Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Business Administration
Advisor
Rick Hay
Abstract
Small businesses in the United States play a significant role in economic growth, yet many of these enterprises fail because of their inability to compete with larger firms. Finding solutions can help small business owners develop a competitive edge, compete with larger organizations, and sustain their operations. Grounded in entrepreneurship theory and stakeholder theory, this qualitative multiple case study was conducted to explore how small property management business owners sustain their businesses when competing against larger companies. The participants were three leaders of three small property management companies in Minnesota who successfully competed against larger corporations. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and reviews of company websites and documents. Data were analyzed using Yin’s five-step process and four themes emerged: (a) self-motivation, (b) great customer service, (c) experience and education, and (d) marketing and advertising. A key recommendation is for business leaders to develop reward programs for exceptional customer service employees, and to form alliances with stakeholders to cultivate collaborative business relationships and increase marketing opportunities. The findings of this study have potential implications for positive social change that include expanded employment opportunities, which benefit the local community through increased tax revenue and charitable contributions.
Recommended Citation
Halverson, Dennis, "Strategies for Competing With Large Corporations Among Small Property Management Businesses" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14164.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14164
