Performance measurement in small and medium enterprises : South African accountants' view

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are important catalysts of economic growth, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP) of their respective countries. Unfortunately, SMEs suffer from a high failure rate due to SME managers’ lack of managerial knowledge and skills. SME managers also do not use performance measures which are important in business management and provide support to the managers in decision-making processes. This study contributes to the existing knowledge by determining that the use of a performance measurement tool is important in SMEs, as it can help to improve their performance and chances of survival. Accountants have the knowledge and skills to help SMEs to measure their performance and to achieve their business objectives. Accountants calculate financial ratios, explain the results and provide advice to SMEs. They, however, do not develop a Balanced Scorecard, although they perceive it to be beneficial to the SMEs.