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Kumah, A (2017). Minimum Wage Compliance in Developing Countries among the Informal Sector Workers in Ghana. International Journal of Current Innovation Research, 3,
Abstract
Minimum wage legislations are applicable in most countries in the world and across continents. This research sought to assess the level of compliance of minimum wage legislation among informal sector workforce in Ghana. Literature in relation to wages such as components, types, classifications, compositions, determinants among others relative wage analysis were reviewed. A survey research was used with the adoption of a cross-sectional design that allowed the researchers to draw one or more samples from the population at one-time period. The methodology then comprises research design, population, sample size and techniques, data collection procedure as well as data quality control. Using household and labour force survey data from varying informal sectors in Ghana as a developing country, the author calculated the rates of minimum wage compliance for employees covered by current legislation and assesses the average “depth” of violations. The level of compliance with minimum wage laws often depends on factors specific to each labour market. The research revealed, a substantial share of workers still earns less than the legal minimum wage. Enforcement has not kept up with growth in regulations to protect workers from low wages and working conditions. Several institutional structures shape enforcement, including the role of labour inspectors and the presence of unions. These enforcement enablers were non-functional and thus though make compliance negatively related to the ratio of minimum to median wages in Ghana, compliance rates with occupational or industry or location-specific minimum wage systems are more prevalent. Pursuance of informal minimum wages across sectors and the provisioning of adequate infrastructural base to expand employment opportunities shall on its own expand the economy and surge up wages to become living wages instead of pursuance of minimum wages. However, better compliance – especially for women, ethnic groups, and unskilled and informal workers – also depends on contextualized yet comprehensive minimum wage policies combining union/employer involvement, awareness-raising and credible enforcement.
Minimum wage legislations are applicable in most countries in the world and across continents. This research sought to assess the level of compliance of minimum wage legislation among informal sector workforce in Ghana. Literature in relation to wages such as components, types, classifications, compositions, determinants among others relative wage analysis were reviewed. A survey research was used with the adoption of a cross-sectional design that allowed the researchers to draw one or more samples from the population at one-time period. The methodology then comprises research design, population, sample size and techniques, data collection procedure as well as data quality control. Using household and labour force survey data from varying informal sectors in Ghana as a developing country, the author calculated the rates of minimum wage compliance for employees covered by current legislation and assesses the average “depth” of violations. The level of compliance with minimum wage laws often depends on factors specific to each labour market. The research revealed, a substantial share of workers still earns less than the legal minimum wage. Enforcement has not kept up with growth in regulations to protect workers from low wages and working conditions. Several institutional structures shape enforcement, including the role of labour inspectors and the presence of unions. These enforcement enablers were non-functional and thus though make compliance negatively related to the ratio of minimum to median wages in Ghana, compliance rates with occupational or industry or location-specific minimum wage systems are more prevalent. Pursuance of informal minimum wages across sectors and the provisioning of adequate infrastructural base to expand employment opportunities shall on its own expand the economy and surge up wages to become living wages instead of pursuance of minimum wages. However, better compliance – especially for women, ethnic groups, and unskilled and informal workers – also depends on contextualized yet comprehensive minimum wage policies combining union/employer involvement, awareness-raising and credible enforcement.
Kumah, A & Boachie, W. K. (2017). Teacher Job Satisfaction as a motivational tool for School Effectiveness: An Assessment of Private Basic Schools in Ghana. International Journal of Research Science & Management, 4,
Abstract
This is a survey study undertaken to assess the function of extrinsic and intrinsic factors of motivation in determining job satisfaction of private basic school teachers in Ghana. Demographic variables such as teachers' gender, age, marital status, school resources, teaching experience, academic qualifications, and rank were examined to ascertain whether these had any reasonable large relevance, or made any significant contribution, to the level of job satisfaction experienced by teachers as well as ascertaining the mutual relationship between the teachers’ diminished interest and job satisfaction as a determinant of the extent of their relationship. A 412 sample from the population was used across 31 private basic schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana. The results showed reasonable large levels of dissatisfaction in relation to intrinsic factors of work. There was a significant dissatisfaction factors in mutual relationship with demographic variables of school area and rank.A reasonable large relationship between levels of diminished interest and job satisfaction was also identified, specifically, in respect of consumption of sentimental resources and emotional detachment, which were shown to be in mutual relationship with low levels of job satisfaction. The study recommended that training must be offered to private basic school owners and encourage effective communication among stakeholders in educational sector whereas authorities in education sector should develop a formalized advancement programmes for teachers in schools notably in private basic schools.
