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Article
Publication date: 15 February 2016

Kristine Kuhn, Tera Galloway and Maureen Collins-Williams

The purpose of this paper is to examine small business owners’ informal advice-seeking from peers, with a focus on the opportunities afforded by the internet for owners to acquire…

2026

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine small business owners’ informal advice-seeking from peers, with a focus on the opportunities afforded by the internet for owners to acquire assistance from other owner-managers outside their local community.

Design/methodology/approach

Over 600 owner-managers in a rural US state were surveyed about their advice-seeking during the previous year from peers in the same community, from non-local peers they had met in person, and from peers known only online. Mixed effects logistic regression analysis was used to test both main effects of business and owner characteristics on advice-seeking and interactions with type/location of peer advisors.

Findings

Most owners had received advice from peers, and one-third had received advice online from a peer whom they had never met in person. Business performance was not associated with overall use of peer advice, but did interact significantly with source; the use of online-only advisors was associated with business growth, suggesting the possible benefit of weak ties. Over two-thirds of respondents reported having used social media and/or online forums to access advice or support from other owners (both those met in person and those not), with women and younger owners more likely to rely on such tools.

Originality/value

This study shows that entrepreneurial research needs to consider peer advisors beyond local networks as potential resources for small business owners. While previous research has examined entrepreneurs’ use of social media for marketing, this study shows its utility for accessing advice.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2007

Mark Jaques and Barry Povey

This paper aims to examine the changing attitudes to diagnostic benchmarking tools of UK business advisors over the last five years, during a period of considerable restructuring…

1402

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the changing attitudes to diagnostic benchmarking tools of UK business advisors over the last five years, during a period of considerable restructuring in business support, aimed at focusing support on small business and start‐ups.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed business support from the advisor's and client's perspective prior and during this restructuring and conducted a follow up study to that carried out in 2000, allowing direct comparisons to be made with the earlier results. Quantitative advisor demographic data was also collected for comparison.

Findings

The authors conclude that though business link has been restructured towards start‐ups and small businesses and that advisors knowledge of the benchmarking has improved, the tools available to advisors have not changed to reflect this and cannot be used by the majority of the advisors' clients. As a result the use of diagnostic benchmarking tools, as a proportion of total business support, has dropped over the previous five years.

Originality/value

In order to give some structured best practice support to immature businesses and pre‐start‐ups new business support tools need to be developed that recognise the change in client maturity that has taken place.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 October 2015

Gerard Stone

This study aims to explore the existence and strength of power through focussing on the manner in which accountants exercise power in their advisory relationship with small

1396

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the existence and strength of power through focussing on the manner in which accountants exercise power in their advisory relationship with small business.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews provided insights into accountants’ power-related perceptions, experiences and use of power in the advisory relationship. A questionnaire accessed evidence from small business owner-managers (SBOMs). Power theoretical perspectives informed the analysis of the findings.

Findings

Accountants’ expert and information power is a consequence of SBOMs’ dependence on their accountants’ expertise and knowledge. Accountants construct advisor roles and exercise power in a manner indicating that they attempt to manage rather than exploit power imbalances to the detriment of dependent SBOMs. However, outbreaks of frustration and conflict in the relationship illustrate the difficulties in managing the dysfunctional consequences of power imbalances.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings are restricted to the Australian accountant–small business advisory relationship, they offer a basis for research into the effect of power on the relationship in other national contexts. Research which includes the views of managers of failed small businesses would also extend this work.

Practical implications

The study’s focus on accountants’ experiences can assist practitioners endeavouring to develop advisory relationships with small business and designers of professional development programmes seeking to optimise the value of the advisory relationship.

Originality/value

The paper extends the study of power to the under-researched yet important accountant–small business advisory area. Its findings are of interest to accountants and accounting policymakers who envisage a broadening of accountants’ small business advisory role.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1998

Ian Chaston and Sue Baker

Over the last few years, research on customer behaviour in both industrial markets and service environments has caused some academics to posit that in many situations, the…

1148

Abstract

Over the last few years, research on customer behaviour in both industrial markets and service environments has caused some academics to posit that in many situations, the application of traditional transactional marketing concepts is ineffective. Most of the research on identification of factors influencing the supplier‐customer relationship has been concerned with the commercial sector. The aims of this study, therefore, are to determine the influence of relationship factors in the not‐for‐profit sector by examining the situation of advisory assistance offered to small businesses by government‐funded support agencies. Interviews with advisors and owner/managers have been used to construct a qualitative model of factors influencing the client/advisor relationship. The implications of the study are discussed in relation to the future operation of not‐for‐profit support agencies.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 22 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2022

Alan Labas and Jerry Courvisanos

This study aims to develop an original conceptual framework to guide research into knowledge transmission between professional external knowledge providers and their business

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop an original conceptual framework to guide research into knowledge transmission between professional external knowledge providers and their business clientele. As such, the framework aims to bridge a gap between theory and practice by explicating the processes which affect knowledge transmission and the conversion of knowledge for business application (i.e. knowledge transference).

Design/methodology/approach

Key concepts from disciplines of knowledge management, information management, communications, services marketing and business advice are reviewed and integrated into the development of this framework. Underpinned by a critical realist philosophical lens, it provides a robust research guide for examining business advisor knowledge actions in a changing open environment.

Findings

This study identifies that the process of knowledge transmission from a source external to a business is more complex than internal knowledge sharing. It addresses this complexity through a knowledge transmission framework, in a research design that is applicable to any methodological paradigm. Real-world application is identified in its applicability for evaluating mechanisms to facilitate knowledge transmission practices of external advisors to small business in regionally isolated communities.

