Ijrss 9346
Ijrss 9346
Ijrss 9346
Zimbabwe
ABSTRACT
Financial literacy is a major issue of concern as it affects both businesses and individuals globally. Being highly literate has been
seen to have considerable effect on the management of interest rates on loans, retirement savings, poverty levels, massive debts,
and risk management. Financial illiteracy impedes economic growth, financial system stability, and income streams at a macro
level The study investigated the impact of tertiary educators’ financial literacy on saving behaviour and the moderating effects of
demographic factors (age, gender, level of education, subject taught, and length of service) using Mashonaland Central Province
as a case study. The research objectives were to measure the level of financial literacy of educators, to determine factors
influencing the financial literacy of educators, to determine the saving behaviour of educators and to recommend strategies which
enhance the financial literacy of educators. The study adopted a positivism philosophy and an explanatory research design. The
target population was made up of educators from the universities and colleges in Mashonaland Central. A sample of 384
educators was drawn using random sampling based on Blacks (2005) sample size formula. Questionnaires were used to collect
data and descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyse the responses. The study found that educators’
knowledge of financial instruments and computation capabilities had a significant effect on saving behaviour. All demographic
factors were found to have no significant impact on the educators’ saving behaviours. The study recommends that educators
should be trained on financial literacy, that the ministry of higher and tertiary education should provide a room for further
improvement of financial literacy of educators. Areas of further studies include studying the feasibility of introducing financial
literacy in elementary school and the effect of financial educators’ literacy on financial inclusion.
1. INTRODUCTION
Financial illiteracy is a major issue that affects both businesses and individuals globally, as it results in considerable expenses such
as higher interest rates on loans, a lack of retirement savings, rising poverty levels, massive debts, and inadequate risk
management (Antony and Joseph, 2019). Financial illiteracy impedes economic growth, financial system stability, and income
streams at the macro level (Ogundari and Awokuse 2018). In Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, 2.5 billion adults
do not use formal financial services to save or borrow (Imelda, Angeline, Gwendelina, and Genalena, 2017). More than 65 percent
of people in developed countries are financially illiterate (Mabula and Ping, 2018). In Sub-Saharan Africa, financial literacy is
quite low amounting to 32% and in OECD countries at 52% according to the Global literacy survey cited by Fanta and
Mutsonziwa (2021). Financial literacy is defined as a process in which consumers are provided with knowledge and skills of
understanding financial products and concepts enabling these consumers to apply this understanding to make informed choices
that improve their financial wellbeing (OECD, 2014). To be able to survive the daily financial struggles, people must have
adequate financial knowledge, proficiency, and attitude (Boora and Agarwal, 2018). This means that, in addition to understanding
financial planning concepts, individuals must be skilful in using these concepts in their day-to-day transactions (Boora and
Agarwal, 2018).
The education system of a country frequently has a significant impact on how financially literate its people can become. The best
education system effectively contributes to the development of abilities such as value judgments, logical thinking, effective
financial management and effective decision making (Mahmood and Alkahtani, 2018). Miller and Van Fossen (2009) found that
conditions in teacher education programs undermine financial literacy preparation for teachers by providing few opportunities for
teachers to develop their financial literacy. Research has highlighted that only 7.6 percent of teacher education students in their
sample of eight states in the United States of America learned about financial education in their teacher education programs (Way
https://ijrss.org Page 7
International Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities (IJRSS), Vol. 4 (7), July - 2023
and Holden, 2009; Henning and Lucey, 2017). Studies involving elementary school teachers consistently reveal a lack of
understanding of economics and personal finance. There is lack of financial education for both in service and pre-service teachers
which causes concerns on the quality of financial education they deliver (Menzies and Wood, 2012)
Studies have discovered that teachers are under-skilled in basic economic concepts such as numeracy and compound interest, lack
the ability to evaluate financial information that is critical in making money, saving, spending, investing, and credit decisions, and
are misinformed about the meaning of inflation or deflation, as well as its causes and effects (Imelda (2017; Lusardi, 2018;
OECD, 2014). Similarly, in studies aimed at determining the financial literacy knowledge of in-service teachers and candidate
teachers, it is discovered that both groups have a low level of financial literacy (Akhan, 2015; Lucey, Meyers and Smith, 2017).
