Formal Fashion Education and Business Performance: An Exploration of Small-scale Fashion Designers in Ghana

Abstract

Aims: This study explored the impact of formal fashion education on business performance among small-scale fashion designers in Ghana. Study Design: This research adopted a survey design approach. Methodology: Drawing upon Human Capital Theory (HCT) and using data collected from a survey of 398 small-scale fashion designers in Ghana, we employed a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the relationships between formal education, business size, and business performance. Results: The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between formal education and business performance, suggesting that education plays a pivotal function in enhancing the performance of small-scale fashion designers. However, the study did not discover a significant relationship between formal education and business size, suggesting other factors, such as access to capital and market opportunities, may be critical for business expansion. Conclusion: These findings have critical implications for policymakers, stakeholders, and industry practitioners in the fashion industry, particularly in Ghana.