Original Research

A qualitative study of the attitudes of South African spaza shop owners to coopetitive relationships

Charles Hare, David Walwyn
South African Journal of Business Management | Vol 50, No 1 | a1295 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v50i1.1295 | © 2019 Charles Hare, David Walwyn | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 01 November 2018 | Published: 26 June 2019

About the author(s)

Charles Hare, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Johannesburg, South Africa
David Walwyn, The Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Coopetition is a powerful means by which microenterprises can compete against large firms in low margin sectors, such as the small retail outlets in South African townships, known locally as spaza shops. Although coopetition is widely used by foreign nationals who own and manage such shops, and who are reported to be more successful, South African owners have failed to establish such relationships.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the reasons why South African owners do not form such relationships

Method: The study used a qualitative, exploratory approach.

Results: An absence of trust and a general lack of awareness of the potential benefits of coopetition are the major barriers. Moreover, the volatile environment within which these spaza shops operate, characterised by extensive unemployment and high crime rates, and makes the establishment of coopetitive relationships more difficult.

Conclusion: Any intervention designed to improve the survival rate of spaza shops should include measures to address issues of trust and the benefits of coopetitive relationships.


Keywords

Spaza shop; South Africa; coopetition; trust; microenterprise.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 3593
Total article views: 6988

 

Crossref Citations

1. Sustaining the Township Economy: An Investigation into the Factors Influencing the Shopping Experience of Spaza Shop Customers in South Africa
Marle Van Eyk, Felix Amoah, Thembelihle Yase
Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies  vol: 14  issue: 3(J)  first page: 20  year: 2022  
doi: 10.22610/jebs.v14i3(J).3304