small and medium enterprises (smes) have distinctive characteristics that differentiate them from their larger counterparts. one of these characteristics is marketing; poor marketing skills in smes would lead to low performance and, in extreme cases, to failure. therefore, adopting a marketing strategy based on small business analysis is the fundamental requirement of any successful sme. the te...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which traditional marketing theory and practice can be applied in smalland medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and consider how owner-managers perceive their own role in marketing within a small business setting. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative exploratory approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews amongst owner-man...

Owner/managers of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are an under-researched population in terms of psychological distress and the associated health and economic consequences. Using baseline data from the evaluation of the Business in Mind program, a mental health promotion intervention amongst SME owner/managers, this study investigated: (i) prevalence of high/very high psychological distress,...

This empirical-exploratory article sheds light on the change management approaches used by Chinese owner-managers of small firms in Singapore and their openness toward strategic learning. The paper examines widespread common-sense assumptions that ethnic Chinese adopt mostly directive-coercive (autocratic) change management approaches, which may stifle innovation. Great diversity exists amongst...

Objectives: One of the key influencing elements in the SME on the learning process is that of the owner/manager as a principle employee, having both the power and legitimacy to influence firm practices. The paper’s perspective is connected to the belief that learning stems from the participation of individuals in complex social activities, by recognising that power relations can directly mediat...

Organizational learning has been playing an important role for competitive advantages for the organization. Managing learning and change in the unique context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can obtain benefits from network alliance. The paper seeks to draw attention to learning approaches from adaptive learning to generative learning in a SME in the context of asymmetric learning relati...

Of all the decisions that managers of SME have to make, laying off someone is the most difficult as well as the hardest to live with. Layoffs are often seen as a personal failure with mental and psychological consequences that can be disastrous for both the person laid off and the employer responsible. Curiously, the suffering experienced by the employer is never mentioned in the SME context. T...

Purpose. This paper is seeking to define the role of marketing in SMEs and to consider the extent to which traditional marketing theory and practice apply in a small business context. Method. A qualitative, exploratory approach using semi structured in-depth interviews amongst 20 owners of SMEs. Results. Marketing in SMEs has no common definition but is focused on meeting customer needs by acti...

Small-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia are becoming the pillars for future of Indonesia's economy. Hence SMEs need to thrive and survive business world. This research aims examine correlation between financial literacy sustainability small-medium Indonesia. Financial is low, it not considered an essential factor SMEs. Although percentage still this does mean that every SME owner financial...

This paper advocates the merits of a holistic qualitative research method and analysis as being the most penetrative method for determining the decision making process of SME owner-managers. This holistic method is refined in use and illustrated in an example of assessing the processes and outcomes of SME decision making in respect of the ‘product’ aspects of marketing activity. The methodology...