CEO Duality and Financial Performance: Testing the Moderating Role of Firm Age: Evidence from a Developing Economy

This paper tests the moderating role of firm age on the relationship between Chief Executive Officer (CEO) duality and financial performance among manufacturing firms in Uganda. A cross section survey was adopted using 78 manufacturing firms in Uganda. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and hierarchical regression. Modgraph software was also used to ascertain the validity of the set hypothesis. Results reveal that whether the CEO doubles as chairman of board or not, this does not significantly affect firm Financial Performance. However, as the firms grow older, the role of CEO-Board Chairman duality phenomenon gains significance in determining financial performance. Therefore, as firms grow in age, the CEOs should not be the same as Board chairpersons if firms have to perform well financially. Since only a single research methodological approach was employed in this study, future research can undertake to use a mixed methods approach to provide more detailed insights. Further, a longitudinal approach can also be employed to study financial performance trends among manufacturing firms over years. Entrepreneurs of these firms should put emphasis on proper segregation of the CEO role and those of the board chairman especially as firms grow in age. A moderating role of firm age on the relationship between CEO duality and financial performance was tested among manufacturing firms; previous studies have tended to test the direct or mediating effects

The Contribution Effect of the Elements of Psychological Capital on Self-Employment

This study investigates the contribution effect of psychological capital elements on self-employment among university graduates. A questionnaire survey of 311 of self-employed graduates was employed. Factor analysis, correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were performed. Results show that the contribution effect of psychological resources, self-efficacy, optimism and resilience significantly and positively influence self-employment among graduates in Nigeria. The study was conducted in North central region of Nigeria. Further research could be conducted to cover other regions in the country. The study employed a cross-sectional approach. A longitudinal approach should be employed to study the trend over a period of time. Finally, the four factors identified in motivating self-employment behaviour may not be sufficient in explaining the phenomenon. Hence, other factors should be considered in subsequent study. Since self-employment is a crucial activity to meet basic needs, economic growth and job creation, it is relevant for the graduates to strengthen their self-regulatory mechanisms. Hence, with diverse programmes offered by the government to encourage self-employment, the graduates should have a positive mind-set to take advantage of opportunities to start business for a living. This study contributes to the dearth of evidence of psychological capital elements on self-employment among graduates in Nigeria and adding to the body of literature by investigating individual behavioural attributes. Keywords: Self-employment; Psychological capital; Self-efficacy; Hope; Optimism and Resilienc

Contingency factors and budget actors' behaviour during COVID-19: the case of Uganda

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the view points and experiences of multiple budget actors to understand their particular budget related behaviours contingent upon the COVID-19 (C19) pandemic of a developing country. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses Uganda as a case study and employs semi-structured interview method for the data collection. In trying to generate themes and patterns, data are analysed through three levels of coding: open, axial and selective coding. The contingency theory is used to interpret the data. Findings – The task of budgeting formulation, implementation and control in times of C19 lead to varied actual behaviours of budget actors because of the environmental uncertainty, inappropriate structural and technological conditions and manipulative organisational cultures contingent upon the Ugandan C19 budget context. Research limitations/implications – The insights generated from the study can be useful for the national governments of emerging economies, e.g. African countries, to understand the conditions that influence the budget actors’ behaviour and together, develop long-term financial resilience strategies to face future emergencies. Originality –This study contributes to accounting and public budgeting theory by showing that contingency theory is a relevant framework for understanding budget actors’ behaviour in emergency situations. The study potentially strengthens the contingency theory framework through its incorporation of organisational culture perspective into the ‘people’ element. Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the view points and experiences of multiple budget actors to understand their particular budget related behaviours contingent upon the COVID-19 (C19) pandemic of a developing country. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses Uganda as a case study and employs semi-structured interview method for the data collection. In trying to generate themes and patterns, data are analysed through three levels of coding: open, axial and selective coding. The contingency theory is used to interpret the data. Findings – The task of budgeting formulation, implementation and control in times of C19 lead to varied actual behaviours of budget actors because of the environmental uncertainty, inappropriate structural and technological conditions and manipulative organisational cultures contingent upon the Ugandan C19 budget context. Research limitations/implications – The insights generated from the study can be useful for the national governments of emerging economies, e.g. African countries, to understand the conditions that influence the budget actors’ behaviour and together, develop long-term financial resilience strategies to face future emergencies. Originality –This study contributes to accounting and public budgeting theory by showing that contingency theory is a relevant framework for understanding budget actors’ behaviour in emergency situations. The study potentially strengthens the contingency theory framework through its incorporation of organisational culture perspective into the ‘people’ element

Exhibiting entrepreneurial behavior at work: a lived experience of a millennial entrepreneur

Purpose – This paper offers a story-based/narrative inquiry rooted in qualitative methodology, portraying a millennial entrepreneur in Uganda, a low-developed country that has successfully demonstrated entrepreneurial behaviors at work. The study of entrepreneurial behavior at workplaces by millennial entrepreneurs formed the basis for the real-life trials that entrepreneurs go through in their businesses. Besides, the produced empirical content gives a solid linkage between the story and the enterprise's work setting. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the authors used storytelling to get a clear view of reality and obtain a real-life experience of entrepreneurial behavior at work. The experiences and perceptions of the millennial entrepreneur were assessed by conducting in-depth interviews while focusing on the context, actions, results and lessons to generate a coherent story. Findings – This paper reports that demonstrating entrepreneurial behavior at work by the millennial entrepreneur resulted in better performance that ultimately benefited the enterprise. Additionally, findings reveal that story-based narrative inquiry is appropriate for demonstrating the true reality at workplaces, especially in the context of exhibiting the behaviors of entrepreneurs. Other entrepreneurs can emulate what the actor did and benchmark on the findings to improve their performance and that of their enterprises. Originality/value – This study is unique in its use of a positive story showing a real-life experience of how entrepreneurial behaviors are exhibited at workplaces in micro and small enterprises in a low-developed country like Uganda. The paper also offers evidence and insights into the use of a positive story to demonstrate a practical experience of how millennial entrepreneurs demonstrate entrepreneurial behaviors at work. Additionally, the study used multiple theories that best explained the current practice of entrepreneurial behavior among millennials at workplaces in micro and small enterprises

The Influence of Self-starting Behavior and Psychological Capital on Self-employment among University Graduates

This study investigates the influence of self-starting behaviour and psychological capital on self-employment among university graduates. Questionnaire survey of 311 of self-employed graduates was utilized. A multi-hierarchical regression analyses were performed. Results show that self-starting behaviour and psychological capital has a significant effect on self-employment among University graduates. The education curriculum needs to be revisited to incorporate action learning in order to prepare graduates for self-employment. Government should take keen interest in developing programs that build mind-sets. This study contributes to the dearth of evidence of self-employment among graduates literature by investigating the influence of self-starting behaviour and psychological capital