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Financial Knowledge and Financial Behaviour as Drivers of SME Growth in a Fragile Economy: Evidence from Cameroon

Author

Listed:
  • Fah Noushi Mono

    (School of Management Sciences-Biaka University Institute of Buea)

  • Fah Foh Tella

    (Societe General du)

  • Kamdem Fah Foh

    (School of Management Sciences-Biaka University Institute of Buea)

  • Molem Sama Christopher

    (Department of Economics- University of Buea)

Abstract

This study examines the effect of financial knowledge and financial behaviour on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in a fragile economic environment. Drawing on the Resource-Based View, human capital theory, and the OECD financial capability framework, the study conceptualises financial literacy as a multidimensional capability and operationalises it through its cognitive and behavioural components, namely financial knowledge and financial behaviour. Using cross-sectional survey data collected from 304 SMEs in the South West Region of Cameroon, the study employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression complemented by diagnostic tests including correlation analysis, Variance Inflation Factors (VIF), and the Breusch–Pagan test for heteroskedasticity. The results reveal that financial knowledge (β = 0.289, p

Suggested Citation

  • Fah Noushi Mono & Fah Foh Tella & Kamdem Fah Foh & Molem Sama Christopher, 2026. "Financial Knowledge and Financial Behaviour as Drivers of SME Growth in a Fragile Economy: Evidence from Cameroon," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 10(3), pages 7792-7802, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:10:y:2026:i:3:p:7792-7802
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Leora Klapper & Annamaria Lusardi, 2020. "Financial literacy and financial resilience: Evidence from around the world," Financial Management, Financial Management Association International, vol. 49(3), pages 589-614, September.
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