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Determinants of SME growth

Author

Listed:
  • Habib Kachlami
  • Darush Yazdanfar

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the firm-level financial variables affecting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach - The study applies a resource-based view to analyze the firm-level as well as industry-level determinants of SME growth. Empirical evidence has also been provided from a data set of SMEs in Sweden to support the hypotheses. For a robust statistical analysis, three models – ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, random-effects regression and fixed-effects regression – are used to examine the influence of explanatory variables on growth. Findings - The findings of this study show a positive and significant influence of profitability, short-term debt and size on a firm’s growth across all three models. Results regarding the influence of long-term debt on growth, however, are mixed. While the results of a fixed-effect model show the negative and significant influence of long-term debt on growth, the results according to OLS and random effects show long-term debt positively related to growth. Research limitations/implications - This study has been conducted over a period of four years and in the context of Sweden which may limit the generalizability of its results for longer periods and for different contexts. Moreover, the low explanatory power of the models implies the need to also consider other types of variables, such as managerial or socio-economic variables, to better explain the determinants of SME growth. Practical implications - Understanding the determinants of growth can be important for policy makers, SME managers and financial institutions. The findings of this study can be used for designing policies which stimulate SME growth. Realizing the financial resources that influence growth can also help SME managers and financial institutions to understand each other’s need for better cooperation. Originality/value - This paper applies different models for analyzing large and cross-sectoral data regarding SME growth in the context of Sweden.

Suggested Citation

  • Habib Kachlami & Darush Yazdanfar, 2016. "Determinants of SME growth," Management Research Review, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 39(9), pages 966-986, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:mrrpps:v:39:y:2016:i:9:p:966-986
    DOI: 10.1108/MRR-04-2015-0093
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Tairuddin Yusoff & Sazali A. Wahab & Ahmad S. A. Latiff & Suzana I. W. Osman & Nur F. M. Zawawi & Syed A. Fazal, 2018. "Sustainable Growth in SMEs: A Review from the Malaysian Perspective," Journal of Management and Sustainability, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 8(3), pages 1-43, August.
    2. Woei-Chyuan Wong & Sharmilawati Sabki & Angappan Regupathi & Syed Mohd. Na’im Syed Salim, 2019. "Malaysian SMEs’ Liability Structure and Its Impact on Profitability and Growth," Asian Academy of Management Journal of Accounting and Finance (AAMJAF), Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, vol. 15(2), pages 77-94.

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