The Impact Of Government Policies On Small Scale Business Development In Nigeria

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The Impact Of Government Policies On Small Scale Business Development In Nigeria

Abstract

This research work was on “the impact of government policies on small business development in Nigeria with reference to ministry of cooperate affair commission, Enugu state”. The study scrutinizes the problems and contribution small scale business in Enugu state and the role it played in the overall employment generation of the economy. The study intended to examine government policies and the role of financial institution in the development of small scale business. The researcher engaged both primary and secondary sources of data in other to obtain the necessary relevant information for the project. Questionnaires and direct interview were carry out, also related literature text books, Magazine, newspaper, Journals, internet articles etc were review and analyses for the project

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Policy is defined in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives to guide and determine present and future decisions. Policy can also be defined as making decisions that reflect values and allocating resources based on those values. Thus, policy represents a particular political, ethical, or programmatic viewpoint. Governmental policy reflects theoretical or experiential assumptions about what is required to resolve a particular issue or problem (Obi, 2001). At the federal and state levels, governmental policy is reflected in multiple venues:

  • The federal and state constitutions set the general framework, as interpreted in specific instances through court decisions.
  • The chief executive’s agenda is presented through speeches, press releases, “State of the State” and budget messages to the legislature, executive orders, and instructions to department heads.
  • Legislative policy is expressed in speeches and press releases by the leadership and formulated in policy and appropriation bills.

It is not generally recognized that budgets, expressed in appropriation acts and taxes, are critical statements of social policy. Budgets distribute resources and determine what government can and cannot do. They may or may not provide stable resources for governmental services (Bacdon, 2004). Policy can also be found in the determinations and decisions of state department heads and middle management. Their decisions or actions determine how legislative policy and broad governmental mandates are actually translated into services. Policy is reflected in strategic plans and policy memoranda (EKSG, 2014). It is translated and carried out through rules and regulations, manuals, requests for proposals, contractual agreements, enforcement actions, and so forth. However, many researchers has proved in the past that government policies do influences small and medium scale enterprises. Small and medium enterprises are believed to be the engine room for the development of any economy, because they form the bulk of business activities in a growing economy like that of Nigeria (Basil, 2005). This is manifested in the following ways, Employment generation, rural development, Economic growth and Industrialization, Better Utilization of Indigenous Resources. Governments create the rules and frameworks in which Small and medium scale enterprises are able to compete against each other. From time to time the government will change these rules and frameworks forcing small and medium scale enterprises to change the way they operate (Essien & Udofia, 2006). Small and medium scale enterprises are thus keenly affected by government policy. Key area of government policy that affects business is taxation policy. Taxation policy affects business costs. For example, a rise in corporation tax (on business profits) has the same effect as an increase in costs. Small and medium scale enterprises can pass some of this tax on to consumers in higher prices, but it will also affect the bottom line. Other business taxes are environmental taxes (e.g. landfill tax), and VAT (value added tax). VAT is actually passed down the line to the final consumer but the administration of the VAT system is a cost for business (Ikherehon, 2002). Moreover, the government of the day regularly changes laws in line with its political policies. As a result small and medium scale enterprises continually have to respond to changes in the legal framework (Izedomi, 2011). However, the researcher will in this chapter provide an introduction on the impact of various government policies on Small and medium scale enterprises

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The term government policy can be used to describe any course of action which intends to change a certain situation. Think of policies as a starting point for government to take a course of action that makes a real life change (Ekezie, 1995). Government uses policy to tackle a wide range of issues. In fact, it can make policies that could change how much tax you pay, parking fines, import and export duties, immigration laws and pensions (Ireghan, 2009). However in Nigeria, government has come up with various policies aimed at investing in and boosting the Small and medium scale enterprises to generate employment and reduction of poverty but there has been issues of poor implementation. Policies can also be changed by government when is not effective, also when they create a policy it can be made to affect specific groups of people or everyone in society. Other government policies concerning issues such as subsidies, interest rates, exchange rates and public-private partnerships also influence the growth of small and medium scale enterprises (Iromaka, 2006). However, the researcher is seeking to examine the impact of government policies on the growth of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to examine the impact of government policies on small scale business development in Nigeria while the following are the specific objectives

  1. To ascertain the impact of government policy on the development of small and medium scale enterprise.
  2. To determine the nature of government policy that can influence the development of small and medium scale enterprise.
  3. To identify factors limiting the development of small and medium scale enterprise.

1.4 Research Hypotheses

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

  1. H0: there is no impact of government policy on the development of small and medium scale enterprise
    H1: there is impact of government policy on the development of small and medium scale enterprise
  2. H02: there are no factors limiting the development of small and medium scale enterprise.
    H2: there are factors limiting the development of small and medium scale enterprise

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study on the impact of government policy on the growth of small and medium scale enterprises will enlighten the entrepreneurs and the general public on how government policy can positively or negatively affect the growth of small and medium, scale enterprises. It will as well be a useful guide for the government in formulating policies that will contribute to the nation’s GDP through the growth of small and medium scale enterprises. This research will also serve as a resource base to other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out further research in this field subsequently, if applied will go to an extent to provide new explanation to the topic.

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The scope of the study covers impact of government policies on small scale business development in Nigeria.The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

a) Availability of Research Material:

The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study

b) Time:

The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

c) Organizational Privacy:

Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities

1.7 Definition of Terms

Government Policy:

A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters

SMEs:

An enterprise that has asset base (excluding land) of between N5million –N500 million and labour force of between 11 and 300.

Tax:

A compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers’ income and business profits, or added to the cost of some goods, services, and transactions

Subsidies:

A sum of money granted by the state or a public body to help an industry or business keep the price of a commodity or service low.

Economy:

The state of a country or region in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services and the supply of money.

Development of SMEs:

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a very heterogeneous group. Irrespective of the level of development of an economy, a significant proportion of micro and, sometimes, small enterprises are found in the informal sector or the shadow economy.

1.8 Organization of the Study

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

  • Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.
  • Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.
  • Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.
  • Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
  • Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Introduction

It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain impact of government policies on small scale business development in Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of government policies on small scale business development in Nigeria

5.2 Summary

This study was on impact of government policies on small scale business development in Nigeria.

Three objectives were raised which included:

  1. To ascertain the impact of government policy on the development of small and medium scale enterprise,
  2. To determine the nature of government policy that can influence the development of small and medium scale enterprise,
  3. To identify factors limiting the development of small and medium scale enterprise.

In line with these objectives, two research hypotheses were formulated and two null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 staff of ministry of cooperate affair commission, Enugu state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made corporate affair commission officers, office assistants, senior staff and new junior staff were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

5.3 Conclusion

SME firm was selected because they hold an important position in the economy, especially from the point of persuasion of the growth of local and regional economic systems. This is important for at least three parties, clients, companies, and the relevant authorities’ bodies, to strategize on continuing the existence of the effect in SMEs by accordingly controlling the selected elements. This study found the relationship between government policy and SME firm performance. Likewise, government policy has a major impact on the competitiveness of SMEs.

Conceptually, the study indicates that SME firm performance varies with the choice of the government policy they adopted. Conceptually, the survey shows that the performance of SME varies with the choice of the government policy, spatial relations and guidelines of government, schemes and incentives and support arrangements for the individual sector

5.4 Recommendation

  1. Reforms and policies should be directed at generally helping the private sector to help itself (by removing obstacles) rather than providing direct financial or business support.
  2. What is good for the private sector in general is not necessarily equally good for small firms as the latter face proportionally more costs and biases than larger firms.

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