Teachers teach financial literacy all over the world, but studies show that they lack financial literacy content knowledge (Blue,
Grootenberg and Brimble, 2014). Numerous studies have found that people who have received a good financial education are
more likely to plan for the future, save money, and engage in other financially responsible behaviours (Atkinson and Messy, 2015;
Bruhn, Leao, Legovini, Marchetti and Zia, 2016; Miller, Reichelstein, Salas and Zia, 2015; Brickhouse, 2018).
According to the RBZ (2016) report, Zimbabwe launched its national financial inclusion strategy with financial literacy as its
main pillar and financial education outreach programmes have been conducted since 2016. Murendo and Mutsonziwa, (2017)
found that 52 % of adult’s population in Zimbabwe does not save in either formal, non -formal channels or at their homes. The
savings in the financial system is 10% of the gross domestic product (Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe, 2019). Several
researchers have found that financial education intervention has a direct effect on saving behaviour (Miller et al, 2014; Bruhn,
Ibarra and McKenzie, 2014; Fernandes et al, 2013). The key question remains why savings in Zimbabwe remain very low yet
there are financial education outreach programs being conducted countrywide. The objectives of this study were to determine the
effect of educator’s financial literacy on saving behaviour, to assess the level of financial literacy of educators and to determine
the factors influencing financial literacy of educators.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Lusardi and Mitchell (2014) defined financial literacy as the knowledge of basic financial concepts and ability to do simple
calculations. Lusardi (2019) stated that the people’s ability to make financial decisions is their level of financial literacy. Financial
literacy is an ability of individual to take considerable decisions in respect of the effective and efficient utilization of money.
However the various stakeholders have not agreed on a uniform definition of what financial literacy is (Davies, 2015; Lefrancois,
Either and Cambron –Premont, 2017; Retzmann and Seeber, 2016; Willis, 2017).The Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development (2017) defined financial literacy as knowledge, understanding of financial concepts skills, motivation, and
confidence to apply such knowledge and understanding in order to make effective decisions across a range of financial contexts.
Sanderson (2015) defined financial literacy as the ability of individuals to use their skills and knowledge to make adequate
financial decisions for effective management of financial resources. Thus, these definitions show that the most important
determinants in examining financial literacy are financial knowledge, financial behaviour and financial attitude. According to
many scholars and experts, financial literacy consists of three components: financial attitude, financial knowledge, and financial
behaviour (Atkinson and Messy, 2012; Garg and Singh, 2018; Potrich et al., 2015; Santini et al., 2019).
https://ijrss.org Page 8
DOI: 10.47505/IJRSS.2023.V4.7.2
International Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities (IJRSS), Vol. 4 (7), July - 2023
understanding of a financial concept, such as budgeting and savings. Financial numeracy, savings and investments, borrowings,
insurance, risk and return were all discussed by Bhushan and Medury (2014).
2.3.2 Education
Educators who studied at universities are more financial literate than educators who studied at colleges (Hadar, 2015; DeBeckker,
2019). DeBeckker et al (2019) also stated that educators who have master’s degree are more financial literate than those with
bachelor’s degree. However, Deng et al (2013) found that the degree earned does not reach the level of significance in any
dimension of financial education and teacher’s financial literacy. Bawre and Kar (2019) found that education has a positive effect
on financial literacy. The level of education affects the financial literacy and has a positive impact. The higher the education
levels, the higher the level of financial literacy. Agnew and Harrison (2015) support that a higher level of education will affect the
level of financial literacy and behaviour in credit taking and there is a positive impact between the level of education and financial
literacy. Because the education level is essential to predict the level of financial literacy (Margaretha and Sari, 2015). Tilan et al
(2021) found that education attainment has a direct effect on the financial literacy of educators.