This is a survey study undertaken to assess the function of extrinsic and intrinsic factors of motivation in determining job satisfaction of private basic school teachers in Ghana. Demographic variables such as teachers' gender, age, marital status, school resources, teaching experience, academic qualifications, and rank were examined to ascertain whether these had any reasonable large relevance, or made any significant contribution, to the level of job satisfaction experienced by teachers as well as ascertaining the mutual relationship between the teachers’ diminished interest and job satisfaction as a determinant of the extent of their relationship. A 412 sample from the population was used across 31 private basic schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana. The results showed reasonable large levels of dissatisfaction in relation to intrinsic factors of work. There was a significant dissatisfaction factors in mutual relationship with demographic variables of school area and rank.A reasonable large relationship between levels of diminished interest and job satisfaction was also identified, specifically, in respect of consumption of sentimental resources and emotional detachment, which were shown to be in mutual relationship with low levels of job satisfaction. The study recommended that training must be offered to private basic school owners and encourage effective communication among stakeholders in educational sector whereas authorities in education sector should develop a formalized advancement programmes for teachers in schools notably in private basic schools.
Kumah, A & Boachie, W. K. (2016). An Investigation into the Impact of Microfinance in Poverty Reduction in Less Developed Countries (LDCs): A case of Ghana. American Scientific Research Journal foe Engineering, Technology and Sciences (ASRJETS), 26,
Abstract
The paper attempts to provide a critical appraisal of the debate on the effectiveness of microfinance as a universal poverty reduction tool. It argues that while microfinance has developed some innovative management and business strategies, its impact on poverty reduction remains in doubt. The instrument for data collection is structured questionnaire. The study was carried out in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Using a sample size of 380 clients from various microfinance institutions (MFIs) within the research area and a survey with descriptive analysis, the result reveals among others that the clients enjoy opportunities for savings which enable them to increase their income levels by way of using their savings to acquire basic necessities of tools, equipment and materials and are able to create employment and improve their standard of living. Thus, microfinance, however, certainly plays an important role in providing safety-net and consumption smoothening. The study therefore recommends among others an urgent refocus on the promotion of micro-savings, a robust financial sector regulation and improved financial support to the MFIs by government and other stakeholders to help in the world’s effort in respect of poverty eradication agenda.
The paper attempts to provide a critical appraisal of the debate on the effectiveness of microfinance as a universal poverty reduction tool. It argues that while microfinance has developed some innovative management and business strategies, its impact on poverty reduction remains in doubt. The instrument for data collection is structured questionnaire. The study was carried out in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Using a sample size of 380 clients from various microfinance institutions (MFIs) within the research area and a survey with descriptive analysis, the result reveals among others that the clients enjoy opportunities for savings which enable them to increase their income levels by way of using their savings to acquire basic necessities of tools, equipment and materials and are able to create employment and improve their standard of living. Thus, microfinance, however, certainly plays an important role in providing safety-net and consumption smoothening. The study therefore recommends among others an urgent refocus on the promotion of micro-savings, a robust financial sector regulation and improved financial support to the MFIs by government and other stakeholders to help in the world’s effort in respect of poverty eradication agenda.
Iddris, F. & Musa, A. M. (2016). The perception of Ghanaian students on teaching and learning at the College of Technology Education, University of Education, Winneba.. International Journal of Educational Leadership, 6,
Abstract
Mordedzi, B. & Kpogo, V. L. (2015). Can girls become achievers in studying financial accounting?. International Journal of Physical and Social Sciences, 5,
Abstract
The aims of this classroom-action research were to discover the performance of the girls we taught, help them to improve their academic performance in financial accounting, help us improve our own teaching practices, and enable us to make instructional changes. All the thirty girls in the class took part in the study because they performed poorly after taking the pre-test. We changed conditions in the classroom to promote effective teaching and learning. We used class tests, assignments, teacher journals or field notes, student reflective logbooks, and observations to collect data. We coded the data we obtained and presented the results in tables. We used percentages to analyse the findings. Post intervention results showed that the performance of the students improved consistently over the study period. Results suggest that students can become achievers in the subjects they study if teachers make them engaged learners.
The aims of this classroom-action research were to discover the performance of the girls we taught, help them to improve their academic performance in financial accounting, help us improve our own teaching practices, and enable us to make instructional changes. All the thirty girls in the class took part in the study because they performed poorly after taking the pre-test. We changed conditions in the classroom to promote effective teaching and learning. We used class tests, assignments, teacher journals or field notes, student reflective logbooks, and observations to collect data. We coded the data we obtained and presented the results in tables. We used percentages to analyse the findings. Post intervention results showed that the performance of the students improved consistently over the study period. Results suggest that students can become achievers in the subjects they study if teachers make them engaged learners.
