An analysis of the influence of owner-manager on business growth: A case of First Pack Marketing (2009 - 2012)

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the influence of the owner-manager on business growth. The research was necessitated by the problems and challenges faced by the organization due to the management and overall running of the business by the owner-manager. The main objective of the study was to establish the owner-manager’s influence on business growth. The researcher went on to analyze the strategic management done by the owner manager, leadership style used in the organization, decision making, personal characteristics of the owner-manager and finally the challenges faced by the owner-manager to grow the business.

A comprehensive literature review was used from different sources to come up with the research strategy and case study approach was adopted. The research was conducted using the questionnaire to study how the owner-manager influences the business growth and a total of 40 questionnaires were distributed in the organization.

From the research findings it was revealed that the owner-manager is not doing much in terms of strategic management. The company does not have long and short term strategies, employees are not involved, the owner-manager is said to be autocratic and there is lack of delegation of authority. The respondents highlighted several challenges facing the owner-manager like high employee turnover, poor management, lack of skilled staff, high costs and poor accounting standards which affecting the growth of the company.

The study concluded that strategic management is important for the organization to grow and transformational leadership is ideal for the organization. The personal characteristics like education, managerial skills, experience are important for the business growth. Employee training, innovation, inclusive decision making, employee motivation, improve on corporate governance were recommended by the researcher. The researcher ended by outlining the areas of future study.