Self-management evaluation by small-enterprises and micro-enterprises: Exploratory study

Abstract

Purpose: To know what their habits and customs on planning, developing, information management and control of micro and small enterprises in Catalonia

Design/methodology/approach: Four workshops involving 70 people from micro and small companies were carried out. The workshops were organized by institutions related to Catalan companies. The model used in the workshops was the canvas model

Findings and Originality/value: The main contribution is the use of canvas as auto diagnostic tool for micro and small businesses, which has allowed us to know which is the reality of this type of business regarding management, highlighting the necessity to have an overview of the company, the necessity to foster the relationship with the external forces, and the lack of relations between key areas. Participants also know the importance of management information

Research limitations/implications: The workshops were aimed at people who have contact and participate in the institutions which were performed

Practical implications: This research provides a conceptual framework for the companies’ owner to make a diagnosis on your business model and how it is managed. It also allows management practices from the micro and small enterprises, to design a management control system adapted to this type of company

Social implications: The results serve as a diagnostic study on the reality of small and micro enterprises, which can be used to design tools and programs that are useful for their development and survival.

Originality/value: For the participants Associations aims to promote the development of micro and small enterprises, the diagnosis of the reality of these companies. For the management people, the self-diagnostic tool and for the academic community the exploratory study would allow developing a control system applicable to the reality of the micro and small enterprises.