SMEs and the relationship between firm size and the enactment of espoused managerial values

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the relationship between the size of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the enactment of espoused values. In a departure from previous research of managerial values, a conceptual Maturity Model of Managerial Values (MM-MV) was used which articulates the extent to which values are integrated or enacted within organizations. This allowed for a rigorous examination of how organizational size was related to the degree of values-enactment in SMEs. Results suggest a positive relationship between larger firm size and a higher degree of espoused values-enactment. Implications of the results are discussed, and suggestions for further research are presented.

KEYWORDS:

• SMEs
• enacted values
• managerial values
• maturity levels
• maturity model of managerial values

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

ORCID

Morgan P. Miles http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1389-1856