Environmental Scanning Assessment in Zimbabwean SMEs

This paper is designed to look at how the owner/managers of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe scan their business environment to create a competitive atmosphere that keeps them in business and facilitate the growth of their enterprises. The sample size of this research paper consisted of 1000 SMEs located in 5 out of a total of 10 Zimbabwean Provinces, namely Bulawayo Metropolitan, Harare Metropolitan, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Midlands. Stratified random sampling technique was used. The research instrument used was the self -administered questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistical tools. Results from the study revealed that environmental scanning is not fully utilized by SME organizations and yet its a critical tool to be used by large corporations or SMEs. The paper recommended that SME owner/managers should embrace formal environmental scanning into their strategic management processes for the success of their organizations.