| Title |
A Framework of Key Growth Factors for Small Enterprises Operating at the Base of the Pyramid |
| ID_Doc |
65840 |
| Authors |
van der Merwe, MD; Grobbelaar, SS; Meyer, IA; Schutte, CSL; von Leipzig, KH |
| Title |
A Framework of Key Growth Factors for Small Enterprises Operating at the Base of the Pyramid |
| Year |
2020 |
| Published |
Sustainability, 12.0, 22 |
| DOI |
10.3390/su12229327 |
| Abstract |
Enterprises operating at the Base of the Pyramid (BoP) find it difficult to simultaneously achieve economic (profitable growth) and social (poverty alleviation) outcomes. This study builds on a previously published systematic literature review that identified the key growth-promoting factors of the Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) operating in this space. A Grounded Theory Approach was followed to identify six core focus areas, which form the basis of a practical framework to evaluate SMMEs at the BoP, namely: Business modelling; business strategy; innovation; marketing; strategic alliances; and sustainable development. Expert screening interviews were conducted to evaluate the framework for credibility and confirmability. Thereafter, 57 for-profit South African enterprises were surveyed to empirically explore how SMMEs view and implement these framework components. The outcome of the study is a validated high growth-promoting BoP portfolio framework against which SMME owners can evaluate their enterprises to identify areas of growth and development. |
| Author Keywords |
SMMEs; growth; evaluation tool; framework; base of the pyramid; sustainable enterprise growth |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) |
| EID |
WOS:000595046400001 |
| WoS Category |
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Environmental Sciences; Environmental Studies |
| Research Area |
Science & Technology - Other Topics; Environmental Sciences & Ecology |
| PDF |
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/22/9327/pdf?version=1606108069
|