Management practices among ambulant vendors in Iloilo City

Abstract

This study investigated the management practices of ambulant vendors in Iloilo City, focusing on Henri Fayol's Classical Management Theory, the four core functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (POLC). Utilizing a descriptive research design, the study surveyed 100 ambulant vendors selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered using a validated, researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using mean, percentage, frequency count, Kruskal-Wallis H Test and Mann-Whitney U Test. Results revealed that vendors moderately practiced all four management functions, with organizing being the most practiced and leading the least. Demographic factors such as age, sex, educational attainment, marital status, and years of operation showed varying influence on the vendors’ management behaviors. Despite operating informally, vendors demonstrated an intuitive application of managerial principles, shaped by experience and necessity. The findings underscore the need for capacity-building initiatives tailored to this sector, highlighting how formal management education and policy support can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of ambulant vending in urban areas. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics of informal entrepreneurship and offers practical implications for policymakers and development agencies.