Investigating the effects of financial management practices on financial performance of a State-Owned Enterprise in Johannesburg

Abstract

The effectiveness of financial management practices in the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is becoming extremely indispensable and frugal in South Africa. However, the dynamics of the effectiveness of financial management practices on the SOEs is not much reconnoitred or not in existence in the collected works of academics with previous studies largely paid attention to the private sector whereas there is also a monumental necessity for the SOEs to be financially viable. Therefore, this study insightfully examined the employees’ perceptions on the effects of financial management practices (independent variable) on improving financial performance (dependent variable) in a selected South African SOE. Quantitative research design was employed in the study, and it was cross-sectional in nature. The survey questionnaire was utilised as a primary data collection tool. The study adopted a convenience sampling method which resulted in a sample size of 69 respondents at the response rate of 74%. The statistical results were determined using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 27®). The study revealed a positive relationship when measuring the independent variables against the financial performance. The study recommended a resilient application of cash management practices in the form of determining target cash balances on a regular basis as a working capital management practice to realise enhanced financial performance. The study further recommends that as the firm considers expanding the investments to real estates, that practice should be aimed at firm value maximisation. It is further recommended that future similar studies consider broadening the research scope by including all the operational divisions of an SOE from different regions throughout South Africa.