Strategies Affecting the Sustainability of Small Businesses

Strategies Affecting the Sustainability of Small Businesses by Malissa A. Bush MS, Jackson State University, 1989 BS, University of Southern Mississippi, 1980 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2016 Abstract Small business owners bolster the emergence and growth of local communities. However, many small businesses do not survive beyond 5 years. Based on systems theory, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies used by small business owners to develop and maintain viable and long-lasting businesses. Using a multiple case study design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 6 retail business owners in DeKalb County, Georgia who were able to develop and maintain viable and long-lasting businesses. These small business owners provided detailed information on strategies they used to sustain their businesses. Semistructured interviews allowed for in-depth conversations with each participant. The use of field notes, as well as member checking of interview transcripts, facilitated the verification and triangulation of key themes. Three prominent themes emerged from the thematic analysis of data collected from the interviews: assessing capital, providing good customer service, and choosing a good location. The respondents’ strategies provide guidance for small business owners hoping to stay in business for the long-term. New and existing small business owners may benefit from the study by expanding knowledge gained from successful strategies, thereby, contributing to job creation and business growth in local economies.Small business owners bolster the emergence and growth of local communities. However, many small businesses do not survive beyond 5 years. Based on systems theory, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the strategies used by small business owners to develop and maintain viable and long-lasting businesses. Using a multiple case study design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 6 retail business owners in DeKalb County, Georgia who were able to develop and maintain viable and long-lasting businesses. These small business owners provided detailed information on strategies they used to sustain their businesses. Semistructured interviews allowed for in-depth conversations with each participant. The use of field notes, as well as member checking of interview transcripts, facilitated the verification and triangulation of key themes. Three prominent themes emerged from the thematic analysis of data collected from the interviews: assessing capital, providing good customer service, and choosing a good location. The respondents’ strategies provide guidance for small business owners hoping to stay in business for the long-term. New and existing small business owners may benefit from the study by expanding knowledge gained from successful strategies, thereby, contributing to job creation and business growth in local economies. Strategies Affecting the Sustainability of Small Businesses by Malissa A. Bush MS, Jackson State University, 1989 BS, University of Southern Mississippi, 1980 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2016 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to my mother whose death prompted me to seek this degree, and to my daughters whose encouragement kept me on track throughout this process. I accomplished this milestone with the love and support of my daughters, family, and friends. Acknowledgments I thank my Chair, Dr. Michael Ewald, for being such a supportive chair/mentor and for working with me to ensure this study met the University’s academic standards. It has been an honor and privilege to work under his guidance during this journey. Moreover, I am thankful to Dr. Franz Gottlieb and Dr. Carol-Anne Faint for their support throughout this process.