Stage of the organizational life cycle and competition as mediators of problem perception for small businesses
基于645家小企业的实证研究，评估生命周期阶段和竞争水平如何影响小企业战略规划中的问题感知，发现竞争水平比生命周期阶段对问题感知的影响更大。
Abstract An empirical study based upon a sample of 645 small businesses assesses the relationship that life cycle stage and level of competition exhibit with the problems perceived to constrain small business strategic planning. Problems have been identified as either internal (cash flow) or external (competition); they have further been classified as either situational or core problems. Among the most prevalent problems reported by decision makers are customer contact, market knowledge, marketing planning, location, and adequacy of capital. A total of 16 problem areas were identified. Traditional wisdom offers the scenario where problems faced will vary as the organization progresses through the life cycle. Much of this research refutes conventional wisdom in that level of competition was determined to have more of an impact on problem perception.