Hierarchical Position and Perceptions of Governance and Performance in Selected State-Owned Enterprises in Sierra Leone

Abstract

This study investigated perceptual variations in corporate governance practices and firm performance across various personnel levels in SOEs in Sierra Leone. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional case study survey design for four selected SOEs operating in the financial and utility sectors. It used quantitative methods. Numerical information was collected from key informants in the form of a questionnaire. A total of 144 questionnaires were completed and retrieved from respondents categorized as top, middle, and lower-level personnel. Primary data were collected using structured, self-administered questionnaires with closed-ended questions. A total of 66 questions were generated to assess perceptions of governance and performance. A five-point Likert scale was used, and the questionnaire scores were analyzed using SPSS and Excel. Both descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (a one-way ANOVA and Chi-Square) statistical analyses were conducted. The study found perceptual variances regarding governance and performance dimensions across all personnel position groups examined. This observation was supported by both the descriptive (mean = 3.4 and standard deviation = 0.5) and inferential (ANOVA p<0.001 and Chi-square P<0.001) statistical analyses. These perceptual differences and relationships guide top-level personnel in organizations to steer organizational governance and performance more successfully.