scholarly journals Leadership and corporate governance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa: Public perceptions

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Business Leadership ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The main, underlying constraint to the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is a lack of corporate governance (CG) structure (Mahmood 2014). In considering the UK- Department for Business Innovation and Skills report (2012), this constraint is described as one of the fundamental problems holding back the growth of SMEs. The report states it is this lack of leadership and management capability that should be present, to drive performance and enable them to succeed. However, statistics support the indispensable role that SMEs perform in a country’s economy and when the significance of this sector is taken into account, the role that CG and its practices play within SMEs has to be clearly understood (Le Roux, 2010). Due to SMEs survival and growth being dependant on their good business leadership and corporate governance, the ability to lead, manage, and take full advantage of the resources available have, in recent years, been highlighted on global public platforms and the media. It has further been acknowledged, through prior research studies on SMEs that, for a business to be successful, the critical role of leadership and good CG has to be fully understood. The purpose of this paper is to report on South African public perceptions of leadership and corporate governance of SMEs. The study aimed to analyse and evaluate these perceptions towards SME owner/managers and their consequences, on the survival and growth of SMEs. A mixed method approach allowed for qualitative and quantitative techniques in collecting data from individual participants, with primary data collected from nine provinces of South Africa, and 180 participants as the sample. The research instrument consisted of closed-ended, questionnaires made up of 5-point Likert scale responses and 20 questionnaires were distributed to each province. Delivery of the questionnaires was done through email to individual respondents, with follow–up via telephone calls. The research findings indicate that most respondents believed that the growth and survival of SMEs is, due to the lack of business leadership and poor CG. In addition, respondents agreed that SME owners/managers are just average entrepreneurs, as they do not have leadership qualities or skills and that CG does not exist in many SMEs, particularly in South Africa. The paper’s benefit will be to the owners/managers of SMEs, as well as, policy makers and financial agencies for SMEs. It is recommended that further research, with a larger sample size, be drawn from various townships

scholarly journals Public outlook on small and medium enterprises as a strategic tool for economic growth and job creation in South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 412-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Job Creation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Medium Enterprises

In spite of the key role played by the Small and Medium enterprises in economic development, there has been little effort to look at what needs to be done to improve survival and growth of SMEs. There is still a general lack of in-depth understanding from policy makers and other relevant stakeholders of how SMEs can be used as a strategic tool for economic growth and job creation in South Africa. These misperceptions and misunderstand leads to continuous failure to SMEs survival and growth. This study seeks to address this research gap. The study investigates the public views on what needs to be done to grow South African economy through the development of SMEs. Quantitative research approach was used to collect and analyse data for the study. Primary data was collected from four (4) provinces of South Africa. 230 people participated in the study. Questionnaires were emailed to each respondent and follow-ups were made via telephone. It was found that many SMEs fail within five years of their existence due to the various reasons. The most critical of these were related to lack of access to finance, lack of management experience as well as human capital. Study further revealed that most the SMEs owners/managers do not have business management related skills but rather they are just ordinary entrepreneurs.

scholarly journals Social media marketing and customer engagement : a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-69
Author(s):  
B URBAN ◽  
◽  
TL MAPHATHE ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Social media platforms are increasingly used by SMEs who have fewer resources and need to rely on social media marketing to engage with their customers. This article investigates the extent to which social media platforms specifically Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter contribute to increased customer engagement. While past studies have concentrated on the adoption of social media in predominantly western contexts, this research is focused on SMEs in a relatively under-researched African market context, South Africa. The research design was a quantitative cross-sectional study relying on primary data collection, where hypotheses were tested using statistical analyses in terms of correlational and regression analyses. Results support the hypotheses where the use of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter platforms show a significant and positive relationship with increased customer engagement. The findings have management implications where owner-managers should make use of social media by maintaining and growing an extensive network of ties to both collect information and identify resources, as well as to build a reputation and engage with their customers.

scholarly journals The Impact of Leadership Styles on the Entrepreneurial Orientation of Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2(J)) ◽  
pp. 104-113
Author(s):  
Obey Dzomonda ◽  
Olawale Fatoki ◽  
Olabanji Oni
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

The critical role Small and Medium Enterprises play in the economic prosperity of nations cannot be understated. SMEs actively contribute towards economic growth and development through their active role as innovators and agents for change. The authors of this paper believe that leadership styles exercised by SME owners have a bearing on the innovative ability of SMEs. Hence, this paper aimed at investigating the impact of leadership styles on the entrepreneurial orientation of SMEs in Polokwane Municipality. A quantitative research method was used and 103 SMEs participated in the survey. The random sampling technique was used. Self-administered questionnaires were utilised to collect data in a survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis. Reliability of the data collection instruments was measured using the Cronbach’s alpha. The results indicated that the SMEs display average levels of entrepreneurial orientation. In addition, the results showed that SMEs display average levels of leadership styles inclined towards transformational leadership style. Furthermore, the results showed a significant positive relationship between the independent variables: leadership styles with the dependent variable (EO) of SMEs. SMEs were recommended to provide flexible leadership styles that will make EO to flourish in their businesses. Furthermore, the policy makers and relevant authorities were recommended to devise and implement a consortium of strategies and policies that can increase the level of entrepreneurial orientation among SMEs in South Africa.

