Understanding how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) support their
growth strategies through the development of management capacity (MC) is of
fundamental importance, particularly given the central role SMEs play in the
economies of their respective countries, and the fact that there is a lack of
research and useful theories in this specific field. The objective of this study is
to develop a framework for MC development (MCD) in growth-oriented SMEs.
This study builds on grounded theory by conducting 14 interviews with key
informants: 12 founders/CEOs and 2 top managers of German SMEs (and
former SMEs). Data analysis was performed by using the qualitative data
analysis software ATLAS.ti.
The major findings of the study are that, contrary to previous SME HR research,
most companies in this study had formal processes for HR practices in place,
and there was clear evidence of certain forms of strategic plans, the pursuit of
strategic objectives and the taking of strategic decisions manifested itself. In
addition, most participants considered their organisation to have an alignment
between growth strategy and MCD strategy. However, implementing it into
business practice was perceived as extremely challenging. This study thus
contributes to the field of SHRM literature by showing how MC is instantiated in
SMEs. Furthermore, there is, arguably, a valuable practical application of the
research study as it provides growth-oriented SMEs with a clear and logical
framework from which to develop MC pro-actively as a major facet of their
growth strategy.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BRADFORD/oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/14161 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Treutler, Alexandra |
| Contributors | Niemann, Eva, Harding, Nancy H., Stiles, P. |
| Publisher | University of Bradford, School of Management |
| Source Sets | Bradford Scholars |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, doctoral, DBA |
| Rights | <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Licence</a>. |
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