EFFECT OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA.

The study evaluated the effect of change management on the performance of SMEs in Enugu State. The specific objectives are to: Examine the effect of leadership alignment on the output and evaluate the effect of communication on the profitability on growth of SMEs. The study used the descriptive survey design approach. The primary source of data was the administration of questionnaire. A total population of 911 staff was used. The sample size of 270 for the study was determined using Cochran (1963) formula. Two hundred and forty-eight (248) returned the questionnaire and accurately filled. Data was presented and analyzed using Likert Scale and the hypotheses using Z - test. The findings indicated that Leadership alignment had significant positive effect on the output, Z (95, n = 248), 6.541 < 9.081, P. <.05. Communication skills had significant positive effect on the profitability, Z (95, n = 248), 5.525 < 9.208, P. <.05. The study concluded that Leadership alignment and Communication skills, had significant positive effect on output, profitability, employee development and growth of SMEs in Enugu State. The study recommended among others that for proper team debates for success, proactively supporting each other, laser focused on what is most important, and committed to learning and improving there is need for Leadership alignment