.00

The importance of the informal sector in developing countries was confirmed in a study done by Tripple (2005:2) on home-based enterprises in the informal sector. It is estimated that there are between 1 and 2.3 million informal businesses in South Africa, which contribute between 7 and 12 percent to South Africa’s GDP (Von Broemson 2007:3). It is also known that South African entrepreneurs have a poor skills record, which often leads to business failure. To effectively manage a business in the informal sector requires management skills. The implementation of simple systems can assist business in the informal sector to manage their businesses more successfully and even grow. The intention of this study is to explore how, and if, township businesses execute management functions in their businesses. A quantitative study was done, by interviewing ninety three business owners in the township of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Secondary sources was consulted to gather an idea of what prior research has been done on the informal sector, with special reference where possible to the management functions executed in the informal businesses. A comprehensive questionnaire was designed based on this information. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. The empirical results identified the gaps in the management abilities of informal traders in terms of the management functions and show that the financial management and information management function is the most neglected. Guidelines on how each function could or should be applied are given. The research also clearly indicates that businesses in the informal sector can assist in economic growth and relieving unemployment in the country.

Keywords:	Informal Businesses, Management Functions, Developing Countries

International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Volume 4, Issue 2, pp.47-68. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Article: Electronic (PDF File; 1.251MB).

Prof. Sandra Perks

Senior Lecturer, Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Province, South Africa

I am lecturing Financial Management 3 and Strategic and General Management 3. I have 23 years lecturing experience in various subject fields. My qualifications are:B. Com; HED (post grad); MBA; and PhD. The title of my thesis were: The skills necessary for growth of micro enterprises into small business enterprises. My interests are in researching Small and micro business issues in the formal and informal sector in South Africa. I specialise in qualitative research studies. I have published various articles and attended conference locally, as well as abroad.

Prof. Noxolo Eileen Mazibuko

Associate Professor, Business Management, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Province, South Africa

I am currently in my eighteenth year as a Business Management academic at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (SA). Prior to joining Vista University, I trained as a primary school teacher and I also obtained a certificate in nursing and worked as an auxiliary nurse for almost eight years at Livingstone hospital here in Port Elizabeth. My special fields (teaching) include: Marketing; Human Resources & General Management. I have attended a number of national conferences in which I have contributed a great deal, both as session chairperson and leading debates. I am a solid publisher of research articles mostly in accredited journals such as S.A. Journal of Business Management, Management Dynamics, European Journal of Marketing, and Service Business Journal of Marketing. My qualifications are BA, B Com Honours, M.Com and PhD, as well as an Auxiliary nursing certificate, and Primary School Teachers Certificate.

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