scholarly journals Regional small businesses’ personal and inter-firm networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 1957-1969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jalleh Sharafizad ◽  
Kerry Brown
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Firm Networks

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of personal and inter-firm networks and the elements that contribute to the formation and management of these networks for regional small businesses. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 small business owners located in regional areas. Findings The findings highlight key characteristics of regional small business owners’ networks. Findings indicated that participants relied strongly on their personal networks for business purposes. This study shows that while personal networks adapted and changed into informal inter-firm networks, weak-tie relations within inter-firm networks were unlikely to develop into close personal networks. Novel findings also include a preference for “regional interactions” and included regular collaboration with local business competitors. Although the participants used social media to manage their business through personal networks, results confirmed there was a lack of awareness of the benefits of inter-firm networks with businesses outside the local region. Originality/value While it is acknowledged small business owners use personal and inter-firm connections to maintain and grow their business, there is a lack of research examining both of these networks in the same study. This research addresses this gap and presents five propositions as a useful direction for future research. This paper adds to the evolution of existing knowledge by expanding understanding of the formation of business networks and conditions of business trust relations within a regional context.

scholarly journals Are international small business owners really that different?

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-117
Author(s):  
Sarah Gundlach ◽  
Andre Sammartino
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Traits ◽  
Tolerance For Ambiguity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Do So

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of individual traits and attributes on the entrepreneurial and internationalization actions of Australian businesswomen, many of whom run small businesses. Design/methodology/approach This study is exploratory and quantitative, based on a questionnaire survey of 323 Australian businesswomen. Drawing upon the extant literature on internationalization, gender and entrepreneurship, the study explores two micro-foundational relationships of interest – personality and capability assessment differences between female business owners and their employed counterparts, and the impact of such traits and assessments on their internationalization. A further question is explored in terms of any differentials in perceptions of barriers in internationalization. Findings The findings show key personality dimensions do not differ dramatically between Australian businesswomen working in their own businesses (i.e. entrepreneurs) or as employees in organizations, while there are surprisingly few differences between women who are engaged internationally and those yet to do so. When comparing the female entrepreneurs and employees, in particular, the findings around tolerance for ambiguity and management efficacy are notably counterintuitive. This leads to the development of testable propositions to refine the causal claims in this domain. Practical implications The study calls into question the distinctiveness of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial endeavors, at least for female businesswomen. Originality/value By including entrepreneurs and employees, women who have engaged internationally and those that are yet to do so, the study avoids some of the potential self-selection and confirmation biases inherent in studies of only entrepreneurs or small business owners. The investigation of individual traits, attributes and experiences as micro-foundations for internationalization motivations challenges existing theories of small business expansion.

IT readiness in small firms

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 807-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Spinelli ◽  
Romano Dyerson ◽  
G. Harindranath
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
It Adoption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Capability ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
It Application

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to explore conceptually and empirically the application of the concept of IT readiness to small firms. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken was a questionnaire administered to small manufacturing business owners in the Liguria region of Italy. Data were analysed using factor and cluster analysis. Findings – IT readiness concept appears valid with the emergence of three constructs: strategic vision; project management capability; and IT application infrastructure. The date analysis yielded four distinctive and varying profiles of small business owners. Research limitations/implications – This quantitative study exploring a cross section of small firms suggests antecedents to change have been ignored relative to IT adoption decisions. Practical implications – Provision of policy and support services requires a much more nuanced approach to small businesses. Originality/value – There are very few studies of IT readiness in the literature, making the paper original in its intent. The construction of the IT readiness concept appears robust when subjected to empirical testing and yields a number of specific small business profiles with respect to IT.

scholarly journals Sunday is the new Saturday

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 960-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hina Khan
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ancillary Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Considerable Support

