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The reality of management development in SMEs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Alan Coetzer ,
Martina Battisti ,
Tanya Jurado  and
Claire Massey
Alan Coetzer
Affiliation:
School of Management, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
Martina Battisti
Affiliation:
New Zealand Centre for SME Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
Tanya Jurado
Affiliation:
Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
Claire Massey
Affiliation:
School of Management, Massey University and The New Zealand Centre for SME Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Abstract

The literature suggests that improving the management skills of owner-managers of SMEs contributes to their survival and growth and that there is considerable scope for further improvement in skills. However, evidence suggests that current support for management development (MD) does not meet the needs of SMEs. Nevertheless, there have been few changes on the supply side with policy makers continuously being concerned about low take-up of training. This study contributes to an understanding of how existing MD activities in SMEs can be better supported. Using Mumford's (1987) typology of MD activities to classify our interview data, findings from interviews with 25 owner-managers suggest two approaches to providing learning support: (1) incorporate structured opportunities for individual reflection and reflection within groups; and (2) address participants' concerns about training and mentoring. These findings have implications for policy makers and are timely given the current economic situation, where previous patterns of growth are being challenged and new ways of supporting MD in SMEs need to be found.

Keywords

management developmentowner-managersmall and medium enterprisesNew Zealand
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 17 , Issue 3 , May 2011 , pp. 290 - 306
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2011

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