scholarly journals Relationship lending and access to financial services by SMEs in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 235-244
Author(s):  
Edward Kiring'a ◽  
Fredrick W.S. Ndede ◽  
Argan Wekesa
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Credit Rationing ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Relationship Lending ◽  
Lending Institutions ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Policymakers and scholars acknowledge the significance of small and medium enterprises in stirring the economic growth and development in developing and developed economies. In spite of the generally fast pace by which access to financial services for small and medium enterprises is being established, significant segments of the small and medium enterprises sector do not yet benefit from the expansion. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of relationship lending on access to financial services by small and medium enterprises in Kenya. The study was based on credit rationing theory and information asymmetry theory. The target population comprised 4,253 small and medium enterprises in Kenya. A sample size of 366 SMEs was used by the study. The study adopted a multistage sampling technique to obtain the SME respondents. Primary data was utilized and was acquired through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics utilizing Heckman two-stage regression model. The study findings showed that relationship lending had a positive and significant effect on access to financial services among SMEs in Kenya. The study concluded that relationship lending plays a critical role in access to financial services by SMEs in Kenya. The study recommends that SMEs owners should strive to meet the terms and conditions provided by lending institutions in their various financing practices while management of the lending institutions should adopt financing practices favorable to SMEs to increase their access to financial services.

scholarly journals The Impact of Leadership Styles on the Entrepreneurial Orientation of Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Obey Dzomonda ◽  
Olawale Fatoki ◽  
Olabanji Oni
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

The critical role Small and Medium Enterprises play in the economic prosperity of nations cannot be understated. SMEs actively contribute towards economic growth and development through their active role as innovators and agents for change. The authors of this paper believe that leadership styles exercised by SME owners have a bearing on the innovative ability of SMEs. Hence, this paper aimed at investigating the impact of leadership styles on the entrepreneurial orientation of SMEs in Polokwane Municipality. A quantitative research method was used and 103 SMEs participated in the survey. The random sampling technique was used. Self-administered questionnaires were utilised to collect data in a survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis. Reliability of the data collection instruments was measured using the Cronbach’s alpha. The results indicated that the SMEs display average levels of entrepreneurial orientation. In addition, the results showed that SMEs display average levels of leadership styles inclined towards transformational leadership style. Furthermore, the results showed a significant positive relationship between the independent variables: leadership styles with the dependent variable (EO) of SMEs. SMEs were recommended to provide flexible leadership styles that will make EO to flourish in their businesses. Furthermore, the policy makers and relevant authorities were recommended to devise and implement a consortium of strategies and policies that can increase the level of entrepreneurial orientation among SMEs in South Africa.

scholarly journals The impact of corporate governance on firm competitiveness and performance of small and medium enterprises in South Africa: A case of small and medium enterprises in Vanderbijlpark

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Progress Hove-Sibanda ◽  
Kin Sibanda ◽  
David Pooe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Value Added ◽  
The Body ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

Orientation: Corporate governance adoption and compliance are an issue augmenting in importance recently and have been extended to business enterprises of any size including small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Research purpose: This study seeks to examine the impact of corporate governance adoption on the firm competitiveness and performance of SMEs in Vanderbijlpark.Research design, approach and method: The study employs a cross-sectional research design, which employed quantitative methods. One hundred fifty-two SME owners or managers were selected from Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng, South Africa. The collected data were analysed using a structural equation modelling system by using Smart PLS software.Main findings: The principal findings of this study revealed that the implementation of corporate governance by SMEs significantly and positively affected their competitiveness and performance.Practical and managerial implications: The paper provided practical implications and made some recommendations.Contribution or value-added: This article bridges the gap between theory and practice because it has both an economic and commercial impact in practice. It can be used in influencing public policy, teaching and research (because it contributes to the body of knowledge, particularly regarding SME corporate governance in emerging markets). An important aspect of this article is that it gives a framework for additional similar studies in other locations within emerging markets to test the generalisability of the findings. For teaching purposes, it provides a template for how to assess the link that exists between corporate governance and SME performance. Lastly, the article gives a unique empirical analysis of the relationship that exists between corporate governance compliance and performance of firms in South Africa, and thereby giving a valid contribution to corporate governance literature.

