Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

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

School

Management

Advisor

Jaime Klein

Abstract

Over half the U.S. labor force is employed by small business owners, yet only 50% of small businesses survive beyond 5 years. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore sustainability strategies small business owners in the construction industry used to sustain their organization for longer than 5 years. The research population included 5 owners of small businesses in the construction industry in Georgia, who have been in operation for a minimum of 5 years. The conceptual framework for this study was general systems theory. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, organizational documentation reviews, and business plan reviews. Yin'€™s (2014) 4 principles of data collection were used to collect the data: use multiple sources of evidence, create a case study database, maintain a chain of evidence, and exercise care when using data from electronic sources. Data were triangulated using Yin's 5-€step analysis process: collecting data, grouping data into codes, grouping data into themes, assessing the themes, and developing conclusions. Member checking, transcript review, and triangulation of data were used to further validate the study. The 4 themes that emerged from the study were internal relationships, building the brand, specialization, and planning. The implications of the study for positive social change include the potential for small businesses in the construction industry to survive for longer than 5 years and to increase the number of individuals employed.

Download

Included in

Business Commons

Share

 
COinS