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The use of strategy tools and frameworks by SMEs in the strategy formation process

Lawrence Charles Bellamy (Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK)
Nii Amoo (Leeds Business School, Faculty of Business and Law, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK)
Kieran Mervyn (London South Bank University School of Health and Social Care, London, UK)
Jacqueline Hiddlestone-Mumford (Department of Management, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK)

International Journal of Organizational Analysis

ISSN: 1934-8835

Article publication date: 18 April 2019

Issue publication date: 18 April 2019

2259

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the use of tools and techniques of strategy and strategic analysis within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a part of the strategy formation process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative, multiple-case-based investigation with semi-structured interviews and secondary data sources to create a context-rich insight to the area examined.

Findings

The findings indicate a strong orientation towards operational tools deployment aligned with financial management and resources and process planning, monitoring and control. Strategic perspectives of the respondents indicate an implicit, rather than explicit deployment of strategy tools and unstructured deployment, but general awareness of the resulting component issues. Clearer strategic approaches and strong implementation appear to positively influence success, when measured by growth.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to nine organisations within a UK geographic region, and therefore, larger-scale investigation would be beneficial to extend and confirm the findings in differing contexts.

Practical implications

With resource scarcity potentially stymying the opportunity for owner-managers to develop more structured approaches to strategic analysis and development, consideration should be given to how owner-managers can further develop their strategic thinking to support enhanced strategic outcomes for their organisations. Furthermore, strategy educationalists may wish to reflect upon the manner in which they prepare delegates for strategic roles, where the SME context may differ radically from corporate experience.

Originality/value

The methodology for this study differs substantially from previous investigations within the field, which has had relatively few contributions, as it uses in-depth, context-rich qualitative techniques to investigate the micro-processes at play. The conclusions capture new insights and indications and identify areas for further investigation, hence adding to the understanding of a complex and heterogeneous field.

Keywords

Citation

Bellamy, L.C., Amoo, N., Mervyn, K. and Hiddlestone-Mumford, J. (2019), "The use of strategy tools and frameworks by SMEs in the strategy formation process", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 337-367. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-02-2018-1363

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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