The inductive frame
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to develop a coherent model for small business principals to understand their management behaviour, with the intent to move their focus from an operational to a strategic perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Action research (AR) was undertaken to develop the model.
Findings
AR is utilised to develop a model that explains in conceptual terms how a business can be deconstructed such that the structure of any business can be explained. By deconstructing the business, small business principals are able to understand the nature of their managerial behaviour. This behaviour is almost entirely operational. They must also understand the nature of strategy and how they can think about their firms from a strategic perspective.
Practical implications
Small business principals are provided with the opportunity to recognise their reliance on operational solutions to their business problems and opportunities, and accept the proposition that they must also think strategically.
Originality/value
The paper discusses the AR development of a unique tool to support the needs of small business principals move from an operational to the strategic level of their business.
Keywords
Citation
French, S. (2009), "The inductive frame", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 225-241. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710910939613
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited