Adoption and implementation of internal marketing systems by Ghanaian small- and medium-sized enterprises

Citation

Owusu-Frimpong, N. (2011), "Adoption and implementation of internal marketing systems by Ghanaian small- and medium-sized enterprises", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 25 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/dlo.2011.08125cad.004

Adoption and implementation of internal marketing systems by Ghanaian small- and medium-sized enterprises

Article Type: Abstracts From: Development and Learning in Organizations, Volume 25, Issue 3

Owusu-Frimpong N. and Martins A.Journal of African Business, 2010, Vol. 11 No. 1, Start page: 26, No. of pages: 23

This paper explores the concept of internal marketing (IM) as an internal supportive system that could provide the infrastructure for a strategic business take-off. It investigates how IM, as a concept, is understood and made practical in the context of Ghanaian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This qualitative research method was used due to the nature of the enquiry. The government of Ghana is constantly searching for more effective ways of assisting SME performance, through various strategic growth and development schemes. Despite the fact that much has been said in the literature, the IM concept remains elusive. Most SMEs are not aware of IM and demonstrate little understanding of the concept. And SMEs have problems with the implementation of IM. The manufacturing sector demonstrates more IM orientation than does the service sector. This paper unravels sociocultural factors that frustrate the practice of IM among Ghanaian SMEs and calls for a greater awareness of the concept by stakeholders. Suggestions include more general business support for SMEs to improve performance and subsequently grow. The paper finishes by drawing attention to management implications within the practice of IM. Article type: Research paper ISSN: 1522-8916 Reference: 40AA178

Keywords: Employees, Ghana, Implementation, Internal marketing, Organizations