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers, family-run small businesses (small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)) and their employees’ perceptions and attitude towards reform of the Sunday Trading Act in Britain.Design/methodology/approachA multi-method approach was employed to collect data in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 family-run small business owners/managers, 25 employees and 30 consumers. A survey was also conducted amongst 385 consumers and 279 employees. A convenience sampling method was used to collect data. Interview data were analysed by using content analysis and survey data were analysed by using descriptive statistics.FindingsThe results demonstrate considerable support for extending Sunday trading hours. Most of the arguments against the reform were found to be redundant. The findings suggest that in contemporary Britain, the restricted Sunday trading hours are perceived to be outdated and inconvenient.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings demonstrate that a paradigm shift is needed to meet and understand the changing market conditions. This exploratory study is limited to the UK. Future research will be extended to other European countries.Originality/valueThis is the first academic study to investigate the current debate regarding the deregulation of the Sunday trading hours. This study highlighted the psychographic changes and socio-economic demand in the marketplace. Sunday trading offers different types of benefits to consumers, employees and SMEs. The study proposed an original model that categorised these benefits into three major levels: primary benefits, ancillary benefits and ultimate benefits.

scholarly journals Using a large sample analysis of Thai listed firms, we address an important question. Do board diversity and network add value to firms? This article extends the debate on the benefits and costs of board diversity and network and their effect on the broad

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Chinomona
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Board Diversity ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Small Business Performance

While researches on small businesses have grown substantially, there seem to be a paucity of researches that specifically investigate the effects of small business owners expertise on employees skills training and small business performance. In order to fill this void the current study examined the direct effects of small business owner expertise on small business performance and the mediating influence of employee skills training in this relationship. To empirically test the three (3) posited hypotheses, a sample data of 221 was collected from small business employees in Zimbabwe. The results indicate that small business owners expertise positively influence employees skills training and small business performance in a significant way. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed and limitations and future research directions are indicated.

EXPLORING THE SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP IN NIGERIA

2016 ◽  
Vol 05 (07) ◽  
pp. 35-48
Author(s):  
Nana Shaibu Akaeze ◽  
Christian Akaeze
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Survival Data ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Survival Strategies ◽  
Theory Of Constraints ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Business Programs

Notwithstanding the unstable nature of Nigeria economy small business owners created approximately 32 million jobs and contribute almost 45% to the nations GDP. However, startup small businesses fail at rate over 80% the first five years. Guide by theory of constraints, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to explore survival strategies required by some small business owners to sustain business in Nigeria beyond 5 years. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews with 3 owners with up to 5 years of experience in small business management from 3 different regions of Nigeria. The 3 major themes from final data analysis were cost efficiency, informal crediting and aggressive marketing which participants said were crucial for business survival. Data analysis also revealed two critical constraints confronted by small business owners as Government Policy and capital constraints. Findings of this study contribute to social change by indicating some strategies which prospective and existing small business practitioners may use to sustain for survival beyond first five years. The findings may prove useful for small business programs and training schedules to practitioners, managers and owners.

Social Commerce Benefits for Small Businesses

2019 ◽  
pp. 1237-1255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludwig Christian Schaupp ◽  
France Bélanger
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Social Commerce ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Stakeholder Pressure ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Small businesses represent an important element of many western economies. However, they often struggle with resources needed to succeed, and small business owners often have to perform many, if not all, roles in their organizations. One of the key functions that small businesses need to excel at for business success today is social commerce since much of their business is migrating towards the use of social media for business. In this study, determinants of social commerce benefits for small businesses are explored. Using survey data from 60 small companies, this research identifies stakeholder pressure and partner pressure as the most significant factors in determining social commerce benefits for small business. Implications of these findings and provide suggestions for future research are discussed.

Social Commerce Benefits for Small Businesses

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 49-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludwig Christian Schaupp ◽  
France Bélanger
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Social Commerce ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Stakeholder Pressure ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Small businesses represent an important element of many western economies. However, they often struggle with resources needed to succeed, and small business owners often have to perform many, if not all, roles in their organizations. One of the key functions that small businesses need to excel at for business success today is social commerce since much of their business is migrating towards the use of social media for business. In this study, determinants of social commerce benefits for small businesses are explored. Using survey data from 60 small companies, this research identifies stakeholder pressure and partner pressure as the most significant factors in determining social commerce benefits for small business. Implications of these findings and provide suggestions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Micro & Small Enterprises in Ireland: A Brand Management Perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 381
Author(s):  
Bobby Kennedy ◽  
Angela Wright
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Product Line ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Brand Development ◽  
Management Perspective

