Firm size and entrepreneurial characteristics: Evidence from the SME sector in Argentina

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of firm size. Data was collected in face‐to‐face structured‐questionnaire interviews of 1314 firm founders from 14 counties in Argentina. Quantile regression was used as a more suitable methodology to measure the determinants of firm size. Our results show that the main sets of explanatory variables related to founder characteristics (age, experience, education, and vocation) provide a full explanation of firm size. We have also found evidence that a high degree strategic planning and a better competitive position are positively related to firm size as well. Finally, environmental factors were less representative. Santrauka Straipsnyje nagrinejami imones dydi lemiantys veiksniai. Duomenys buvo renkami apklausiant 1314 imo‐niu Argentinoje, pasitelkus struktūruota anketa, kuri buvo pildoma apklausos metu. Imones dydi lemian‐tiems veiksniams ivertinti buvo pritaikyta regresine analize. Rezultatai parode, kad pagrindinis aiškinamuju kintamuju rinkinys, susijes su steigejo charakteristikomis (amžiumi, patirtimi, išsilavinimu irprofesija), le‐mia imones dydi. Rasta irodymu, kad aukšto lygio strateginis planavimas ir geresne konkurencine pozicija turi tiesiogini ryši su imones dydžiu. Aplinkos veiksniai pasirode esa ne tokie reprezentatyvūs. First Published Online: 09 Jun 2011 Reikšminiai žodžiai: augimas, imones dydis, vadovo savybes, regionine pletra

Keywords

• growth
• firm size
• entrepreneurship’s characteristics
• regional development