Key factors influencing the sustained growth of high-tech SMEs in South Korea : the perspectives of founder owner-managers

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Park, Chongryol and McQuaid, Ronald and Mawson, Suzanne (2023) Key factors influencing the sustained growth of high-tech SMEs in South Korea : the perspectives of founder owner-managers. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research. ISSN 1355-2554

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Abstract

Purpose This paper explores key factors influencing high-performing, sustained growth, high-tech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Korea. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study is adopted to explore seventeen founder owner-managers of high-tech SMEs who sustained consistent employment growth, greater than the industry average, for seven years. Within the sample, those with higher (10% or over) employment compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) over this period are also compared to those with lower rates. Findings The study suggests that proactive approaches, such as flexible organization, risk management, fast decision-making and international market entry, are seen as important contributing factors to sustained growth. These findings contribute to a better theoretical and empirical understanding of sustained high-tech SME growth, in a country with a strong entrepreneurial and internationally competitive information technology sector. Also, collaboration across the SME was perceived as making an important contribution to staff development and growth, consistent with stewardship theory. Research limitations/implications The sample is based on successful high-tech SMEs, so there are limitations in extrapolating results to other types of firms, sectors or countries. Practical implications Key factors identified in this study can be considered by entrepreneurs seeking to achieve sustainable business. These also provide improved understanding for policymakers into the complexity of factors related to sustained and high growth of technology-based SMEs, which many countries are keen to foster to aid national economic growth. Originality/value The research provides new evidence exploring the diverse perspectives of founder owner-managers, on the sustained growth and failure in South Korean high-tech SMEs, and how these have changed since the inception of their business

ORCID iDs

Park, Chongryol, McQuaid, Ronald and Mawson, Suzanne ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1983-514X;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)