Small and medium industries (SMEs) constitute backbone of any active economy. Flourishing despite a challenging environment, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of India have survived several highs and lows in the past few years. With the Indian economy emerging as one of the leading economies in the world. It is expected that by 2025 it will become a $5 trillion economy. And major ateention is being given to strengthen the SME sector which is backbone of Indian economy. As per MSME annual report there are 3.6 crore SMEs in India employing more than 8 crore people contributing 37% of GDP1(It istherefore importantto give special attention towards leadership development and support SME leaders. However, Competency development is challenge by itself as SME leaders are neither exposed to and nor are inclined towards development activities at the same time the variation in nature of job leads to need for different competenciesBy going through in depth interview of 15 SME owner leaders we provide a critical analysis of competencies of SME leadersSuch analysis will help in developing more relevant interventions for SME leaders
Leadership competency development, SME, SME leadership
