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Original Research
The governance imperative: The influence of effective governance in unlocking intrapreneurial potential for sustainable public value
Submitted: 22 May 2024 | Published: 14 February 2025
About the author(s)
Lucy T. Chamba, Department of Entrepreneurial Studies and Management, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; and, Department of Commerce, Faculty of Economics, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, ZimbabweIsmael Tarirai, Department of Economic Sciences, Faculty of Business Sciences, Midlands State University, Harare, Zimbabwe; and, Department of Teacher Development, Faculty of Arts and Education, Zimbabwe Open University, Harare, Zimbabwe
Abstract
Background: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices are gaining traction, with a particular focus on State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and their contribution to sustainability. This study looks at how governance promotes intrapreneurship, a key capability for SOEs to achieve sustainability through public value creation.
Aim: This study investigates the influence of effective governance on intrapreneurial activity within SOEs. We hypothesise that strong governance structures promote intrapreneurship, ultimately leading to enhanced sustainability performance.
Setting: The research focuses on SOEs operating in Zimbabwe.
Methods: A quantitative approach was employed. We surveyed 300 middle managers across various SOEs in Zimbabwe. The combined effects of the independent variable were examined using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) (governance) and dependent variables (intrapreneurship and sustainability performance) because of the presence of multiple dependent variables.
Results: The study reveals a statistically significant positive relationship between good governance, robust intrapreneurial activity and enhanced sustainability performance. State-Owned Enterprises with strong governance structures exhibited superior innovation, translating into greater public value through enhanced societal impact, customer satisfaction and service delivery.
Conclusion: Effective governance plays a critical role in nurturing intrapreneurship and achieving sustainability within SOEs. This highlights the importance of prioritising good governance practices for SOEs to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Contribution: Through an empirical examination, this study advances the topics of sustainability and intrapreneurship in public sector companies, looking at the interrelationships between governance, intrapreneurship and sustainability in SOEs.
Keywords
JEL Codes
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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