An interview with Romira Young: opportunities and challenges for local small business owners in the tourism and hospitality industries in time of disasters

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Bledsoe-Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Minority ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

Purpose The purpose of this interview aims to offer a means to better understand tourism as it relates to small businesses within a global network. Design/methodology/approach A semi-structured interview was used. Findings The key findings are in line with Masco’s (2017) research that asserts “change can be selective and/or optional for the tourism stakeholders (e.g. tourists, operators, destination organizations, policymakers, local communities, employees), the nature and degree of crises-led transformations depend on whether and how these stakeholders are affected by, respond to, recover and reflect on crises”, particularly small minority-owned tourist companies. Practical implications This interview provides a lens to better understand how small businesses operate within the global market and remain at the cornerstone for sustaining domestic and international markets. Originality/value This study highlights small minority-owned business and their ability to become resilient. This interview illustrated that grounded small businesses, while implored with challenges from natural disasters, also have the resiliency to overcome such challenges when the agency has the ability to provide “turn-key” services for their clients thereby providing clients a sense of agency and value-laden experiences via personalization of services.

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.

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 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 Efectos de la transición al RIF de microempresas de la ciudad de Valle de Santiago, Guanajuato

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Sandra Ivette GARCÍA-PICHARDO ◽  
José Luis BÁRCENAS-PUENTE ◽  
Juan SILVA-CONTRERAS ◽  
Jorge Luis MONCADA-MORALES
Keyword(s):  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Tax Reform ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Interview Technique ◽  
The Government ◽  
The City

As a measure to reduce tax evasion and informality, the Fiscal Incorporation Regime (RIF) arises with the 2014 tax reform, which generated a radical change in tax obligations and in the way taxpayers must comply, a situation that It mainly affects micro and small businesses, so this work aims to identify the affectations and benefits derived from the incorporation into the RIF of micro-enterprises in the city of Valle de Santiago, Guanajuato; It is based on a qualitative study, applying the in-depth semi-structured interview technique to 30 taxpayers who have been taxing in the RIF since January 1, 2014. The main results indicate that the tax reform is not entirely negative, the intention of the government of reducing informality has been met, however, the execution has setbacks, as small business owners do not have a sufficient fiscal culture or technological preparation to fulfill their obligations on their own, in addition to the fact that the increase in operating expenses represents a strong load for companies, a situation that places them at a disadvantage with respect to their competitors.

Trust, but verify: fraud in small businesses

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonita Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Certified Public Accountants ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about internal fraud in small businesses among small business owners, managers, and consultants. Design/methodology/approach – Recent statistics from international fraud surveys are presented, and the theory of why people commit fraud is described. The most common internal fraud schemes as identified in the international fraud surveys are explained, as well as some of the related red flags and preventative measures. Examples of actual internal frauds perpetrated in small businesses are discussed. Findings – This paper summarizes pertinent facts that repeatedly show small businesses are most vulnerable to fraud and suffer a disproportionate median loss when compared to larger businesses. External audits by Certified Public Accountants cannot be relied upon to detect fraud. Owners, managers, and advisors are strongly encouraged to have knowledge of how fraud can affect their organizations in order to prevent or detect fraud and avoid the devastating effect it can have on the small business’s viability. Practical implications – Fraud knowledge can help owners, managers, and advisors prevent small businesses from falling victim to fraud. Originality/value – This paper addresses a critical issue to small businesses, but has so far been largely neglected in the literature. While large financial statement frauds receive widespread publicity, they are relatively uncommon compared to asset misappropriation fraud schemes suffered by small businesses.

Quality management (QM) leads to healthier small businesses

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 1104-1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
William H. Murphy ◽  
Denis Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Housing Quality ◽  
Inductive Method ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Quality ◽  
Quality Award

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to add to the current knowledge of how and why small businesses should engage in quality management (QM) by providing insights from small business owners who are committed advocates of QM. By so doing, to encourage small business owners to see that QM is right – and possible – for any small business wanting to improve performance. Design/methodology/approach Using an inductive method, semi-structured interviews followed a template of six open-ended questions. Study participants were ten owners of small family-owned business winners of a National Quality Award (National Housing Quality Award (NHQA)), making them industry leaders in applying QM. Data from these QM advocates are presented and discussed. Findings The cases reveal consistent encouragement for small businesses to engage in QM, with every owner certain that positive outcomes follow. Despite recognizing barriers to engagement, interviewees strongly feel the barriers are small relative to gains realized through QM. These QM advocates advise getting started by choosing one or a few QM tools and/or customizing tools rather than becoming overwhelmed by prospects of the complexity of doing QM to the exacting standards of various quality programs. Finally, they encourage small businesses to stay the course once started on QM. Research limitations/implications Limitations are that the paper relies on just ten case studies and these were taken from just one industry. While these limitations cannot be disputed, the rich data, interpretations, and opportunities for future research emerging from the inductive approach seem likely to resonate well beyond the particular industry involved here. Practical implications This paper speaks directly to small business owners by including many quotes from owners and summarizing themes from multiple interviews. The advice provided can be acted upon by any small business, with the opportunity of realizing improved business performance. Originality/value Few articles provide insights on the merits of QM for small businesses directly from interviews with small business owners. Here, the authors learn about the rationale for small businesses engaging in QM, are given thoughtful comments on how to get started, and told about the realities – including difficulties – of small business QM.

