Success Factors of Lebanese SMEs: An Empirical Study

摘要

This study attempted to identify factors that are affecting business success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lebanon using the contingency approach. The independent variable is perceived SME performance, by measuring the satisfaction of managers about previous results. This satisfaction was measured by checking two criteria: Financial (the evolution of profitability, turnover and the cash flow) and marketing (evolution of customers’ satisfaction). Based on literature review, we examined factors that influence the SME business success. These factors are: SME characteristics, manager characteristics, and ways of doing business (as internal factors affecting the performance). The external factors were divided in two measures. The proximity environment which consists of market share, customer, suppliers, competitors, relation with employees and banks. The investment environment which is related to the national environment.