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The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgementTown of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or non- commercial research purposes only. Cape Published by the University ofof Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. University A Resource-Based View of the Firm: A Path Dependency Investigation into the Sources of Sustainable Competitive Advantage – An Empirical Study of the University of Rhodesia, 1945-1980 Town Supervisor: Professor Kurt April Cape Thesis Presented for the Degree of DOCTOR OFof PHILOSOPHY In the Graduate School of Business UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN by Maurice K. Mutowo BA (Hons), MA, MBA (UZ) University July 2011 Acknowledgements In gathering the information that went into this thesis, I was fortunate to have been a recipient of the support and encouragement of various individuals and institutions. Of the many people who have been enormously helpful in the preparation of this research, I am especially grateful to Professor Kurt André April of the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Professor April provided expert guidance and invaluable feedback on this research. His contribution towards the reading and advising of this project from proposal to completion is highly valued as was his co-operation, assistance and unqualified support for the study. I also value Professor April’s meticulous attention to detail, suggestions and insight into the subject. Professor April has been my academic role model and supported me in many ways throughout the research. He came to my assistance in many ways and I value his unwavering support throughout this journey. He shaped my life and taught me that quality is a matter of choice. I owe a great deal of gratitude to all the informants – former students, former and current academics and administrators of the University of Rhodesia – who responded to my questionnaires and agreed to Townbe interviewed on the subject of path dependency. This thesis would not have been completed without their willing participation. I would like to thank Mr Freddie Mupambireyi for assisting with data analysis using the Statistical Package for Social ScientistsCape (SPSS) programme. Many thanks to Ushepia (University Science, Humanities, Law & Engineering Partnerships in Africa) for providingof financial assistance to enable me to complete this study. I would also like to thank the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, Professor Levi Nyagura, for giving me permission to use the University of Zimbabwe (formerly University of Rhodesia) as a case study for this research. My loving appreciation goes to my wife Jessica, and my children, Mwazvita and Kuziwa, for their support, patience and encouragement and for enduring periods of absenceUniversity throughout the duration of my doctoral studies. To many others, not specifically mentioned, who provided me with information, support and encouragement, please be assured that your efforts were not in vain. However, as custom dictates, none of the above is responsible for the errors of omission and commission and any other in- elegances that might appear in this study. A Resource-Based View of the Firm: A Path Dependency Investigation into the Sources of Sustainable Competitive Advantage – An Empirical Study of the University of Rhodesia, 1945-1980 Maurice Kenneth Kuziwa Mutowo, Graduate School of Business – University of Cape Town Presented for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, July 2011 Abstract This study examined the development of the University of Rhodesia (UR) and identified a pattern that developed in a path dependent way. Path dependency captures the notion that choices, that are made when an institution is being formed, tend to have a continuing and lasting influence on the institution far into the future. It is the tendency for a step in one direction to encourage the next step to be in a similar direction, thus keeping the development of an organisation in the same path. Studies have criticised the resource-based view of the firm (RBV) and path dependency concepts as being under-theorised and under-served empirically. This study examined and clarified factors that were crucial in the emergence of UR, and helped to perpetuate its dominance over time. Town Based on a case study of UR from 1945 to 1980, this study used semi- structured interviews, questionnaires and document analysis to give in-depth understanding of contextual issues and dynamics shaping the development of UR, and its ensuing path dependency. Interview data was collected from 73 former students, current and former academicsCape and administrators over a 10- month period. Questionnaires were deployed to 80 respondents. The purposive sampling technique was usedof to select the respondents, and the complete list of respondents evolved through the study using the snowballing technique. Qualitative data was collected and analysed (with the aid of data analysis software, Nvivo 8) according to the grounded theory approach. Data from questionnaires was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Five determinants of path dependency, which emerged from the review of literature, were used as a basis for linking the emerging themes and developing a conceptual framework of organisational path dependency. University The study established that the evolution of UR was path dependent and influenced by initial conditions, increasing returns, self-reinforcement, positive feedback and lock-in. Some of the enduring characteristics of UR that define its competitive advantage include the British influence, the system of external examiners, and elitist and multi-racial character of the institution. A major contribution of this study is the development of a framework of organisational path dependency that improves our understanding of the enduring characteristics of an institution that define its competitive advantage. This study examined sources of sustainable competitive advantage in an institution of higher education in an emerging economy. It, therefore, might not be applicable to other organisations in different environments. Future research can use the conceptual framework to verify its empirical relevance. Other researchers can assess the resilience of the founding conditions and patterns that shaped the development of UR in a post-colonial setting. Town Cape of University Table of Contents i TABLE OF CONTENTS Glossary ................................................................................................ ix CHAPTER 1: Introduction ....................................................................1 Introduction .............................................................................................1 Statement of the Problem .......................................................................1 Research Questions ...............................................................................2 Research Objectives ..............................................................................3 Research Proposition .............................................................................3 Theoretical Reflection .............................................................................4 Types of Resources .......................................................................... 4 Path Dependency .............................................................................. 5 Causes of Path Dependency ............................................................. 7 Justification ........................................................................................... 10 Scope of the Study ............................................................................... 14 Structure of the Thesis ......................................................................... 14 CHAPTER 2: History of the University of Rhodesia (1945-1980) .... 15 The Beginnings ..................................................................................... 15 Feasibility of the University Project .......................................................Town 16 Voices Against the Establishment of a University ........................... 16 Voices in Favour of the Establishment of a University .................... 17 ‘Friends of the University of Southern Rhodesia’ and the ‘Rhodesia University Association’ .......................................................................... 20 Asquith Commission .............................................................................Cape 21 Inter-University Council for Higher Education ....................................... 22 The Central African Council and Cartmel-Robinsonof Committee ........... 23 Carr-Saunders Commission ................................................................. 24 Character Training .......................................................................... 28 Autonomy ........................................................................................ 28 Rhodesian University Trust Fund .................................................... 29 Inaugural Board ............................................................................... 29 The Royal Charter ................................................................................ 31 Special Relationship ............................................................................. 32 Setting up theUniversity University College .........................................................
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