Role demands, constraints and choices: The impact of context and stakeholder expectations on business incubator managers’ strategic agency

Abstract

Completing this doctorate thesis has been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and it would not have been possible without the unwavering support and encouragement of many individuals. First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisors, Prof. Jonathan Marks and Prof. Johan Olivier. Your insightful guidance, constructive criticism, and support have been invaluable. I am also immensely grateful to the GIBS Doctorate Admin office for their support. Dr. Vivienne Spooner, Mamello Ngwenya, and Mpho Alaardt, your regular updates, follow-ups, and advice on administrative matters ensured everything ran smoothly, especially when I needed an extension of time to complete my thesis. Thank you to the participating organisations and individual research respondents for agreeing to participate in this study during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. Your willingness to share your experiences was crucial to the success of this research. Special thanks to Dr. Gabi Nudelman, who became my academic friend abroad and encouraged me to push through the most challenging moments of data analysis. Your mantra, ""The only way out is through,"" kept me motivated and determined to go through the maze and complete the journey. I would also like to acknowledge the various doctorate cohorts for the inspiration, critique, and challenges during our work-in-progress sessions. Your intellectual camaraderie and shared experiences have been a source of strength. As the journey became lonely, I held on to the encouragement from those who graduated ahead of me and shared their stories. Your success stories have been a beacon of hope. To my wife, Josie, and our sons, Tino, TG, and Thabo, I cannot thank you enough for your understanding and holding the fort as we navigated life in a foreign land amidst my studies. Your patience, love, and support have been my anchor. To Mashudu, thank you for your invaluable assistance in typing significant portions of this thesis. Finally, to my friends and extended family who felt isolated during the study period and everyone who has been a part of this journey, your support, encouragement, and belief in me have made this achievement possible.