Purpose -The purpose of this study was to conduct a scientometric analysis of the body of literature contained in international peer-reviewed journals, university publications, reports of development organizations and conference publications on the performance management of the microfinance institutions. Design/methodology/approach -A total of 71 research papers (1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010) published in international peer-reviewed journals, reports of developmental organizations, university reports and international conference publications, which aim to provide insights into the assessment of the microfinance institutions, was reviewed. The review was done along different parameters, namely financial performance, social performance, outreach, sustainability, efficiency, productivity, institutional characteristics and governance. Findings -Based on the literature review, a new conceptual model is proposed that focuses on the overall performance of the MFIs. The study also documents the various dimensions of the performance measurement of the MFIs done so far. It is expected that this study would help turn the attention of microfinance researchers, microfinance practitioners, and various rating agencies to the various dimensions affecting the overall assessment of microfinance institutions. Research limitations/implications -Attempt was made to make the sample as inclusive and exhaustive as possible, but some research work may inadvertently have not found a place in this study. Originality/value -A scientometric analysis of the MFI performance measurement is done in terms of longitudinal spread as well as geographical spread focusing the various performance dimensions of microfinance institutions.

ABSTRACT

Micro, small and medium enterprises have been an area of great interest for many researchers. As per reports, credit is a crucial input for promoting growth of the MSME Sector. The review aims to find out the role of MSMEs in development, major hindrances to MSME growth and what influences such hindrance. MSMEs have been revolutionary in development of economies, especially in developing countries. The study has further found financial constraints as a major hindrance to MSME growth. MSMEs find it difficult to obtain credit from formal sector, and banks find it difficult to give credit to the sector. However, formal lending sources are indispensible to MSME development. Reliance on informal sector is not a healthy option for the small sector. The important factors that influence lending towards MSMEs are competitiveness, legal framework, credit policies and lack of information about SME borrowers, firm characteristics and firm size. Various schemes have been introduced over time directed at MSME development which have uplifted the sector but still remains ineffective in many areas. Also very limited studies have been found on unregistered and informal MSMEs as well as government funded organisations dealing with MSME financing.

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