Experiences of large South African companies in Sub-Saharan Africa : lessons for small and medium enterprises .
Date
2014-08-01
Authors
Monkam, Pascal
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
South African companies were largely excluded from doing business in other parts of
Africa during the apartheid area. However, since 1994, South African large
companies have made successful inroads into the continent.
Abundant research describes the successful venturing and the experiences of these
large companies in Sub Saharan Africa but little study has been done that can be
used specifically by small and medium South African enterprises seeking to expand
their activities north of the Limpopo.
Through a qualitative research, and using semi structured interviews, this paper
used the conceptual framework developed from the experiences of major South
African firms doing business in Africa to build a new model that is applicable to small
and medium enterprises.
This study finds that many drivers and constraints to venturing in Sub Saharan Africa
which are relevant to large firms are not relevant to small and medium enterprises. It
also uncovers a new driver (perseverance) and a new constraint (business
prejudice) to venturing for small and medium enterprises.
It becomes clear from this study that large and small firms respond to different
dynamics when it comes to venturing.
Description
MBA 2014
Keywords
International business enterprises,Small business