ISSN 2736-1721
Global Journal of Business Management ISSN 6731-4538 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2013. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
An impact assessment of a prototype financial literacy flagship programme in a rural South African setting
Deon Harold Tustin
Bureau of Market Research, University of South Africa, B1-04 Theo van Wijk Building, Muckleneuk Campus 0003, Pretoria, South Africa. E-mail:[email protected]. Tel: 27 12 429-3156. Fax: 27 12 429-3170.
Accepted 08 November, 2012
Abstract
This article applies experimental research to investigate the impact of the Bubomi financial literacy flagship programme developed by Absa Group Limited, one of South Africa’s largest financial service organizations. The programme aims to improve essential financial literacy skills, habits and behaviour of South Africans. The impact of the programme is measured by comparing the level of financial knowledge, confidence, attitude and accountable management practices of statistically representative experimental (people exposed to the Absa training) and control (people not exposed to Absa training) groups residing in village areas surrounding the Giyani town in the Limpopo province located in the north -eastern parts South Africa. By accepting the test hypotheses that the financial knowledge, confidence, attitudes and accountable management of the experimental group exceed that of the control group at a statistically significant level, the article investigates the immediate and intermediate impact of a prototype training programme that can effectively improve the basic financial skills, habits and behaviours of consumers. The research findings is even more pertinent when considering that a prototype skills development programme has been evaluated and found to be most applicable to skills improvement in poor village communities where financial literacy are at acute low levels. The programme evaluation research represents the first of its kind in a rural setting and outlines unique elements of a prototype training programme that indisputably contributes to the urgent need for improved money management skills in South Africa.
Key words: Financial literacy, financial behavior, money management.