Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Cheryl Lentz
Abstract
AbstractAfrican American small food service business owners contribute to national and local economies; however, only 45% of them sustain their businesses beyond 5 years. African American small food service business owners are concerned with the lack of effective business strategy implementation, as it is the number one predictor of actual business failure. Grounded in the general systems theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies African American small food service business owners used to sustain their businesses beyond 5 years. The participants were seven African American small food service business owners in the southeastern United States who employed effective business strategies necessary for maintaining African American small food service business operations. Data sources included audio-recorded semistructured interview data and business documentation, including business website information and Facebook social media site material. Through thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (a) building a robust business network, (b) strategic pricing, (c) and building strong customer and employee relationships. A key recommendation is for African American small food service business owners to enhance business networks through the membership of an industry-related business association. The implications for positive social change include the potential for African American small food service business owners to create jobs, augment local and national economies, and increase profitability.
Recommended Citation
West, Alvin, "Effective Strategies to Sustain Small African American Food Service Businesses Beyond 5 Years" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 11881.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/11881
