Outside services as a factor influencing the growth of small business firms.

Abstract

The researcher's argument that the use of outside services - namely, consultants, advisory organisations, finance organisations, and agencies and bureaux - can be a factor influencing the growth of small business firms has been proved in respect of the smaller independent printing firm, and to a lesser extent with firms of this size which belong to a group of companies and also with the motor traders. The overall pattern that has emerged from the research is that a number of management problems may occur at a particular stage in the growth of the small firm; there may be limited management capacity or resources available to tackle these problems, hence the need to use outside services to fill-in the deficiencies of the proprietors or managers; the extent of this use will depend upon the status of the small business firm - more will be used by independents - and the qualifications and management experience of the individual or persons running the business; the use of outside services may increase managerial capacity and/or strengthen management; and the use of outside services can prove to be a factor influencing growth.

Date of Award	1978
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath