The specificities of the management style in the performance of Very Small Enterprises (VSE) in Cameroon

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of the management style that contribute to the performance of Very Small Enterprises (VSE) in Cameroon. In this context, the theory of resources and competences initiated by Wernerfelt (1984) and Barney (1991) was mobilised to show the competences of the manager as the result of a coordinated and valorising combination of resources; and research proposals were adopted. In order to put forward these research proposals, a field study was conducted using the survey method and an interview guide with ten (10) MSEs in the tertiary sector in the city of Douala. The data collected from the managers of these MSEs were transcribed and analysed for content. The results of this qualitative study show that MSE managers adopt a strategy of proximity with their partners in order to create their own relational networks and the intuitive management style of the manager favours the performance of the MSEs.