Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the relationship between workplace inequalities and business effectiveness in selected and listed businesses in Nigeria. It includes an analysis of four independent sub-variables (gender segregation, incentive disparity, ethnic factors and professional disparity) for the variable workplace inequalities and four dependent sub-variables (creativity, service quality,productivity and business growth)for the variable business effectiveness. Methodology: This study used a survey research approach to investigate the relationship between workplace inequalities and business effectiveness in selected and listed businesses in Nigeria. The survey research design was cross-sectional in this paper, and the technique was quantitative. The adoption of this design was influenced by the research problem and its related research questions. The unit of analysis for this study was the staff of consumer goods companies of Seven listed consumer goods companies in Nigeria that controlled 93.08% of the total market capitalization of the entire consumer goods sector as of October 31, 2022. The population comprised 491 employees of the selected consumer goods companies in Nigeria. A structured questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranging from 0.77 to 0.88 was used for data collection. Findings: The findings of this study are in consonance with the view of Bandura (2012), who insists that entrepreneurial self-efficacy is the level of confidence shown by an individual towards the undertaking of a task or position which favourably influences small business performance. The findings of this study are consistent with those of Ngek (2015); Dessyana and Riyanti (2017); Adolfina and Lumintang (2018); Budiman and Pangestu (2018); Cumberland, Meek, & Germain, (2015): Yusuff et al. (2019); Oyeku et al. (2020); Islam et al. (2020); Kale, (2020); Khalil et al. (2021); McGee & Peterson, (2019); Torres and Watson, (2013) which demonstrate that entrepreneurial self-efficacy positively and significantly affects business performance Research limitation and implication: It recognized that the findings and implications of this paper are situated within Lagos, Nigeria, and primarily small businesses as the focus of its attention. The research can be expanded with similar studies conducted across large businesses in Nigeria or other climes. To achieve more generalizability and trustworthiness, the sample size can be raised by considering more respondents with innovative data gathering techniques. In this research, the absence of data in the majority of small businesses in Lagos was the most significant challenge to obtaining objective performance measurements, for this reason, the non-financial performance indicators were adopted. According to Khalil, et al. (2021), subjective measurements may be produced without objective measures. Practical implication: For every business to scale or survive there is a need to have a reliable configuration of strategies of which managerial capability is key, as such the findings of this study are expected to help create a reminder of the need to improve skill sets in the owner-managers of small businesses to beat the competition and remain viable Social implication: This research will help society comprehend the need for managerial capabilities and entrepreneurial self-efficacy for harmonious business growth and performance in operations. Consequently, generating employment and boosting firm income. Originality/value: The paper provides evidence of the performance of small business in Lagos State Nigeria. This paper extends understanding of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and managerial capabilities among owner-managers of small businesses, and should be of particular interest to entrepreneurs, policy-makers and academia. The paper provides a new interpretation of existing sources particularly the key indicators used for the purpose of determining managerial capabilities and performance of small businesses. This research contributes to the need for greater clarity and knowledge small business sector

There is an increasing understanding that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can protect the planet, reduce inequality and tackle poverty. However, many small business owners and entrepreneurs in Africa still see it as a misery. This study aims to determine whether the SDG's goal number five (5) is being used to motivate gender equality among small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa, particularly in Kenya and Nigeria. The study focuses on female entrepreneurs. The target population comprised 110 randomly selected businesses operating in Embakasi East constituency in the Embakasi ward in Nairobi County, Kenya, and Ikeja Local Government in Lagos Mainland of Lagos state Nigeria. The sample size was determined by relying on a prior study on women in business in Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research method, administering open-ended interviews to the respondents, and the response rate was 90.91%. Descriptive statistical analysis was adopted, and the examination of the data demonstrated that a significant number of women working in SMEs are unaware of the SDGs in the two countries despite the United Nations (UN) supporting gender equality. The research concludes that there is still a considerable difference between men and women in SMEs in Africa and the awareness of SDG goals is limited. It is recommended that the management of small businesses, regulators, and policymakers should increase the knowledge of the global goals for more awareness and sustainability adoption in African countries. This can also support sustainable business growth and close the inequality gap in small African businesses

