Original Research

The influence of strategy formulation practices on the perceived financial performance of small and medium enterprises: The Zimbabwean experience

Mugove Mashingaidze, Maxwell Phiri, Mapeto Bomani
The Southern African Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management | Vol 13, No 1 | a343 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajesbm.v13i1.343 | © 2021 Mugove Mashingaidze, Maxwell Phiri, Mapeto Bomani | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 28 May 2020 | Published: 05 May 2021

About the author(s)

Mugove Mashingaidze, Department of Management Studies, Munhumutapa School of Commerce, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Maxwell Phiri, Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Mapeto Bomani, Department of Business, Management and Entrepreneurship, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana

Abstract

Background: The role of strategy formulation in enhancing the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has attracted much attention amongst researchers worldwide. However, little research has been conducted on the strategy formulation practices of SMEs and their implications for the perceived financial performance of these firms, especially in the developing world.

Aim: This study was aimed at establishing the impact of strategy formulation on the perceived financial performance of SMEs in Zimbabwe.

Setting: Primary research was conducted in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe.

Methods: The study took a case study design in which the researcher collected data from manufacturing SMEs in Harare, Zimbabwe. Stratified random sampling was employed to draw 368 questionnaire respondents from the five manufacturing classes that emerged from the population. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The study established that strategy formulation is somewhat prevalent amongst SMEs in Zimbabwe. The five strategy formulation activities as put forward by the theory are found in Zimbabwean SMEs. The results revealed that strategy formulation significantly influences both short-term and long-term perceived financial performance of SMEs in Zimbabwe.

Conclusion: The study has implications at a practical and managerial level. Whilst supporting SMEs is commendable, governments should prioritise the provision of management and entrepreneurial training for SMEs to foster the adoption of strategy formulation. This study suggests that SMEs should make strategy formulation a priority, a key ingredient to the success of their enterprises. It is necessary to inculcate the necessary culture, which supports effective strategy formulation. The study proposes suggestions for future research.


Keywords

strategy formulation; strategy formulation process; financial performance; SMEs; Zimbabwe.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 3943
Total article views: 5464

 

Crossref Citations

1. Rendimiento financiero en pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes): un análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica
Carlos Andres Diaz Restrepo, Monica Patiño, Pedro Duque, Luis Salvador Cervantes Cervantes, Andrea Franco Rivera
Apuntes del Cenes  vol: 42  issue: 75  year: 2023  
doi: 10.19053/01203053.v42.n75.2023.14714