ABSTRACT

This research examined the effect of internal and external social capital on the business performance of female-owned small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Nigerian informal sector. Using a quantitative research approach, a cross-sectional survey of 400 female SME owners was carried out, and data analysis was implemented using the structural equation modelling. The research findings, therefore, validate the existence of a positive and significant influence of internal and external social capital on the business performance of female-owned SMEs in the Nigerian informal sector. However, external social capital had a stronger influence on business performance. The results of this study create further awareness and contribute to existing research on the importance of internal and external social capital in ensuring the business performance of female-owned SMEs in the Nigerian informal sector. The possibilities of more successful business outcomes are further enhanced through the increased usage of online networking and social media platforms.

摘要

本研究考察了内部和外部社会资本对尼日利亚非正规部门女性拥有的中小型企业 (SME) 经营业绩的影响。使用定量研究方法，对 400 名女性中小企业主进行了横断面调查，并使用结构方程模型进行了数据分析。因此，研究结果证实了内部和外部社会资本对尼日利亚非正规部门女性拥有的中小企业的经营业绩存在积极而显着的影响。然而，外部社会资本对企业绩效的影响更大。这项研究的结果进一步提高了认识，并有助于现有关于内部和外部社会资本在确保尼日利亚非正规部门女性拥有的中小企业的经营业绩方面的重要性的研究。通过增加在线网络和社交媒体平台的使用，进一步增强了取得更成功业务成果的可能性。