https://ijrss.org Page 9
DOI: 10.47505/IJRSS.2023.V4.7.2
International Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities (IJRSS), Vol. 4 (7), July - 2023
comprehension and implementation of financial ideas. However, Deng et al (2013) found that number of years teaching does not
contribute in a dimension in terms of personal financial literacy and financial education. Ansong and Gyensare (2012) found a
positive relationship between financial literacy and work experience, people with more years of work experience are more
knowledgeable than those with less experience. Researchers have discovered that more years of teaching experience improves the
financial knowledge score up to 30 years (Al-Rabaani, 2019). According to Al-Rabaani (2019) teachers with more experience are
more aware of financial crisis. Life experience drives people to learn more about financial and economic situations and
developments.
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The study adopted a positivism philosophy and an explanatory research design. Quantitative methodology was utilised in order to
determine the impact of educators’ financial literacy on savings behaviour. The target population was made up of educators from
the universities and colleges in Mashonaland Central province in Zimbabwe. A sample of 384 educators was drawn using random
sampling based on Blacks (2005) sample size formula when the actual population size is unknown. A response rate of 89% was
achieved. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. The Cronbach Alpha was used to test
the reliability of instruments and a reliability coefficient of 0.86 was obtained thus ascertaining the reliability of the study
(DeVillis, 2003). To ensure accuracy in data analysis, SPSS V24 was used.
4. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
Table 4.1 below shows the Pearson correlation coefficients between the independent variables, knowledge of financial instruments
and computation capabilities, and the dependent variable saving behaviour. The outcomes revealed that there existed a statistically
significant association between knowledge of financial instruments and saving behaviour at 95% confidence level (Pearson
correlation =.893; p<0.05). This result means an increase in knowledge of financial instruments results in an 89% increase in the
saving behaviour of educators. Table 4.1 also shows the correlation between computation capabilities (=.593; p<0.05), revealing
that computation capabilities have an effect on the saving behaviour.
https://ijrss.org Page 10
DOI: 10.47505/IJRSS.2023.V4.7.2
International Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities (IJRSS), Vol. 4 (7), July - 2023
The results in Table 4.2 below indicate that there is positive significant influence of knowledge of financial instruments and
computation capabilities on saving behaviour (standardised coefficient: knowledge of financial instruments = 0.415; p<0.05;
computation capabilities = 0.188; p<0.05). These results mean that both knowledge of financial instruments and computation
capabilities positively influence saving behaviour of educators in Zimbabwe. These findings are in agreement with those of
Lusardi and Mitchell (2013); Chowa et al, (2018) who concluded that in the USA financial literacy and saving for retirement had a
positive relationship. Boisclair and Lusardi (2014) in their study in Canada also concluded that saving is strongly related to
financial literacy. The knowledge that an employee has about pension plan instruments has been shown to intensify their
propensity to save (Bernheim et al. 2013). Individuals with low financial literacy have been, to a greater extent, found to rely
mostly on endorsements from consultants than individuals with high financial literacy levels (Alessie et al, 2015).
Table 4.2 Coefficients
The study also analysed the effects of demographic factors (age, education levels, subject taught and length of service) on saving
behaviour using two way ANOVA and the results are summarised in table 4.3 below.
Factor Sig.
Age 0.508
Education Level 0.682
Subject Taught 0.353
Length of Service 0.412
The results in Table 4.3 above show that all the demographic factors a value Sig>0.05. This means that there is no relationship
between the demographic factors and saving behaviour, and thus the null hypothesis was accepted. These findings are in support
of findings by Kim, Kwon and Anderson (2005) who found that gender, age, race and marital status have an insignificant impact
on saving for retirement. Kwenda and Mzwendele (2020) in their study of academics in Eswathini, also found that demographic
factors had nothing to do with financial preparedness. However, the results of this study contrast with findings by Agunga et al
(2020) who found that demographic characteristics such as gender, age, level of education, marital status and income level all had
an effect on financial planning. Jacobs-Lawson and Hershey (2013) also observed that demographic factors such as age, income
and education had an influence an individual’s retirement saving behaviour. Almenberg and Save-Soderberg (2011) also state that
demographic factors such as age, income, education, gender and race have a significant effect on retirement planning.
