Current Issue : July - September Volume : 2012 Issue Number : 3 Articles : 6 Articles
Contemporary research is emphasizing the development of sound accounting systems in SMEs in\r\norder to improve financial management in these entities. This research investigated accounting record\r\nkeeping practices for performance measurement employed by SMEs in Zimbabwe, using Bindura as a\r\ncase. The survey research design was used. The target population comprised of 100 SMEs operating\r\nretail shops, manufacturing firms and suppliers of various services in Bindura. A structured\r\nquestionnaire was used to collect primary data from the respondents which was analysed to generate\r\nfrequencies and percentages. The study revealed that the majority of SMEs do not keep complete\r\naccounting records because of lack of accounting knowledge and as a result there is inefficient use of\r\naccounting information in financial performance measurement. The study recommended that national\r\nregulators must develop specific accounting guidelines for SMEs and develop accounting training\r\nprogrammes for entrepreneurs in small businesses. The study also recommended mandatory record\r\nkeeping, to improve accounting practices of SMEs in Zimbabwe....
The purpose of this research is to study the level of emotional intelligence among executives in \r\nsmall and medium sized enterprises particularly from the manufacturing sector. SMEs have \r\nproblems in attracting and retaining their employees. For the purpose of the study, the GENOS \r\nEmotional Intelligence questionnaire developed by Palmer and Stough (2001) has been used. A \r\ntotal of 96 employees from different manufacturing sectors took part in the survey. It was found \r\nthat emotional intelligence did not have a significant relationship with organizational citizenship \r\nbehaviour. Results from the study show that employees in the SMEs do experience some kind of \r\nexperiences that affect their working attitudes. The initial study provides many insights especially \r\nto the areas where respondents show a low level of emotional intelligence. The low level of \r\nemotional intelligence is related to the nature of work involved especially when it involves a high \r\nlevel of stress....
Building on the stakeholder theory, this paper proposes a conceptual framework that looks into the effects of ethical and socially responsible practices on the financial and non-financial performance of SME in Malaysia. This paper argues that ethical and socially responsible commercial practices are seen critical in order to build a strong ground for harmonious business dealings among the multiracial community in Malaysia which could subsequently affect the overall performance of the SMEs. The varying commercial interests, distinct cultural perspectives, and historically distinct skill and trades could provide a rich perceptual framework for understanding the ethical and socially responsible practices in commercial settings. Even though it has been reported that there is minimal cultural distance between Malays, Chinese and Indians, it is likely that the various challenges faced in the commercial settings have some bearings on their perception of ethics and social responsibility. It is envisaged that this research will provide a better insight into the intercultural variation in regards to values, ethical and socially responsible practices among entrepreneurs in Malaysia and promote a better understanding of the linkage of personal values held by three racial groups in Malaysia and their business practices....
Niche creation is a challenge among firms regardless of size, ownership and the kind of \r\nproduct/service they offer. Once it is created, fostering such niche becomes a greater issue. In \r\nthis paper, we focused on the SMEs in emerging markets particularly in Malaysia. By using \r\nquestionnaires, data was gathered from 100 employees working in SMEs particularly in \r\nSelangor, Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to let owners/managers/founders of SMEs \r\nbetter understand how fostering niches is influenced by organizational commitment, \r\nleadership, and organizational culture, towards job satisfaction as antecedents of competitive \r\nadvantage and/or success of SMEs. Employees� attitudes and behaviours are affected by the \r\nrelationship between them and their employer. This relationship is referred to as \r\norganizational commitment. \r\nMoreover, leadership and organizational culture considerably have an influence on job \r\nsatisfaction. Understanding this concept will aid employers to instil strong organizational \r\nculture and create solid organizational commitment among their employees and lead effectively \r\nso that they would be able to retain their well-experienced and skilful employees. Ultimately \r\njob satisfaction plays a very important role in the success of organizations particularly in the \r\ncontext of SMEs in Malaysia. The findings revealed positive relationships among the variables \r\nand their importance as determinants of job satisfaction in SMEs, which hopefully could \r\ncontribute to the extant literature on job satisfaction and competitive advantage from the \r\nperspective of this country in Asia....
This research is aimed to employ a dynamic network perspective in order to understand how firms,\r\nwhich are positioning in a dynamic network, enhance their innovative performance by taking structural\r\nmovement. Unlike conventional social network articles focusing on the influence of structural effect,\r\nthis research highlighted the importance of how alters� attributes have a great effect on the relationship\r\nbetween firms� network structure and innovative performance. Based on a sample of 117 global hightech\r\nfirms, this research first examined how firms� structural movement in dynamic networks enhances\r\ntheir innovative performance. This paper then tested the moderating effect of network resources on the\r\nrelationships between network dynamics and innovative performance. Our findings suggested that\r\nwhen firms move into more prominent and strategic position in dynamic networks, their innovative\r\nperformance will be enhanced. Also, the results suggested that firms with abundant network resources\r\nwill strengthen the effect of network dynamics on firms� innovative performance....
This study aims to examine the interactive effect between strategic flexibility and entrepreneurial\r\norientation on firm performance under fierce competition environment. Data from Chinese small and\r\nmedium-sized business (SMB) in high-technology industries demonstrate that entrepreneurial\r\norientation and strategic flexibility interact to influence firm performance in such a way that strategic\r\nflexibility enhances the positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance.\r\nWe also observed the difference between Chinese and Western SMBs which showed on the relationship\r\nbetween strategic flexibility and firm performance. Theoretical and managerial implications of the\r\nfindings are discussed....
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