A study into the role of leadership skills in the growth of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe. The case of manufacturing sector.

Abstract

Despite vast literature on the challenges being faced by SMEs in Zimbabwe and abroad, little has been researched on the possible benefits leadership skills can offer in fighting these challenges. Literature suggests that world over SMEs are the key drivers of economic growth. However, in Zimbabwe the economy is actually declining with the increase in the SMEs. This could imply that the proliferation of SMEs may not guarantee economic growth. This seems to suggest that, the quantity of SMEs does not matter, what is important or what may lead to the overall economic growth is the performance of the individual SMEs. This research therefore sought to uncover leadership skills that leads to the growth of SMEs. To achieve this the researcher undertook a qualitative research. The researcher had face to face interviews with fifteen participants. Interviews were captured through a voice recorder and transcribed to word format. The data was then coded and categorised. The researcher then came up with a conceptual framework. Six skills were identified from the experiences of the participants to have a positive effect on the growth of SMEs. The six skills are networking, empowerment, cultural intelligence, selflessness, flexibility and commitment to a clear vision. This research therefore offers a skill set that managers and owners of SMEs in Zimbabwe can employ to ensure the growth of their SMEs. These skills can be acquired through self-learning and continuous self-evaluation and improvement.