Impact of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Resource Mobilization on Organizational Efficiency in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies, including Nigeria and other African and Asian contexts, face significant challenges in accessing and effectively mobilizing resources. These challenges have in no small measure affected their operations thereby exposing them to the threat of collapse. In view of this, there is need for concerted efforts at addressing this trajectory. It is against this backdrop that this study aims at assessing the impact which resource mobilization has on the efficiency of SMEs in Kwara State. The study adopted the mixed method research design, using questionnaire as instrument of collecting primary data which is complemented with secondary data from government publications, scholarly writings and corporate reports. Out of 1,416 registered SMEs in Kwara State (population of the study) a sample size of 312 SMEs were chosen for questionnaire administration based on Taro Yamane formular for the determination of sample size. The data was analyzed using simple percentage and regression analysis. The study found that strategic partnership and skill acquisition significantly affect operational agility, and innovation capacity respectively with r² of 97%, and 98.5%, both p values< 0.000. It concluded that SMEs resource mobilization is significant to organizational efficiency. The study recommended that SMEs managers in Kwara State should actively pursue and deepen strategic partnership with complementary firms, industry associations, and support organizations; in order to enhance the efficiency of SMEs for the betterment of all and sundry