An Investigation on the Prevailing HRM Factors Influencing the Normal Existence of SMEs in the Economic Development Atmosphere of Sierra Leone

Abstract

This research’s purpose was to look into the human resource management practices of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sierra Leone. The author focuses on the relationship between human resource management practices and the performance of SMEs, including wages, employment, and sales. The qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews, while the quantitative data was gathered through questionnaires. The data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) using descriptive statistical analysis and bivariate correlation techniques. Graphs were also created in Microsoft Excel to present the findings.Statistical analysis of the survey data revealed that the majority of Sierra Leonean SMEs ensure that their employees are aware of formalized rules. This research contributes to our understanding of the impact of human resource management practices on the performance of SMEs in Sierra Leone. The findings of the study revealed significant links between recruitment and selection practices and the performance of SMEs in general (growth in profit, sales and increased productivity).The main limitations of the study were a lack of time and money, self-reporting, a limited number of dependent and independent variables, the use of questionnaires rather than semi-structured interviews, and a lack of adequate sampling frames.

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/14-6-01

Publication date:March 31^st 2023