Growth strategy in entrepreneur managed small organizations - a study in auto component manufacturing organizations in India

Small business growth strategy is a function of industry structure and performance, entrepreneurial motivation, attitude, and competence of entrepreneurs. Exposure to global competition makes auto component sector a strong case for developing theory. The research based on Grounded Theory presents two patterns of theoretical framework. In `focused customer based growth strategy´ entrepreneurs focus on single customer. Customer relations, low cost automation, and agility are the important dimensions. In `multiple opportunity based growth strategy´ entrepreneurs choose data based approach to search for new opportunities, value addition and cost efficiency with technology support. They develop investment capability to establish supply chain collaboration among manufacturing bases established at various locations. The paper enhances understanding of RBV in small businesses.