<p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">Branding aids companies in the acquisition of new customers, allows them to build a favourable reputation, leads to increased customer loyalty and, ultimately, is a driver of profitability. Although there is an impressive quantity of academic literature related to both large corporate and product line branding, there has been less focus regarding the research on branding of small businesses, despite their economic importance. </span></p><p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">In the specific case of SMEs in Ireland, branding studies are scant. There is little understanding of the branding practices of SME founder-owners in Ireland, and, moreover, a lack of clarity as to their knowledge levels apropos the strategic brand management process. Essentially, many small business owners may not even realise that their business is a brand, partly due to a lack of understanding of what the concepts of a brand and branding actually mean. This paper presents findings from research associated with the brand development practices of Irish micro and small enterprises. A <span>qualitative data collection tool, leveraging semi-structured interviews is employed to collect substantive and relevant data from </span>10 Irish micro and small business owners. The study extends the knowledge of the brand development process being undertaken by these companies. </span></p><p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">The findings in this study reveal an unfavourable picture in terms of branding practices in Irish SME’s and demonstrates a lack of understanding and devotion on behalf of founder-owners towards the process. These conclusions have direct implications for branding literature, specifically in relation to Irish and international SMEs and also for managerial practice within those organisations. </span></p>

Resilience in the context of two traditional Spanish rural sectors: an exploratory study

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Duarte Alonso
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Olive Oil ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The present study examines ways in which micro and small business owners and managers in the olive oil industry seek to adapt to emerging challenges and build resilience. In an increasingly demanding business environment, the ability to become resilient and be able to adapt to new or existing challenges is crucial. However, in what ways do micro and small business owners and managers seek to adapt to emerging challenges and build resilience? The present study examines these issues among micro and small wine and olive oil producers. Design/methodology/approach – An online questionnaire was designed to gather the views of respondents on challenges, impacts of these challenges and strategies they consider to adapt to current challenges. A total of 93 winery owners/managers and 52 olive growers participated. Findings – The findings identify increasing costs, decreasing consumption and the effects of the economic crisis as the most significant barriers, with impacts in the form of loss of trust in government institutions and loss of confidence in a soon economic recovery. To adapt and become resilient, enhancing promotional, educational and diversification activities, such as starting or growing exports, or becoming more involved in technology and social media are perceived as fundamental business strategies. Originality/value – In considering elements related to the theory of resilience, the study provides empirical evidence of adaptive strategies among micro and small businesses, as well as ways to achieve resilience. Overall, the findings have important socio-economic implications for various stakeholders, including the sectors involved, government agencies, and ultimately for consumers, and local communities where businesses operate.

scholarly journals Small Business Startup Funding for Youth Employment in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Dr. Nana A. Akaeze ◽  
Dr. Christian O. Akaeze
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Social Progress ◽  
Support Programs ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Youth Leaders ◽  
Business Startup ◽  
Unemployed Youth

<em>Jobs are generated by initiating and growing small businesses within underdeveloped economies. Unemployment among youths is a critical problem confronting Nigeria (Nwogwugwu &amp; Irechukwu, 2015). Unemployment leads to less growth and a drop-in consumer spending. Increased unemployment generates lowered business output. Unemployment results in welfare loss from lowered output, income, and wellbeing which hinder social progress of nations. Nevertheless, unemployed youths with small business initiatives experience financial constraints and lack access to startup capitals. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of some owners who succeeded despite lack of access to formal and informal sources of initial capitals. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 small business owners in Lagos who started as unemployed youths. We purposefully selected participants, used thematic for data analysis, NVivo 10 software for coding and interpretation. Findings revealed 3 critical challenges to access initial capitals for startups by unemployed youths including: (a) inability to provide collaterals, (b) Reliance on insufficient private finance and short term overdrafts, and (c) bureaucracy. Result may become basis for future interventions and support programs. Authorities and youth leaders could use information for trainings and support programs to help unemployed youth access startup capitals for small business.</em>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document