Anticipating for Sustainability: A Stopover in Congolese Family-Owned SMEs

Purpose : In a highly competitive environment, the question of the sustainability of family-owned SMEs has become a major concern for managers and academics. With this in mind, the objective of this research is to identify how anticipations contribute to the sustainability of family-owned SMEs. Design/Approach / Methodology : To do this, a qualitative methodology is used, through semi-structured interviews, with thirty-six actors in the field. Findings : It appears that anticipation as a life-giving force, a catalyst for the future, a vector of sustainability and a tool for good governance helps family-owned SMEs to live for a long time in an uncertain geographical sphere. Practical implications : It implies that SMEs should build their internal system such in a way that they are able to anticipate challenges in order to enhance their organisational sustainability.