Abstract
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered important for economies’ growth and stability, as they contribute to job creation, the growth of Gross National Product and tax revenue. It is therefore essential to determine the factors contributing to their success. After carrying out a review of the literature on the subject, there is clearly no consensus on the factors leading to SME success. Therefore, an empirical study was made based on a questionnaire applied to a sample of Portuguese SMEs of excellence. The results obtained revealed the factors contributing least to SME success: (1) academic qualifications, (2) the gender of the founder(s) and (3) exporting orientation. Indeed, SMEs are aware that their success depends above all on maintaining good relationships with clients and on the quality of their products and/or services. Some implications for business practice are also suggested
| Translated title of the contribution | Success factors in the SME context: an empirical study carried out in Portugal |
|---|---|
| Original language | Portuguese |
| Pages (from-to) | 291-309 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Gestão e Desenvolvimento |
| Issue number | 29 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 18 May 2021 |
Keywords
- Success factors
- SME
- Organizational performance
- Competitiveness