Firm Growth Theory

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Although crucial for guiding empirical research, earlier theories of firm growth cannot explain small firm growth phenomenon without inclusion of wide range of determinants of firm growth. In this context, the most widely used framework is based on Storey (1994a) which incorporates includes firm, entrepreneur and environment. Based on Storey’s (1994a) framework and with authors’ extension to account for quality of institutions in TEs we discuss main determinants classified into four groups of factors: firm, human capital, strategy and growth aspiration, and the institutional environment.
Firm Related Factors
Based on GL and JLT discussed in previous section the validity of size-age growth theories has been tested empirically by number of studies, …show more content…

Human capital refers to the range of skills, knowledge and experience that facilitate growth. However, very little research has been conducted to measure the influence of human capital on entrepreneurial performance and motivation in TEs (Aidis and Praag, 2007). Haber and Reichel (2007) find that human capital of the entrepreneur especially in the form of managerial skills, were the greatest contributing factor to performance. Other authors point to the role of training as an alternative mechanism to enhancing employees’ and managers’ skills (Kirby, 1990; Cosh, et al., 2000). They find a positive relationship between training and employment growth, especially if the training is embodied in the wider range of management training and human relations practices in the firm (Cosh et al., 2000). Training is expected to be directly associated with growth, in particular if the firm is involved in innovation and competes on the basis of quality rather than simply price (Bryan, 2006). Skilled employees are more productive because they have higher problem-solving abilities, leading to greater efficiency within the firm. To sum up, firms which are strongly motivated to grow, train their workforce to facilitate the growth (Hallier and Butts, 1999). Based on above discussion we state following

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