Citation:

Ogunsola, S. A, Potwana, N. "Modelling Values, Entrepreneurial Competencies of and Sustainable Development: A Case of Small, Medium and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the eThekwini Municipal Area" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 173-186, 2023.

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, it is to establish the extent to which values and entrepreneurial competencies impact sustainable economic development in the eThekwini Municipal Area of South Africa. Secondly, it is to verify the relationship between these three constructs by testing a model that links them together. Three variables measure values, these being honesty; integrity; and transparency, as these emerged as the key values that entrepreneurs should have. Entrepreneurial competencies were measured by accountability, social interaction and personal identity. The main measures of sustainable development were poverty alleviation and the creation of employment opportunities. Pertinent observations that came out of the structural model were that honesty and transparency do not affect accountability, that personal identity does not have an impact on integrity, and that integrity has a significant effect on social interaction. Furthermore, accountability does not have a significant impact on either poverty alleviation or the creation of employment opportunities. The finding that integrity weighs more to society than anything else is to be taken seriously. The implications of these findings are discussed, and avenues for further research are offered.

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Keywords:

Values, Entrepreneurial Competencies, Sustainable Development, Municipality.