STRATEGIC AND EPISODIC DIMENSIONS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN KINSHASA

Abstract

The study examines the strategic and historical dimensions of entrepreneurship and the performance of recently founded businesses in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It emphasized how important innovation and entrepreneurship are to the advancement of businesses. This research aims to identify the factors influencing performance and investigate their impact. The literature review covers the fundamentalist, strategic, contextual, and procedural theories of entrepreneurship as well as the models of entrepreneurial performance. Research studies on the factors influencing innovation and challenges are also presented. Within this methodology, a quantitative survey is used to gather data from 285 SMEs in Kinshasa regarding their profiles, strategies, and challenges.  The majority of small and medium-sized businesses are located in peripheries animated zones, according to the results. Thank you to strategies like low prices, high quality, and qualified labor, performance has significantly increased. It was common to run into financial difficulties, with the most frequently used method of resolution being personal resources. Not all businesses have been spared from environmental problems, but most have responded by adapting to the circumstances. In summary, strategic decisions and historical changes have an effect on small and medium-sized businesses' success. The context and the profiles of the entrepreneurs have an impact on the outcomes. Understanding these factors can help decision-makers and businesses in Kinshasa improve the competitiveness, growth, and innovation of small and medium-sized businesses in the rapidly expanding economy. The analysis provides invaluable information to those involved and adds to the local understanding of entrepreneurship.