Enhancing the Role of Leadership in Small and Medium Size Enterprise Performance in Suriname

Authors

  • Lekhram Soerdjan Part-time lecturer at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS) and the University of Applied Science and Technology (UNASAT)

Keywords:

leadership style, emotional intelligence, SME performance

Abstract

Leadership is an important determining factor of success in the highly turbulent business and market environment.  Firms of all size, especially SMEs, need to adapt successfully in the rapid changing market places.  Like in most developed and developing countries SMEs forms the backbone of the Surinamese economy.  However, the Surinamese SMEs have a low productivity and growth rate compared to other Caribbean countries, and regions.  Since leadership research is scarce in Suriname, this multiple case study is the best fit to get in-depth understanding of the role of leadership in the performance of SMEs.  Identifying themes and concepts essential to significantly enhance innovation, productivity, and performance is aimed.  Transformational and transactional leadership dimensions, ability and trait emotional intelligence (EI) models, and the balanced scorecard (BSC) have been applied as the theoretical foundation.  The study shows that the SMEsfocuses mainly on technical topics related to tasks and responsibilities, resulting in the application of more transactional skills.  Transformational, and emotional intelligence skills are based on experience build on the job, suggesting weak structures and procedures to support the application of these skills.  Performance measurement is implemented separately and incompletely, and is not based and structured on a common performance management model.  An up to date overview of performance indicators for proper regular performance monitoring is missing.  A training program, SME enhancement program, research and development program, and finance program that fit the Surinamese business culture are strongly recommended.  This study provides an adequate starting point for these programs.

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Author Biography

  • Lekhram Soerdjan, Part-time lecturer at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS) and the University of Applied Science and Technology (UNASAT)
    Lekhram Soerdjan holds a BSc degree in Agriculture, a MSc degree in Management of Agricultural Knowledge Systems, a MSc degree in Project Management, and a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). He has about 15 years of experience is agricultural research and communication. Another 12 years in the public sector.
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Published

2023-02-07

How to Cite

Enhancing the Role of Leadership in Small and Medium Size Enterprise Performance in Suriname. (2023). Academic Journal of Suriname, 13(1), 1-24. https://adekusjournal.uvs.edu/index.php/acjoursu/article/view/132