Owner-Managers' Perspectives of Factors Affecting SME Performance in Namibia's Windhoek

The success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is more important in Namibia's economy than it is in many developing countries. The economy of Namibia continues to be challenged by the ongoing failures of SMEs and the lack of growth of those that survive. Guided by the need for achievement theory, this cross-sectional quantitative study sought to determine the SMEs' managers' and owners' perceptions of factors affecting the performance of their enterprises in Windhoek, Namibia. A total of 83 (42 [60%] males and 28 [40%] females) volunteers constituted the study population. Level of skills and infrastructure (p = 0.014), and period in business and each of human resource development (p = 0.015), planning and organisation (p = 0.020), and strategic skills (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with the biographical information inter alia with gender, educational level and skills levels. The SME managers and owners should possess both strategic and operational skills to foster accountability and rational behaviours that affect the performance of the enterprises. Managers and owners should attend business-related workshops and seminars regularly to improve their ability to run their respective businesses successfully and sustainably. This paper contributes and provides critical information to ensure that SMEs, particularly those in Windhoek, improve their performance after gaining a better understanding of the factors that contribute to their success and growth.