Future of Business Administration

Enhancing Financial Inclusion through Digital Literacy and Fintech: Evidence from Informal Micro-Enterprises in Johannesburg

Stephen A Okoronkwo — 2026-07-02

This paper investigates how digital literacy impacts fintech adoption and financial inclusion among informal micro-enterprises in developing economies. Employing a systematic literature review and qualitative thematic analysis, the study synthesizes insights from 68 academic and institutional sources and field data collected from 37 informal entrepreneurs in Johannesburg. Key findings reveal that digital knowledge gaps, trust deficits, and lack of support structures hinder fintech adoption. However, a latent willingness to learn and adapt exists, especially with localized support mechanisms. The study recommends policy, design, and training interventions tailored to low-literacy environments.

Hyperpersonalization in E-Commerce - Effects on Consumer Perception and Behavior

Alicia Scherer — 2026-07-02

This study examines the effects and perceptions of hyperpersonalization in the German e-commerce market using a mixed-methods approach. Despite the strong data privacy awareness in Germany, the study shows that widespread concerns about data privacy and personal information protection do not have a significant impact on the acceptance of personalized advertising. This finding is particularly noteworthy as it suggests that the perceived benefits of hyperpersonalization outweigh the potential risks for many consumers. The research results highlight that hyperpersonalization can be an effective tool to enhance the relevance of advertising and positively influence purchasing behavior. However, this is only the case when companies carefully balance personalization with the protection of consumer privacy. In sensitive product categories, a cautious and well-considered approach is required to gain and maintain customer trust. Companies need to further develop their personalization strategies to meet the diverse needs and expectations of different target groups, especially in sensitive product categories.

Innovation Management in Small and Family-Owned Businesses

Tatyana Pashnyak — 2026-07-02

This study addresses a gap in innovation management literature by examining how small and family-owned businesses develop and deploy strategic capabilities to support innovation under resource constraints. While prior research has predominantly focused on large, resource-intensive organizations, limited empirical insight exists into how smaller, family-controlled firms manage innovation in practice. Using a qualitative multiple-case study design, data were collected from five family-owned businesses through semi-structured interviews with owner-managers, supported by document analysis and non-participant observations. Thematic analysis revealed that entrepreneurial orientation, relational capital, and adaptive decision-making serve as key enablers of innovation, primarily through incremental process and service improvements. At the same time, financial limitations, informal governance structures, and family-driven risk aversion constrained the pursuit of radical innovation initiatives. Descriptive performance indicators indicated improvements in operational efficiency, customer retention, and cost control following innovation activities. This study contributes to theory by clarifying how strategic capabilities function as practice-based mechanisms for innovation in resource-constrained environments and extends family business research by demonstrating the dual role of family influence as both a constraint and a strategic asset. Practical implications are offered for business owners, educators, and policymakers seeking to support sustainable innovation in small and family-owned enterprises.