The Impact of Administrative Leadership Practices on Improving the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises A Field Study on Service Enterprises in Tripoli Municipality

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between administrative leadership and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a field study of small and medium-sized service enterprises in Tripoli. The study is based on the premise that administrative leadership is one of the key organizational factors affecting the ability of SMEs to achieve their objectives and utilize their resources efficiently, particularly in light of the administrative and technological challenges facing this type of enterprise.

The study aimed to identify the relationship between the characteristics and capabilities of administrative leaders and the performance of SMEs, to measure the relationship between the experience and academic qualifications of administrative leaders and enterprise performance, and to test the relationship between the authoritarian leadership style and the level of performance. The study adopted the descriptive method and an analytical approach based on the collection and analysis of field data. The study population consisted of administrative leaders working in small and medium-sized service enterprises in Tripoli during the period 2012–2014, comprising 1,714 enterprises. The original sample size was set at 198 respondents. However, the statistical analysis tables show that the tests were based on 172 respondents, representing the number of questionnaires that were retrieved and found suitable for analysis.

The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between the capabilities and characteristics of administrative leaders and enterprise performance, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of (r = 0.855) at a significance level of (p < 0.01). The results also showed a strong positive relationship between the experience and academic qualifications of administrative leaders and enterprise performance, with a correlation coefficient of (r = 0.786) at a significance level of (p < 0.01). In contrast, the findings indicated a strong negative correlation between the authoritarian leadership style and enterprise performance, with a correlation coefficient of (r = -0.621) at a significance level of (p < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of leadership capabilities, experience, and academic qualifications, as well as the need to reduce authoritarian leadership practices in order to improve the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises.