The programming committee for the 79th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, Leveraging on Emotional Intelligence by Small And Medium Enterprise Managers In Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of South Africa by Anele Ncube and Jet Mboga.
In a world where the global economy is increasingly powered by the innovation and agility of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), a recent academic paper sheds light on the pivotal role these entities play in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on South Africa. Presented at the prestigious SAM International Business Conference, the paper explores the significant yet often overlooked challenges that SME leaders face, which are crucial to understanding the high failure rates within this sector. This research marks a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa and the essential part SMEs play in this narrative.
The study is grounded in the recognition of SMEs as fundamental to national wealth creation, driving economic progress and development in the region. However, it highlights a critical obstacle hindering this sector’s growth: the Emotional Intelligence (EI) challenges faced by SME leaders. By focusing on the EI competencies necessary for effective leadership, the research seeks to unpack the complex relationship between leadership skills and SME performance. This investigation is timely and relevant, considering the current economic landscape where the sustainability of SMEs is more crucial than ever.
Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research meticulously collects, measures, and interprets data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation. It leans on the Goleman Emotional Intelligence Competency Model, which encompasses multidimensional skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social skills. These competencies serve as the independent variables of the study, offering a nuanced framework for analyzing the EI of SME leaders.
The findings presented at the SAM International Business Conference are revealing. Through a survey of SME managers, the paper corroborates that a majority of SME entrepreneurs in South Africa possess EI across all four dimensions investigated. This insight is crucial, as it not only underscores the presence of EI among SME leaders but also points towards the potential for leveraging these skills to mitigate the sector’s high failure rates.
By narrowing its focus to formally registered SMEs in South Africa, the study offers targeted recommendations for enhancing the sustainability of these enterprises. The implications of this research are far-reaching, promising to inform policy-making, leadership training, and strategic planning within the SME sector. As such, the paper presented at the SAM International Business Conference stands as a pivotal contribution to our understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering a roadmap for leveraging emotional intelligence to foster economic resilience and growth.
Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.