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a significant shock to businesses, with negative implications on present production capacity. Simultaneously, technology is being increasingly recommended as a significant means of minimising economic losses caused by the pandemic. Survival and lack of performance of small and medium-sized businesses continue to generate public discourse, intellectual interest, and attention. Though relationship between technological capabilities and business performance is more intricate than is often assumed. Inadequate technological capability is one of the primary factors contributing to business situation. Therefore, relationship between technological capability (TC) and business performance was examined amongst selected small and medium-sized businesses in Lagos State. This study used a survey research methodology with a sample size of 742 owner-managers of chosen SMEs in Lagos State. A questionnaire that was adopted and validated for the study was used to collect data. The questionnaire questions' Cronbach's alpha coefficients range from 0.77 to 0.88. The response rate to the survey was 94.5 percent. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, the acquired data was analysed (Pearson product moment correlation and regression analysis). The examination of the data demonstrated a significant association between technological capacity and small company performance (= 0.090, t = 3.029, F= 245.45 p.05). The conclusion of this research is that technical aptitude is a resource that enhances the performance of small businesses, with theoretical and practical consequences for businesses. It is recommended that the managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos State use their technology capability as a business resource, since this could help them generate new ideas or enhance existing goods.

Enhancing sustainable competitive advantage in terms of quality service delivery is key for environmental sustainability. Most organizations are bedeviled with toxic behavior of the workforce which have unpredictable concerns for sustainable initiatives parameters such as decline in profits, environmental degradation, and health deterioration. This chapter utilized the ability, motivation and opportunity theory, and relevant literature to examine the influence of workplace green behavior on sustainable competitive advantage, and the implication for environmental sustainability. The conclusion revealed that workplace green behavior in form waste recycling, going paperless, and embracing renewable energy predicted sustainable competitive advantage in terms of producing green products and services. The study recommended initiation of green organizational culture and creativity as panacea for green behavioral responses and sustainable goals.

Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work for all combines social, economic, and environmental objectives. Yet the significance of Goal 8 and other goals of the United Nations is receiving less attention in Africa. More so due to the dynamic character of the environment in the modern era, particularly post-COVID-19 pandemic businesses are faced with a variety of obstacles and employee dissatisfaction is increasing in the workplace. Therefore this study investigates the effects of the workplace environment on employee job satisfaction in selected listed banks and their role in achieving SDGs in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and the largest economy. This investigation utilized a survey research design. For this study, three (3) out of the twelve(12) banks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange(Nigeria Exchange Group) as of 31st July 2023 were selected from the population. A total of 495 copies of the questionnaire were distributed using Google Forms, and a response rate of one hundred per cent was attained. Findings showed that workplace environment had a significant and positive effect on employee job satisfaction. The findings revealed that workplace environment had a significant effect on employee job satisfaction of selected listed banks in Nigeria. The study recommends that the management of Nigerian listed banks should ensure that employees are well compensated according to industry best practices.

The pursuit of competitive advantage and increase in customer brand loyalty post-pandemic have compelled businesses to be strategic, particularly regarding brand awareness decisions. However, shaping brand management, increasing brand awareness development and adaptation which are critical activities in modern marketing has been an issue in developing nations like Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to examine effect of brand awareness on customer-loyalty in the food and beverage industry in Lagos State, Nigeria. This study used survey research design facilitated through a structured research instrument. Using quantitative method six hundred respondents from the selected food and beverage companies in Lagos state participated and data was collected using questionnaire. A total of 600 copies of questionnaire were administered to the respondents with a response rate of 100.00%. The collected data was analyzed and presented both in descriptive and inferential analysis. The findings of this study revealed that brand awareness have significant positive effect on customer loyalty. Based on the findings of this study it is concluded that brand awareness (brand impression, brand competence, and brand value) are a strategic tool for achieving customer loyalty in food and beverage industry in Lagos state, Nigeria and that brand awareness has significant effect on customer loyalty in food and beverage industry in Lagos state, Nigeria. Hence, this study recommends that the food and beverage industries in Lagos state, Nigeria should apply brand impression, competence, management and value in order to maintain customer brand loyalty and competitive advantage