REFERENCES
Almalki, S. and Ganong, L. (2018) 'Family Life Education in Saudi Arabia', in Global Perspectives on Family Life Education,
Springer, Cham, pp. 381-96.
https://ijrss.org Page 11
DOI: 10.47505/IJRSS.2023.V4.7.2
International Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities (IJRSS), Vol. 4 (7), July - 2023
Atkinson, A and Messy, F.V. (2012) 'Measuring Financial Literacy: Results of the OECD/International Network on Financial
Education (Infer) Pilot Study', OECD Working Papers on Financial Education Insurance and Private Pensions, vol. 15, pp. 7-73.
Atkinson, A and Messy, F.V. [2015]. Financial education for Long term savings and investments: Review of Research and
Literature. OECD working paper on finance, insurance and private pensions 39, OECD publishing.
Boora, RK and Agarwal, J (2018), 'Financial Literacy: Evidence from Saudi Women', Journal of Business and Management, vol.
20, no. 5, pp. 38-44.
Brickhouse, T.,K [2018]. Breaking Cycles through targeted Financial literacy education for fifth-through Eighth-Grade students.
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral studies.
Blue, E, V and Rotenberg, P. (2019). A Praxis approach to financial literacy education, Journal of curriculum studies, 51:5
Cordela, J, M, Gil, M and PedraJa, F. (2016). The effect of financial literacy courses and their teachers on student achievement.
Madrid
Cooper, D.R. and Schindler, P.S. (2014). Business Research methods. 12 th edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill
Collins, J. and Hussey, R. (2009). Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. 3 rd edition.
Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Davies, P. [2015].Towards a framework for financial literacy in the context of Democracy. Journal of curriculum studies, 47[2],
300-316
Demoor L and Verschetze, L. (2017). Student’s teacher’s capacity and willingness to teach financial literacy in Flanders: Journal
of financial counselling and planning vol. 28, No.2, 2017, pp 313-321
Deng, H. T, Chi, L.C, Teng, N.Y. and Tang, T.C. (2013). Influence of financial literacy of teachers on financial education
teaching in Elementary school. International journal of e-education, e-business, e-management and e-learning, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013
Fernandes, D.,Lynch, J.,G and Netemeyer., R. G.[ 2014].Financial literacy, Financial education and Downstream financial
behaviour
Fisher, C. (2007). Researching and Writing a Dissertation for Business students. 2nd edition. Harlow: Financial time’s prentice
hall.
Gok, Y. I and Ozkale, A. (2019). Testing the influence of college education on the financial literacy level of university students in
Turkey: E-journal of Business Education and Scholarship of teaching vol 13, No 1, 2019 pp 46-58
Hadar, I.B. (2015). An analysis of Personal financial literacy among Educator’s. Journal of financial Education, spring 2015, Vol
41, No. 1 [spring 2015], pp.50-89
Hamed, M. (2016). Validity and reliability of the research instrument: How to test the validity of a questionnaire/survey in a
research. Kualar Lumphur (Malaysia): Helvetic editions ltd
Habschick, M., Seidl, B. and Evers, J. (2006) Survey of Financial Literacy Schemes in the EU27 Hamburg: Eversjung Financial
Services Research and Consulting
Henderson, G., Beach, P. and Coomb, A. (2021). Financial education in Ontario: An exploratory study of Elementary Teachers
perceptions, Attitudes and practices. Canadian Journal of Education
Huston, S.J. (2010). Measuring Financial Literacy. Journal of Consumer Affairs, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 296-316.
