INSTITUTIONAL CORRELATES INFLUENCING MSME BUSINESS PROCESSES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 8 Sayı: 2, 67 - 83, 30.12.2025

Taofeek Owoseni

https://doi.org/10.54186/arhuss.1687314

https://izlik.org/JA76XP27RX

Öz

Institutional correlates affecting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)’ business processes and operations across different economies are wide, somewhat distinct, and varied, yet they lack a concise and integrated approach. The emerging South African economy further presents an interesting case, given its apartheid history and unequal spatial economy for entrepreneurs. This paper investigates various institutional correlates that could influence business processes and operations. The paper utilised a qualitative interview approach to derive the essential correlates along socio-cultural, political and economic dimensions. Interview responses from thirty-two entrepreneurs running small and micro enterprises in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg were analysed using ATLAS.ti. Institutional theory and extant literature informed the emergent patterns. The positive and negative correlates signify what works, what can be continued, and what needs to be changed using institutional reforms. Relevant implications offer initial guidelines for research into institutional dynamics and public policies for enterprise development relevant to MSMEs in emerging economies.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Institution , Correlates , environment , MSMEs , South Africa

Institutional Correlates Influencing MSME Business Processes in South Africa

https://izlik.org/JA76XP27RX

Öz

Institutional correlates affecting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)’ business processes and operations across different economies are wide, somewhat distinct, and varied, yet they lack a concise and integrated approach. The emerging South African economy further presents an interesting case, given its apartheid history and unequal spatial economy for entrepreneurs. This paper investigates various institutional correlates that could influence business processes and operations. The paper utilised a qualitative interview approach to derive the essential correlates along socio-cultural, political and economic dimensions. Interview responses from thirty-two entrepreneurs running small and micro enterprises in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg were analysed using ATLAS.ti. Institutional theory and extant literature informed the emergent patterns. The positive and negative correlates signify what works, what can be continued, and what needs to be changed using institutional reforms. Relevant implications offer initial guidelines for research into institutional dynamics and public policies for enterprise development relevant to MSMEs in emerging economies.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Institution , correlates , environment , MSMEs , South Africa

Etik Beyan

The study complied with the ethics protocol of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, regarding human participants.

Destekleyen Kurum

University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, but no conflict of interest.

Kaynakça

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