In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are now widely recognized as engines of economic development. This paper discusses the importance of SMEs in the MENA economic area and identifies the challenges and barriers facing SMEs in MENA countries. In addition, this study analyses the effects of two 'black swan' Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) phenomena and a decline in oil prices on the economy of MENA in 2020. The current study found that the most significant challenges were identified as lack of access to finance, lack of managerial expertise, inefficiencies of government, lack of a well-trained workforce, inadequate infrastructure, corruption and bureaucratic obstacles. Among these challenges, the lack of access to finance appears to be the major challenge and suggests that future research is required to identify the role of Islamic finance models in the financing of SMEs in MENA countries. This research provides all stakeholders with policy implications intended for enhancing the different features of SME improvement in the MENA region and generally in developing countries.
Strong corporate governance is vital for countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as they strive to increase economic growth and reinforce competitiveness and create prosperous societies. This paper evaluates the corporate governance landscape by identifying Development Economic and policy challenges in the MENA countries. In addition, it discovers the role of MENA markets and OECD in improving corporate governance. The current study found that corporate governance is still in the early stages in MENA region and it recommends that there is a need for future research to develop corporate governance model in the unique economic and social environment in the MENA countries. The contribution of this research is significant, not only for the MENA region, but also for application to other emerging markets. In this study, clear insights are provided for policymakers, regulators, managers, investors and researchers involved in emerging markets.
This study investigates the board directors and their effect on company performance in emerging markets, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our findings robustly confirm that the UAE has adopted a board structure similar to that of Western countries. The results indicate the positive effects of leadership structure, board composition and audit committee independence on company performance. This is the first study to demonstrate that board structure is an important determinant in reducing agency problems and leading to improved company performance in unique ownership structures in emerging markets, such as exist in the UAE. It is also the first study to explore the board structure-firm performance relationship using a system-generalised method of moment’s estimator for the UAE market. The regulatory and policy implications suggested in this research are significant, not only for the UAE but also for application to other emerging markets. In this context, clear insights are provided for policymakers, regulators, managers, investors, and researchers involved in emerging markets.
This paper focused on the concept of corporate governance based on shareholders’ and stakeholders’ perspectives and the development of corporate governance around the world, including the UK, the US, and Australia. The OECD Principles of Corporate Governance were presented, including shareholders’ rights, the equitable treatment of shareholders, disclosure and stakeholders’ rights and transparency practices, and the responsibilities of board of directors. Numerous corporate collapses have highlighted the call for the management and directors of companies to be more accountable, and they have led governments and international organisations such as the OECD to be more active in establishing principles of corporate governance. It was concluded that the system of corporate governance has increased in different countries in relation to the nature of the economy, legal systems, and cultural norms
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