Linking Financial Literacy, Economic Measures and Delayed Gratification

The study's main aim was to measure financial literacy (FL) levels in South African (SA) high school learners. Differences in FL levels were identified for different demographic and psychographics and between 4 categories. Other aims were to compare SA and US FL levels, and to assess if FL and ability to delay gratification are related. A quantitative survey was conducted on 12th grade learners of different population groups and genders in 7 SA schools. The results show significant differences in FL levels if from different schools, population groups and public vs. private schools, but not across different genders. Significant differences exist between different psychographics and between FL categories. An unclear relationship exists between FL and propensities for debt, saving and spending, suggesting further research. SA FL levels are poor and below US youth. FL and ability to delay gratification are unrelated. A model is proposed relating SA FL to major conclusions from the null hypotheses. Results should enable SA business, educational settings and government to understand the impact of demographic, psychographic and educational differences on FL and need for improvement in FL.

Autorentext

Colette Symanowitz comes from a project management and sales background spanning almost 10 years in the clinical research industry. She completed her BSc Honours Pharmacology at Wits University, followed by a PDBA and MBA degree from GIBS in South Africa. She runs www.MBAconnect.net, a social network for MBAs from all business schools worldwide.