Faculty of Business EducationJul 08, 2015
Mordedzi, B. & Mireku, V. (2015). Senior high school students’ learning styles in cost accounting in Ghana. International Journal of Management, IT and Engineering, 5,
Abstract
The purpose of this classroom-action research is to improve the learning styles of our students in the study of cost accounting in a private Senior High School in Ghana. All the 15 students in the class took part in the study because they all lacked the requisite learning skills. We gave assignments and tests to the students and provided them with feedback. Students took part in the planning of lessons. They assessed themselves and they commented on our evaluation of their learning. In addition, they used the SQ5R learning method to improve their reading skills. We used observation, interview guides, and questionnaires to collect data. We presented the results in tables and used percentages to analyse the findings. Pre-intervention results showed that most of the students were auditory learners, followed by visual students. A few of the students did not fall into any specific group. However, post-intervention results showed that most of the students preferred kinaesthetic and visual learning styles. The least preferred learning style was independent learning or reflection. In spite of these findings, we can conclude that our students were diverse groups of learners who can be successful and effective if they adopt good study habits.
The purpose of this classroom-action research is to improve the learning styles of our students in the study of cost accounting in a private Senior High School in Ghana. All the 15 students in the class took part in the study because they all lacked the requisite learning skills. We gave assignments and tests to the students and provided them with feedback. Students took part in the planning of lessons. They assessed themselves and they commented on our evaluation of their learning. In addition, they used the SQ5R learning method to improve their reading skills. We used observation, interview guides, and questionnaires to collect data. We presented the results in tables and used percentages to analyse the findings. Pre-intervention results showed that most of the students were auditory learners, followed by visual students. A few of the students did not fall into any specific group. However, post-intervention results showed that most of the students preferred kinaesthetic and visual learning styles. The least preferred learning style was independent learning or reflection. In spite of these findings, we can conclude that our students were diverse groups of learners who can be successful and effective if they adopt good study habits.
Faculty of Business EducationJul 08, 2015
Mordedzi, B. (2015). Whistleblowing in Ghana: A conceptual analysis. International Journal of Commerce, IT and Social Sciences, 2,
Abstract
This paper appraised the Ghana Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720) in the context of Ghana’s cultural milieu. It examined the duties of workers and directors, the reasons for blowing the whistle, the protection of whistleblowers and the strengths and weaknesses of the Act. The study was a desk research that was conducted in the qualitative mode. Documents were selected using purposive sampling. The data analysis technique used was analytical induction. The paper found that the Whistleblower Act has many weaknesses. These include limiting whistleblowing to only six areas, failure to protect workers who refuse to obey unlawful orders from management, and failure to protect individuals perceived as whistleblowers or as assisting whistleblowers. Other weaknesses are failure to allow anonymous disclosures, giving investigative powers to many persons and agencies and limiting the reward for whistleblowers to only the arrest and conviction of accused persons or the recovery of money. The Act is also silent on the person who must provide the burden of proof for wrongdoing. In the paper’s view, people must see whistleblowing as an important aspect of corporate governance because it promotes probity, accountability, open governance, and respect for human rights, especially freedom of speech. Whistleblowing acts as a police force for many people in the effort to reduce rampant fraud, waste, and abuse. It is also an asset in any good corporate governance system that requires conservation of corporate resources. The paper’s major contributions are the broader view it gives to the nature of whistleblowing, the theoretical arguments advanced concerning defects in the Ghana Whistleblower Act, and the useful lessons it offers on whistleblowing for managers and policymakers.
This paper appraised the Ghana Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720) in the context of Ghana’s cultural milieu. It examined the duties of workers and directors, the reasons for blowing the whistle, the protection of whistleblowers and the strengths and weaknesses of the Act. The study was a desk research that was conducted in the qualitative mode. Documents were selected using purposive sampling. The data analysis technique used was analytical induction. The paper found that the Whistleblower Act has many weaknesses. These include limiting whistleblowing to only six areas, failure to protect workers who refuse to obey unlawful orders from management, and failure to protect individuals perceived as whistleblowers or as assisting whistleblowers. Other weaknesses are failure to allow anonymous disclosures, giving investigative powers to many persons and agencies and limiting the reward for whistleblowers to only the arrest and conviction of accused persons or the recovery of money. The Act is also silent on the person who must provide the burden of proof for wrongdoing. In the paper’s view, people must see whistleblowing as an important aspect of corporate governance because it promotes probity, accountability, open governance, and respect for human rights, especially freedom of speech. Whistleblowing acts as a police force for many people in the effort to reduce rampant fraud, waste, and abuse. It is also an asset in any good corporate governance system that requires conservation of corporate resources. The paper’s major contributions are the broader view it gives to the nature of whistleblowing, the theoretical arguments advanced concerning defects in the Ghana Whistleblower Act, and the useful lessons it offers on whistleblowing for managers and policymakers.
