Factors Affecting Learners’ Decision to enrol in Commercial Subjects – A Case of the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Commercial subjects such as Accounting, Economics and Business Studies are an important stream in schools that help learners broaden their social and global knowledge. The purpose of the study was to identify the factors that influence learners’ decisions to enrol in commercial subjects. A case study served as the foundation for the study’s qualitative methodology. The study was based on Berger and Calabre’s (1983) Uncertainty Reduction Theory. The study purposely sampled ten learners from two secondary schools in the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Individual interviews were used to collect the data, which were then analysed using content analysis (CA) and categorised using thematic analysis. The findings proved that several factors, including learners’ ability in the subjects and the influence of teachers and parents, influenced their decision to enrol in commercial courses. The study recommends that learners should first be counselled, mentored, and assisted in making decisions about the choice of subjects. Lastly, schools should conduct aptitude and interest assessments. The contribution of this study is to provide insights on improving curriculum design and career guidance around commercial subjects in this region as well as to inform educational stakeholders on how to address potential barriers to enrolment in commercial subjects and lastly serve as a foundation for broader studies on commercial subject enrollment in South Africa. Keywords: Commercial Subjects; Learner’s decision; Subject Stream