Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Publication

Small business growth and performance

Adomako, Samuel
Mole, K.F.
Publication Date
2018
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
The final, definitive version of this chapter has been published in The SAGE Handbook of Small Business and Entrepreneurship by SAGE Publications Ltd, All rights reserved. Ā© 2018 SAGE Publications Ltd.
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2017
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Abstract
Research on business growth has blossomed, yet scholars often complain face the difficulty of distililing a clearer pitcure of the business growth phenomenon. This paper attempts to overcome this limitation by reviewing and synthesizing extant research on business growth. First, we begin by examining Penroseā€™s view of firm growth. Second, we highlight how business growth is measured; these are absolute or relative change and growth as a process. Third, we explore theories of business growth; integrated models-theories that explain the factors that drive business growth and (2) stage models which view business growth as a series of phases or stages of development through which a firm must pass in its life-cycle. Fourth, we examine modes of business growth; these are organic vs. acquisition growth, growth through networks and alliances and growth through internationalization. Fifth, we examine drivers and constraints to business growth. We conclude the review by pointing out areas of harmony and contention in the literature, from which we suggest opportunities for future research.
Version
Accepted manuscript
Citation
Adomako S and Mole KF (2018) Small business growth and performance. In: Blackburn R, De Clercq D and Heinonen J (Eds.) The SAGE Handbook of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. London: SAGE.
Link to publisherā€™s version
Link to published version
Type
Book chapter
Qualification name
Notes