Faculty of Business EducationJul 08, 2015
Mordedzi, B. (2015). Bases of power, leadership styles, and demographic profiles of undergraduate business students in Ghana. International Journal of Management & Social Sciences, 3,
Abstract
This study sought to determine the differences in the bases of power, leadership styles, and demographic characteristics among undergraduate business students enrolled at a public university in Ghana. Sixty-three students took part in the study. Students were chosen using simple random sampling. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data. Means, standard deviations, t-test, ANOVA, 2, and Pearson’s r were used to analyse the results. The results showed that men had expert and legitimate power and exhibited transactional leadership style. Women had coercive and referent power and exhibited transformational leadership style. Students, irrespective of age or programme area, had legitimate power. However, students below 40 years exhibited transactional leadership style while students who were 40 or more years exhibited transformational leadership style. Management students exhibited transformational leadership skill; marketing and executive office administration students exhibited transactional leadership skills. The t-test showed no significant differences in students’ bases of power and gender. Similarly, the ANOVA was not significant for the differences in the bases of reward, coercive, expert, and referent power and students’ age. The chi- square test was also not significant for the differences in students’ bases of reward, legitimate, and referent power and programme area. The Pearson’s r was significant at the 1% level and showed moderate to high levels of inter-correlations among the dimensions of bases of power (and intuitively leadership style). Overall, the results showed that students had more expert power and weaker referent power. In addition, students exhibited transactional leadership styles.
This study sought to determine the differences in the bases of power, leadership styles, and demographic characteristics among undergraduate business students enrolled at a public university in Ghana. Sixty-three students took part in the study. Students were chosen using simple random sampling. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data. Means, standard deviations, t-test, ANOVA, 2, and Pearson’s r were used to analyse the results. The results showed that men had expert and legitimate power and exhibited transactional leadership style. Women had coercive and referent power and exhibited transformational leadership style. Students, irrespective of age or programme area, had legitimate power. However, students below 40 years exhibited transactional leadership style while students who were 40 or more years exhibited transformational leadership style. Management students exhibited transformational leadership skill; marketing and executive office administration students exhibited transactional leadership skills. The t-test showed no significant differences in students’ bases of power and gender. Similarly, the ANOVA was not significant for the differences in the bases of reward, coercive, expert, and referent power and students’ age. The chi- square test was also not significant for the differences in students’ bases of reward, legitimate, and referent power and programme area. The Pearson’s r was significant at the 1% level and showed moderate to high levels of inter-correlations among the dimensions of bases of power (and intuitively leadership style). Overall, the results showed that students had more expert power and weaker referent power. In addition, students exhibited transactional leadership styles.
Faculty of Business EducationJul 08, 2015
Mordedzi, B. (2014). Dividend payout and manufacturing firm performance in Ghana. Journal of Emerging Issues in Accounting and Finance, 1,
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between explanatory factors and the performance of manufacturing firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The explanatory factors used are dividend payout, firm size, capital structure, and Tobin’s Q. The proxies for firm performance are return on assets, return on equity, and future earnings. The study used balanced panel data that was built from the audited financial accounts of the seven manufacturing firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. A pooled ordinary least square model was used to estimate the regression equation via Excel 2010/XLSTAT 2014. The results show that dividend payout has an insignificant negative relationship with return on assets but an insignificant positive relationship with return on equity and future earnings. Firm size has a significant positive relationship with return on assets, return on equity, and future earnings. Capital structure has a negative relationship with firm performance but the relationship is insignificant for return on equity. Tobin’s Q has a negative relationship with firm performance but the relationship is insignificant for return on assets and future earnings. Based on the findings of this study, the conclusion is that dividend policy is irrelevant in determining the performance of listed manufacturing firms in Ghana. Consequently, managers of listed manufacturing firms should pay attention to other firm characteristics such as firm size for enhancing firm profitability and maximizing shareholder value.
The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between explanatory factors and the performance of manufacturing firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The explanatory factors used are dividend payout, firm size, capital structure, and Tobin’s Q. The proxies for firm performance are return on assets, return on equity, and future earnings. The study used balanced panel data that was built from the audited financial accounts of the seven manufacturing firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. A pooled ordinary least square model was used to estimate the regression equation via Excel 2010/XLSTAT 2014. The results show that dividend payout has an insignificant negative relationship with return on assets but an insignificant positive relationship with return on equity and future earnings. Firm size has a significant positive relationship with return on assets, return on equity, and future earnings. Capital structure has a negative relationship with firm performance but the relationship is insignificant for return on equity. Tobin’s Q has a negative relationship with firm performance but the relationship is insignificant for return on assets and future earnings. Based on the findings of this study, the conclusion is that dividend policy is irrelevant in determining the performance of listed manufacturing firms in Ghana. Consequently, managers of listed manufacturing firms should pay attention to other firm characteristics such as firm size for enhancing firm profitability and maximizing shareholder value.
Faculty of Business EducationJul 08, 2015
