Showing papers in "International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research in 1997"

Performance contrasts between family and non‐family unquoted companies in the UK

Abstract: Explores whether there are any significant performance and ambitions differences between independent family and non‐family unquoted companies in the UK. To detect “real” performance and ambitions differences, rather than demographic “sample” differences between family and non‐family companies, a “matched” sample methodology has been utilized. Concludes that there are strong similarities between the two groups of companies in terms of “hard” objective performance and ambition indicators. Such differences as do occur are reflected in the finding that family companies are markedly more likely to stress non‐financial objectives than non‐family companies. Discusses implications for future research exploring the characteristics and performance of family and non‐family companies.

The key factors in the small profiles of small‐medium enterprise owner‐managers that influence business performance

Abstract: This international survey involved 11 countries and was led and financed by Groupe ESC Rennes. The University of Portsmouth Business School headed the UK research programme. Business Link Hampshire and the University of Portsmouth also financially supported the UK work. Five sectors were investigated: construction, industry, retailing, services and transport. Some 800 mailed questionnaires were returned from SMEs (small and medium enterprises) from cluster locations throughout the UK. The objective of the undertaking was to identify the key factors in the profiles of SME owner‐managers that influence business performance and to contribute to the literature. The following are the findings.

Ethnic minority enterprise: an overview and research agenda

Abstract: Discusses whether ethnic minority enterprise is a routinely rational economics activity, no different from other small‐scale endeavours, or whether it is a distinctive phenomenon which demonstrates the influence of cultural resources on entrepreneurial activities. Focuses on three themes which have emerged from British‐based studies on ethnic minority businesses: diversity; the importance of “break‐out”; and increased policy activity. Concludes that ethnic‐minority owned business provides a significant contribution to small business activity and the economy, and as such it merits further study. Identifies areas where there is scope for further study as new processes and development strategies are evolved in ethnic minority enterprise.

A methodology for researching the process of information management in small firms

Abstract: Describes the combination of research methods used to investigate the process of Information Management (IM) in small firms. IM was defined as encompassing all management issues related to Information Systems (IS) and involving processes relating to planning, organization, control and technology.A large body of literature details the issues associated with IM in large organizations, assisting the understanding of the processes involved in this organizational context. This is not the case for small firms. Due to the different situational context of small firms, it is essential that the issues associated with IM be made explicit. Argues that a “between‐methods” triangulated approach is most suitable for researching IM in small firms, enabling cross‐validation of data yielded by different methods. The research approach was inductive, making use of a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. A mailed questionnaire study was conducted to identify macro level phenomena which were investigated at a later stage by developing case studies of four companies which had participated in the questionnaire study. This second phase of the research provided rich data on phenomena which occur at the micro level. The use of multi‐site studies overcame the problems associated with the specificity of single case studies. The findings of the two research strategies were reconciled using Grounded Theory; conclusions were drawn and models generated for use by other researchers.

Export problems and Government assistance required by UK exporters: An investigation into the effect of ethnicity

Abstract: Reports on one aspect of a government funded study which provides comparative empirical evidence concerning selected aspects of the behaviour and government export assistance requirements of Asian and indigenous (white)‐owned small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. Provides a contribution to the literature since, although a limited body of literature exists on both the areas of export assistance, and the business practices of ethnic minority‐owned firms, there is a need to bring these two research topics together in the form of a single study to establish whether current export assistance and targeting procedures are suitable for managers from different sub‐cultures. The rationale for such a study is that if managers from particular sub‐cultures differ in their requirements towards government assistance, where pragmatic to do so, policy makers may need to reconsider the way in which services are provided to avoid wasting scarce resources. With this in mind, discusses findings which examine whether differences exist between firms from particular sub‐cultures in relation to perceived export problems and their assistance requirements.

The Dual Risks of Market Exchange: The Roles of Marketing Institutions and Activity in the Transition Process

Abstract: Examines the risks that simultaneously arise for buyers and sellers in the process of market exchange and argues that a key role of marketing institutions is that they reduce or modify these risks; without such institutions market the development of market exchange in society has significantly hampered. These observations are crucially relevant to the transition process in Eastern Europe where the institutional dimension of the marketization process have been largely ignored.

Radical change or business as usual: Flexibility in non‐union SMEs

Abstract: At a macro level there is evidence of greater numbers of people involved in the working practices associated with the “flexible firm”, i.e. part‐time, temporary, agency workers and self‐employment. However, if flexibility is to provide the promised source of competitive advantage then we may expect to see, not only a rise in the numbers of people involved in these “non‐standard” forms of work, but also greater evidence of strategic approaches to flexibility within UK organizations. As average firm size continues to decline it is particularly important that we know something of the extent to which SMEs are adopting flexible working practices. In addition, as the majority of SMEs are non‐union, the commonly held assumption is that such firms have the freedom to be more flexible than their unionized counterparts. In order to investigate this area the article draws on national survey data and findings from two research projects. It concludes that, although there is greater incidence of non‐standard forms of work, the adoption of such practices in the SME sector is more a reflection of pragmatism than a radical new approach to flexibility.

The employment environment and smaller firms

Abstract: Examines the evidence for the utilization of human resource management approaches in smaller firms to shape employee relations in the UK. The influence of global change and volatile markets on the utilization of human resource management in the UK is considered and it is argued, that as small businesses are a significant employer in the private sector, the manner in which human resource management techniques are employed in small firms is critical.