Personal Level Drivers and Sustainability of Medium-Sized Enterprises in Sub-saharan Africa

Abstract

This study aims to examine the multilevel drivers that affect the sustainability of SMEs with a critical focus on medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya, which are regulated by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). The study focused on four key levels: personal, institutional, intermediary, and macro. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design with self-administered questionnaires that were used to collect data. The study used cluster sampling to group the MSEs in clusters per economic bloc, where a sample of 298 organizations was picked using a simple random sampling technique after employing the Yamane (1967) formula to determine the sample size. A pilot test and validity and reliability tests were conducted to establish the reliability of the research instrument before use. The medium-sized enterprises targeted are operating in different sectors in 7 economic blocs, as per the information obtained from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. The statistical model used to analyze data was OLS simple linear regression, later moderated with financial characteristics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in data analysis to explain the relationship between the dependent and independent variables and the moderating effect of economic factors. 217 out of 298 filled and returned the questionnaires. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study rejected the null hypotheses. The study established that a unit change in Personal Level Drivers leads to a 46.7% increase in the sustainability of SMEs. Again, the study established that a unit change in Personal Level Drivers moderated by Financial Characteristics leads to a rise of 48.4% in sustainability. The study has implications for the government; there are managerial implications for SMEs and future researchers.