Governance and Leadership in Enhancing SME Resilience in Ghana: A Systematic Literature Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecmlg.20.1.3138

Keywords:

SME Resilience, Governance, Leadership, Environmental Uncertainty, Ghana, Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are especially susceptible to pandemics. Consequently, resilience and adaptability to shocks from pandemics like COVID-19 are crucial. Nonetheless, although SMEs have strategies to cope with these, there is still a dearth of research on the nature and effectiveness of these coping strategies. Thus, it remains unclear how leadership and governance frameworks reduce SMEs’ vulnerability and increase their resilience to pandemic risk. This academic article provides a systematic literature review on the role of governance and leadership in enhancing the resilience of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The review explores existing literature on SME resilience, environmental uncertainty, and the impact of governance frameworks. The article also focuses on how leadership practices in the Ghanaian context contribute to building SME resilience in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analysis revealed that there are opportunities for SMEs to adopt better governance and leadership practices that foster long-term resilience. Governance practices, such as formal structures, board diversity, and leadership, enable SMEs to respond to crises and navigate challenging situations. Moreover, leadership styles that prioritize governance procedures, especially transformational leadership, empower SMEs to maintain agility and innovation, thereby securing their survival and growth in a rapidly evolving environment. The review highlights the need for stronger governance frameworks and leadership development programs that equip SME owner-managers with the tools to navigate environmental uncertainties.

Author Biographies

Isaac Nketsiah, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Mr. Nketsiah is a social scientist with a strong background in accounting and finance. He is an investment advisor, grant-research proposal and business plan writing expert. His interest includes research administration, entrepreneurial finance, SMEs financial management and Intellectual Property issues. He is a result-oriented individual who has passion for excellence. He holds a Master of Commerce (MCom) in Finance and Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com-Accounting) degrees from the University of Cape Coast; a certificate in Result-based Project Management: Monitoring and Evaluation from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; a Certificate in Innovation and Information Technology Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore and a Certificate in General Course on Intellectual Property from World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Geneva.

Mr. Nketsiah has over ten (10) years administrative, research and project management experience with the Centre for Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation (CePME), Syntek Global and the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy of the University of Cape Coast. Mr. Nketsiah is the Account Administrator for the university's plagiarism software-'Turnitin'. He is also a Part-time Lecturer of Accounting and Finance at the Institute of Distance and e-Learning (IDeL), University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.

Mr. Nketsiah has been a Consultant for Ghana Rubber Estate (GREL), Rainforest Alliance (RA), GIZ, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Global Brigades Organisation (GBO-Ghana) and the Ghana Employers Association (GEA). He has actively collaborated with other consultants to write and implement a number of research projects. Mr. Nketsiah has the knowledge and experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection methods including survey design and data analysis. He is a data management and analysis expert and very competent in the use of data analysis software such as SPSS, MINITAB. EXCEL and E-VIEWS. He has 16 publications in the form of a book, journal articles (5) and technical reports (10) to his credit.

Mr. Nketsiah has attended more than 40 international and national conferences, seminars and workshops where he has played key roles as a Facilitator, Presenter, Coordinator, Rapporteur or Participant. Professionally, Mr. Nketsiah is a member of the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) and recently appointed to serve as a team member drafting the Ghana Data Quality Assurance Framework (DQAF).

Thea van der Westhuizen, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Professor Thea van der Westhuizen is an award-winning academic leader, renowned for driving entrepreneurship in academia through innovative teaching and transformative research. She founded SHAPE, earning international recognition at The Innovative Youth Incubator Awards. As the former International Director of Paddle for the Planet, she advocates for global environmental sustainability and enabling youth. With over two decades of international experience in corporate and academic sectors, her impactful collaborations span across high-impact leaders, municipality managers, CEOs of multinational companies and helping youth entrepreneurs. Her remarkable career showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence. She currently serves as an academic leader at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Management, Information Technology, and Governance.

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Published

2024-11-13

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2024): Proceedings of the 20th European Conference on Management, Leadership and Governance

Section

Academic Papers