General management and CSR

Of the more than 27 million U.S. businesses in operation, an incredible 99 percent are small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. These smaller firms are arguably the most vulnerable to emergencies. In fact, nearly 40 percent of small businesses close following a disaster. This is proof that small businesses need to be effectively prepared for any crises that may hit. 

While emergencies affect smaller organizations differently from their larger counterparts, there is always plenty to be learned from crises that hit the nation’s name-brand companies.

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South Africa’s economy is forecast to tick up to 1.1% in 2018 from 0.8% in 2017, according to new data published by the World Bank.

“The recovery is expected to solidify, as improving business sentiment supports a modest rise in investment. However, policy uncertainty is likely to remain and could slow needed structural reforms,” the bank said in its annual global economic outlook for 2018.

South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 2% in the third quarter of 2017, following an increase of 2.8% in the second quarter, StatsSA said in early December.

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First they took the factory jobs; next, robots are expected to replace mortgage brokers, paralegals, and accountants. It has always been assumed, however, that jobs requiring human interaction would remain safe.

Not so, according to one Canadian company, which has automated many management and administrative processes to such an extent that it does not have a human resources department.

Klick, a digital agency of 700 people, achieved this with an internal operating system that tracks things like billable hours, workflow and employee attendance, as well as managing recruitment and training.

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Light bulbs weren’t invented by candlestick makers. Nor were cars created by those who built horse buggies. So we shouldn’t be surprised that those behind South Africa’s new telecoms disruptor come from outside the cell phone industry.

Launched yesterday in major urban areas, SA’s new data-only mobile network Rain is the brainchild of high profile former bankers Paul Harris and Michael Jordaan. In January they were joined by Willem Roos, founder and CEO of Outsurance.

With these financial heavyweights involved, the rumour mill suggested Rain was a disguise for a new digital bank. Yesterday’s launch of the fast (4G), well priced (5c per MB) and consumer friendly (never expires) mobile data offering shows it was no ruse. Instead of the banking sector, it’s Vodacom, MTN and Cell C that have a […]

There’s no “right” way to be a leader. Everyone who steps into a management or executive role has a different style of motivating and guiding people, and effective leadership means finding the way that works best for both you and your team.

Good leaders also know when it’s time to adjust their approach, and are able to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the workforce. We asked 14 members of Forbes Coaches Council to share their insights on the biggest and most influential leadership and management trends of 2018.

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Recycling plays a big role in the South African economy and offers work opportunities to thousands of South Africans.