Firm growth in African countries: Do cultural attributes matter? Evidence from Morocco

Abstract

In this paper, we provide a discussion on the importance of culture, and its interdependence with individuals motivation for persuading growth. There is a great deal of research on SME growth, but most of it focuses on developed countries (Davidsson and wiklund, 2008). The controversial role of institutions (Formal and informal) in this process leads us to question the place of informal institutions (Norms, culture, values…etc), and in particular the individual culture of managers, in the analysis of SME growth. By carrying out an exploratory study of Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprise managers and experts, we showcase those cultural aspects such as time orientation, intolerance of uncertainty, fatalism, family background and network can have an impact on SME growth.