Andre D. Slabbert

Capitalism at the crossroads

Proposes that, as a result of retrenchment and re‐engineering, unemployment is escalating to catastrophic proportions, and that specific remedial actions need to be instituted to address this problem. Global unemployment of massive proportions has profound implications for the continued existence of capitalism as an ideology. Major alterations to the fabric of both international economies and socio‐political behaviour will take place if significant reverses to the trend of escalating unemployment do not occur. Proposes that, first, managers should become cognizant of the long‐term ramifications of this phenomenon, as only their interventions can affect this social/economic disaster. Interventions should be on three levels: short term, medium term and long term. Second, managers must develop an active interest in politics, as it is visualized that, in a geopolitical sense, business managers will replace politicians on all fronts. Politicians can simply not be entrusted with the survival of the human race on a global level. Third, recognition that there is a symbiotic relationship between company and customer will lead to the maintaining of surplus staff on company payrolls, in order to stimulate buying power. In order for this to be successful, inter‐company competition should be replaced by a co‐operative spirit internationally. It is believed that this fusion of two ideologies, capitalism and socialism (referred to as capisocism), is the only solution for the problems which are facing humanity and, in this sense, represents a radical departure from traditional capitalist thinking.

Business Relationships as a Driver of Success for Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa

Abstract Successful businesses develop and sustain relationships amongst their network of stakeholders. Stakeholders have the potential to assist in development, survival, and growth of any business. This conceptual paper was inspired by the philosophy that the success of SMMEs depends on new and established relationships. The paper relied on an extensive review of literature. It has immense value in that it has managed to bring together a conglomerate of factors under a common platform to enable a discussion of the elements that necessitate an acceleration of positive relationships in businesses. This extensive review of literature has empowered the authors to extend confidence in the suitability of the different elements, thus allowing for the utilization of a selfdeveloped relationship management paradigm as the locus of the discussion.

The Impact of Employer-Employee Relationships on Business Growth

Abstract This paper aims to outline the importance of the employer-employee relationship and describes the role this relationship plays towards the growth of a business. The paper also highlights the role job satisfaction plays towards stimulating good relationships between these two parties and provides guidelines to business owners on how the relationship can be managed. A relationship survey was designed for the study. The survey aimed to determine the business owners’ opinions about relationships, and whether they believed these play a significant role towards the success of their businesses. The survey further aimed to measure job satisfaction of the employees. In the study, job satisfaction was identified as an accurate indicator of good relationships between employers and employees. The study found that business owners shared a positive notion that relationships play an important role towards their business as these contribute to the growth of their business. The employees indicated high levels of satisfaction with their jobs. The study concludes by outlining the key factors and benefits of managing employer-employee relationships.