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1 – 2 of 2Accessing formal mainstream finance is a cumbersome process for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of emerging economies. Empirical investigations have connected finance…
Abstract
Purpose
Accessing formal mainstream finance is a cumbersome process for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of emerging economies. Empirical investigations have connected finance accessibility to financing gap that restricts MSMEs from borrowing through formal channels. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of financing gap on firms' financial structure (FS) practices. In this regard, the research framework divides financing gap into four dimensions, namely: demand gap (DG), supply gap (SG), knowledge gap (KG) and empathy gap (EG).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts a quantitative approach to establish the underlying relationship between the variables. The participants of the self-structured questionnaire survey were 219 MSME owners from manufacturing, trading and service industries. The results are inferred through the partial least squares structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.
Findings
The findings recognise a significant impact of financing gap on the FS practices of firm owners. The financing constraints contributing to KG, SG and EG are found to be extending the unwillingness of firm owners to borrow through formal channels. Further, the results also confirm the influence of financing gap on the pecking order framework (POF) of MSMEs' FS.
Practical implications
The study offers the perspective and hesitance of MSME owners towards mainstream financing. The key findings are useful for the financial intermediaries and policymakers, who need to be sensitive and proactive in their small business lending process.
Originality/value
The study adds to the limited evidence of various dimensions of financing gap. It also addresses the role of financing gap on the conscious preferences of MSME owners towards the informal source of financing along with the POF.
Details
Keywords
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) counter numerous financial obstacles concerning business financing and cash flow management. The study, therefore, intends to…
Abstract
Purpose
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) counter numerous financial obstacles concerning business financing and cash flow management. The study, therefore, intends to examine the level of perceived severity of financial constraints on the business growth of enterprises, in terms of sales, profitability and asset growth. An attempt is made to study the influence of owner and firm attributes as the determinants of financial constraints faced by MSMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from MSME owners of Northern India through a self-administered questionnaire. In total, 213 responses were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique through SmartPLSv2.
Findings
The findings advocate the role of owner and firm attributes in the severity of financial constraints experienced by the MSME owners. Most importantly, the study establishes a strong link between owner and firm attributes and cash flow constraints. Further, the paper confirms the negative influence of financing and cash flow problems on the growth of the firm.
Research limitations/implications
The evaluation and categorisation of perceived financial challenges into meaningful dimensions generate value to the problematic area of MSME operations. Thus, the findings are useful for the policymakers and researchers to contemplate the financial vulnerability of MSMEs.
Originality/value
The empirical findings of the present study add worth to the limited evidence of the relationship between owner and firm attributes and severity of cash flow constraints faced by the Indian MSME owners.
Details