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With 86% of Generation Y South Africans found to have a Samsung phone, we examined 1) whether they love and are satisfied with the brand, 2) how much the consumption value theory (monetary, functional and symbolic values) explains brand love and satisfaction, 3) the relationship between brand satisfaction and love. We surveyed 651 respondents from two large universities. Results revealed that Generation Y South Africans moderately love and are adequately satisfied with the Samsung phone brand. Structural equation modeling results showed that the three consumption values and brand satisfaction positively influenced brand love. Brand satisfaction was driven by only monetary and functional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cheaper generic anti-retroviral medicines are encouraged and often prescribed in South Africa for HIV/AIDS treatment. However, the medicines' acceptance rate is relatively low. This has been attributed to inadequate brand knowledge of the bioequivalence of generic medicines. Studies have examined how brand knowledge structure lead to purchase. The contributions of brand relationship builders (i.e. trust and satisfaction), which are indicators of sustainable purchase, are rarely considered. This study aims to adapt Esch, Langner, Schmitt and Geus' (2006) brand knowledge structure and relationship model to examine the impact of South African young adults' brand knowledge structure (brand awareness, brand image and brand beliefs) and trust on brand satisfaction and purchase. Design/methodology/approach: Cross-sectional data was quantitatively collected from 207 young adults through self-administered, paper-based questionnaires. Data was analysed with structural equation modelling. Findings: Brand awareness, image, trust and belief in efficacy positively influenced purchase. All these factors, except brand awareness, positively led to satisfaction. The tested adapted model explained 53.0 and 58.5% variances of purchase and brand satisfaction, respectively. Practical implications: Considering how much brand knowledge structure and trust explained purchase and satisfaction from the tested model, South African government, pharmaceutical marketers and consumer interest groups should educate young adults about the bioequivalence, safety and efficacy of generic medicines. With greater knowledge of these qualities, satisfaction is gained from purchase decision. Originality/value: Instead of the usual examination of demographic differences in generic medicine beliefs and perception, this study contributes by revealing brand-related drivers of purchase and satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research is to assess the perceptions of black African middle managers on barriers to career progression. While a number of studies have investigated barriers to career progression among previously disadvantaged individuals, no study has focused on the perceptions of middle managers on the barriers to career progression amongst black Africans in the workplace. The study was qualitative in nature, employing a purposive sampling approach. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews amongst 18 black African middle managers in two major South African banks. Results indicate that a lack of exposure to senior managerial duties, lack of career guidance and support, demographic composition of senior management, as well as perceived unequal career opportunities present barriers to career progression. The value of the research lies in the practical changes banks can make to Human Resource practices and policies to overcome current challenges. The paper is of value to managers and HR professionals in the banking sector by addressing a major South African labour market issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]