Purpose: This study aimed to determine how Ghana's small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) performed in terms of growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative research method, alongside descriptive and explanatory research designs. Primary data were gathered from 400 SMEs in the general trading and manufacturing industries. Descriptive statistical analyses and Pearson multiple regression analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSvs.26) and XL Stats. Results: The most critical challenges faced by SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic include a decrease in sales revenue, followed by the inability of SMEs to pay staff, retrenchment of workers, shortages of raw materials, halted operations, difficulty in supplying goods and services, inability to repay loans, insufficient capital, cash flow shortages, accounting deficiencies, and the least critical challenge associated with a lack of advanced technology. The next major finding was that lockdowns, movement restrictions, social distancing, and market closures had significant negative effects on SMEs’ growth. Limitations: Varied responses from SMEs in other regions and industries in the country were not gathered. Furthermore, the research instrument ignored the direct views of SME owners and managers regarding the challenges they encountered. Contributions: The findings are important for entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs, financial institutions, government, and other stakeholders for decision-making purposes. Novelty: The effect of the pandemic has mostly been linked to financial performance. No study in the Ghanaian context has investigated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the growth of trading and manufacturing SMEs.

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between workers' perspectives on communication, recognition, productivity, and their involvement in the Readymade Garment (RMG) sector policymaking. Research Methodology:  A sample of 226 individuals from the RMG sector in Bangladesh was surveyed using a well-designed questionnaire. The data were examined, and the study's hypotheses were tested, using the statistical program SPSS V.25. In IBM SPSS, the chi-square test and other statistical techniques were used to examine the data. The study investigates the relationship between the independent variables, including communication, employee recognition, and productivity, and the dependent variable, worker perception, using a conceptual framework. Results: There is a positive and significant relationship between employees' perceptions of communication and their involvement in the decision-making process. The study also shows that there is a positive and significant association between workers' perceptions of employee recognition, productivity, and involvement in decision-making in Bangladesh's RMG industry. Additionally, the organization's decision-making process is significantly impacted by employee participation. Limitations: While many studies examined the workers’ participation in decision-making in the various sectors, only a few studies have focused on the RMG sectors to explore the effects of communication, employee recognition, and productivity on the workers’ participation in decision-making. Contributions: The study reveals that the organization’s total effectiveness is reflected in how deeply workers are involved in decision-making. The degree of involvement is a key determining element since encouraging people to engage instead of just dragging them along is essential for enhancing performance and ensuring commitment.