Article: Management practices and chronotype: the impact on productivity parameters of Greek SMEs Journal: International Journal of Economics and Business Research (IJEBR) 2026 Vol.30 No.4 pp.39 - 63 Abstract: Chronotype is a crucial factor in mental strength, sleep, health, and performance. It is responsible for various periodic activities in the human body. Sleep is essential for the body's daily cycle, and short or disturbed sleep can lead to poor performance, memory, and motivation. Understanding biorhythms is essential for productivity, as the circadian system synchronises biological, physical, and behavioural rhythms. This research aimed to assess SMEs' productivity through proper management practices and chronotype using a quantitative cross-sectional method. The study targeted Greek SMEs with a sample of 400 employees, using a purpose-designed questionnaire measuring innovation, leadership, motivation, change, chronotype, and productivity factors. Findings clearly indicate that chronotype-based management provides SMEs a strategic advantage by diminishing fatigue and improving productivity and employee well-being. Moreover, organisations should adopt flexible scheduling, improve employee motivation and innovation, strengthen leadership skills, and proactively manage change to improve overall performance. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Management practices and chronotype: the impact on productivity parameters of Greek SMEs

Authors: Vasilios Tzimas; Andreas Efstathiades

Addresses: European University Cyprus 6, Diogenis Street, Engomi, P.O. Box 22006, 1516, Nicosia ' European University Cyprus 6, Diogenis Street, Engomi, P.O. Box 22006, 1516, Nicosia

Abstract: Chronotype is a crucial factor in mental strength, sleep, health, and performance. It is responsible for various periodic activities in the human body. Sleep is essential for the body's daily cycle, and short or disturbed sleep can lead to poor performance, memory, and motivation. Understanding biorhythms is essential for productivity, as the circadian system synchronises biological, physical, and behavioural rhythms. This research aimed to assess SMEs' productivity through proper management practices and chronotype using a quantitative cross-sectional method. The study targeted Greek SMEs with a sample of 400 employees, using a purpose-designed questionnaire measuring innovation, leadership, motivation, change, chronotype, and productivity factors. Findings clearly indicate that chronotype-based management provides SMEs a strategic advantage by diminishing fatigue and improving productivity and employee well-being. Moreover, organisations should adopt flexible scheduling, improve employee motivation and innovation, strengthen leadership skills, and proactively manage change to improve overall performance.

Keywords: chronotype; productivity; SME; management practices; innovation; leadership; change; motivation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2026.153697

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2026 Vol.30 No.4, pp.39 - 63

Received: 12 Jun 2025
Accepted: 16 Jan 2026
Published online: 21 May 2026 *

Title: Management practices and chronotype: the impact on productivity parameters of Greek SMEs

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