Improvement of the quality of business environment model: Case of the SME segment

Abstract

The aim of this article is to define important factors which determine the quality of the business environment and construct a structural model of causal relationships between quality of business environment and its determinants in small and medium sized enterprises. This model was constructed on the basis of extensive empirical research. A questionnaire was designed and delivered to SMEs operating in the Czech and Slovak Republics. The sample consists of 641 enterprises from both countries. Data were evaluated using statistical methods such as confirmation factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The structural model showed very interesting findings. The most important factors, which determine the quality of business environment, are macroeconomic environment, monetary policy and interest rates and legal environment. In our model, we also pointed out the importance of political, social and technological factors. The research results pointed to the need to adjust the legislative environment in a more appropriate way, to minimize state bureaucracy and to improve media access to business environment assessment. These results are useful for the academic researchers in the area of entrepreneurship, policymakers, and non-profit institutions and organizations whose effort is to improve the business environment and boost entrepreneurship.