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Defining the SME: A Multi-Perspective Investigation

In: The Changing Role of SMEs in Global Business

Author

Listed:
  • Stefano Montanari

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

  • Ulpiana Kocollari

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

Abstract

It is widely accepted that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have always been the backbone of the world economy; however, less is known on the difficulty that researches have in coming up with a precise definition of an “SME”. The literature has provided a large number of quantitative parameters for measuring different aspects of SMEs and many qualitative variables that make the definition of an SME more comprehensive and their classification more accurate. Nevertheless, there is no one solution suitable for all purposes. This chapter will analyse the definitions of SME using a multi-perspective framework, in the awareness that the application of quantitative criteria alone will present a very heterogeneous set of businesses and therefore it is only by identifying recurrent qualitative characteristics that we can help define further SMEs’ shared organisational and management features.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Montanari & Ulpiana Kocollari, 2020. "Defining the SME: A Multi-Perspective Investigation," Palgrave Studies in Cross-disciplinary Business Research, In Association with EuroMed Academy of Business, in: Alkis Thrassou & Demetris Vrontis & Yaakov Weber & S. M. Riad Shams & Evangelos Tsoukatos (ed.), The Changing Role of SMEs in Global Business, edition 1, chapter 4, pages 61-82, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:pscchp:978-3-030-45835-5_4
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45835-5_4
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