Adopting new ways of working in small and medium-sized enterprises: findings from interventions in 12 European companies

Abstract

This paper elaborates on the factors to be considered in order for interventions (activities aimed at introducing new ways of working through a series of focused activities in an organisation) to lead to long-term effects inside small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its purpose of it is to describe how interventions can be carried out in order for SMEs to adopt new ways of working by understanding the context, process and content of an intervention. The results of this study suggest that in designing interventions for the SMEs, the context aspects of an intervention must be carefully considered. Not only is the process or context of an intervention important, but so is the content. As a consequence, we suggest content that accomplishes the following: (1) supports the formulation of strategies; (2) encourages dialogue and (3) uses company data. The paper is based on a multiple case study of 12 SMEs from 6 European countries undergoing similar interventions within the FutureSME project. These long-term relationships within a large-scale project have provided access and a rare opportunity to conduct research on this often overlooked business sector. The empirical data have been collected through company presentations, structured reports and narratives. The material has been subject to a cross-case analysis.

Keywords:

• interventions
• self-assessment
• business diagnostic
• visual strategy
• strategy wall
• SME

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme with Grant # CP-IP 214657-2 FutureSME. We extend our sincere thanks to the FutureSME project consortium and partners for their contribution to this paper.