Management practices and SME performance. (28th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Forth, John; Bryson, Alex
• Is Part Of: Scottish journal of political economy. Volume 66:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 527
• Page End: 558
• Publication Date: 2019-02-28
• Subjects: Great Britain -- Economic conditions -- 1945-1964 -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Economic conditions -- 1964-1979 -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Economic conditions -- 1979-1997 -- Periodicals; 330.9411005
• DOI: 10.1111/sjpe.12209
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-9292

Abstract

Abstract: We examine the association between management practices and SME performance in Britain over the period 2011–2015, using a unique dataset which links survey data on management practices with firm performance data from the UK's official business register. We find that SMEs are less likely to use formal management practices than larger firms. However, such practices appear to have demonstrable benefits for those SMEs who use them, being positively associated with firm survival, growth and productivity. Our results add further weight to policy initiatives which seek to encourage SMEs to improve their management skills and capabilities.