Title: Strategic stages in subsistence small businesses: the case of the timber industry in Misiones (Argentine)

Authors: Carlos M. Jardon; Nilda C. Tañski; Fabian Martinez

Addresses: Department of Applied Economics (ECOBAS), University of Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain; IDLAB of de National Research University - Higher School of Economics (HSE), Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Russia ' Facultad de Economía, Universidad Nacional de Misiones, Posadas, Misiones, Argentina ' Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi, Latacunga, Ecuador; Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain

Abstract: In Argentina and many developing countries, small businesses are often created as a method of subsistence for the entrepreneurs and their family. They are also a source of wealth and employment creation in the poorest areas. This paper analyses the development phases of small timber businesses based on their competitive advantages and performance in a region of Argentina. Our methodology defines the phases, and combines the resource-based view with the Uppsala model of knowledge increase. Our results show that these businesses develop in four phases, with different factors of competitiveness and performance. This paper contributes to the theory of small business development, improving companies' knowledge of the situation in each development phase and allowing them to establish competitive strategies that are associated with their current phase and political improvement actions.

Keywords: strategic stages; subsistence; small businesses; Uppsala model; resources-based-view; timber industry; Argentine.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2021.117446

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2021 Vol.17 No.5, pp.647 - 669

Received: 30 Apr 2019
Accepted: 22 May 2020
Published online: 07 Sep 2021 *

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