Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Rick Hay

Abstract

The majority of small business auto dealerships in the United States close due to business failure within the first 3 years of operation. Small business auto dealership owners who lack business strategies risk financial loss resulting in business failure. Grounded in the resource-based view theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small business auto dealership owners used to sustain organizations beyond 5 years. There were six participants, including owners and managers from three small business auto dealerships in Sacramento, California, who used strategies to sustain business operations beyond five years. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, and a review of company websites and company documents. Through thematic analysis, five themes emerged: customer satisfaction, internet marketing, business knowledge, human capital, and effective supervision. Key recommendations include developing programs to reward exceptional customer service employees, and forming alliances with other automotive industry stakeholders to cultivate collaborative business relationships and create additional marketing opportunities. Implications for positive social change include the potential to expand employment opportunities in the community resulting in increased tax revenues and possible increased contributions to local nonprofit organizations.

Download

Share

 
COinS