The key factors in the profiles of small firm owner-managers that influence business performance. The South Coast Small Firms Survey, 1997-2000

Author: Hankinson, Alan

Source: Industrial and Commercial Training, Volume 32, Number 3, 2000 , pp. 94-98(5)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

This regional survey involved 90 small manufacturing firms over the three-year period, 1997-2000. Ninety face-to-face interviews using a personal, open, unstructured approach were conducted in 90 cluster-located small manufacturing (engineering) firms with up to 50 employees (but with 75 per cent below 20 staff) in the Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset and Wiltshire region. Selected follow-up discussions also occurred during the three-year period. The objectives of the undertaking were: to identify the key factors in the profiles of small firm owner-managers that influence business performance; and to contribute to the body of knowledge in this area. The full report comprised some 43,000 words and this paper can only be a mere summary of an investigation of immense scope and complexity.

Keywords: Smes; Manufacturing; Entrepreneurs

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00197850010371675

Publication date: 2000-03-01