PurposeThis study investigates the retirement funding adequacy of black South Africans and how it can be influenced by family structure, health status, financial literacy and the role of the financial planner.Design/methodology/approachA mixed sampling approach was applied to collect data from 441 black South Africans. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken and Cronbach's alphas were calculated to confirm the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument. Structural equation modeling was the main statistical procedure applied to test the hypothesised relationships in the research.FindingsMost of the respondents reside in informal urban areas or townships. The findings show a significant positive relationship between financial literacy and the retirement funding adequacy of black individuals. The study found that individuals who are concerned about the wellness of their family, health and finances are more likely to maintain their standard of living at retirement. However, the role of the financial planner, among black South Africans, does not influence their retirement funding adequacy.Practical implicationsBlack South Africans are attentive to the wellness of their family, health and finances despite the necessity to support nuclear and extended family members. Financial institutions need to consider this aspect when providing financial advice to individuals who have many financial dependents.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the limited understanding on the factors that influence the retirement funding adequacy of black South Africans and it provides recommendations on improving retirement funding adequacy.

Individuals are encouraged to start saving for retirement as early as possible to ensure that sufficient retirement funding is accumulated. However, few individuals are financially independent at retirement. Research purpose:To examine the influence of provisions, attitudes and intentions on the retirement funding adequacy of black individuals, as the majority of the South Africans are black individuals.Motivation for the study: Despite the increased access to financial services and products, many black individuals reach retirement age destitute. This research investigated how provisions for retirement, attitudes towards retirement and retirement intentions influence the retirement funding adequacy of black South Africans.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative approach was applied, whereby questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 441 black individuals in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa through stratified sampling and convenience sampling. Main findings:The results of the research revealed that retirement provisions and retirement attitudes exert the most influence on the retirement funding adequacy of black South Africans. This suggests that black South Africans should focus on amassing retirement savings and fostering a positive attitude towards retirement to ensure that they reach retirement age with adequate financial resources for retirement.Practical/managerial implications: Financial institutions and financial planners should be aware that individuals' provisions for retirement and attitudes towards retirement are significant contributors in ensuring that retirement funding adequacy is ascertained. Contribution/value-add:This study made a contribution in understanding the aspects that influence the retirement funding adequacy in the South African context, particularly amongst black South Africans.

Orientation: Business social responsibility (BSR) activities may lead to benefits for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Research purpose:To investigate how SMEs could use BSR activities to improve their brand image and business performance.Motivation for the study: In a competitive environment, SMEs face various challenges such as financial constraints, lack of resources or lack of managerial experience. BSR activities pave the way for an SME to make a positive contribution toward the environment in which it operates, as they indicate a level of care for the natural environment and show commitment toward the upliftment of communities. The benefits that accrue to SMEs that engage in BSR activities are yet to be determined and the need for research on SMEs' BSR activities and results led to this study.Research design, approach and method: Structured questionnaires were distributed to 320 SMEs in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A total of 200 usable questionnaires were received, obtaining a response rate of 62.5%, and these were analysed quantitatively.Main findings: Significant relationships were found between three BSR activities, namely stakeholder relations, community development and environmental awareness, and the SME's brand image; as well as between the SME's brand image and business performance. Practical and managerial implications:Implemented BSR recommendations may lead to improved brand images and business performance; and therefore an increased success rate amongst SMEs in South Africa.Contribution and value-add: BSR research has predominantly been in the sphere of larger and more established enterprises. The study suggests practical recommendations to SMEs to improve their brand image and business performance by employing BSR strategies relating to stakeholder relations, community development and environmental awareness.

Individuals need to seek professional financial advice to achieve their financial goals. However, some do not see the value of consulting financial planners, and show little intention to use financial planners. Furthermore, there is a lack of research explaining why these individuals do not make use of financial planners. This study aims, therefore, to investigate the factors that could possibly influence individuals' intentions to make use of a financial planner: awareness, perceived image, trust, and perceived rewards. To achieve this, a hypothesised model and hypotheses were developed and empirically tested. The results of the study indicated that there are significant relationships between perceived image and rewards, on the one hand, and intentions to use a financial planner, on the other. Thus financial planners must portray a positive image and deliver the perceived benefits of engaging in financial planning if individuals are to recognise the value in making use of their services.

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