Research limitations/implications

The critical realist research methodology allows for causality in knowledge transmission to emerge; however, no assertion is made that the conceptual framework developed needs any particular philosophical paradigm for its application. Instead, what is asserted is that the research framework developed in this paper is specifically suited to the characteristics of external knowledge providers, their tacit knowledge and the businesses they service.

Originality/value

This study reconceptualises various theoretical perspectives and develops a sequential process for addressing a research lacuna by specifically examining the processes (or connections) between external business advisor’s knowledge and their advisory actions. With these processes clearly established, the role of external knowledge providers, as knowledge transmitters, deepens the understanding of knowledge transference that up until now has focused typically on internal organisation aspects.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 27 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2020

Aleš Kubíček, Lucie Dofkova and Ondřej Machek

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of seeking advice in family firms.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of seeking advice in family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory multiple case study design was employed to examine how family firm owners use various sources of advice. The analysis is based on data collected from semi-structured interviews with six Czech family business owners.

Findings

The case study analysis shows that family business owners first seek advice among those family members who work in the family firm. Subsequently, they approach internal or external sources with whom they have a specific relationship (management and key employees, peers and professional associations). Only when these sources do not provide adequate results, external advisors are approached. However, if the advice required a specific knowledge or certification, external advisors may be approached in the first place.

Originality/value

Based on the qualitative data analysis, we developed a model of the advice-seeking process. Since the theoretical “how” of the advising process in family firms is still underresearched, this study presents theoretical extensions as well as practical implications.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1999

Jonathan Lean, Simon Down and Eugene Sadler‐Smith

The paper reports upon the findings of a national survey of Personal Business Advisors (PBAs). It examines the nature of the client‐PBA relationship in terms of how relationships…

1109

Abstract

The paper reports upon the findings of a national survey of Personal Business Advisors (PBAs). It examines the nature of the client‐PBA relationship in terms of how relationships are established with growth firms and how they are maintained over the long term. Results show that a range of different approaches are currently used to identify growth businesses. Other findings indicate that the current role of the PBA is a broad one, extending beyond the client focus originally envisaged by the DTI. It is argued that financial targets are an important influence upon the nature of the client‐PBA relationship.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2011

Gerard Stone

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of small business managers ' objectives and preferred methods of communicating on the communications aspect of…

5041

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of small business managers ' objectives and preferred methods of communicating on the communications aspect of accountants ' advisory relationship with small business. Through exploring and reporting on these issues, the paper seeks to contribute to understanding of accounting ' s capacity to satisfy the communication needs of its users.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a mixed methodology, comprising a questionnaire to access evidence from small business managers and semi-structured interviews with accountants, which provide a complementary perspective to accountant/small business communications. The analysis of the findings is informed by media richness theory.

Findings

Small business managers prefer direct forms of contact with their accountants and the richness of verbal communications. This is demonstrated in accountants ' use of visual and audio cues, including reinforcing and adjusting techniques, which enhance the appeal and utility of verbal communications. Accountants ' documents have been relegated to a supplementary reinforcing function in the profession ' s communications with small business. Small firm managers ' objectives influence their interest in and use of accounting information and the communications approach that their accountant implements. The findings indicate that accountants adopt communications approaches with small business managers, which satisfy the communication needs of the economically significant small business sector, a significant user of accounting information and services.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to redressing a gap in the accounting discipline ' s literature regarding accountants ' communications with small business, while offering insights that may be useful to practitioners in their advisory relationships with small business managers.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 24 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2023

Robert Randolph, Eric Kushins and Prachi Gala

Despite similarities, research across family business and business advising forwards contradictory conclusions when considering family business advising. The authors seek to…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite similarities, research across family business and business advising forwards contradictory conclusions when considering family business advising. The authors seek to integrate these literature and in doing so uncover both the hurdles facing family business advisors attempting to adapt tools developed in corporate advising to the family business context as well as the potential for greater integration of these streams in ways that contribute to both family business and advising research and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected both in the form of a survey questionnaire and website marketing content. In the survey, 47 family business advisors evaluated the distinctiveness of their family business clients across structural, cognitive and relational social capital dimensions. Motivated by unexpected findings, a content analysis of advisor websites uncovered specific marketing themes that illustrate the divides between family business advising and scholarship.

Findings

Family business advisors reliably acknowledge structural and cognitive social capital as preeminently characterizing the distinctiveness of their family business clients. Expanding on this, the authors’ findings suggest that the urgency signaled in advisor marketing via their websites may inspire tactics misaligned with the long-term time horizon typically characterizing family businesses strategy.

Originality/value

The few family business advising studies that exist predominantly consider post-hoc evaluation of advising by family business clients. The primary data the authors collect are unique in the literature in that the data detail how family business advisors perceive and engage with potential clients.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1999

Ian Chaston, Beryl Badger and Eugene Sadler‐Smith

It is increasingly the case that within the academic literature, firms seeking to survive in rapidly changing and/or highly competitive markets are being advised to consider…

1377

Abstract

It is increasingly the case that within the academic literature, firms seeking to survive in rapidly changing and/or highly competitive markets are being advised to consider adopting an organisational learning philosophy as a strategy through which to develop new approaches to delivering greater customer value. This view is apparently shared by the UK Government, which has incorporated the concept of Lifelong Learning into its small firms support policy. This is despite the fact that to date in the academic literature, there is only limited anecdotal evidence of the positive contribution that organisational learning can make to enhancing the performance of firms. Surveys of small firm advisors and small manufacturing firms were undertaken. These surveys revealed significant differences of opinion between advisors and owner/managers over the need to utilise organisational learning to upgrade management practices. This survey also revealed that small firm advisors perceive most of their client firms as exhibiting a lower‐order learning style. The implications of these findings are discussed. A pilot scheme to embed a learning philosophy into SME sector is described and proposals presented on the needs for further research.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Keywords

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