Despite the potency of Financial Technology (FinTech) in facilitating financial inclusion, the determinants of the diffusion in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) remain intricate. Consequently, the study assesses the determinants of the diffusion of FinTech Payment Services (mobile money, card, and online payments) by SMEs in the context of Ghana. We sample 407 registered SMEs with the Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI) and employ hierarchical logistic regression models to explore the multiplicative effects of SMEs Chief Executive Officers Characteristics (CEOC), Business Characteristics (BUSC), and FinTech Payment Service Characteristics (FPSC) on the Diffusion of FinTech Payment Services (DFPS). Consistent with the technology diffusion theories, the finding reveals that CEOC, BUSC, and FPSC altogether determines the DFPS in Ghanaian SMEs. Thus, the combined effects of human, business, and technology actors drive the DFPS in SMEs. Therefore, the optimal design of FinTech services is critical for mass diffusion by SMEs in emerging economies.

Using a sample of South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs), we examine the pre-and post-period impact of King III on non-executive director (NED) compensation with emphasis on financially distressed SOEs. This paper adopts a difference-indifferences analysis technique with repeated measures as the basis for testing the hypotheses. The revised Altman Z-score model which incorporates features unique to emerging markets is used to measure financial distress. Our findings indicate that SOEs that adopted King III will increase NED compensation when the firm has a positive performance and will severely penalize NED when the firm faces financial distress. This study highlights the importance of well-crafted corporate governance policies. It further sheds light on the importance of King III and how its implementation may prove vital for the success of an enterprise.

Covid-19 transformed mobile payment services (MPS) diffusion pattern globally. Consequently, the need to examine factors contributing to the diffusion rate of MPS in this era is substantiated. Thus, this study employs Structural Equation Model (SEM) with social media administered survey data to estimate the nexus between MPS diffusion and technological factors, non-technological factors, and environmental factors. Results suggest that although MPS diffusion increased globally, mobile payment services have the highest diffusion rate. This is because of convenience, availability, and cost. Further, technological, non-technological, and environmental factors all contribute positively to the high rate of diffusion. Environmental factors like an escalation in the Covid-19 cases, recommendations from the center for disease control positively mediates the relationship between MPS diffusion and non-technological factors. Thus, to encourage mass diffusion and continual usage of MPS during and after the pandemic, cost of usage, convenience, accessibility, and mobile-based applications should be bundled for optimized user experience.

In this paper, we bring to light the issue of appraising and diffusing information systems by small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The empirical data was gathered through an online questionnaire-based survey from 312 SMEs in Ghana. All these enterprises are registered members of the association of Ghanaian industries (AGI) and are confirmed users of information system. The framework of the study is developed based on the approaches found in technology management literature: management principles for disruptive technology, information system strategy, technological decision making and the technology acceptance models. The aim of the paper is to unearth management principles which allow SMEs in Ghana to appraise and diffuse information system successfully. We defined these principles through the comparison of known principles with the practiced principles of management of the small enterprises in Ghana and distilling the best management practices in information system appraisal and diffusion.

The 21st century has witnessed the rise of new and major economic regions that were initially overlooked by traditional economic superpowers. This study examines two such economies namely: China and South Africa. Certain attributes of the agency theory are examined. Henceforth, the research investigates the relationship between non-executive directors (NEDs) compensation and financial distress within listed firms. Emphasis is placed on the operations of listed state-owned enterprises (SOEs). NEDs play a vital role in reducing agency costs through the advising and monitoring of the firm’s senior management, thereby aligning shareholder interests with those of senior management. This study therefore attempts to explore these aspects through the use of quantitative research methods and comparative analysis. The revised Altman Z-score model which incorporates features unique to emerging markets is used to measure financial distress. The findings indicate that in both countries financial distress will result in a reduction in NEDs pay.