Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Janice Garfield
Abstract
Small businesses significantly contribute to the global economy, yet some leaders need more strategies to improve organizational performance, growth, and competitive advantage. These barriers can create challenges that threaten the survival of the organization in a competitive business environment. Grounded in Argyris’s single- and double-loop learning theory, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies leaders of small businesses used to improve organizational performance, growth, and competitive advantage. The participants comprised three senior leaders of a small for-profit organization in the natural hair care industry in the Northeastern region of the United States. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, archival documents, publicly available data, and academic literature. Through thematic analysis, six key themes were identified: (a) leadership focus, (b) communication, (c) strategic management, (d) voice-of-the-customer, (e) financial management, and (f) product research and development. A key recommendation is for leaders of small businesses to leverage social media platforms to facilitate customer engagement and capture voice-of-the-customer data to support taking intelligent risks and enhance customer experience and satisfaction. The contributions to positive social change include the potential for business leaders to promote productivity, agility, adaptability, and thrive in their industries and economically benefit their communities.
Recommended Citation
Charette, Julie, "Strategies Leaders of Small Businesses Use to Improve Organizational Performance" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13260.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13260
