Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of an Economic Activation Office in Advancing Entrepreneurship Activities in a Rural Higher Education Institution
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.710Keywords:
Entrepreneurship Programmes, Economic Activation Office, Entrepreneurial University, Rural Higher Education, Institutional Effectiveness, South AfricaAbstract
This study examined the factors influencing the effectiveness of the Economic Activation Office (EAO) in advancing entrepreneurship programmes within a rural higher education institution in South Africa. Grounded in entrepreneurial university theory, the triple helix model, and the resource-based view, the study adopted a qualitative exploratory design within an interpretivist paradigm. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with fourteen purposively selected participants, including Economic Activation Office personnel, university staff involved in entrepreneurship initiatives, and student entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis revealed that institutional leadership and strategic alignment, resource availability, human capital capacity, stakeholder collaboration, organisational culture, and student engagement significantly influence programme effectiveness. While the Economic Activation Office demonstrates strategic relevance in promoting entrepreneurship, its overall impact is shaped by structural integration, funding capacity, and ecosystem coordination. The study recommends strengthening institutional commitment, expanding industry partnerships, improving resource allocation, and embedding entrepreneurship across faculties to enhance sustainability and long-term impact.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rendani Ralivhesa, Norman Chiliya, Vhonani Olive Netshandama (Author)
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