HOW CAN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES CREATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: CASE STUDY ON OMAN

Abstract The SME sector nowadays plays an extremely important part in modern economy. Hence, SMEs are considered a way to bring improvement in terms of socio-economic development, respectively. This study aims to investigate the role of small and medium enterprises in providing jobs in Oman. It will also focus on the challenges facing SMEs. For this study, purposeful sampling methodology has been adopted. Using a well-defined questionnaire, 100 samples were collected from all over SMEs operated in Oman. The collected data are recorded, tabulated, and summarized. In addition, statistics of the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development were mentioned. It indicates the number of registered SMEs from 2015 to 2019. In addition, the interview conducted with the Head of Auditors Services Department at the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, to identify a clear perspective related to the topic of research that is aiming to determine the challenges facing small and medium enterprises in Oman. The findings suggest statistical study carried out at Oman level confirmed the previous theoretical results, as it highlighted the important contribution of small and medium enterprises in providing job opportunities, as the authorized category of workers in this type of institution constituted a large percentage of the total group employed