Imelda, C.M, Angeline M.P, Gwendelina, A.V, and Genalena M.P (2017). Journal of Global economics: Financial literacy of
professional and pre-service teachers in the Philippines
Kathleen, J. C., Donato, J. S and Viloria, V. A (2021). Practices on financial literacy of teachers in the schools Division office of
Cabanatuan city, International Journal of English literature and social science Vol 6, issue 4
Leedy, P.D. and Ormrod, J.E. (2005). Practical Research: planning and design 8 th edition. Pearson educational international and
prentice hall: New Jersey
https://ijrss.org Page 12
DOI: 10.47505/IJRSS.2023.V4.7.2
International Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities (IJRSS), Vol. 4 (7), July - 2023
Lefrancois, D.,Ethier, M., and Premont, A.C. [2017]. Making Good or Critical Citizens :From social justice to Financial literacy in
the Quebec Education program, Journal of social science educaton V16[4]
Lidi, B.Y., Bedemo, A., and Belina, M. (2017). Determinants of saving behaviour of households in Ethiopia: The case
Benishangul Gumuz regional state. Journal of Economics and 33 Sustainable Development, 8(13)
Lusardi, A, Mitchell, O, S and Curto, V. (2010).'Financial Literacy among the Young', Journal of Consumer Affairs, vol. 44, no.
2, pp. 358-80.
Lusardi, A and Mitchell, O, S. (2011). 'Financial Literacy around the World: An Overview', Journal of Pension Economics &
Finance, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 497-508.
Lusardi, A. and Mitchell, O, S. [2014]. The Economic importance of Financial literacy: Theory and Evidence, Journal of
Economic literature
Lusardi, A. [2019]. Financial literacy and The need for financial education: Evidence and Implications, Swiss Journal of
Economics and Statistics.
Lucey, T., and Henning, B, T. (2018). Financial literacy: Exploring Data Illuminating the missing Literacy in Elementary teacher
education: Ohio social studies review, fall/ winter 2018, vol 55[2]
Murendo, C. and Mutsonziwa, K. (2016). Financial literacy and savings decisions by adult financial consumers in Zimbabwe.
International Journal of Consumer Studies, 41(1)
Mabula, J. B. and Ping, H.D. (2018). Financial literacy position in Developing Economies: A review of studies and open issues.
Advances in social science, Education and Humanities research, volume 196, 2nd international conference on social sciences,
public health and education
Miller, M., Reichelstein, J.,Salas, C., and Zia, B. [2014]. Can you Help someone Become financially capable? World bank Global
financial development
Nguyen, T. A and Roza, Z. (2019). Financial literacy and financial advice seeking for retirement investment choice. Journal of
competition, 11[I]
OECD [2013]. Advancing national strategies for financial education. Paris: OECD
OECD (2018). OECD/NFE toolkit for measuring financial literacy and financial inclusion, Paris
Retzmann, T. and Seeber, G.(2016). Financial education in General Education: A Competence Model, International Handbook of
financial literacy [PP9-24]
Sanderson
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009). Research Methods for Business students. 5th edition. Prentice Hall
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2016). Research Methods for Business students. 7th edition. Prentice hall
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business students. 8th edition. Prentice hall
Sawatzki, C.M., and Sullivan, P.A. (2017). Teacher’s Perceptions of Financial Literacy and the implications for professional
learning. Australian Journal of Teacher education, 42[5]
Surender, G and Subramanya, S. (2017). Financial literacy and financial Planning among teachers of Higher education. Anity
Journal of finance [2] [1] pp31-46
Temizel, Fatih and Özgüler, İsmet. (2015) “A review of financial education”. Business & Management Studies: An International
Journal, 3(1): 1-16
Tilan, S.A. and Cabal, M.E. (2021). Financial literacy of Filipino public-school teachers and employees: Basis for intervention
program, international journal of science and research
https://ijrss.org Page 13
DOI: 10.47505/IJRSS.2023.V4.7.2