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Evaluating the Factors That Determine Sustainable Growth in Small and Medium Enterprises in Sierra Leone: A Triple Bottom Line Perspective

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  • Joyce Abigail Coulson-Olowu

    (Faculty of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, University of Sierra Leone (Institute of Public Administration and Management))

Abstract

Aligning economic progress with societal well-being and environmental conservation, stressing their integration by businesses has gained significant importance worldwide. This study examines the sustainable growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in four major urban centers in Sierra Leone – Freetown, Bo, Makeni, and Kenema – using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework. The research aims to identify the key factors influencing SME sustainability, assess SMEs' understanding and integration of TBL principles, and evaluate the impact of this integration on their growth. Several findings have emerged through a mixed-method approach involving structured questionnaires and interviews with 240 SME managers and owners and 15 managers, respectively. SMEs prioritize financial performance while recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability and social equity. While not all SMEs are familiar with the TBL concept, many intuitively integrate its economic, social, and environmental dimensions into their operations. The study demonstrates the positive impact of integrating TBL principles on SMEs' sustainable growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Joyce Abigail Coulson-Olowu, 2026. "Evaluating the Factors That Determine Sustainable Growth in Small and Medium Enterprises in Sierra Leone: A Triple Bottom Line Perspective," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 13(5), pages 2183-2196, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bjc:journl:v:13:y:2026:i:5:p:2183-2196
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Beck, Thorsten & Demirguc-Kunt, Asli, 2006. "Small and medium-size enterprises: Access to finance as a growth constraint," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 30(11), pages 2931-2943, November.
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    3. Ndeye Ndiaye & Lutfi Abdul Razak & Ruslan Nagayev & Adam Ng, 2018. "Demystifying small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) performance in emerging and developing economies," Borsa Istanbul Review, Research and Business Development Department, Borsa Istanbul, vol. 18(4), pages 269-281, December.
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