Empirical investigation of SMEs’perceptions towards PLS financing in Morocco

Purpose – The main purpose of the study is to examine the willingness of Moroccan small- and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt profit and loss sharing (PLS) method of finance and the factors that may influence their decision. Design/methodology/approach – The research model is based on the decomposed theory of planned behaviour (DTPB). A total of 340 questionnaires were randomly distributed to SMEs’ owner-managers, out of which 177 were collected and only 153 were valid for analysis. Factor analysis and partial least squares regression were subsequently applied. Findings – The results showed that cost, loss of control, constrained access to conventional debt, financial suitability, stage of development as well as religious beliefs have a significant impact on the SMEs’ attitude towards PLS modes. Likewise, normative belief was also found to have a significant influence on subjective norm, by particular reference to the family, financial external consultants and internal managers, as the main referent groups. In addition, finally, attitude and perceived behavioural control were found to have a significant impact on the intention to adopt PLS financing by Moroccan SMEs. Research limitations/implications – The sample is not representative; hence, the findings cannot be generalized to all Moroccan SMEs. Furthermore, the variables and dimensions used are not exhaustive. With regard to implications, the study confirms the applicability of the DTPB to SME financing questions. Moreover, this study provides great indications to the practitioners, investors, policy makers and regulators on the perception of the Moroccan entrepreneurs, which should be taken into consideration to establish the necessary strategies to attract them. Originality/value – This paper verifies the applicability of the DTPB in another area, that is, adoption of PLS instruments and contributes to explain the entrepreneurs’ perceptions towards theses modes of financing.