Abstract
This paper presents a case study of the process of small firm growth, stability, and decline using historical method. The objective is to develop understanding of why growth is pursued when it is and hence advance understanding of the lack of persistence in growth over extended periods. Most empirical studies of small firm development have used cross-sectional designs and quantitative methods (usually multiple regression) to explain single episodes of growth measured over short intervals of time. These have generally yielded fairly weak explanations and are unable to say anything at all about why growth was embarked upon and what happens within the firm before, during, and after the growth phase. This study, in contrast, relates phases of growth, stability, and decline to a set of forces, external and internal, acting on and within the firm over time. Small firm development is revealed to be complex, the result of an idiosyncratic and unstable process involving the interplay of the local environment and features internal to the firm.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