Selected Key External Factors Influencing the Success of Rural Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 331-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence M. Lekhanya ◽  
Roger B. Mason
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Rural Businesses ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Skills Shortages

Small businesses are critical to improving economic development in rural areas of South Africa. However, rural entrepreneurs are still faced with challenges and problems which make the success of small businesses, especially in rural areas, uncertain. This paper investigates business environmental, financial and infrastructural factors that influence the success or otherwise of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas. Primary data was collected in five rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) from a sample of 374 business owners/managers, with respondents completing a questionnaire. Access to finance and skills shortages were the factors that most significantly differentiated between more successful and less successful rural businesses in KZN. The majority of respondents indicated that poor roads/transport and access to electricity were major problems.

scholarly journals PENGARUH PRINSIP GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TERHADAP KEANDALAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN PADA BANK UMKM JAWA TIMUR

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Dwi Anjani ◽  
Sugeng Hariyanto
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Global Capital ◽  
Good Corporate Governance ◽  
Medium Enterprises

ABSTRACTWith the application of Good Corporate Governance based on the principles of transparency, independence, accountability, responsibility and fairness, it is expected to create effective internal incentives for company management so that the company's financial statements can be said to be reliable, to be valuable in the global capital market, the information must be clear, consistent and can be compared and use accounting standards that are accepted throughout the world. The population in this study were employees of the East Java Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, while the sample of this study amounted to 30 respondents. The data used are primary data collected through questionnaires. The method used to test hypotheses is simple linear regression analysis. The results of this study indicate that partially the calculated t value of 4,552 is greater with t table of 2,048, which means that Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted and found the results of the coefficient of determination influence the application of good corporate governance to the quality of financial statements by 42.5%, while the rest of 57.5%, explained by other factors which were not measured in this study. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the Implementation of Good Corporate Governance affects the Reliability of Financial Statements. It is better to improve the reliability of financial statements, all parties and units within the company apply the principles of Good Corporate Governance well. Keywords: Good Corporate Governance, Financial Statements, Reliable

scholarly journals The Effect of Corporate Governance Practices on Performance of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Kiambu County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-81
Author(s):  
Esther Gitonga ◽  
Anne Miano
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Corporate governance is regarded as the key foundation upon which organizations are more productive, better managed and controlled. Performance has a link to good corporate governance for the sustainable organizational success. This project narrowed down specifically to the factor of corporate governance to determine the practice of corporate governance in SACCOs in Kiambu County, Kenya. The researcher used a descriptive survey design in soliciting information on the practice of corporate governance in SACCOs in Kiambu County, Kenya. The research also made use of both secondary and primary data. Secondary data was collected from statistical data available from the SASRA records and those from the Ministry of Cooperatives. Primary data was obtained by use of a closed ended questionnaire administered on senior managers of the sampled SACCOs. The target population was 8 deposit taking SACCOs and a total population of 200 SACCO managers in Kiambu County, Kenya. Each SACCO had a different number of respondents depending on its size and the number of senior managers in it.  Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate quantitative reports which is presented in this project in the form of tabulations, percentages and descriptive statistics and inferential data computed using a regression equation. The findings of this project are that the practices of corporate governance have a direct effect on the overall performance of SACCOs in Kiambu County, Kenya contributing to 70% of the factors affecting performance. Recommendations put forward from the findings of this project is that there is need to research on the effect of corporate governance on performance of other institutions such as commercial banks, microfinance institutions and small and medium enterprises. The findings of the research include the finding that majority of those in senior positions in the SAACOs sampled are men at 64% of the sample size while women are at 36%. Another finding of the research is that majority of those in senior management positions are persons aged between 40 and 59 years. The research further brought out the fact that majority of the respondents comprising of 39% had held their current position for a period of between 4 and 6 years while 42% of the respondents had worked in the SACCO for a period of between 10 and 12 years. One of the recommendations from the research is on the need to have increased disclosure of information to the shareholders. A further recommendation was the need to train the board of governance often on corporate governance so as to better equip them to uphold the practice in their respective SAACOs. A final recommendation is the need for further research by other scholars.

scholarly journals The benefits of good corporate governance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa: A view on top 20 and bottom 20 JSE listed companies

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-279
Author(s):  
Radebe M. Sarah
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Good Corporate Governance ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Good corporate governance has been attributed to many large organizations’ success. From the boardroom to the triple bottom line, it has been hailed as one powerful tool that brought about sustainability of these organizations in this competitive era. While this is beneficial to large organizations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can glean on such experiences to add their value to their companies which, in the long run could bring about new markets and improved business practices which can be ground breaking in their daily business dealings. Thus, if with the introduction of the King Report on good governance, competitive advantage is improved, SMEs are in a good position to sustain their businesses in turbulent economic conditions. This article is aimed at exploring the benefits with which good corporate governance can yield to top and bottom JSE listed SMEs in South Africa. A desktop method was used to analyze the financial statements of these SMEs companies with the view to gain understanding on their corporate governance activities and how well they benefit them. The findings show that good corporate governance is beneficial to SMEs.

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