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Loan Officer and the Evolution of Bank-SMEs Relationship in Tunisia

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  • Fredj Fhima
  • Walid Trabelsi

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the role of the loan officer in the evolution of the bank-SMEs relationship and its motivation for studying credit demand, its level of alignment to the hierarchy and its participation in the decision-making process. Based on a survey of 160 loan officers from two large Tunisian commercial banks- the ‘Société Tunisienne de Banque’ (STB) – as a public bank, and the ‘Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie’ (BIAT) – as a private bank, data analysis shows that self-esteem, need for success, autonomy in performing duties, and participation in the decision-making process are motivating factors at work for loan officers at both banks. The number of visits to the premises of the SME and the average length of interviews with its manager are considered important for the acquisition of soft information. Regarding the decision-making power, while a certain delegation has been instituted at the regional level in the BIAT, it is more the responsibility of the central committees in the STB. The decision of evolution depends more on the hierarchical superiors in a private bank that is why the BIAT officers are closer to their superiors than those of the STB.

Suggested Citation

  • Fredj Fhima & Walid Trabelsi, 2021. "Loan Officer and the Evolution of Bank-SMEs Relationship in Tunisia," International Journal of Economics and Finance, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 13(9), pages 1-41, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:ijefaa:v:13:y:2021:i:9:p:41
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Fredj FHIMA & Ridha NOUIRA & Philippe ADAIR, 2023. "Financement des entreprises et prêts non perfor-mants en Tunisie," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 58, pages 65-81.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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