Measuring Success in Family Businesses: The Concept of Configurational Fit

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Hienerth ◽  
Alexander Kessler
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Comparable Data ◽  
Measurement Instruments ◽  
Success Measurement ◽  
Success Evaluation ◽  
As Effects

The problems associated with measuring success in small businesses are primarily caused by a lack of comparable data due to the ambiguity of “success” and by subjective biases. Success evaluation is dominated by the estimates of business owners, who tend to overestimate overall success and internal strengths. However, reliable success measurement instruments would be useful for small business owners/managers as well as small business policymakers. The main purposes of this article are to compare various measures of success, to explore the differences in their outcomes, and to analyze whether a model of success measurement using configurational fit can be used to overcome subjective biases. The study is based on a recent survey of 103 small family-owned businesses in the eastern Austrian border region. Our analysis of the data confirmed the existence of the measurement problems mentioned above. Although some individual indicators show significant biases as well as effects due to company age, size, and industry, the aggregated indicator based on the concept of configurational fit seems to be an appropriate means of overcoming most of these drawbacks.

scholarly journals PENINGKATKAN KEMANDIRIAN USAHA PARA PELAKU UMKM MELALUI PERILAKU KEWIRAUSAHAAN [INCREASE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL INDEPENDENCE OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS THROUGH ENTREPRENEURIAL VALUE]

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Vincent Feriano Mulja ◽  
Jacquelinda Sandra Sembel
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modelling ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Entrepreneurial Behavior ◽  
Sharp Decline ◽  
Entrepreneurial Spirit ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
One Year

<p>This research was triggered by the massive disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic which has heavily affected small businesses in a negative way. The unprecedented pandemic resulted in a sharp decline in the number of micro businesses in affected areas in Indonesia, including Semarang. Thus, there is an urgent need to revive micro businesses. This research aims on analyzing the effect of entrepreneurial spirit and values through entrepreneurial behavior to develop business independence. Data analysis in this study was conducted using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Research samples consisted of 200 entrepreneurs in Semarang who have run their businesses for more than one year. The findings show that there is an effect of entrepreneurial value and spirit on entrepreneurial independence directly and through entrepreneurial behavior.</p><p><strong>BAHASA INDONESIA ABSTRACT:</strong></p><p>Penelitian ini dipicu oleh disrupsi secara massif pada usaha kecil di daerah-daerah terdampak di Indonesia di masa pandemi COVID-19, Semarang. Untuk itu perlu adanya upaya untuk membangkitkan kembali geliat para pelaku bisnis kecil menuju kemandirian usaha. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keterkaitan antara jiwa kewirausahaan para pelaku usaha dan nilai kewirausahaan yang mereka yakini, yang dapat meningkatkan kemandirian usaha melalui perilaku usaha. Penelitian ini menggunakan <em>Structural Equation Modelling</em> (SEM) untuk melakukan analisis data. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari 200 wirausahawan di Semarang yang sudah menjalani usaha selama lebih dari satu tahun. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jiwa kewirausahaan dan nilai kewirausahaan berpengaruh terhadap kemandirian usaha baik secara langsung mampun melalui perilaku kewirausahaan. Perilaku kewirausahaan berpengaruh positif terhadap kemandirian usaha.</p>

scholarly journals The perception of sponsorship usefulness among South African small business owners

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-488
Author(s):  
Catherine Mpolokeng Sephapo ◽  
Johannes Arnoldus Wiid ◽  
Michael Colin Cant
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Business ◽  
South African ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Brand Image ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Marketing Tool ◽  
Marketing Budgets

Sponsorship is a powerful marketing tool that organisations in South Africa are embracing. From the evaluation of the sponsorship growth over the years, the industry in South Africa has developed from a R63 million industry in 1985 to the value of just under R7 billion in 2011 (City Press, 2012). Small businesses in South Africa are faced with the challenge of effectively reaching target segments. These small businesses are restricted in terms of limited marketing budgets and therefore need alternative ways of improving their brands in the eyes of the consumer. Theoretically, sponsorship is considered to improve the brand image of an organisation and ultimately improve sales. However, the question that this study aims to answer is whether small business owners perceive sponsorship to be a useful tool that even they can utilise. The study made use of a quantitative approach whereby a web-based questionnaire was distributed to small business owners. The findings indicated that the general attitude towards sponsorship as a marketing tool is positive. The correlation between sponsor sincerity and sponsorship usefulness was found positive; however, average in strength. Although sponsorship is seen as a useful tool, 15.4% of the respondents indicated that they would not consider using this marketing tool. This response may provide an opportunity for further research to be conducted which may shed some light on the strategies small business owners perceive to be most effective for their unique circumstances

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