SME corporate governance: a literature review of informal mechanisms for governance

Purpose This paper takes a structured literature review (SLR) approach to identify gaps in the and suggest future research opportunities. It focuses on corporate governance (CG) performed outside formal board of directors’ structure examines alternative CG small medium-sized entities (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The authors use SLR method search Scopus database, extracting synthesising findings relating specifically SMEs’ CG. These are tabulated described using bibliometric software. Findings highlight an absence tailored theoretical approaches understanding SMEs, which differs from larger entities. They also find evidence structures SME Research limitations/implications Further should embrace management other perspectives expanded methodologies, nuances offered contextualised settings awareness practical implications better understand specific setting SMEs. Practical SMEs seek access scarce resources skills external their structures. Regulators resource providers mobilise facilitation training for this expansion. Originality/value synthesise large body extract A unique contribution is our focus forms Evidence boards points resolutions human capital shortages