Browsing by Author "Kamulegeya, Pius"

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    Social Capital, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Sustainability of SMEs in Wakiso District.
    (Makerere University Business School, 2025-11-10) Kamulegeya, Pius
    This study examined how social capital and entrepreneurial self-efficacy influence the sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Wakiso District, Uganda. The research was motivated by the persistent challenge of low SME survival rates in the region, despite ongoing support from both public and private sectors. The main aim was to assess the extent to which these two variables, social capital and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, impact business sustainability, measured through economic resilience, innovation capacity, and revenue growth. Specifically, the study sought to (i) examine the relationship between social capital and SME sustainability, (ii) assess the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and SME sustainability, and (iii) determine the combined effect of both variables on SME sustainability. A cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach was adopted for the research. The target population consisted of 1,300 registered SMEs operating in Wakiso District, from which a sample of 297 was determined using Krejcie and Morgan's table. However, the final data was obtained from 243 respondents, yielding an 84.6% response rate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed using SPSS version 28 to analyze the data. The findings revealed a moderate, positive, and statistically significant relationship between social capital and SME sustainability (r = .503, p < .01), and between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and sustainability (r = .417, p < .01). Regression analysis showed that both variables significantly predicted SME sustainability, with social capital (β = .425, p = .000) having a stronger effect than entrepreneurial self-efficacy (β = .310, p = .000). The model explained 34.3% (R² = .343) of the variance in SME sustainability. Based on these findings, the study recommends the integration of practical problem-solving forums to strengthen both entrepreneurial self-confidence and network-based learning among SME owners. It also suggests introducing mentorship-linked financial schemes to promote sustained business growth. These strategies could help enhance both the internal and external drivers of sustainability, particularly in environments with limited institutional support.