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Growth perceptions of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME's) — The case of South Tyrol

Harald Pechlaner (European Academy of Bozen‐Bolzano Eurac research Drusus‐Str. 1 I — 39100 Bozen‐Bolzano Catholic University of Eichstaett‐lngolstadt Foundation Professorship of Tourism Jenningen‐Platz 2 D — 85072 Eichstaett)
Frieda Raich (European Academy of Bozen‐Bolzano Eurac research Drusus‐Str. 1 I — 39100 Bozen‐Bolzano)
Anita Zehrer (European Academy of Bozen‐Bolzano Eurac research Drusus‐Str. 1 I — 39100 Bozen‐Bolzano)
Mike Peters (Centre of Tourism and Service Economics Department of General and Tourism Management University of Innsbruck)

Tourism Review

ISSN: 1660-5373

Publication date: 1 April 2004

Abstract

Globalization and internationalization tendencies imply new challenges for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), which are either facing the pressure to achieve short‐term profits, or have to attract new market segments by means of long‐term strategies. This trend raises the question of growth perspectives of SMEs and their future development. The paper gives an insight into selected growth theories, entrepreneurship and SMEs, firm competencies, core competencies and the wellbeing of entrepreneurs as a growth indicator. The majority of SMEs are run by the family and characterized by low growth rates or even stagnation, and relatively low market entry and qualification barriers. An exploratory study was carried out among 3‐ and 4‐star hotels in South Tyrol (Italy) in 2004 for a better understanding of the driving forces, growth barriers, entrepreneur's satisfaction, and prerequisites and incentives of growth.

Keywords

  • Growth
  • Growth theory
  • SMEs
  • Satisfaction
  • Tourism

Citation

Pechlaner, H., Raich, F., Zehrer, A. and Peters, M. (2004), "Growth perceptions of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME's) — The case of South Tyrol", Tourism Review, Vol. 59 No. 4, pp. 7-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb058442

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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